Next week marks the 30th anniversary of the launch of SEGA’s most successful console, the SEGA Genesis.

System launches were quite a bit different in 1989 than they are now, so details of the event are a little sketchy. What we do know is that the Genesis (known as the Mega Drive outside of North America) launched in both the New York and Los Angeles markets on or about Aug. 14, 1989, where the very first of approximately 40 million consoles would be sold in the United States. The full launch across all US markets would come a month later on Sept. 15.

The Genesis retailed for $189 with the Altered Beast pack-in, though specifics as to what the actual launch lineup included are a bit harder to come by. Other than Altered Beast, there is almost no information as to what else was available in New York and L.A.

For the wider September launch, some gamers insist that titles such as Super Hang-On, Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, Arnold Palmer’s Tournament Golf and Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle were all launch games. Certainly they may be correct, but what was available “Day One” varied from individual market to market.

For our purposes, we are focusing on what has become the generally accepted list of six launch titles, including:

• Altered Beast
• Last Battle

• Space Harrier II

• Super Thunder Blade
 (which we reviewed during Attack Helicopter Week)
• Tommy Lasorda Baseball

• Thunder Force II

To celebrate, The Splintering is aiming to deliver reviews for all five of the remaining games (aside from Super Thunder Blade) over the week. We may also have a bit more up our sleeves, but let’s keep it at that for the moment.

We hope you enjoy what we have in store for the SEGA Genesis 30th Anniversary celebration, and thanks for reading!