5 New Sega Genesis Games You Can Play Right Now

For a console that dropped more than 30 years ago, the Sega Genesis still hits harder than it should. The crunchy sound chip, the dark color palette, the blast-processing mythos—it all made for a vibe that was less cute and more cool than its Nintendo rival.

And guess what? That 16-bit energy never really left.

The Genesis homebrew and indie dev scene is thriving right now. Whether you're into platformers, brawlers, or retro-inspired weirdness, there's a new wave of games being made specifically for Sega's black box of attitude. Some are brand-new IPs, others are reimaginings or spiritual sequels—and many are playable on original hardware or via emulators and flash carts.

Here are 5 modern Sega Genesis games you can (and should) be playing right now.

 1. Dashing Ant

Genre: Action Platformer

Dashing Ant is exactly what it sounds like—you play as a bug with speed and style, charging through vibrant levels with tight controls and a heavy dash mechanic. It’s a little Sonic, a little Mega Man, and it feels super polished for a modern Genesis homebrew.

The game features classic chiptune vibes, smooth parallax scrolling, and clean pixel art that wouldn’t feel out of place in 1994.

Why it hits: This isn’t “good for a homebrew”—it’s good, full stop. Legit speedrunner potential here.

 2. Devwill Too MD

Genre: Experimental Platformer

If Limbo or INSIDE had been made for the Genesis, it might look a lot like Devwill Too MD. You guide a melancholic, blob-like creature through a moody, minimalist world with creepy vibes and oddly satisfying momentum-based mechanics.

It’s not your typical Sega Genesis experience—but that’s the point. This game plays with tone and pacing in a way few retro games do.

Why it hits: It’s weird, haunting, and strangely relaxing—like a lo-fi platformer for the thoughtful gamer.

 3. Xeno Crisis

Genre: Top-Down Shooter / Twin-Stick

This one’s already made some noise in the retro community—and for good reason. Xeno Crisis is a gritty, arcade-style twin-stick shooter that feels like a cross between Smash TV and Aliens. It’s hard, fast, and perfect for co-op.

Released as a full cartridge and ROM, it plays beautifully on original hardware and modern handhelds alike.

Why it hits: Pure chaos, chunky explosions, and that “just one more run” loop. An instant retro classic.

 4. Life on Mars: Genesis

Genre: Sci-Fi Metroidvania

Originally released for MSX and now fully ported to Genesis, Life on Mars is a sci-fi Metroidvania that borrows from Metroid, Turrican, and early Mega Man. You explore a hostile Martian facility, collect gear, and unlock new areas as you uncover what went horribly wrong.

The level design is sharp, the soundtrack is classic Genesis, and the game runs flawlessly on real hardware.

Why it hits: Legit Metroidvania on Genesis hardware. If you miss the era of cryptic exploration and killer synths, this one’s for you.

 5. ZPF (WIP)

Genre: Side-Scrolling Shoot-Em-Up
Follow development →

Okay, this one’s still in development, but it’s worth keeping on your radar. ZPF is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Genesis shooters in years—think Thunder Force IV meets R-Type, with crisp sprite work and high-speed parallax backgrounds.

Developed by a team of veteran homebrew devs, the demo already plays great and shows off serious hardware mastery.

Why it hits: Even in its unfinished state, ZPF is looking like a modern-day standout in the shmup scene. Bookmark it.

The Genesis Is Still Evolving

The Sega Genesis has always been the console for weirdos, speed freaks, and heavy-hitter games—and honestly, not much has changed. Whether you’re booting up on an old Model 1, using a flash cart like the EverDrive, or emulating on a modern handheld, there’s a whole ecosystem of new Genesis games keeping the scene alive.

If you’ve got a love for crunchy chiptunes, edgy pixel art, and that unmistakable 16-bit vibe—these games aren’t just retro. They’re the next wave of retro.

Gear That Goes With It

At No Time to Win, we design apparel that taps into the exact feeling these games give off—nostalgic, cool, and subtle enough to wear IRL. No cringe. No giant logos. Just clean fits that nod to the games that made us.