Exile on the Genesis is one of those weird, ambitious action-RPG hybrids that feels like it shouldn’t work—but somehow does. You start off stranded on this alien planet with nothing but a sword and a vague sense of direction, and within minutes you’re knee-deep in cryptic puzzles and enemies that hit way harder than you’d expect. The screen scrolls vertically, which throws you off at first, but it gives the whole thing this claustrophobic, maze-like vibe.

The music’s got that classic Genesis grit—all crunchy synths and moody basslines—and the sprite work is surprisingly detailed for its time. Half the challenge is just figuring out where to go next, since the game doesn’t hold your hand, but stumbling into a hidden cave or finally nailing a tricky jump feels legitimately rewarding. Just don’t be surprised if you die a lot before getting the hang of it.

It’s janky in places, sure, but there’s something about the atmosphere that sticks with you. If you’re into retro games that actually make you think, this one’s worth digging up.