Top 30 Best TurboGrafx-16 Games of All Time

It’s no easy task to write a list of the best Turbografx-16 games. General consensus is typically the console didn’t have a good software library. I see how from the outside this would be an easy conclusion to come to. It is, after all, a console that failed in the North American market. Despite this it was a big hit in Japan, and publishers brought over many of their best games. In my opinion the Turbografx-16 is one of the best consoles of all time because of it’s library, and it’s highly underrated. There’s a big lack of appreciation for it even among hardcore gamers, and so today I’ve sat down to highlight what’s worth playing here. Honestly I struggled to keep this list down to just thirty. Without any more stalling these are the best Turbografx-16 games of all time! Please note we’re sticking to just Hucard releases.

#30. – Neutopia

If you’re competing against Nintendo then having a Zelda clone on your console is an absolute necessity. Hudson Soft answered the call and gave us Neutopia. The word ‘clone’ is the perfect description here because if you replaced the main character with Link this would absolutely look like a retro Zelda title. This top down 2D action adventure game has you battling enemies with your trusty sword as you explore a vast overworld containing within it various dungeons. In typical fashion you have to complete these in order, and gain an item that lets you progress. Rinse, lather, and repeat. It’s a bit generic and has little personality of it’s own, but it’s still one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time. Needless to say if you like Zelda then you’ll like Neutopia.

#29. – Chase H.Q.

Imagine OutRun, but with a cops and robbers theme behind it. That’s what you get with Chase HQ and it isn’t hard to see why it’s one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time. It was released on a host of other platforms but there’s something special about this port. It runs better than the 8-bit versions the vast majority are more familiar with while retaining the excellent arcade gameplay. This is a behind the vehicle racer where you aren’t so much competing to come in first place as you are driving to catch a criminal. You have to ram their vehicle multiple times to disable it, and have only a short time limit in which to do so. Things like branching paths (with one being the correct choice) really made this one ahead of it’s time.

#28. – Parodius Da!

Konami is truly the king of parody games. It was refreshing back in the day to see a developer take the time to make fun of themselves. Parodius is best described as an over-the-top and weird version of Gradius. It’s a side scrolling shooter where you blast all incoming foes as you make your way to boss encounters at the end of each level. It plays in a very similar fashion to Gradius with one hit kills, and the same power-up system. What’s different mostly is the graphics. You can choose one of four different characters to play as. The classic Vic Viper is included, but your other options are a penguin, octopus, and Twinbee (from another of Konami’s classic franchises). It’s weird, but so are the graphics, stages, and layouts. I really love the gameplay here and the nonsensical take on the genre.

#27. – Fantasy Zone

Many of Sega’s classic franchises made their way to the PC-Engine. Thankfully Fantasy Zone was included in the mix, and I’ll be darned if it isn’t one of the best Turbografx-16 ever released. It’s a whimsical shmup where you play as a cutesy ship called Opa Opa. The action moves horizontally but this is not an auto-scrolling game. Instead you can freely move throughout each stage in any direction and must do so to complete it. You can defeat enemies and gain money which is spent in shops to upgrade your ship. The boss encounters are more traditional fare. It’s nice to spend the extra time to get upgrades and the impact they make it super noticeable. Fantasy Zone is a Sega classic, and this PC-Engine port is absolutely sublime.

#26. – Legendary Axe II

While not as good as the original, Legendary Axe II still deserves a spot here. This is a side scrolling action platform game where you’re armed with a sword. You’ve got to hack and slash your way through armies of enemies and it’s a lot of fun. Unfortunately the developers removed the power gauge for this sequel. It was one of the defining elements of the original so I was sad to see it gone. Also the level design, while still good, has been toned down quite a bit. Despite these caveats Legendary Axe II is still one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time. It should be noted that it’s not for everyone because the grungy graphics haven’t aged particularly well.

#25. – Dragon Spirit

What’s one thing the shooter genre needs more of? If you answered dragons then we’re on the same page here. Dragon Spirit is a really unique vertical shmup and if you haven’t already guessed is one of the best Turbografx-16 games ever released. You pilot a dragon who shoots fire breath at foes. You can upgrade your weapon at which point the beast spouts additional heads. How cool is that? The character has two different attacks; one for aerial foes and another foe enemies on the ground. You have to switch back and forth between them because you’ll be attacked from both angles. Dragon Spirit is a nice change of pace from the console’s typical offerings because of it’s fantasy setting. I really like this one, and you will too.

#24. – Darius Alpha

I never got to see this one in all of it’s arcade glory. I imagine it made quite the impression considering it had to have three side by side screens to capture all of the action! Clearly no home port could do it justice, but they sure tried here. Darius Alpha is unique in that it features mechanized fish and sea creatures for the enemies. That was always the gimmick for this franchise but I like it. Darius Alpha is a side scrolling shmup with few bells and whistles. The gameplay. I really love the stage layouts and the enemies you fight. This one feels like it’s more of a boss rush than a traditional shooter. Maybe that’s why I like it. It’s bit as good as the  arcade release but Darius Alpha is still one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time.

#23. – OutRun

As I’ve already touched upon the PC-Engine had more than it’s fair share of classic Sega ports. OutRun is easily one of my most favorite hits from the house of Sonic the Hedgehog, and this port is one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time. This version is superior to the Master System release in just about every way. It even compares favorably to the Genesis version if I do say so myself. OutRun is a self described ‘driving game.’ You aren’t racing per se, but competing against a clock as you try to reach your destination before it runs out. What sets OutRun apart from the pack are the multiple routes you can take. It’s amazing to take in all of the scenery, and highly replayable to experience it all. OutRun is great, and this PC-Engine port is pretty cool.

#22. – Space Harrier

Okay this is the last Sega port on this list. I promise. Normally I would place OutRun ahead of Space Harrier but between these versions this is better. Up to this point all home ports of this game were pure rubbish. Consoles just couldn’t handle the immense amount of sprite scaling that Space Harrier demands. Somehow they pulled it off for the most part here. Space Harrier runs surprisingly well on the PC-Engine. This is a 3D behind the back shooter with fantastical enemies and terrain. I can see how it would be off-putting to some because the graphics are best described as ‘weird’ but I absolutely love it. It sure looks like the artists and developers were on drugs, and I mean that in the best way possible. Space Harrier is an amazing title, and it’s one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time.

#21. – Gradius

The original Gradius was Konami’s first big shmup in arcades. It had a good port to the NES, but this Turbografx-16 version is even better. The scenario is pretty typical; it’s a side scrolling shmup where you play as a lone ship against a veritable fleet of enemies. What sets Gradius apart from the pack is the power-up system. You snag these from specific foes when defeated, and they light up various options at the top of the screen. Collecting another will move you to the next stage, and you can choose which upgrades you want. These include things like speed of movement, an option, missiles, etc. Though it is one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time it’s very difficult. You lose a life with just one hit, and at that point all of your power-ups are gone. You can get trapped in the later stages without these.

#20. – Bonk’s Adventure

Bonk was never a household name. That is, unless you owned the Turbografx-16. This over-the-top caveman child became the mascot of the console and had not one but three separate outings on it. Bonk’s Adventure is the first one. The level designs are seriously on point. Bonk comes with several abilities (with his main one being to smash his head into enemies/objects) and these are put to good use in all of the stages. I especially enjoyed the meat power-up which, after you’ve collected enough of them, Bonk becomes enraged and temporarily invincible. Besides that it has all the traditional fixings of a classic platforming outing. I’d be remiss if I left Bonk’s Adventure off this list because it’s absolutely one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time.

#19. – World Court Tennis

Brace yourself. World Court Tennis is without a doubt the weirdest game on this list. You wouldn’t think a Tennis game could be so unusual, but I don’t give that warning lightly. Sure, you can play this like a typical sports games. One option from the menu let’s you compete in traditional matches and it’s quite a bit of fun. World Court Tennis is very traditional in this mode but lacks the bells and whistles so many others offer. That’s not where this story ends however. Packed into this Hucard release is a full blown quest mode which plays like an RPG. You wander an overworld map, enter towns, buy items, etc. There are even random battles, but instead of fighting, you play matches of Tennis. It sounds weird, and believe me it is, but somehow it works. World Court Tennis is definitely one of the best Turbografx-16 games.

#18. – Galaga ’90

On a console overflowing with excellent shmups Galaga may seem out of place. As far back as I can remember it felt outdated, and kind of ancient if I’m being honest. Regardless you could always rely on it to have a good time if you came across a cabinet. Galaga 90 as you may have guessed is an update to the original. The graphics have been upgraded quite substantially, as has the audio. For the most part it’s good old Galaga, but there have been some upgrades made. Rather than being stuck as a single screen affair there are now scrolling shmup stages, and even end bosses. I was a little reluctant at first but despite these changes it still feels like Galaga, and that isn’t a bad thing in my book.

#17. – Bomberman 93

Man, what’s up with Turbografx games and putting the year in the title? Did they think that wouldn’t age them more or something? Either way Bomberman 93 is an update to Hudson Soft’s classic franchise, and it’s a good one at that. Gameplay is largely the same. You play single screen stages full of enemies and destructible blocks, drop bombs that explode after a few seconds, and try to eliminate all foes. The power-ups are what make this one so memorable. You can increase your abilities including the power of your bombs and speed. That’s why you’ll want to spend so much time blowing everything up. What sets this version apart is the fact that you can play with up to five different players. I’m sure this was mind boggling back in the day. This is definitely one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time.

#16. – Bonk’s Revenge

Hey more Bonk is never a bad thing, right? Like it’s predecessor this is a side scrolling platformer where you play as a cute little caveman kid in prehistoric times. You dispatch foes with your head, can jump, swim, etc. With the basics out of the way let’s talk about what’s new. Bonk has a few additional abilities here that really add to gameplay. For one thing he can perform wall jumps using his head. Our prehistoric protagonist can also swing on specific branches in certain stages, and can even transform into a crab to access new areas. It’s pretty off the wall but it all works pretty well to be honest. It’s even better than the original, and easily one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time. If there’s any one complaint I have it’s that the developers didn’t lean as hard into the prehistoric setting this time.

#15. – Neutopia II

The original Neutopia was a good Zelda clone. Well this sequel is a great one. Neutopia II plays largely the same as it’s predecessor but with much more diversity. The world map contains significantly more varied terrain including snowy mountains and even an underwater segment to explore. Progression is also handled better with areas of the map becoming available only after you’ve acquired specific tools to unlock the way forward. This is classic action adventure gaming at it’s best even if it does lack many of the bells and whistles from Nintendo’s own franchise. These new features round out the package to make this one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time. If you’re only going to play one Neutopia title make sure it’s this one.

#14. – Final Lap Twin

I already covered World Court Tennis and it’s zany combination of Tennis and role playing elements. Well Final Lap Twin is largely the same concept, but with racing instead. You can compete in a traditional racing circuit from the main menu and it’s okay. The gameplay is a bit bland though to be honest, and there isn’t a lot of options. The quest mode allows you to adventure in the classic JRPG format where you wander through towns, a world map, and get into random encounters with enemies. Rather than fighting battles you compete in races against opponents, and victory awards you money with which you can upgrade your car. Final Lap Twin is a bit more interesting than World Court Tennis in my opinion, but both belong on any list of the best Turbografx-16 games.

#13. – Silent Debuggers

Before getting my hands on this one I read a lot of reviews for it absolutely trashing the title. I was surprised to find that not only is it highly underrated, but it’s also one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time. Silent Debuggers is way ahead of it’s time. It’s a 3D first person shooter where you wander corridors of a space station overrun by menacing monsters. Gameplay is very basic by genre standards and a little clunky. That’s no problem because there’s a huge sense of impending doom in this game. It’s very eerie in a way that only 8-bit titles can pull off. Animations are a little stiff and choppy. That’s par for the course when it comes to the console so I won’t knock it too much. Don’t listen to the critics; Silent Debuggers is really good.

#12. – Salamander

We got this one in North America on the NES, but it was called Life Force. Salamander is kind of a sister franchise to Gradius. Both are made by Konami, they take place in the same universe, and have the same power-up mechanics. There are some key differences however. For one thing Salamander games are very organic in their graphics. This is because the setting is inside of a dragon’s body. What really sets Salamander apart from it’s contemporary however is the multiplayer mode. Being able to play through a shmup with a friend is always better, and in this case it’s grand. Salamander was good on the NES, and it’s even better here. Clearly this is one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time.

#11. – Legendary Axe

This was, bar none, the best launch title for the Turbografx-16 and to this day remains one of it’s best games. Here you play as a caveman armed with a hatchet in a side scrolling adventure. Where this one excels is in its level design. I expected to hate it at first but it’s this element that really drew me in. The game also makes use of a ‘strength meter’ which adds a lot to combat. Basically you can charge up attacks for more powerful strikes. In some cases (boss fights in particular) this is useful, but in other cases you’ll want to strike fast and with reckless abandon. Legendary Axe is an all around fun game and it’s a real shame it didn’t pick up more momentum in the market.

#10. – Aoi Blink

This curious title is based off an old anime series. Aoi Blink is a side scrolling platformer where you select a stage from a map, fight through enemies while navigating platforms, and then move on to the next one. There are a few unique concepts in play here that keep it fresh however. The first of these is the fact that you actually control three characters at once. The two inactive ones move in tandem with your character and fire shots along with him. What I really like however is all of the secret exits. Sometimes you’re forced to explore in order to proceed, and these hidden elements are really well designed. Besides that Aoi Blink has a really pleasant art style and nice music. It’s a shame this was left in Japan because it’s easily one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time.

#9. – Bomberman 94

Bomberman 93 was an amazing multiplayer game for the console. This sequel ups the ante in some pretty significant ways. On top of the typical graphical and audio upgrades this one introduced louies to the series. What are louies you might ask? These are kangaroo looking characters that function largely as power-ups. You can hop on their back and they grant you additional abilities. They allow you to move faster and jump over obstacles. This alone adds a lot to the game and they’re my favorite new feature. The stages also have much more interesting themes behind them, and the five person multiplayer makes it’s triumphant return. Bomberman 94 is certainly one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time.

#8. – R-Type

I’ll admit that up to this point the list has been pretty devoid of shmups. Normally that wouldn’t be a big deal but the console had a ton of them. They largely represent many of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time. This brings me to R-Type. Often considered the best game on the platform I have enjoyed this franchise for a long time. R-Type is a slower paced horizontally scrolling shmup that is more methodical than most. This doesn’t mean it’s easy, but rather than reflexes you’ll have to lean heavily into pattern memorization to win. The unique feature here is a weapon called force which serves various functions. You can use it as a secondary weapon, or shield. You really have to plan this out because the game absolutely requires you to become adept with it.

#7. – Bonk 3: Bonk’s Big Adventure

This is the only game on the list that was released for both CD and Hucard where the latter is actually the better version. Bonk 3 is, as you may have guessed, more Bonk. It’s bigger and better than it’s predecessors and introduces several new gameplay elements. The most significant of the bunch is the ability for Bonk to both shrink and grow to tremendous heights. It’s pretty clear the developers were trying to show off the console’s power here because Bonk 3 is absolutely beautiful and the scaling effects are off the charts. That aside, the level designs have been even more finely tuned and offer a lot of refreshing variety in them. If you’re a fan of Bonk (and you should be) then this is the one you’ve probably spent the most time with. Bonk 3 is definitely one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time.

#6. – Blazing Lazers

This is by my measure the craziest and over the top shmup on the console. Blazing Lasers is a vertical scrolling shooter where you amass insane amounts of screen filling firepower. It gets to the point where it’s tough to follow along with the action. You have four primary weapons at your disposal which can each be powered up three times. In addition there are secondary effects which add things like shields or an option. When you reach fully powered up state you’ll be able to fill the screen with firepower. What’s interesting about Blazing Lazers is the fact that by moving your ship you can actually move your shots in tandem. In addition this is one of the few shooters where you can scroll the screen by moving left and right. Few would argue that this isn’t one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time.

#5. – Ninja Spirit

Imagine if shooter conventions made their way into a side scrolling action platform game. That’s what you get with Ninja Spirit. The end result is easily one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time. Basic gameplay in Ninja Spirit has you working your way from the beginning to end of each stage defeating foes and doing some light platforming. What sets this one apart is the weaponry. You have four different weapons and can switch between them on the fly. This includes projectiles and melee attacks but the ammunition for each is infinite. What makes the game unique however is that you can get ‘spirits’ or copies of your character that move in tandem. You can get up to two of these, and they attack when you do. This is where the shooter elements come into play because they’re basically like traditional options.

#4. – Street Fighter II: Champion Edition

Bet you never knew Street Fighter II came out on the PC-Engine, did you? Unfortunately this one was left in Japan. Despite the weaker hardware when compared to it’s 16-bit contemporaries this port holds up surprisingly well. I’d even go so far as to say it’s better than the Sega Genesis version. The graphics are all replicated with tremendous care, and the engine runs extremely well. All of the content of the other versions is in place as well. It’s Street Fighter II so you know it’s good, but the absolute wizardry in it’s programming is downright impressive. You’ll need the six button controller to fully enjoy this one, but it’s well worth the price of admission. There’s no way this one can be excluded from any list of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time.

#3. – Air Zonk

It’s crazy just how much Air Zonk clicked with me. I picked it up to test it out and didn’t put it down until I reached the end. It’s that addictive. Air Zonk is a spin-off of the Bonk series. You play as the same character, but instead of a caveman he’s a futuristic punk. The game is also a horizontal shmup as opposed to a platformer. It’s very over the top with massive amounts of weaponry and screen filling effects. Air Zonk is a real joy to watch in motion, and I absolutely love the crazy style that it incorporates. It also helps that the game has a truly rocking soundtrack that’s not easy to get out of your head. Some may call it blasphemy to say that this is the greatest shmup on the platform, but here we are and it’s true.

#2. – Military Madness

Advance Wars is truly what got me into the turn based strategy genre. Little did I know that the Turbografx-16 had a comparable title, and it was even released in the West. It may not have as many options as Advance Wars but for it’s time there was nothing nearly as advanced. Military Madness uses a hexagonal map which threw me off at first but it takes little time to figure out. Your goal is to capture the enemy’s prison camp, and you do so by creating and maneuvering your units. You have to do so keeping in mind each individual unit type’s strengths, weaknesses as well as the terrain advantages. Strategy minded people will absolutely love what this one has to offer, and multiplayer is flat out fun. Military Madness is easily one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time.

#1. – Splatterhouse

I have an unusual amount of love for this game. Everything from the gameplay, graphics, to the atmosphere and music oozes personality. Splatterhouse is fashioned after B-movies of the time which is it’s greatest strength. You play as a hockey mask wearing monster who must fight his way through several rooms, floors etc of a dilapidated mansion to save his girlfriend. The enemies are absolutely gruesome for the time, and true to it’s name you can even splatter some of them against the walls. The boss encounters are the absolute highlight with huge menacing foes that take real strategy to defeat. This is not only one of the best Turbografx-16 games of all time, but also one of the greatest beat ’em ups ever released. This is also the only home port of the original localized in North America so be sure to grab it here.