Finding a truly hidden gem in the vast library of the Sega Genesis can be a rewarding experience. While titles like Sonic or Streets of Rage hogged the spotlight, some incredibly solid games flew under the radar. One such title, often overlooked but deserving of attention, is Granada Sega Genesis.
Released in 1990 by Wolf Team (known for games like El Viento and Sol-Deace), Granada arrived on the Genesis (or Mega Drive, depending on your region) and the Japanese X68000 computer. It wasn't a massive hit, and a planned European release never materialized, contributing to its relative obscurity compared to its contemporaries. But for those who stumbled upon it, Granada offered a unique take on the shooter genre.
What is Granada?
At its core, Granada is a multi-directional top-down shooter. Think the overhead sections of Thunder Force II, but expanded into the entire game, giving you full freedom to roam large, open levels. You pilot the titular "Granada" tank, a mysterious and heavily armed vehicle.
The game drops you into a futuristic conflict in Africa in 2016 (futuristic back then, anyway!), where a war rages over rare metals. Your goal as mercenary Leon Todo, piloting the Granada, is to somehow end the conflict by destroying advanced weaponry from both warring factions. It's a simple setup, but it provides just enough context for the destructive action that follows.
Gameplay: More Than Just Blasting Everything
This is where Granada truly shines and differentiates itself. Unlike many top-down shooters where you just move and shoot in the direction you're facing, Granada gives you precise control over your tank's movement and firing direction.
- Free Movement: Navigate large, maze-like stages freely.
- Rotational Firing: You can rotate your tank's turret independently of your movement direction, allowing for strategic attacks.
- Strafing: A key mechanic! You can lock your tank's orientation and strafe side-to-side or forward/backward, making dodging and positioning much more dynamic than typical shooters of the era.
- Weapons: You have a rapid-fire main cannon and a slower, powerful penetrating missile (which hilariously causes a slight recoil kick). Both have unlimited ammo.
- Objectives: Each stage requires you to hunt down and destroy specific targets marked on your radar before a timer runs out. Once all targets are gone, a boss appears, also marked on the radar.
This combination of multi-directional movement, independent aiming, and strafing gives Granada a distinct feel that rewards tactical play over just holding down the fire button and hoping for the best. The timer adds pressure, forcing you to learn the level layouts and target locations efficiently.
Why Granada Remained a Hidden Gem
Several factors likely contributed to Granada's lack of mainstream success:
- Stiff Competition: The Genesis was the console for action games and shooters. Granada faced off against established franchises and flashier titles.
- Lack of Marketing: Without a major publisher pushing it globally (especially the missed European release), it didn't get the exposure it needed.
- Unique Mechanics: While a strength, the slightly more complex controls (compared to simpler shooters) might have been less immediately accessible to some players.
Is Granada Worth Playing Today?
Absolutely! For retro gaming enthusiasts and fans of the Sega Genesis, Granada is definitely a title worth unearthing.
- Unique Gameplay: The strafing and independent aiming mechanics still feel fresh and provide a satisfying challenge.
- Solid Action: The core shooting is fun and the levels are well-designed, offering a good mix of exploration and intense combat.
- Retro Charm: It has that classic 16-bit look and sound, with a memorable soundtrack that fits the sci-fi action.
- Affordability: Due to its obscurity, original cartridges can sometimes be found for reasonable prices compared to more famous Genesis titles, making it a good pick for collectors.
Finding Granada Now
If you don't have original Sega Genesis hardware, you still have options:
- Emulation: Granada runs well on most Sega Genesis emulators available for PC, Mac, and other devices.
- Modern Re-releases: Granada was included in the Telenet Shooting Collection released for the Nintendo Switch in late 2023, offering an official way to play it on modern hardware.
Granada on the Sega Genesis is a prime example of a quality game that simply didn't get the recognition it deserved back in the day. Its unique gameplay mechanics set it apart, offering a deeper experience than many contemporary shooters. If you're looking to dive into the Genesis library beyond the usual suspects, tracking down Granada is a highly recommended mission. It's a genuine hidden gem waiting to be discovered by a new generation of retro gamers.
