Metric Gamer
Top Ranking

SEGA Classics That Still Hold Up Today

Oct 16, 2026
Featured game screenshot
?
Featured game screenshot

Ready to find something new or ready to remember something old? Dive into our guide on the SEGA classics that still hold up today! From arcade racing legends to some of the most influential action games ever made, SEGA's library is packed with games that helped define entire genres!

At A Glance

Streets of Rage 2
#1
4.6
World Design
4.5
Gameplay
5.0
Co-op and Multiplayer
5.0
Learning Curve
4.0
Graphics
4.5

Streets of Rage 2

Shinobi
#2
4.0
World Design
4.0
Gameplay
4.2
Atmosphere
4.5
Learning Curve
3.5
Graphics
4.0

Shinobi

Sonic the Hedgehog
#3
3.7
World Design
3.0
Gameplay
3.5
Graphics
4.5
Atmosphere
4.0
Learning Curve
3.5

Sonic the Hedgehog

SEGA Classics That Still Hold Up Today Frequently Asked Questions

Streets of Rage 2 ranks first on this list with an overall score of 4.6/5.

No, none of the games on this list are free to play.

No, none of the games on this list currently support cross-platform play.

Between them, these games are available on Android, Game Boy Advance, iOS, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PS2, PS3, PS4, SEGA Genesis, GameCube, SEGA Master System, wii, Xbox 360.

Every game is scored against a defined rubric built from real player feedback on Steam, Reddit, and gaming forums, not press reviews. Each metric is scored out of 5, and games are ranked by their combined score for this specific list.

Detailed Breakdown

#1
Streets of Rage 2

Streets of Rage 2

fighting
multiplayer
4.6
Dec 1992
World Design
Gameplay
Co-op and Multiplayer
Learning Curve
Graphics

The Good

  • Destructible street objects like arcade cabinets and telephone booths hide crucial healing items
  • Breakneck character variants like Skate allow you to perform unique head-riding vault flip
  • Defeating specific mini-bosses rewards you with massive point totals for unlocking extra lives

The Bad

  • Grabbing items from the ground frequently conflicts with the basic punch input when overlapping enemies
  • The lack of a dedicated block button means defensive play relies heavily on positioning and timing
  • The final stage relies heavily on a recycled boss gauntlet inside an incredibly cramped room

Final Verdict

"Streets of Rage 2 has an outstanding rating due to its unmatched combat depth, flawless cooperative design, and stellar visual presentation that defines the beat 'em up genre. The inclusion of highly distinct character playstyles and a perfectly balanced risk-reward special attack mechanic elevate this title well above standard arcade brawlers. Although the late-game boss gauntlet can occasionally feel repetitive and overwhelming, it rarely interferes with the legendary cooperative experience that players continue returning to decades later."

#2
Shinobi

Shinobi

multiplayer
platformer
4.0
Nov 1987
World Design
Gameplay
Atmosphere
Learning Curve
Graphics

The Good

  • Rescuing hostage children upgrades your standard shurikens into stronger attack variations
  • The ability to move between foreground and background lanes adds tactical depth to combat encounters
  • First-person shuriken throwing bonus stages reward perfect accuracy with valuable extra lives
  • Utilizing screen-clearing ninjutsu magic offers an excellent panic button when completely surrounded by enemies

The Bad

  • Taking a single hit results in an instantaneous death that strips away weapon upgrades
  • The extreme difficulty curve in later missions demands strict trial-and-error memorization to survive
  • Running completely out of time forces an immediate loss regardless of stage progress

Final Verdict

"Shinobi has a highly respectable rating due to its unmatched tactical combat, brilliant dual-layer stage design, and incredible arcade atmosphere that helped define ninja action games for years afterward. The inclusion of powerful attack upgrades and an invaluable screen-clearing ninjutsu mechanic elevate this title well above standard side-scrolling action games from the era. Although the brutal one-hit death system and punishing late-game difficulty can cause serious frustration, they rarely interfere with the timeless arcade charm that players still return to today."

#3
Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog

mobile
Retro
3.7
Jun 1991
World Design
Gameplay
Graphics
Atmosphere
Learning Curve

The Good

  • Green Hill Zone sets a brilliant standard for momentum-based level layout
  • Bright 16-bit colors and detailed environments give every zone a distinct look
  • Finding hidden giant rings unlocks memorable rotating special stage maze challenges
  • The upbeat energetic soundtrack features some of the most catchy tunes in history

The Bad

  • Later areas like Marble and Labyrinth Zone feature massive pacing drops
  • The absolute lack of a spin dash move leaves early movement feeling sluggish
  • Later traps feel at odds with the speed-focused movement the game encourages

Final Verdict

"Sonic the Hedgehog has an incredible presentation, historic soundtrack, and revolutionary physics engine that changed the platforming genre forever. The brilliantly designed opening zone and the unique protection offered by the ring collection mechanic elevate this title well above standard retro side-scrollers. Although pacing drops in underwater zones and the lack of a spin dash can cause serious frustration, they rarely interfere with the classic charm that players return to."

Latest Rankings

Best Free Online FPS Games — featured game
?
Best Free Online FPS Games — featured game
Ranking

Best Free Online FPS Games

Free online FPS is one of the most competitive categories in gaming, and in 2026 it's also one of the most populated. Across the five games below, the combined monthly player base runs into the tens of millions. What separates the best free online FPS games from the rest isn't download count. The gunplay either rewards investment or it doesn't, and whether the paid model stays outside the competitive game is the other axis that matters. Those distinctions don't show up in a marketing headline, but they determine whether a game is worth investing time in. The five games ranked below are all free to play and were each scored on the metrics most relevant to their sub-genre. The individual metric scores from each game page built these rankings, so you'll see exactly what earns a position and what costs one. The breakdown covers what each game does well and where the friction sits, so you can judge whether it's worth your time before downloading anything.

View
Best Free Two Player Shooter Games on PC — featured game
?
Best Free Two Player Shooter Games on PC — featured game
Ranking

Best Free Two Player Shooter Games on PC

Split-screen gaming has been a cherished tradition for generations of gamers. But which game is actually worth your time? This list delves into the best the best free two player shooter games available on the PC, with each game scored and ranked on a defined set of metrics unique to the shooting game niche!

View
SEGA Classics That Still Hold Up Today — featured game
?
SEGA Classics That Still Hold Up Today — featured game
Ranking

SEGA Classics That Still Hold Up Today

Ready to find something new or ready to remember something old? Dive into our guide on the SEGA classics that still hold up today! From arcade racing legends to some of the most influential action games ever made, SEGA's library is packed with games that helped define entire genres!

View
3 Online Board Games You Should Check Out — featured game
?
3 Online Board Games You Should Check Out — featured game
Ranking

3 Online Board Games You Should Check Out

Welcome to our guide on the best online board games you should check out today! Whether you're looking for something to play with friends on a Saturday evening or your craving an experience packed with tactical decision-making, these are three online board games that are well worth adding to your collection. As always, each game has been ranked and scored based on a set of metrics unique to online board games!

View
Top 5 RPGs On The PS2 – Part 2 — featured game
?
Top 5 RPGs On The PS2 – Part 2 — featured game
Ranking

Top 5 RPGs On The PS2 – Part 2

Welcome to our guide on even more of the best RPGs on the PlayStation 2! Whether you're looking for a cult-classic simulation or complex turn-based strategy, you'll fine your next game in our definitive list! As always, each game is scored and ranked based on its own set of metrics unique to RPGs!

View