The TurboGrafx-16 may not have been as popular as its competitors, but it housed some of the most unique and innovative games of its time. These are known for their fast-paced action, vibrant graphics, and quirky titles.
If you’re a fan of old-school gaming, learning about the best TurboGrafx-16 games is a must. From example shoot-’em-ups to immersive adventure games, there’s something for everyone. These titles may not have been as mainstream, but their creativity and charm still captivate players today.
About TurboGrafx-16 Games
It was a gaming console released by NEC in the late 1980s. Although it didn’t achieve the same level of popularity as other consoles like the SNES or Sega Genesis, it gained a loyal following among retro gaming enthusiasts. The console was known for its vibrant graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and innovative design.
Even though it wasn’t a mainstream success, the TurboGrafx-16 offered a variety of unique and creative games that are still loved by gamers today. From action-packed shooters to imaginative platformers, it provided a different gaming experience that set it apart from other systems of its time.
Top 29 Best TurboGrafx-16 Games
From classic shooters to memorable platformers, these titles highlight the TurboGrafx-16’s underrated legacy in the world of retro gaming. Here are 29 of the best TurboGrafx-16 games list, showcasing the console’s unique blend of action, adventure, and creativity.
Dragon Spirit
It puts you in control of a dragon shooting fire at enemies. The game is a vertical shmup with a fantasy setting, offering something different from the usual sci-fi themes. The dragon can grow multiple heads, increasing its attack power. The two attack modes allow you to focus on enemies in the air and on the ground.
Neutopia
This is a top-down action-adventure game, similar to Zelda. You can explore dungeons, solve puzzles, and defeat enemies using your sword. The gameplay is simple but fun, with a classic progression system. You gain items to unlock new areas and advance. The world is vast, but it’s clear that Neutopia was influenced by other franchises.
Fantasy Zone
It is a unique horizontal shmup where you control the cute ship Opa Opa. Unlike auto-scrolling shooters, you have the freedom to move around each stage. You collect money to upgrade your ship’s weapons, adding strategy to the gameplay. The bosses are fun and offer a challenge that’s easy to enjoy.
Legendary Axe II
This is a side-scrolling action game where you use a sword to battle through enemies. While it’s not as good as the original, it still offers exciting gameplay. The levels are designed to test your combat skills, and the action is satisfying. The removal of some key features from the first game is a downside, but it doesn’t ruin the fun.
Space Harrier
Space Harrier is a 3D behind-the-back shooter with wild enemies and strange environments. The graphics are colorful and surreal, adding to the unique atmosphere. You fight through various levels, each with new challenges. It’s a fast-paced game with unusual visual styles that set it apart from other shooters. It is one of the best TurboGrafx-16 games.
World Court Tennis
It is an unusual tennis game with a full RPG quest mode. You can compete in traditional matches or explore towns, buy items, and engage in random battles. Instead of fighting in the RPG mode, you play tennis matches to advance. It’s a quirky and fun mix of genres that gives it a unique charm.
Gradius
This is a classic side-scrolling shooter where you pilot a ship against countless enemies. The power-up system makes the game stand out in all the best TurboGrafx-16 games, letting you upgrade your ship, missiles, and shields. The game is tough, with one-hit deaths and challenging stages. It requires memorisation and precision to make it through the later levels.
OutRun
OutRun is a driving game where you race against the clock rather than other cars. You choose from different routes, each offering different scenic views. The goal is to reach the destination before time runs out. The game is enjoyable because of its beautiful landscapes and multiple paths, keeping it replayable.
Silent Debuggers
Silent Debuggers is a first-person shooter set on a space station overrun by monsters. The gameplay is basic but atmospheric, with a sense of dread that keeps you on edge. The monsters are eerie, and the game’s visual style adds to its haunting atmosphere. Despite being clunky, it’s a fun and underrated title.
Galaga ’90
This updated version of the classic Galaga arcade shooter is now available. The game has new graphics, scrolling stages, and boss battles. The familiar gameplay is enhanced with new mechanics, yet it still retains the original feel. The changes make the game feel fresh while maintaining the same fun factor that made Galaga so popular.
Neutopia II
Neutopia II is a great Zelda-like action-adventure game. The sequel improves on the first game with a more varied world and better progression. You explore snowy mountains and even an underwater area. The game maintains the same Zelda-inspired gameplay, but the new features make it feel like a deeper experience.
Bomberman 93
It is a multiplayer game where you place bombs to destroy enemies and obstacles. The new power-ups and abilities, such as faster movement and larger explosions, add depth. The game features a fun five-player mode, making it ideal for friends. The stages are interesting, with different themes that keep the game fresh.
Air Zonk
This is a spin-off from the Bonk series, but with a futuristic twist. Instead of a caveman, you play a punked-out version of Bonk as a side-scrolling shooter. The game is packed with wild weapons and huge explosions, making it an over-the-top, action-packed experience. The colourful, energetic style and catchy soundtrack make it a blast to play.
Darius Alpha
It is a side-scrolling shooter with a unique aquatic theme. You battle mechanised fish and sea creatures as you progress through the levels. The game feels like a boss rush, with challenging encounters and strategic gameplay. While it’s not as good as the arcade version, it still stands out for its creativity.
Salamander
This is a space shooter with organic graphics, set inside a dragon’s body. The multiplayer mode makes the game even more fun, allowing you to team up with a friend. The game’s power-up system is similar to Gradius, but the setting and theme make it unique. It’s an exciting shooter with a lot of replay value.
Chase H.Q.
Chase H.Q. mixes racing with a cops-and-robbers theme. You drive a police car to chase down criminals, ramming their cars to stop them, and this feature makes it outstanding among the best TurboGrafx-16 games. Unlike other racing games, it’s not about speed but about capturing criminals in a limited time. The action is fast-paced and exciting, with multiple paths and challenges.
Bonk’s Revenge
This is the sequel to Bonk’s Adventure and adds more abilities for the caveman hero. Bonk can now perform wall jumps and transform into other creatures. The levels are more varied and feature different environments. This game is a step up from the original and offers even more fun, quirky platforming action.
Legendary Axe
It is a side-scrolling action game where you play a caveman armed with a hatchet. The game shines with its excellent level design and satisfying combat mechanics. The strength meter adds strategy to the gameplay, allowing you to charge up stronger attacks. It’s a fun, challenging game that holds up well.
Military Madness
Military Madness is a turn-based strategy game where you command units on a hexagonal grid. Your goal is to capture enemy bases while managing your units’ strengths and weaknesses. It’s one of the earliest tactical games that offered a lot of depth for its time. The strategy aspect is challenging, and the multiplayer mode adds even more fun.
Bonk’s Adventure
This is a fun platformer starring a caveman who uses his head to defeat enemies. The game features great level design and creative power-ups. Bonk can become invincible after eating enough meat, adding an exciting element to the gameplay. The graphics are colorful, and the game offers a lighthearted, enjoyable experience.
Street Fighter II: Champion Edition
It is a surprisingly strong port of the classic arcade fighter. Despite the weaker hardware, the graphics and gameplay hold up well. The game features all the characters and moves from the arcade version, and the six-button controller allows for the full experience.
Final Lap Twin
Final Lap Twin is a racing game with an RPG twist. You can race in a traditional mode or enter a quest where you travel between towns and upgrade your car. Winning races earns money, which you use to improve your vehicle. It’s a unique combination of racing and RPG elements, making it an interesting experience.
R-Type
This is a side-scrolling shooter where you control a spaceship against waves of alien enemies. The unique feature of R-Type is the “Force,” a power-up that acts as both a secondary weapon and a shield. The game’s slow pace and emphasis on memorisation and strategy make it more than just a reflex-based shooter.
Blazing Lazers
It is a vertical scrolling shooter with intense action and a wide range of power-ups. You control a ship armed with four different weapons, each of which can be powered up three times. The game’s frantic pace, combined with the ability to move your shots in tandem with your ship, makes it a unique and thrilling experience. It’s a perfect example of the top-notch shmups that define the TurboGrafx-16.
Bomberman 94
Bomberman 94 builds on the classic formula with new power-ups, five-player multiplayer, and improved stages. This version introduces louies, kangaroo-like characters that act as power-ups. They ride on your back and provide new abilities, like jumping higher or moving faster. With the addition of new features and improved gameplay, Bomberman 94 is an even better experience than its predecessors.
Ninja Spirit
This is a side-scrolling action platformer with strong shooter elements. You play a ninja, armed with four different weapons, and you can summon spirits to fight alongside you. The game has excellent action and platforming, with the bonus of multiple weapons and spirits that help you during battles.
Aoi Blink
It is a side-scrolling platformer based on an anime series. The game is unique because you control three characters at once. The other two characters follow your movements and fire shots along with you. The game also features hidden exits that require exploration to find.
Bonk 3: Bonk’s Big Adventure
Bonk 3 takes the platforming action from the previous games and cranks it up. Bonk can now grow or shrink in size, adding a new element to the gameplay. The level designs are better than ever, with more variety and complex obstacles. The game really shows off the power of the TurboGrafx-16 with impressive scaling effects and beautiful visuals.
Parodius Da!
It is a parody of Gradius with quirky characters and bizarre enemies. It’s a side-scrolling shooter where you fight your way through odd stages. The characters you control are humorous, including a penguin and a giant octopus. The game offers traditional shoot-’em-up gameplay but with a playful twist.
How do TurboGrafx-16 Games Compare to Other Retro Games?
The TurboGrafx-16, while not as well-known as the SNES or Sega Genesis, is recognised for its unique and creative games that offer a distinct gaming experience. These games were known for their innovative gameplay and impressive graphics for their time.
The system’s focus on quirky, experimental games helped it build a niche appeal, attracting fans who were looking for something different from the mainstream consoles. While it wasn’t as popular, the TurboGrafx-16 has remained a beloved platform for retro gaming fans who like its creativity and unique contributions to the history of gaming.
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Conclusion
The TurboGrafx-16 may not have been as mainstream as its competitors, but it still left an indelible mark on the world of gaming. Its library, though smaller, is filled with classic titles that are still celebrated by fans today. No matter, you’re revisiting these iconic games or exploring them for the first time, the Best TurboGrafx-16 Games hold a place in retro gaming history that continues to influence the gaming world.
