Fun fact: Sega’s Genesis hardware team originally included members from their arcade division who cut their teeth on arcade classics. By pooling talent from Sega AM7, the unit behind titles like Revenge of Shinobi, and Sonic Team, the 6-PAK project became a showcase of the company’s range on home consoles.
I’ve got the controller warmed up. First up, Columns. It’s calm, almost meditative, until a vertical stack of jewels threatens to overflow. This puzzle game is deceptively simple, but it feels like a neat palate cleanser before we dive into the side‐scrollers.
Columns may not be as flashy, but when you clear three or more matching gems, the chime feels strangely satisfying. Hot tip: anticipate the next three pieces—always glance at that preview window. It makes the difference between a near‐stack and a full combo.
Moving on to Golden Axe. That first axe swing against the goblins still feels weighty. Creature design by Makoto Uchida shines: these skeleton warriors and gargantuan trolls remind me why I love fantasy beat ’em ups. When you borrow a magic potion from an enemy, the screen flashes bright colors—pure mid‐’80s magic.
I’m sticking with Tyris Flare for her agility. Her fire magic lights up the battlefield. Hot tip: save potions for the Death Adder showdown; you’ll thank me when he summons those armored knights.
Revenge of Shinobi brings a strong shift in tone. The soundtrack from Yuzo Koshiro hits that driving, synth‐rock sweet spot. The level design is clever—sneaking through shadowy subway tunnels, then leaping up to neon skyline rooftops. That gauntlet before the final boss is unforgiving.
Memorable moment: when you fend off that massive statue boss that throws flaming fists, you feel every bit the ninja. Hot tip: conserve shuriken until you reach Neo Zeed headquarters. Single shuriken can’t cut it—switch to the firewheel technique when the miniboss reemerges behind the pillars.
Sonic the Hedgehog feels like a palate cleanser again, but in a different way. The loops of Green Hill Zone are still iconic. That moment when you launch off a spring into a loop-de-loop, all set to Masato Nakamura’s score, reminds me why Sega was so proud of Sonic Team.
Sticking with momentum is key—don’t slow down mid‐loop, or you’ll drop a ring. Hot tip: when facing Dr. Robotnik’s giant capsule mech at the end, time your jump precisely onto those descending platforms. It’s a test of reflexes more than speed here.
Streets of Rage brings us back to gritty city streets. Axel’s combos feel great, but Mr. X’s final fortress is a gauntlet of thugs. The bassline on that stage has me nodding despite the chaos on screen.
Memorable moment: using Blaze’s whirlwind kick to clear half the screen of enemies. Hot tip: save one or two special moves for the final boss; Mr. X telegraphs his ground pound, and you need that super attack to break his guard.
We end on Super Hang-On. It’s not a boss rush like the others, but that final track to the Eiffel Tower feels like the ultimate trial. The bike handles with surprising heft, almost like a real motocross machine.
Memorable moment: catching the slipstream on that final straightaway and watching the clock tick down as you push for the finish. Hot tip: draft behind that lead rider until the last mile, then cut inside—low risk for maximum boost.
Overall, 6-PAK feels like a greatest‐hits collection, but one with uneven pacing. Columns and Super Hang-On are quieter interludes among six very different experiences. Yet Golden Axe and Revenge of Shinobi still hold up as engaging classics.
I agree. It offers a variety of genres, so you’re never stuck in one groove too long, but the compilation’s presentation is very barebones. No save states, no in‐game menu other than a simple selection screen—very much a product of 1995 sensibilities.
For a collection that spans puzzle, beat ’em up, platformer, and racing, it’s impressive. But in the era of ever‐expanding anthologies with bonus material, 6-PAK can feel a bit skeletal.
It’s candid to say: some games shine brighter than others. The highs of Revenge of Shinobi and limitations of Columns create a mixed bag. Given its bravura moments and a few rough edges, this compilation earns a solid B.
