Phelios is one of those Genesis shooters that looks way better than it has any right to—those sprite animations still hold up, especially when you're weaving between giant scorpion claws or dodging fireballs from some three-headed demon. You play as this armored dude riding Apollo's sun chariot (because why not), blasting through Greek mythology like it owes you money.

The first level throws you right into it: you're immediately dodging pillars of flame while these creepy bird-women dive at you. I remember thinking the hitbox felt a little unforgiving at first—your wingspan is wider than it looks—but once you get the rhythm down, chaining power-ups feels great. That laser beam you get after collecting enough orbs? Chef's kiss.

Soundtrack's full of that crunchy Genesis synth, all dramatic chords and rapid-fire percussion. Boss fights are the highlight—each one's this screen-filling monstrosity straight out of a stained-glass window, with attack patterns that actually make you think instead of just mashing fire. Just don't get too comfortable when Typhon finally shows up.

It's not the deepest shooter out there, but there's something satisfying about how unapologetically extra it is. You'll either love it or rage-quit by level three.