TurboGrafx-16 console

Officially called the TurboPad, the TurboGrafx-16 not only has the classical D-pad and action buttons, but it also features two Turbo switches with 3 different settings! This allows the button being held down to register as several pushes, making your life a lot 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 on its 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 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, while the underworld will have you dawn the Nova Suit, an awesome mechanical suit of armor 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 different levels, 15 of which have final boss fights. Throughout the game you will be battling enemies ranging from prehistoric animals and Chinese dragons to flying robots, airborne geometric objects and alien pods, while avoiding projectiles and obstacles. 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. The game was highly praised in its day, being called one of the most addictive strategy games of all time!

ALIEN CRUSH

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

BONK’S ADVENTURE

This cute platformer will have you play as Bonk, 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 feature several power-ups to make your journey easier. The light-hearted but challenging feel of this title 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, armed with a legendary axe named “Sting” to 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. It’s one of the best titles that the TurboGrafix has to offer and it received several awards.

TURBOGRAFX-16 – FUN FACTS

• Most of the system’s games came on a 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, it only managed to sell a mere 5.8 million units, mainly due to the lack of third-party developers.