For many gamers, SEGA titles defined a generation. The legacy of consoles like the Mega Drive and the Master System has left an indelible mark on the history of video games, and thanks to the initiative SEGA Forever, reliving these classics from a mobile phone became, for years, a reality within everyone's reach. Available on Android and iOS, this collection turned modern devices into authentic portable retro consoles.
SEGA Forever It launched with a bang in 2017, offering legendary titles for free in exchange for watching a few ads, or paying to remove them. Now that the program has shut down and the games are being removed from stores, this article reviews everything you need to know: how this initiative came about, which games are included, and why you should download them before they disappear for good.
What was SEGA Forever?
SEGA Forever was more than just a collection of classic games. It was an interactive tribute to SEGA's glorious pastThe goal was to bring the brand's most iconic video games to new generations, while providing a dose of nostalgia to veteran gamers.
The service offered titles for Mega Drive, Master System, and some arcade games., with plans to even expand to other platforms like the Dreamcast. Although the bulk of the catalog was focused on the 16-bit console, the proposal was ambitious: a living library that could grow over the years.
At the feature level, it included additional functionality such as cloud storage, online leaderboards, and compatibility with Bluetooth controllers, bringing the experience closer to that of a physical console. All of this at no initial cost, although with Ads that could be removed by paying about two euros per title.
The end of an era: retirement from the games
While SEGA Forever had a promising start, its momentum waned over the years. At the end of 2023, SEGA quietly announced the end of the program: the titles would no longer receive support and would be removed from Google Play and App Store.
The most striking thing was the how SEGA communicated the closureThere were no official announcements or major announcements. Messages simply began appearing within the games themselves, warning that support was ending, although they would continue to work offline if they were kept installed.
The company removed ads and in-app purchases from nine games selected titles, allowing them to be downloaded completely free of charge. This represented a real opportunity for gamers to get their hands on authentic gems from the retro catalog.
Games that can be downloaded for free (for a limited time)
The list of games that can be obtained for free includes some of SEGA's most iconic series:
- Crazy Taxi Classic: : frantic arcade driving through the city.
- Shining Force Classics: turn-based strategy with anime aesthetics.
- Streets of Rage 2 Classic: one of the most remembered beat 'em ups.
- Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I: modern return of the blue hedgehog.
- Phantasy Star II: Sci-fi RPG with mechanics ahead of its time.
- Altered Beast Classic: a mythological struggle with shocking transformations for its time.
- Comix Zone: action with comic book aesthetics, very innovative for its time.
- Kid Chameleon: platforms with dozens of transformations.
- Golden Ax II: medieval fantasy and combat with magic.
All of these titles are free of ads and microtransactions., and will continue to function indefinitely as long as they remain downloaded and are run at least once before removal.
The best games in the SEGA Forever catalog
Although more than twenty games were released under this collection, there are some that stand out especially for their quality, popularity, and legacy:
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
This title revolutionized the platform genre in 1992. With the introduction of turbo spin and more vertical and wider levels, many consider it the best installment of the classic saga.
Streets of Rage 2
A benchmark among beat 'em ups. Streets of Rage 2 improved every aspect of the original: graphics, sound, fluidity and level design. Its soundtrack remains legendary. and it is common to find it on lists of the best games of all time.
The Revenge of Shinobi
One of the first notable titles for the Mega Drive. In it, We control a ninja with magical abilities and intense combat. through scenarios inspired by organized crime. Although less polished than its sequel, it's still a retro gem.
Gunstar Heroes
Non-stop Contra-style action but with more color, speed, and creativity. Gunstar Heroes stands out for its frenetic pace, variety of weapons and spectacular bosses.. Requires quick reflexes and trained thumbs.
Phantasy Star II
A milestone in console RPGs. It was SEGA's biggest game at launch. y It offered an adult narrative, characters with depth and an unusual science fiction universe. at the time.
Comix Zone
A unique proposal: play within the frames of a comicThe aesthetics, artistic design, and storytelling make it one of SEGA's most original games. However, its difficulty is high.
What did SEGA Forever bring to the mobile landscape?
Since its launch, SEGA Forever has put on the table a legal and easy-to-use option. play classics without the need for emulators or older consoles. Although not everything was perfect—there were complaints about technical errors and the lack of graphical remasters— The service managed to exceed 10 million downloads for some games.
In addition, it offered a very console-like experience thanks to the compatibility with physical Bluetooth controllers, something highly valued by regular users.
What will happen now with SEGA classics?
SEGA hasn't given any details about future collections or re-releases. Everything points to the company will focus on new mobile developments and current consolesHowever, it's not ruled out that some titles will return on platforms like Steam, mini consoles, or subscription services.
What is clear is that The window of opportunity to legally obtain these titles for free is about to close.. And once removed from stores, they can't be installed unless they're already in your account.
The disappearance of SEGA Forever marks the end of an initiative that, despite its flaws, brought a vital part of video game history to millions of people for free and in an accessible way.If you haven't downloaded these games yet, do so now, play them at least once, and preserve their portable legacy forever.