TurboGrafx-16 console

has the classical D-pad and action buttons and features two Turbo switches with three different settings! This allows the button to be held down to register as several pushes, making your life much easier in the system’s action-packed shooters.

Turbografx-16 – The Games

With over 600 titles available, the TurboGrafx-16’s library is one of the most qualitative ones you’ll find. The small number of third-party developers meant that companies could put more resources into their games, leading to far more robust experiences than their competition.

Keith Courage In Alpha Zones

This action-platformer will have you play as Keith Courage on a mission to save Earth from the forces of B.A.D. The game features seven levels. Each is split into two parts: the overworld and the underworld. The Overworld has you play as Keith in human form, defending against enemies using his dagger. In contrast, the underworld will have you dawn the Nova Suit, an excellent mechanical suit of armour to plow through enemies and challenge the final bosses!

Space Harrier

This fast-paced rail shooter is set in a surreal world composed of brightly coloured landscapes, where you will be using Harrier’s jet-propelled laser cannon to smash through enemies. The game features 18 levels, 15 of which have final boss fights. Throughout the game, you will battle enemies ranging from prehistoric animals and Chinese dragons to flying robots, airborne geometric objects and alien pods while avoiding projectiles and obstacles. Lastly, the game’s beautiful graphics and high-quality sound complement the gameplay, making it a must-have for any Master System owner.

Military Madness

This turn-based strategy game takes place on the moon in 2089, having you take control of the Allied-Union forces against the Axis-Xenon forces. Units cannot be produced, but the Allied-Union forces can “capture” enemy units if they are in factories or find unsecured factories and gain units from them. Units can also be repaired by returning them to factories under Allied-Union control. Lastly, the game was highly praised in its day, being called one of the most addictive strategy games ever.

Alien Crush

This fun pinball video game features a sci-fi theme, as you will be fighting against aliens through your pinball skills. Secondly, with several hidden/bonus rooms to discover and a beautifully animated board, this title will keep you returning for more.

Bonk’s Adventure

This cute platformer will have you play as Bonk. Bonk is a bald caveboy who embarks on a mission to save Princess Za from the evil King Drool. Throughout the game, you will be dodging dinosaur attacks and bonking them with your head. The game features several power-ups to make your journey easier. Lastly, this title’s light-hearted but challenging feel makes it perfect for players of all ages.

Legendary Axe

This title has you play as Gogan, a barbarian whose girl was kidnapped by the cult of Jagu. You must navigate through six platforming levels with a legendary “Sting” axe. You must defeat Jagu and his minions and rescue Flare. The game features a rechargeable “strength meter” that determines how much damage is dealt from the axe to enemies. Lastly, it’s one of the best titles that the TurboGrafix offers and received several awards.

Turbografx-16 – Fun Facts

• Most of the system’s games came on special HuCard ROM cartridges, a thin, credit-card-like system.
• The TurboGrafx-16 was the first video game console capable of playing CD-ROM games with an optional add-on.
• While the console launched before Sega’s Genesis only sold a mere 5.8 million units. It was mainly due to the lack of third-party developers.

Learn more about the console here.