Sega is launching an emulator for the Sega Mega Drive, more popularly known as the Sega Genesis in the United States, on April 28 through a Steam update.
Through the emulator, named the Sega Mega Drive Classics Hub, players can access games for the console that they have purchased on Steam.
The emulator was first announced through Sega's United Kingdom website, which is why it bears the Mega Drive name in European and Japanese markets instead of the United States name of Genesis. The system is said to be based on a bedroom of a Sega fan in the early nineties, featuring dynamic time-of-day conditions, retro Sega paraphernalia, a shelf filled with games for the console and an old-school CRT TV.
In addition to seamless emulation, the hub will feature full controller and keyboard support, the ability to save at any point while playing, optional filters to enhance graphics, local co-op for supported games.
Sega confirmed through Twitter that the emulator is coming to the United States, also through Steam, though there was no indication if it will change its name to the Sega Genesis Classics Hub.
The Sega Mega Drive Classics Hub will not only be allowing players to access their favorite classic games though, as Sega also announced that all the games will be featuring Steam Workshop support. This would allow gamers to share the mods that they make on Mega Drive/Genesis games, though it is unclear how deep the modifications to the games can go.
Here are the titles that can be access through the hub upon its release. Gamers that have purchased any of these titles can play them right away after the update finishes.
- Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
- Alien Soldier
- Alien Storm
- Altered Beast
- Beyond Oasis
- Bio-Hazard Battle
- Bonanza Bros.
- Columns
- Columns III
- Comix Zone
- Crack Down
- Decap Attack
- Dynamite Headdy
- Ecco Jr.
- Ecco the Dolphin
- Ecco: The Tides of Time
- ESWAT: City Under Siege
- Eternal Champions
- Fatal Labyrinth
- Flicky
- Gain Ground
- Galaxy Force II
- Golden Axe
- Golden Axe II
- Golden Axe III
- Gunstar Heroes
- Kid Chameleon
- Landstalker: The Treasures of King Nole
- Light Crusader
- Phantasy Star II
- Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom
- Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium
- Revenge of the Shinobi
- Ristar
- Shadow Dancer
- Shining Force
- Shining Force II
- Shining in the Darkness
- Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
- Space Harrier II
- Streets of Rage
- Streets of Rage 2
- Streets of Rage 3
- Super Thunder Blade
- Sword of Vermilion
- Vectorman
- Vectorman 2
- Virtua Fighter 2
- Wonder Boy in Monster World
- Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair
