Zillion

Zillion is one of the smartest and most underrated titles in the entire Master System library. Sega built it in 1987 on the motifs of the Japanese anime series Zillion and, instead of straightforward action, offered something rare for the time: a sprawling enemy base to explore, full of locked doors, terminals and captured allies.

The gameplay resembles Metroid-like structures before the name for them had even caught on. As a member of the White Knights team, you infiltrate the complex, collect data disks, crack numeric codes to unlock doors and gradually free comrades who then help you themselves. That combination of shooting, puzzles and systematic exploration was unusually thoughtful on an 8-bit console and rewards patient players who keep the map in their heads.

The retro community loves Zillion precisely for this being ahead of its time — it's a game that bet on the brain as much as on reflexes. Anyone looking for a Master System treasure beyond the usual Sonic staples will find one of the most precious ones right here.