20 Best Turbografx-16 Games Of All Time

Turbografx 16 Games basically laid the foundation for the video games that we know today. The evolution of graphics, mechanics, story-telling, and much more started with the inception of these good old 80’s and ’90s era of video games. We have listed the 20 best turbografx 16 games of all time that you should play today and experience what it was like to be an 80’s era video gamer.

[Disclaimer] The ranking of all the following games is based on our team’s experience and knowledge. We invite you to comment positively about the list, but negative feedback related to the ranking is not acceptable. 

Here are the Best Turbografx-16 Games:

20. Bloody Wolf

Bloody Wolf is a “run and gun” shoot-em-up that was first published on the TurboGrafx-16. It has a great lot in common with games like Commando, MERCS, and Ikari Warriors, all of which were launched at the same time. Snake and Eagle are the names of the two shirtless soldiers of fortune that appear in this version of the classic run-and-gun shooter.

The combined attraction of running, leaping, and shooting is simply an extremely difficult interactive experience to top, which is one of the reasons why shooting games have always been a relatively popular topic. 

You take on the role of a lone mercenary who has been tasked with rescuing the president as well as a group of prisoners of war from a fortified island that is controlled by an army of terrorists. As you go through the game’s eight levels, you will encounter numerous sections that scroll in either a horizontal or vertical direction as appropriate.

The objective of the game is to eliminate as many of the opposing troops as possible with a machine gun, a knife, and a variety of grenades while avoiding taking too much damage from the enemy’s bullets and explosives.

Pros

• All of the levels are well-designed and extremely long which will keep you immersed.
• The exploration aspect is great as you have the ability to climb up trees and fences and discover caves.
• The gunplay is fast-paced and immersive which enhances the overall gameplay.
• The learning curve is well-balanced as you will have to figure out the fighting patterns of each boss.
• Bloody Wolf has a military-like soundtrack that fits well with the atmosphere.
• The crisp animations are the cherry on top.

Cons

• There is no two-player mode available in Bloody Wolf which can be a turn-off for some players.
• Your character will get easily gunned down because of the massive hit zone.

19. Soldier Blade

Soldier Blade is the sequel to the critically acclaimed video game Super Star Soldier. It is a shooter video game with a vertically scrolling format that was released in 1992 for the TurboGrafx-16 by Hudson Soft, who also created and published the game. The objective of the game is to complete each of the game’s seven levels without losing all of your ships.

You must avoid being hit by bullets, destroy opposing ships, and prevail over the many different types of sub-enemies and major bosses that the game will hurl at you in order to advance through each level.

It has wild top-view combat that focuses on a large number of ships and a barrage of gunfire, and it includes both a two-minute and a five-minute challenge level. After turning up the volume on the speakers to a level where you can really hear the music, you will find that it is both catchy and intricate.

When played on a Wii set to progressive scan, the visuals suffer from a small amount of blurring; however, this blurring isn’t nearly as noticeable as it is in other TurboGrafx-16 games found on the Virtual Console. In addition, the fact that the game consists of just two buttons makes it incredibly easy to handle with the Wii Remote.

Pros

• You can take out a plethora of enemies by triggering a bomb if you collect capsules of the same color.
• The power-up system works like a charm in Soldier Blade.
• The memorable soundtrack and gentle difficulty curve enhance the overall gameplay.
• The terrains look exceptional and all of the levels are well-detailed and remarkable.
• Soldier Blade is one of the best-looking games on the Turbografx-16 system.
• The top perspective in Soldier Blade allows for better immersion and provides you with frenetic action.

Cons

• The lack of a co-op mode is underwhelming in Soldier Blade.
• In terms of visuals and audio design, Soldier Blade is not on par with modern games.

18. Bonk 3: Bonk’s Big Adventure

Although Bonk 3 doesn’t feel as strong as a standalone game as either of its prequels, it’s still a solid choice for fans of the man with the too-large head, thanks to the addition of several new features and gameplay mechanics that complement the established play-style of the previous two adventures. The inclusion of a two-player option is also noteworthy. In fact, two Bonks double the enjoyment of playing the game and running about with a companion.

The original Bonk trilogy concluded with Bonk 3. Since this would be the final game in the series, Hudson evidently felt pressure to include as many new features as possible. Though his fame would eventually wane, he was still the Cro-Magnon monarch in this game. His fame would subsequently expand across several platforms, star in spin-off series, and eventually, fade into oblivion.

In addition, the soundtrack is noteworthy. One of the last TurboGrafx-16 games, it makes excellent use of the system’s audio capabilities and has several memorable tunes. New gameplay concepts and a two-player option don’t save it from not feeling as enjoyable as its predecessors, however. Maybe this episode wasn’t Bonk’s zenith but rather the start of his decline.

Pros

• New gameplay features such as blue and red candies let you access bonus areas in Bonk 3.
• The musical score of Bonk 3 is on top of the shelf and worth mentioning.
• One of the positive factors of Bonk 3 is its two-player mode which lets you play with a friend.
• Some old enemies and obstacles make an appearance from the previous games which will keep the nostalgia flowing.
• The addition of new stage elements is remarkable and provides a refreshing experience in Bonk 3.

Cons

• In terms of graphics, Bonk 3 has lackluster backgrounds compared to the previous titles.
• The levels are lacking variety and are not massive in Bonk 3 which is underwhelming.
• On several occasions, enemies are not sufficient enough and are rather scanty in Bonk 3.
• Bonk 3 relies too much on the size-changing mechanic which can irritate some players.

17. Bomberman 1993

Following in the footsteps of the original TurboGrafx games, Bomberman ’93 brought the time-honored multiplayer blasting format with it when it was released. Bomberman ’93 captures a golden period in the series’ history when the multiplayer mode was quick and chaotic without becoming bogged down with rideable dinosaurs or any of the other crap that came up in subsequent games.

Bomberman ’93 was released in 1993 and is now one of the greatest multiplayer games that can be played on the system, regardless of whether it is being played via the Virtual Console or not. The game supports up to five players at once.

The gameplay adheres to the same fundamental framework as the games that came before it in the series. The player directs Bomberman through mazes composed of blocks by moving him about and planting bombs at strategic locations. When there are a lot of individuals fighting it out in the same labyrinth, it may be a really intense conflict.

There is room for up to five people in the multiplayer mode. Each player works to acquire various power-ups so that they may eliminate their opponents while maintaining their own viability in the game.

Pros

• You can duke it out with up to five players in battle mode, providing you with intense brawls.
• The audio design and soundtrack are incredible and fit well with the theme of the game.
• Every level is varied and provides a decent amount of gameplay which will keep you occupied.
• The bosses are well-balanced and extremely fun to battle in Bomberman 1993.
• The gameplay mechanics in the game are noteworthy and plain, offering a classic experience.

Cons

• The single-player mode is not the game’s best suit and simply feels less intriguing.
• Some blurry textures can end up ruining the overall graphics of Bomberman 1993 which is annoying.
• In order to have the full experience of Bomberman 1993, you will have to play the game with a bunch of buddies which can be a turn-off for players who prefer solo gameplay.

16. Magical Chase

Fantasy-themed side-scrolling shooter Magical Chase is played in a 2D perspective. The protagonist of the game is a witch named Ripple who, in breaking a vow she had made to her witch instructor, accidentally lets loose six demons. The gameplay is standard fare for the genre, or what we’d call a horizontally scrolling shooter.

As punishment for liberating six Demons, the Witch transforms Ripple into a frog and gives her the responsibility of capturing all demons inside the book. The two “Star Maidens,” Topsy and Turvy, elf-stars who accompany Ripple on her mission, serve as a kind of satellite for her.

When opponents are defeated, they drop gems of various colors that may be used as money in the game. A store selling upgrades, healing items, and continuing attempts appear periodically throughout each level. Each chapter is named after the stage’s mid-boss and, in line with the game’s overall magical concept, is presented in the form of a magical seal. Not a true shooting game, but still enjoyable.

Pros

• Visually, Magical Chase has some colorful environments with well-detailed sprites.
• The bosses are massive and the animations are incredible which offers an enticing experience.
• The music is cheery and engaging as it matches incredibly with the tone of the atmosphere.
• Magical Chase offers intricate stages that have a decent amount of depth, making it a delight to progress through them.
• You can purchase a wide variety of items from the shop which can prove to be useful later in the game.

Cons

• The difficulty spike in the last segments of Magical Chase is unbearable which can be irritating.
• Magical Chase is a relatively short game that might leave the majority of players unsatisfied.
• The excessively sentimental tone of Magical Chase can prove to be an annoyance for some players.
• The game fails to take full advantage of the shooting mechanics and relies on other elements a bit too much.

15. Time Cruise

A pinball game developed by Face called Time Cruise II. It has a total of seven screens that are linked to one another and features all of the traditional pinball components, such as bumpers, flippers, and spinners. The story revolves around Eric, a brilliant young scientist, and his adventures on Time Cruise.

Across channeling with an intelligent alien lifeform, Eric is able to acquire the knowledge necessary to travel through time. After putting in eight years of labor, Eric finally finishes his time travel system, which consists of seven buildings and a time-travel pod that moves between them at high speeds. He then boards his gleaming silver time travel pod and departs on an adventure to discover the boundaries of time and space.

The aesthetics of this game received a lot of appreciation, but the players did not feel that the music contributed much to the excitement level of the game.

Pros

• Time Cruise offers incredible pinball quality as the flippers are responsive and fast.
• The movement of the ball is extremely fast when compared to other pinball games.
• The gameplay is intriguing and fast-paced which enhances the overall pinball experience.
• There are a decent amount of mini-games that you can tinker with and all of them are creative.
• The playing field is extremely big and immersive in Time Cruise.

Cons

• Time Cruise has bland and underwhelming visuals, and it is not on par with other games of a similar genre.
• In terms of audio design, the game is sorely lacking which is sub-par.
• The lackluster soundtrack does not ante up the overall gameplay experience for the player.
• The playing area in Time Cruise is mostly coated with bricks which usually wear thin after a while.

14. Dragon’s Curse

The action role-playing game Dragon’s Curse is played from a side-scrolling perspective, and it starts at the conclusion. You begin the game as a super-powered warrior who is making their way inside a dragon’s castle after a long and exhausting trip. The ability to transform into a variety of various creatures, ranging from a dragon that breathes fire to a mouse the size of a grain of rice, serves as the “hook” of the game (ideal for getting into small openings).

The game environment has a significant amount of explorable space, and there are no predefined “levels” to speak of. When you beat an opponent, they drop cash, which can be traded in for a wide variety of helpful equipment that will assist you on your mission.

As the adventure begins in Central Town, the village will act as your base of operations as you go out to begin your mission to remove the curse. Once you have defeated all of the Dragon Bosses, you will be able to return to your human form. 

Pros

• The power to alter into different forms makes Dragon’s Curse more fun and varied throughout.
• Dragon’s Curse has vibrant and immersive visuals that complement the alluring settings.
• The environment in the game is expansive and worth exploring which will keep you regaled.
• The game is certainly no slouch in the audio department as the music is greatly composed and enticing.
• You can buy useful items by spending cash that you get from enemies which will assist you as you progress through Dragon’s Curse.

Cons

• The magic spells are pointless in Dragon’s Curse as you can complete the whole game without utilizing them.
• When it comes to enemy types, the variety is sparse as the same enemies keep spawning again as you progress which can lead to a repetitive gameplay loop.
• Constant backtracking in Dragon’s Curse might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

13. Blazing Lazer

It is generally agreed upon that Blazing Lazers is Hudson’s 16-bit system’s finest contribution to the shoot-em-up subgenre of video games. Its visual quality is comparable to that of Super Star Soldier and Soldier Blade (some people even group Gunhed in the same series as these classic shooters).  

Weaponry, challenge, and history are the three aspects that set Blazing Lazers distinct from the vast majority of other shooters. In Blazing Lazers, the major weapons fall into one of four categories: bullets, waves, lasers, or rings. Each of these basic weapon types is designated by a roman numeral.

It contains sprites that are bright and colorful, and it has backdrops that scroll quickly and have a lot of detail. The sound is also really good, with some properly intense music as well as voice samples of very high quality. Classic Shooters were the real deal gamers used to drool over & we believe Blazer Lazer easily passes for the Best turbografx 16 games under this category.

Pros

• The screen is brimming with foes and firepower at all times in Blazing Lazer.
• The game has vibrant sprites and several detail-oriented, quick-scrolling environments that allow for better immersion.
• All of the stages are extremely varied and offer plenty of depth which contributes to the longevity of Blazing Lazer.
• You can experiment with diverse weapon combinations that are available in a wide array.
• The sound quality is immaculate and intriguing consisting of some incredible voice samples.

Cons

• The backgrounds are a bit too simple in Blazing Lazer which is underwhelming.
• The first five levels in Blazing Lazer are a tad too easy on the difficulty side which can lead to a dull experience.
• The lack of a two-player mode along with some other extra modes can be offputting.
• In Blazing Lazer, the weapon system seems a little outdated compared to modern games.

12. Parasol Stars

In comparison to Rainbow Islands, Parasol Stars is more of a riff on the classic game Bubble Bobble. The action of the game takes place throughout a variety of unique worlds, each of which has its own distinct theme. Each globe is comprised of seven rounds, and the last round has a Boss that needs to be vanquished in order to go on to the next level of the game.

Bubby and Bobby, the characters’ human names, reprise their roles as the lead protagonists, and they do so while preserving the human bodies they had in Rainbow Islands.

The player is equipped with a parasol as their primary weapon. Even though it is generally closed, the player has the option of deploying it in either an open position in front of them or an open position over their head. A parasol is a versatile tool that may be used to block as a shield, shock adversaries, collect raindrops, or toss adversaries in any direction. It has a number of applications, including that of a parachute.

Within its soundtrack, Parasol Stars made a reference to a song that is quite well known. The music that plays during the boss battle in this video game is a remix of the summer hit “Lambada” by the French-Brazilian pop duo Kaoma, which was released in 1989.

Pros

• Bubby and Bobby, the main protagonists are well-written and offer plenty of depth.
• Parasol Stars has masses of replay value mainly because of the engrossing gameplay.
• The music is on top of the shelf in Parasol Stars as the main theme is memorable to the point that you will be humming it for days.
• The two-player mode will provide you with countless hours of sheer enjoyment in Parasol Stars.
• Technically and aesthetically, Parasol Stars is flawless and the gameplay is challenging yet fun.

Cons

• Parasol Stars simply does not add anything new to the formula which is lackluster.
• When compared to Rainbow Islands, the visuals are not the best in Parasol Stars.
• On some levels, the steep difficulty might end up spoiling the overall gameplay experience for the player.
• The soundtrack on all stages stays the same throughout the game which can feel repetitive.

11. Super Star Soldier

Super Star Soldier was a rather amazing but generally standard first-person shooter back in the day. It was developed by Hudson, a company that is best known for its Bomberman series of games. The scrolling shooter video game known as Super Star Soldier was created by Kaneko and first released by Hudson Soft in the year 1990. Looking back on it today, we can say that the game was a success.

The game is a continuation of Hudson Soft’s Star Soldier and is a first-person shooter with a vertical scrolling perspective. When you lose a life in this game, you have to start the level again from the very beginning; respawning and checkpoints are for cowards, after all. This is one of the aspects of the game that may be incredibly annoying.

The game is challenging, but it is also fair; if you lose, it is nearly often because you did something wrong.

Because Super Star Soldier has graphics that are on par with those of arcade games, fantastic sound design, and a wealth of gameplay options, this game comes highly recommended.

Pros

• The controls are solid and responsive in Super Star Soldier, enhancing the overall gameplay.
• There is an incredible amount of variety available when it comes to power-ups in the game.
• Extremely tough yet fun gameplay is inviting for players who are looking for a challenge.
• Super Star Soldier has plenty of replay value thanks to the intriguing game mechanics.
• Apart from the main game, there is also a high-score minigame which is a nice expansion in Super Star Soldier.

Cons

• The extreme difficulty of Super Star Soldier might not sit with everyone.
• There is no option available to tweak the difficulty options in the game which can be really frustrating for casual players.
• The absence of a two-player mode can be a turnoff to some players in Super Star Soldier.
• If you lose a life, you will have to start the level from the very beginning which is aggravating.

10. Legendary Axe

Video game critics gave The Legendary Axe high marks, and it received favorable preview coverage before the TurboGrafx-16’s release, displaying the potential of the new machine. Victor Musical Industries in Japan and NEC in North America developed and published The Legendary Axe, a horizontal platform video game for the TurboGrafx-16.

The setting of The Legendary Axe is a remote country where the Jagu cult is in charge of the local populace. Jagu, a hybrid of a man and a beast, is the leader of the cult, which frequently plunders the countryside. Gogan, the main character of the game, resides in the village of Minofu, which every year must offer one person as a human sacrifice to the Jagu.

Gogan learns that Flare, an old friend, is selected by Jagu for annual sacrifice. Upon returning, he learns that Jagu, a creature that is a half human and half beast, has already abducted her and brought her to his terrible lair. Gogan is given a legendary axe that the village elders. He has enough strength and power from the legendary axe to defeat the wicked Jagu monster.

Pros

• The ideal difficulty curve boasts challenging gameplay and makes it a delight to progress through the game.
• The cast of characters is excellent and goes develops the whole atmosphere of Legendary Axe.
• Legendary Axe offers well-orchestrated music that grabs the undivided attention of the player.
• It has an immersive and enthralling narrative and all the in-game characters are well-written.
• The sprites are highly detailed along with the vibrant environment that complements the overall visuals of Legendary Axe.

Cons

• Sadly, the premise of Legendary Axe is not that engaging and is rather lackluster.
• On several stages, the unpleasant difficulty spike can be unsettling for a lot of players.
• The damage knockback mechanic is pesky as the monsters will constantly knock your character a few steps back upon interaction.
• Simultaneous backtracking in order to progress through the game might bug a number of players.

9. Dungeon Explorer

Developed by Atlus and released by Hudson Soft in Japan on March 4, 1989, for the TurboGrafx-16, Dungeon Explorer is an action role-playing video game. The player takes on the role of one of eight protagonists in the realm of Oddesia, which has been conquered by an alien species and must retrieve the Ora stone in order to slay the alien monarch, Natas.

You begin the game in a bar and have the option of creating one of eight possible classes, including a Knome, Elf, Bishop, Bard, Witch, Warlock, Thief, or Fighter, once you push the start button. With support for five players at once, Dungeon Explorer was an early example of the action role-playing game genre, whereby adventurers explored dungeons in search of treasure and slayed monsters.

The visuals are average for their time, if not slightly above average. There is nothing particularly unpleasant to the eye. The layered backdrops on the title screen are a nice touch. Dungeon Exploration was in its early stages back in the day, but even for the time, Dungeon Explorer sets the benchmark of becoming the Best turbografx 16 game.

Pros

• There is a ton of variety available when it comes to enemies and bosses which will keep you immersed in Dungeon Explorer.
• All of the dungeons are expansive and extremely myriad which makes them all worth exploring.
• The musical score of Dungeon Explorer is on top of the shelf and matches well with the levels.
• In terms of visuals, the game is truly amazing and vibrant, keeping you absorbed throughout.
• You can play Dungeon Explorer with up to five players with the help of a GameCube controller.

Cons

• The steep difficulty level in Dungeon Explorer can be a major turnoff to players who are looking for a casual experience.
• The password system is cumbersome and severely lacking which is extremely lackluster.
• The shallow gameplay in Dungeon Explorer eventually leads to a dull and sub-par experience.
• Several foes, characters, and towns are lacking when it comes to detail and rather seem hazy.

8. Castlevania: Rondo of Blood

Castlevania: Rondo of Blood is an action-adventure video game that was developed by Konami for the Super CD-ROM System of the PC Engine. Toru Hagihara was in charge of the game’s direction, and the game was initially released in Japan under the name Akumaj Dracula X: Chi no Rondo. Due to the fact that Rondo of Blood does not deviate too much from the standard gameplay components featured in Castlevania’s 8-bit and 16-bit releases, fans of the franchise’s older games should have little trouble becoming acclimated to it.

In the video game Rondo, you take on the character of a whip-wielding Belmont who is on the trail of Dracula. You progress through non-linear, untimed stages that have a beginning but frequently more than one conclusion.

Nothing can compare to the CD-quality musical score that is featured in Blood. Although one could argue that the quality of some of the more recent Castlevania releases has surpassed that of this 16-bit original, it is tough to overlook how outstanding this soundtrack was for the time period in which it was released.

Pros

• Castlevania: Rondo of Blood stays faithful to its source material which will keep the nostalgia flowing for veteran players of the series.
• The controls are robust and well-mapped which makes the platforming a delightful experience.
• All of the levels are greatly designed and offer plenty of depth as there are hidden pathways to discover throughout the game.
• Castlevania: Rondo of Blood has great replay value mainly because of the distinct paths and compelling bosses.
• In addition, the soundtrack is alluring and incredibly composed in Castlevania: Rondo of Blood.

Cons

• Some of the bosses are a bit too high on the difficulty side which can mar the experience.
• The extreme difficulty level might not sit with players who prefer casual gameplay.
• If you are not familiar with the Castlevania series, it may take you some time to grasp the game mechanics.

7. Military Madness

The strategy game Military Madness is played on a turn-based system and focuses on the military. The plot revolves around two opposing groups, each of which is engaged in a conflict with the other and is vying for control of the moon. This game, which is also known as Nectaris in Japan, was a cult hit when it was launched in the United States many years ago.

You are able to assault an adversary if you are within striking distance of them. You will find 23 types of units, including infantry, tanks, long-range ballistics, aircraft, and transporters. Tactics must be meticulously planned. Each unit possesses its own unique ratings for offense, defense, and movement. You can also offer your forces an additional defensive boost by positioning them on tough terrains, such as rocks, mountains, or factories.

The graphics in this game aren’t very impressive, and neither the soundtrack nor the sound effects put any effort into capturing the atmosphere of the game. If the gameplay is enjoyable, then the visuals and the sound do not matter as much as they otherwise would. It is not at all detrimental to the product as a whole in any way.

Pros

• The two campaigns are pretty long as they are packed with 30 hours worth of content which increases the longevity of the game.
• The retro setting of Military Madness will keep the nostalgia in check for seasoned players.
• Military Madness supports two-player matches where you can duke it out with a friend.
• In addition, you can play against another player in all the campaign maps which is incredible.
• Extremely simple battle mechanics require little to no strategy, welcoming for novice players.
• In the later segments of the game, the AI foes are tougher and test your skills to the core.

Cons

• In terms of visual and audio design, Military Madness is not intriguing and is rather appalling.
• The number of units feels restrictive and similar on every side which is underwhelming.
• Military Madness has superficial gameplay as it is lacking tactical depth.
• The absence of an in-game tutorial mode makes it extremely hard to understand the game mechanics.
• Tricky missions need a fair amount of experimentation in order for complete progression.

6. Air Zonk

Air Zonk is a futuristic scrolling shooter inspired by the Bonk video game series. The game’s graphic style is playful, with characters and environments designed with a sense of comedy. With the progression of the five stages. When Zonk is flying around with Mickey Mouse gloves on his hands and huge sunglasses over his eyes, he looks very badass. The 2D scenery is vivid and vibrant, recalling the jungles and towns of the Bonk platform games.

Since the screen is generally a raging storm of monsters and bullets, you won’t have much time to study the surroundings, but if you do, you can appreciate the clouds scrolling by or the splashy plumes enemies generate when they come out of the water.

Regarding the visuals, nobody has everything but praise to say. It’s incredibly colorful, and the sprites are well-made, just like the Bonk games. The music and sound effects, while not particularly memorable, do a good job of complementing the game.

Pros

• Air Zonk offers tight and immersive shooting mechanics which enhances the overall experience.
• All of the weapons and foes are available in a great variety and the power-ups are a bonus.
• One of the positive elements is the inclusion of a second character that you can combine with Super Zonk after acquiring it.
• You can wreak havoc on your enemies by utilizing the helper characters in Air Zonk.
• In terms of presentation, Air Zonk is top-notch with an utterly gorgeous atmosphere and charming sprites.
• The action facet of Air Zonk is on top of the shelf as it is frenetic without any flickering.

Cons

• Air Zonk has an unremarkable soundtrack and audio design which is lackluster.
• Identical to other shooter games, Air Zonk is extremely short and takes around 30 minutes for complete progression.
• Air Zonk has little to no replay potential since there is not much to do after you complete the game.
• Even on the highest difficulty, Air Zonk is not challenging which can lead to dull gameplay.

5. Ninja Spirit

You take the part of a young man who is out to get revenge for the death of his father in the video game Ninja Spirit. The game was transferred over to a number of different platforms effectively. The TurboGrafx-16 format is by far the most commonly used port. You play the role of the rogue ninja Moonlight in Ninja Spirit, and your objective is to find and murder the ninja who was responsible for your father’s death.

Moonlight has nothing more to rely on than a clear memory of experiencing his father’s death on a chilly night through the eyes of a wolf. This is the only piece of evidence he has. You are given a pleasant little introduction in which you watch as your father passes away and collapses on the ground, and then you watch as you, reincarnated as a wolf, run up next to his lifeless body and howl.

Ninja Games were the real deal back in the 80s era, and Ninja Spirit is without a doubt the Best turbografx 16 game under this category.

Pros

• The control scheme is pretty simple and easy to grasp as there are only two buttons along with the select weapon button.
• Ninja Spirit provides a ton of action while utilizing a set of four unique weapons.
• The screen is brimming with plenty of explosions, bombs, and knives at all times in Ninja Spirit.
• The art direction is top-notch and detailed as the atmosphere is heavily influenced by the Japanese culture in Ninja Spirit.
• You will find several power-ups that will prove to be useful later in challenging boss battles.

Cons

• The lack of cinematic sequences might disappoint some players in Ninja Spirit.
• You will come across occasional slowdowns when the screen is stuffed with multiple objects.
• The sub-par audio design does not contribute to the gameplay of Ninja Spirit in any way.
• In the later segments, the game gets really harsh in terms of difficulty which can be frustrating.
• Inadequate platforming and climbing to assist the action can be a turnoff to some players.

4. Cadash

Cadash is an action-adventure video game that blends aspects of the role-playing video game genre with the features of the platform game video game genre. When it was released in arcades all those years ago, Taito’s Cadash attempted to be two games in one. It was both a role-playing game and an action game, and it was played from a side-scrolling perspective.

Each of the four playable characters in the arcade version, which includes a warrior, wizard, priestess, and ninja, has its own unique set of attacks, statistics, and talents. The console versions of the game allow for up to two players to pick from these four playable characters.

The next step for the players is to make their way through each level, slaying enemies and bosses along the way, gathering keys to open doors, and accumulating money and experience points. Gold may also be looted from treasure chests and enemies that have been defeated.

The music works nicely with the Genesis sound chip, despite the fact that the song selection is a little haphazard. In addition, the graphical design has been updated, and the beautiful new graphics that have been achieved are a welcome addition.

Pros

• The inclusion of a co-op mode lets you play the game with a friend, enhancing the gameplay.
• Cadash offers heaps of replayability for the player thanks to the engrossing co-op mode and single-player mode.
• You can play with four distinct characters and all of them have their own special attributes.
• In terms of graphics, Cadash has some great spell effects, and the utilization of TG-26’s hardware complements the overall visuals.
• Cadash stands out from other beat-em-up games and does a great job of depicting an enthralling narrative.

Cons

• The game has barebones sound design and unremarkable music. Sound effects have some polishing issues as well.
• Cadash is can prove to be harsh for casual players as the difficulty level is extreme and healing items are sparse.

3. Splatterhouse

Splatterhouse is a beat-em-up video game featuring elements of platforming and arcade-style sidescrolling gameplay. The player assumes the role of Rick, a college student majoring in parapsychology who is held captive inside West Mansion.

You are Rick Taylor, who has the appearance of being timid, but when you put on the mask, you are transformed into a massive beast with biceps that are greater than your own head. Jennifer, your lover, has been taken captive by a smirking mad scientist who is planning to unleash hordes of undead fiends from the depths of hell or someplace in the vicinity of that. Together, you and your friends set out to save Jennifer.

The sound design, in particular, has a lot of clear problems that need to be addressed. At times, the grinding music kicks into high gear, obliterating dialogue and other sound effects, while at other times, it is barely audible amidst the squishing of blood and the thwacks of Rick’s fists. This is because the soundtrack alternates between these two states.

Pros

• The narrative is well-written and packed with a ton of twists as you progress through the game.
• You have the ability to utilize your own severed limbs as a weapon which players will find odd.
• The environments are brimming with detail thanks to the unique cel-shading, adding a striking layer to the overall experience.
• The gameplay features ferocious brutality and is quite enchanting in Splatterhouse.
• You can even buy new moves and improve the current ones which prove useful in frantic fights.

Cons

• The game has notoriously long loading screens that you have to sit through which can be dull.
• Splatterhouse is riddled with technical hiccups such as bugs and glitches along with some clumsy details which can mar the experience.
• The side-scrolling sequences in the game are a tad too high on the difficulty side which can be unsettling for some players.
• Extremely horrid platforming can tarnish the gameplay experience for the player.
• The clunky camera can prove to be an annoyance during some battles in Splatterhouse.

2. Gate of Thunder

The CD-based version of the TurboGrafx game Gate of Thunder is the first of its kind to be made playable via the Virtual Console service on the Wii. In Gate of Thunder, a scrolling shoot ’em-up game with a science fiction-inspired setting, the player assumes control of the Hunting Dog space fighter craft piloted by the space cop Hawk.

Hawk and his ally Esty, who pilots the Wild Cat support ship, have the mission of preventing General Don Jingi and his Obellon armada from obtaining a potent energy source known as “Starlight” from the planet Aries.

For 800 points, you get seven levels’ worth of strong 2D shooter action, unforgettable boss fights, and music that was lavishly made and is considered by some to be a classic by those same people. Each of these objectives requires you to avoid being hit by enemy fire, steer clear of obstacles, and destroy as many enemy ships as you can. The design is not even somewhat creative in any way.

Pros

• All of the levels have a decent amount of depth and are quite remarkable in Gates of Thunder.
• The music is greatly composed and memorable and fits well with the theme of the game.
• Bosses are also worth noting as they are complex and take a fair amount of strategy to defeat.
• The game offers fast-paced frenetic action along with an inventive weapon system that is vital in order to progress through the game.
• The most notable feature is that you can double-tap the fire button to aim firepower at foes behind you which can prove to be beneficial.

Cons

• Gates of Thunder has insufficient levels which is the case with most shooter games.
• The visuals are not the game’s best suit and are rather unappealing.
• The sound effects and dialogue are sorely lacking in Gates of Thunder.

1. Devil’s Crush

The game Devil’s Crush features a free scrolling pinball table that is three screens high as the game’s playfield. There are a total of three different flippers. The spiritual progenitor of Devil’s Crush has been vastly improved upon with the release of Devil’s Crush. The year 1990 marked the debut of this pinball-themed video game, which was created by Compile for the TurboGrafx-16 platform.

In Devil’s Crush, a tranquil kingdom has been overrun by demons, monks, and dragons that breathe fire, and they have taken up residence inside a pinball machine. Each segment of the game features a group of flippers, a number of bumpers that frequently take the form of skulls, and a variety of monster-shaped mouths that lead to a variety of extra stages.

Keeping the ball moving through all of the lanes without it becoming stuck in the drain at the bottom of the table is the primary objective of the basic strategy, which requires using the flippers.

Pros

• The musical score of Devil’s Crush is top-notch with a great main theme that does not get irritating or duplicative over time.
• Devil’s Crush truly excels in the graphics department as they are on top of the shelf for its era.
• The detailed table provides the player with a plethora of creatures to pummel in Devil’s Crush.
• You can access various sections by flipping the ball in specific portals on the primary table.
• Devil’s Crush offers intuitive and tight controls.

Cons

• Only one table is available to play in Devil’s Crush which leaves the player somewhat unsatisfied.
• For some reason, the devilish symbols from the classic game now appear as triangles.
• The ball feels a bit more lightweight and will sometimes rebound at dubious angles which can be annoying.

Summary

That brings us to the end of our Best turbografx 16 games of all time that you should play if you never did in the later 80s and 90s. Which are the top 5 games that you like the most from our list? Let us know more about it in the comments box below.

Next:

• Best Survival Horror Games
• BEST War Games On Xbox Series X
• BEST Pirate Games On PS5
• BEST Sci-Fi Games On PS5