Home Games Best TurboGrafx 16 Games in 2024 – Ranked by Gamers

Best TurboGrafx 16 Games in 2024 – Ranked by Gamers

Source: destructoid.com

Many popular video game consoles began their successful history in Japan. For example, that list certainly includes Sony with its PlayStation series, as well as Nintendo or SEGA with various console families. Simply put, Japanese developers and manufacturers have always known how to bring real fun to gamers around the world.

Although it may not be one of the best-selling consoles, the TurboGrafx 16 (also known as the PC Engine) by NEC Home Electronics, is certainly one of those machines that marked the late 80’s and early 90’s. Today, we decided to present some of the best gaming titles for TurboGrafx 16, all ranked by gamers. So, if you’re ready, let’s get started.

A Very Short History of TurboGrafx 16

Source: cartridgecorner.blog

We know you’re not too interested in history, or even gaming console history, but we still have to point out some important facts about TurboGrafx 16. So, if you’re reading this from Japan, or maybe France, then this gaming machine is probably better known to you as PC Engine. As we said before, PC Engine was first released in the Land of the Rising Sun in 1987, while somewhat later, in 1989, it became available in France.

When it comes to the North American market, the United Kingdom and Spain, this console is known as the TurboGrafx 16. Also, we must note that it was released in 1989 in North America, while in the UK and EPS it was released in 1990. Production was discontinued until 1994, and for its lifetime, over 5.8 million units of TurboGrafx 16 were sold worldwide. In addition, most games were available on famous HuCard. It is important to add that this console was very competitive (even more salable) than the Sega Genesis, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, as well as the Famicom.

5. Bonk’s Revenge

Bonk’s Revenge is a video game that appeared around the middle of TurboGrafx 16’s lifespan. To be completely precise, it appeared in 1991, so if you were born in that period, chances are good that you played Bonk’s Revenge. However, who is Bonk? This bald caveman is actually a comic book hero, but also a video game star. How? Simply put, Bonk was originally created as part of a comic book series that served to promote TurboGrafx 16. However, as the console’s popularity grew, Bonk’s popularity grew even faster.

This whole story ended with Bonk becoming part of the TurboGrafx 16 world. Bonk’s Adventure was first introduced, followed in 1991 by the highly successful sequel Bonk’s Revenge. Now that we look at the other titles for this video console, this video game was really great in terms of graphics, complexity, detail, etc. Therefore, it deservedly got a place on the list of the best ones.

4. Blazing Lazers

No doubt you’ve played Chicken Invaders. That video game is simply one of the most iconic when it comes to the 1990s gaming world. Well, a similar thing that we can even consider the inspiration for Chicken Invaders was released a full 10 years before the first version of the popular game. It is the Blazing Lazers that were first available in 1989 for the TurboGrafx 16 video console. Of course, we have a note again for readers from Japan, this title is much better known to you as Gunhead.

In essence, the goal is to defeat all the enemies with your war spaceship. You are equipped with a powerful weapon (4 different types) that are upgradeable to the fifth level. But that’s not all. There is also a large arsenal that you can additionally acquire in battle and that help you protect the ship (shields), to shoot enemies more accurately (homing missiles), etc. All in all, this is definitely one of the best titles from the early stages of TurboGrafx 16 development.

3. Bomberman ’94

Bomberman is another very popular game that has been available on several different platforms for years. Of course, the list includes TurboGrafx 16, but why does this combination of game and console stand out among the others? Well, the answer is multiplayer mode. You can play the game with as many as four friends. Great, isn’t it.

In addition, Bomberman ’94 also brought rideable kangaroos which was completely new when it comes to the Bomberman series. Anyway, there is another part of the story. Namely, this video game is the last one published by Hudson Soft, the developer company standing behind most of the games for TurboGrafx 16 in HuCard format.

2. R-Type

R-Type is another game that shows how PC Engine console is ahead of its competitors from the late 80’s and early 90’s. For example, when it comes to this game, Master System lacked graphical enhancements, while the NES version was unavailable. On the other hand, the TurboGrafx 16 managed to cover all the shortcomings of its competitors quite well, and brought fun in the right way. While there may have been slight resolution issues here as well, it can be said that the PC Engine version was still ahead.

As for the gameplay itself, the side-scrolling shooter brings combat with enemies through several sequential levels. The goal is to defeat and shoot them all in your spaceship. It is important to note that this title brought all levels and the game as a whole to the American market, while in Japan the game was available as Part I and Part II

1. Street Fighter II: Champion Edition

When it comes to fighting games, today’s gaming world is dominated by titles like Tekken, Mortal Kombat, Dragon Ball FighterZ, etc. Yes, these titles are fantastic, but do you notice that one is missing. Of course, it’s Street Fighter. This game was released in 1992, and there were versions for SNES, Genesis, as well as for TurboGrafx 16. In every aspect, the version for TurboGrafx 16 matched and even surpassed other competing consoles. Simply, the gameplay was stable, vivid, detailed, etc.

After all, this game is one of the most famous, best and most loved among fighting games of all time, so the project for TurboGrafx 16 can be considered very bold and ambitious. In any case, due to its importance that the game carries with it, but also the high-end performance brought by this gaming console, this game can be considered among the best when it comes to the best TurboGrafx 16 titles. If you are going to buy games, don’t forget to get coupons on CouponAnnie.