Sega has graced the Nintendo Switch Online service with three classic titles: ToeJam & Earl: Panic on Funkotron, Vectorman, and Mercs. If you’re like me and still fondly remember stuffing your cartridge into the console while praying it wouldn’t freeze, this is a treat worth exploring.
Panic on Funkotron
ToeJam & Earl: Panic on Funkotron, the sequel that took us from randomly generated chaos to structured platforming, brings back our favorite alien buddies. Instead of flying through procedurally generated worlds tossing gifts at Earthlings like it’s Christmas morning, you’re launching jars at them in a colorful side-scrolling adventure this time. It’s quirky, funky, and it might just make you think twice about revisiting Earth.
Vectorman
Vectorman is an action-packed side-scroller that takes robot rebellion to another level. You play as an Orbot tasked with taking down his former comrades who’ve gone rogue against humanity. The game sparkles with its ‘Vector Piece Animation’. Those 23 individual sprites don’t just sound impressive, they look slick as they animate fluidly across the screen. This one isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s a reminder of how far animation and design have come since then.
Mercs
Mercs, Capcom’s run-and-gun gem, throws us right into the action as you attempt to rescue an ex-president from terrorists in the fictional Zutura, a place that makes me question my travel plans! With two modes available, the faithful arcade port and an original story mode packed with new stages and character swapping, this game knows how to keep things fresh while still feeling like a beloved classic.
Adding these three titles brings the total of Mega Drive / Genesis games available on Switch Online to 47 in Western territories (plus Japan’s exclusive Puyo Puyo). Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or discovering these gems for the first time, there’s something undeniably appealing about having all this retro goodness easily accessible.
If you’re itching to dive into these classics, you’ll need a subscription to the Expansion Pack membership. A standard Switch Online membership offers access only to NES, SNES, Game Boy, and Game Boy Color games for €3.99/$3.99 monthly or €19.99/$19.99 annually. Wallet-friendly but limited if you crave those sweet Sega hits!
