SEGA is best known for handling a string of hot IP game franchises, but younger gamers probably aren't even aware that they used to be a powerhouse hardware manufacturer that went up against Nintendo, and won.
While the 16-Bit era has come and gone, and SEGA's subsequent dips into the hardware game proved fruitless, the impact the company made on gaming history is self-evident. The fan art community seems to agree, and here are 10 amazing works based on classic SEGA characters that must be seen to be believed!
10 Sonic The Hedgehog
MylaFox has given Sonic the Hedgehog a synthwave-style makeover in this shot featuring predominant reds, oranges, and purples with only a hint of blue to balance things out. His futuristic hoverboard is a nice addition, as is the wave in the background.
The saturated colors work wonders to draw out the intensity of the shot, and Sonic's couldn't-care expression is both cool and hip as he prepares to slip his shades down and ride another wave.
9 Altered Beast
Wreckonning tackles Altered Beast with this updated rendition featuring the uber-ripped hero flanked by updated versions of three of his transformations - the Werewolf, Weredragon and Werebear.
It's a nice nod to the classic arcade and Sega Genesis hit, even if the game itself wasn't anything to really write home about. It's enough to whet our appetite for an updated take on this classic property.
8 Tyrus Flare (Golden Axe)
Golden Axe continues to live on as a classic SEGA staple, and this cool piece by Gorrem brings to life major elements that made the original arcade game such a bonafide hit.
Tyrus Flare rides one of Golden Axe's beast mounts into battle against deadly skeleton forces while the evil visage of Death Adder looms over the spectacle. The use of fiery reds and earthy tones is a nice backdrop against Tyrus and her spectacular charge.
7 Joe Musashi (Shinobi)
Shinobi hero Joe Musashi is rendered perfectly in this shot by TwentySevenAB, and draws heavily from his appearance in Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master. Here, Musashi is poised to strike with his ninjatō in one hand, and a shuriken in the other.
The simulated red and blue lens flares hearken back to late 80s and early 90s pop culture styles, complete with a detailed and gritty industrial background as seen in the Shinobi franchise.
6 Streets Of Rage
Wilustra knocks this one out of the park with a screaming cool rendition of the heroes from Streets of Rage. The gang's all here with a few bad guys thrown in below such as Electra, Shiva, and Mr. X, himself.
The use of deep rusty reds, bright oranges, and subtle purples crafts a wonderful scene that pays heavy homage to this classic beat-em-up franchise. It's been out for a few years now, but it's as hot as ever.
5 Phantasy Star IV
Gary Storkamp breathes life into the characters from Phantasy Star IV in this perspective shot featuring the dreaded Dark Force looming in close. The sweeping brush strokes and cool blues create an aura of both suspense and action at the same time.
The piece makes us yearn for a full-fledged remake of the original Phantasy Star quadrilogy, even if several of the games got a graphical bump on the Japanese PlayStation 2 console a few years back.
4 Duka Oda (E-SWAT)
E-SWAT is lesser known among SEGA's franchises, but Genesis and arcade vets know it well. The game takes heavy inspiration from the RoboCop film franchise, and centers around a policeman who dons a powerful suit of combat armor to fight crime.
Vandrell gives the franchise a shot in the arm by updating its visual style a bit, without losing the integrity of the original game. The cityscape backdrop is bright and realistic, and the shot of Duka Oda leaping into the forefront is a killer touch.
3 Akira (Virtua Fighter)
DANMAKUMAN goes full on anime with this dramatic take on what appears to be a young version of Akira from Virtua Fighter. The colors here are bold and striking, with heavy deep blues and raging crimson reds flanked by white accents in the headband.
There's a sense of motion to this shot as well, which is on par with Akira's powerful speed and striking abilities. This is the kind of shot that can greenlight an entire animated series. Hopefully someone is listening.
2 Ecco The Dolphin
Kurisutaru keeps the spirit of Ecco the Dolphin alive with this beautiful painting of the titular hero alongside others in his dolphin pod. The spectacular blues are cool and breathe realistic life into the underwater setting, complete with bubbles for motion.
The highlight of the stars on Ecco's forehead give a huge nod back to the original game, as does his overall shape. Especially nice is the light source emanating from the surface of the water which gradually darkens with depth. This deserves to be framed.
1 NiGHTS Into Dreams
Azulila rounds out this list with a cute depiction of NiGHTS sailing in front of the moon, which feels like it was lifted straight out of a child's dream. The cool lavenders and blues give the entire piece a sense of calm and serenity - not to mention nostalgia for fans of the game!
NiGHTS took the platforming world by storm when it first debuted on the SEGA Saturn many moons ago, and it's nice to see that the fondness for this beloved character hasn't waned over the years.