One of the most ambitious compilation packages ever created.
The Sega Genesis was quite the contender back in the day, boasting a library of fun and unique games. This collection in particular includes a whopping 40+ games spanning many of Sega's time-honored franchises--Streets of Rage, Shining Force, Phantasy Star, Sonic the Hedgehog--all the titles in their subsequent series are included. Each game can be rated using an interesting system similar in vein to rating songs on your IPod, making pinpointing your favorite games a lot easier and more manageable. Load times are virtually non-existent---simply select a game you want to play, and you're there within a fraction of a second. You can also read some interesting bits of info on the games as well as view artwork of Genesis cartridges and the bulky plastic boxes they came packaged in. Many of them aren't accurately represented, and I wish they could have expanded upon these by including drawings, preliminary sketches and design concepts of the games in question. But I digress.
All the games have been translated as accurately as you'd expect from their original source material, and with 720p HD support, they look absolutely fantastic. There's even an option to smooth out the graphics, but personally, I think the games are fine just the way they are--your experience will vary, of course.
In addition to the impressive listing of Genesis games, you can also unlock some bonuses by fulfilling certain conditions. The arcade versions of Shinobi, Space Harrier, Altered Beast, Alien Syndrome, Congo Bongo and Fantasy Zone are included as well as the first Phantasy Star and a Golden Axe spinoff. There are also video interviews of Sega's development staff responsible for some of the games in this collection--these are recycled from the previous Sega Genesis Collection for the PS2 and PSP. Unless you haven't played those, you're likely to be disappointed.
Overall, Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection is a must-own for both those who have fond memories of the Genesis, and those who are nostalgic gamers at heart. At an affordable $30, you simply cannot find a better bang for your buck. You owe it to yourself to invite this compilation into your game library.