Best Sega Genesis / Mega Drive shoot 'em ups

The Matrix has 77 shoot 'em ups on file for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive, released between 1988–2019. 19 of them support multiplayer, including 7 with co-op. They're ranked below by legacy score, so the games that shaped the genre on the Genesis come first, with lesser-known picks further down.

Shoot 'em ups (shmups) put you in a ship facing waves of enemies and bullets. Runs are short and intense, and the goal is to survive, collect power-ups and push your high score.

Typical commitment: quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun). Tip: Focus on your ship's small hitbox rather than the flood of bullets, and learn which power-ups suit each stage. Most shmups are designed to be replayed many times.