Nintendo Switch Online subscribers were treated to a trio of beloved Sega Genesis classics added to the retro library included with the Expansion Pack membership. Alicia Dragoon, Beyond Oasis and the legendary Earthworm Jim are now available for free – a welcome bonus for retro gaming fans. Let‘s take a nostalgic trip back and see why these games are so fondly remembered over 30 years later.
A Blast From the Past for Switch Owners
First some background. The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service grants access to a Netflix-style library of retro games from classic Nintendo systems and beyond. This includes the 8-bit NES and 16-bit SNES consoles.
However, this year Nintendo added Sega Genesis and Nintendo 64 games for folks willing to pay more. The Expansion Pack runs $50 annually, while a basic membership is only $20. So what exactly does the premium tier provide, and is it worth it?
| Membership | Price | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $3.99/month or $19.99/year | Online play Cloud saves NES & SNES games |
| Expansion Pack | $49.99/year | Online play Cloud saves NES & SNES games + Sega Genesis games + Nintendo 64 games + DLC perks |
Clearly the draw lies with the retro libraries. And Nintendo just added prime motivation to go premium…
New Genesis Greats
In September 2022, Switch Online subscribers gained three all-time classic Genesis games absolutely free. While lesser known today, Alicia Dragoon earned critical claim back in ‘92 for its cinematic style and savage, satisfying combat. Beyond Oasis encapsulates 16-bit magic in an epic Legend of Zelda inspired adventure brimming with personality.
And then there‘s Earthworm Jim – the legendary run n‘ gun platformer that defined surreal absurdism in ‘90s gaming with its bizarre universe of eccentric characters and fluid, tight gameplay that raised the bar. Earthworm Jim still appears on "best platformers ever" lists frequently today.
Let‘s explore what made each classic so special in their heyday and why they remain compelling experiences on Nintendo‘s hot-selling console hybrid.
Alicia Dragoon – A Hidden Gem Lost to Time
Remember Strider on the Genesis? That same studio, Osaka-based Game Arts, developed a fantasy follow-up that matched incredible playability with a haunting atmosphere steeped in darkness.
You play as swordswoman Dragoon, joined by dragon familiars covering air and land attacks. Combat proves simple to execute yet challenging to master against relentless mythical beasts. Between the mournful musical motifs and East-meets-West creature design, Alicia Dragoon emits mystique missing from most early 90s games.
Critics adored it on release but weak sales quickly faded Alicia Dragoon from view. Fans unable to experience back then have a second chance on Nintendo‘s platform. The port plays smooth while preserving the melancholic style that made it an underground sensation.
Beyond Oasis – A Legend of Zelda peer
When Sega desperately needed its own answer to Link‘s Awakening in 1993, Ancient Corp delivered with Beyond Oasis – an expansive action RPG as epic in scope as any 16-bit adventure.
With vibrant spritework, an imaginative world based on Middle Eastern mythology, and real-time combat marrying swordplay and sorcery, few Genesis exclusives reach Beyond Oasis‘s creative heights. Between multiple endings, side quests granting new spells, and areas shifting across seasons, days of play await.
Series creator Tenchi Sorezore touts Beyond Oasis as embodying the studio‘s "profound sentiment towards nature" with environments "full of life". Three decades later that vision endures through what‘s widely considered the finest Zelda-style quest available for Genesis.
Earthworm Jim – The Genesis Mascot Heard ‘Round the World
Of all the classics added to Nintendo Switch Online, none elicits more nostalgia than Earthworm Jim – the run n‘ gun sensation that became synonymous with Sega‘s 16-bit machine after selling millions.
Conceived as a full sensory experience by animator Doug TenNapel, artist David Perry and composer Tommy Tallarico, every bizarre aspect aimed to subvert video game norms with absurdist humor. You play an earthworm who becomes super intelligent after finding a robotic suit, battling evil across the universe while wisecracking to speak-and-spell style narration.
Lead programmer Ed Schofield created a custom engine allowing smooth animations with flexibility. This let every wacky idea come alive from Jim using his head as a whip to battling crows and sinister rising toast(!). Expertly tuned physics and devious level layouts pushed players to master controls for survival.
Earthworm Jim‘s ironic, self-mocking tone struck a chord with Genesis fans who proudly declared "Jim IS Nintendo‘s worst nightmare!" as he soared to pop culture stardom. Posters and figurines lined shelves while his iconic red suit still makes cameo appearances in modern games. Jim proved quality gameplay withstands the test of time.
Nintendo Delivers Near-Perfect Ports
From visuals to audio to tight controls, the emulation quality bringing these games from 1994 tech to 2022 standards is outstanding. All three titles represent the technical and artistic pinnacles of Genesis development. Thanks to top-notch emulation work, they transition seamlessly to Nintendo Switch.
Alicia Dragoon‘s atmosphere casts a somber spell just as impactful now while Earthworm Jim‘s fluid animation delights like playing again for the first time in the 90‘s. Only minoraudio hiccups surface infrequently. Otherwise these classics harness nostalgic magic through performances indistinguishable from cartridge experiences.
What‘s Next for Switch Retro Libraries?
While unlikely to sway new subscribers alone, adding iconic experiences like these validate purchasing the Expansion Pack for retro enthusiasts. Early choices leaned heavily on greatest hits, but unearthing cult classics like Alicia Dragoon might become the norm. Excitingly we could see more hidden Genesis gems surface alongside Nintendo 64 heavies like Banjo-Kazooie or Ogre Battle 64.
At three Genesis additions per quarter, our game wishlists may not last long. But with over 900 titles in the Sega library, gems surely remain buried. Each new announcement will hit that nostalgic sweet spot for gamers who adored the 16-bit era.
Conclusion
Whatever Nineties rivalry lingers for fans, Nintendo scores major goodwill points by resurrecting beloved Genesis classics three decades later. And they chose wisely with Alicia Dragoon‘s dark allure and Beyond Oasis‘s magnificence – both fondly remembered by critics more so than consumers. Meanwhile, licensing signature mascot Earthworm Jim cements Nintendo‘s retro commitment.
For only $50 annually, the constantly expanding Switch Online retro selection makes reliving gaming‘s Golden Age an incredible value. Sega diehards suddenly have their bedrock classics preserved immaculately. We may have lost our Genesis consoles to time, but the games that defined interactive magic for an entire generation persist thanks to top-notch emulators. Newcomers now get to discover what veteran fans cherish so deeply.
So pack your sword familiar, ready those elemental spells and keep that power suit charged. More 16-bit greatness seems destined for Switch consoles worldwide.
