Blu-Ray? Online gaming? Motion-sensitive control? There was a time in the game industry when these ideas were just little iota's in someone's mind and 16-bit technology was all the rage. This era was ushered in during the late 80's with the Sega Genesis console, a system that became a big hit with hardcore gamers. And why shouldn't it have? Being able to play arcade-perfect versions of Altered Beast, Ghouls n' Ghosts, and Strider is what we really wanted, right? They still remain great games today, and Sega knows that its 16-bit legacy is one of the strongest the world has ever seen. So that's why it should be no surprise that it's dipping into its back catalog for yet another retro collection, the Sega Genesis Collection.

Produced in collaboration with the development folks at Backbone Entertainment, the Sega Genesis Collection has a lot going for it. Along with 28 perfectly emulated games from 16-bit yesteryear, the collection will also feature bonus arcade titles that can be unlocked, including the fun space shooters Zaxxon and Tac/Scan. Backbone is also conducting a few interviews with original Sega Genesis game developers to provide a little back story on their games. No names have been passed around yet, but it'd be nice to see what Yuji Naka has to say about Sonic the Hedgehog fifteen years past its creation.

As for the games, there's quite the selection here. You'll find obscure titles, big hits, role-playing games, and many more. It won't be to everyone's tastes, however. Some of the classics that are missing include Toe Jam and Earl (since Sega no longer owns the rights to the license), Alisia Dragoon, the Streets of Rage games (WHA?!), and Gunstar Heroes. This might be a letdown for some, especially when you consider that lesser favorites such as Ecco Jr. and Golden Axe III are being included. But the collection still has many games to choose from, and there's no doubt you'll still find a favorite or two to play. Here are the games that are being included in this compilation:

Alex Kidd In the Enchanted Castle: Although I prefer the action of Alex Kidd In Miracle World (I'm a sucker for Big Wheel-riding stages), Enchanted Castle is still a great follow-up with platforming action galore and a cool mini-game involving the old rock/paper/scissors game.

Altered Beast: "Rise from your grave!" This arcade classic was actually the first game to be released with the Genesis, as it was a pack-in with the original model. Players take control of a guy trying to save a goddess from a nasty wizard. Along the way, he can transform into different beasts, including a dragon, a bear, and a wolf. Sadly, a killer penguin isn't included. And yes, penguins are lethal. Google it.

Bonanza Bros.: One or two players can take part in this cute little heist game where you have to collect certain items and make tracks before the police bust you. The competitive nature of this game is what works best for it, as it seems too simply designed otherwise. Ah well, who doesn't like short bald guys trying to steal cash?

Columns: Sega's alternate take on Tetris has players stacking gems of the same type. It's not the best puzzle game out there, but Columns does have some appeal as well as a fun two player mode. And the music is good, which helps considering the Genesis isn't known for outstanding audio.

Comix Zone: One of Sega's most innovative games released for the system lives on in this collection. You're a comic book artist named Sketch Turner who has been dropped into his own strip design by an evil madman, and you must fight your way out using fists, power-ups, and a helpful pet rat that can flip switches.

Decap Attack Starring Chuck D. Head: It's good to see a platformer that relies on something weird for a change instead of a politically correct squirrel or some kind of cutesy, nausea-inducing happy guy. In this game, you play a mummy-like character with his head in his stomach, knocking out enemies and completing levels. Along the way, Chuck can pick up a skeleton head and lob it at bad guys. That's a great party trick, by the way. Way better than the lamp shade on the head thing.

Ecco the Dolphin: Instead of placing this dolphin in a tuna cannery and having him fight his way back to the ocean, Sega went with a more "realistic" approach with Ecco the Dolphin. You swim around in troubled waters, trying to solve an ancient mystery and knocking out enemies with a bullet-speed dash and sonar abilities. Don't mess with the dolphin, jack.

Ecco: The Tides of Time: This follow-up to the hit original is more of the same, although the new 3-D ring-diving stages are kind of a trip. Ecco returns to once again solve a mystery, this time in the future. He gets help from all kinds of aquatic friends along the way. Fortunately, Aquaman does not make an appearance.

Ecco Jr.: Not exactly a big hit on the Genesis, but a fun game for kids, Ecco Jr. was part of the Sega Club release set. In it, kids navigate through troubled waters as a younger dolphin, solving simpler puzzles and just swimming around. As you can probably tell, this game isn't as deep as the other two, but might be worth a play if you're curious or drunk. "Lookit the dolphin hit the wall!"