Joe & Mac 2: Lost in the Tropics Deep cut
Sega Genesis / Mega Drive · Platformer
Joe & Mac
Certified classic
| System | Sega Genesis / Mega Drive |
|---|---|
| Released | 1991 |
| Genre | Platformer |
| Developer | Data East |
| Publisher | Takara |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Joe & Mac |
| Legacy | Certified classic · legacy score 13 |
Developed by Data East and published by Takara, Joe & Mac arrived on the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive in 1991 as a platformer.
It landed about 2 years into the Genesis's life. Other notable Genesis releases from 1991 include Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage and Shining in the Darkness. Among the 160 Genesis platformers in our database, it ranks #21 by legacy score.
It is part of the Joe & Mac series. The series also appears on other systems with Joe & Mac (SNES) and Joe & Mac (Game Boy). Data East also made Captain America and The Avengers, Crude Buster and Midnight Resistance for the Genesis.
Joe & Mac supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.
Pick it if…
- you want to run, jump and explore
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you have a friend to play against
- you want to experience one of the Genesis's defining games
Maybe skip it if…
- you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
What playing Joe & Mac is like
Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.
Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.
Joe & Mac walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Joe & Mac.
If you like Joe & Mac, the Matrix also picks…
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Classic Co-op
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Classic
Sonic the Hedgehog Classic
The Lost Vikings Classic Co-op
Sonic & Knuckles Classic
Super Mario World Classic
Donkey Kong Country Classic Co-op
Playing Genesis games today
Genesis games are fast and immediate, and many are made for two players. Official collections and Nintendo Switch Online carry a big slice of the library, and Rec0m88 can run your own Genesis backups with online netplay.
Joe & Mac FAQ
When did Joe & Mac come out on the Genesis?
Joe & Mac was released for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive in 1991.
Who made Joe & Mac?
It was developed by Data East and published by Takara.
Is Joe & Mac multiplayer?
Yes. Joe & Mac supports up to 2 players.
How long does Joe & Mac take to play?
As a platformer, Joe & Mac typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Joe & Mac on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.