Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack adds four more SEGA Genesis games

Four more classics from the SEGA Genesis system have arrived on Nintendo Switch via the SEGA Genesis – Nintendo Switch Online library. As of this week, Golden Axe II, Alien Storm, Columns and Virtua Fighter 2 can be played for free on the Nintendo Switch for those with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.

Now given that we’re decades from the SEGA Genesis heyday, you might not be familiar with these classics. Here’s a quick rundown of each.

Golden Axe II is a side-scrolling beat ’em up and console sequel to the popular arcade game, Golden Axe. The three original playable characters — Ax Battler, Tyris Flare and Gilius Thunderhead — return in an effort to save the land from the evil new clan led by Dark Guld and reclaim the Golden Axe. From revamped wizards to lizardmen to minotaurs, there’s no limit to Dark Guld’s terror.

Alien Storm is another beat ’em up shooter in which you must save Earth from a vicious alien species. Lock and load as one of three playable heroes — Garth, the bazooka-wielding tough guy, Karen, the lone wolf with a flamethrower and Scooter, the robot with an electromagnetic whip — and fend off the alien invasion.

Columns is a falling-piece puzzle game in which you must connect gems in horizontal, vertical, or diagonal lines to clear them. There are multiple game modes to choose from, including two-player Doubles and Flash Columns.

The fourth and final game to come to Nintendo Switch is Virtua Fighter 2, the 2D SEGA Genesis version of the popular 3D fighting game. Featuring a plethora of unique fighters to choose from, step into the ring to earn the title of the world’s greatest fighter.

A subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack costs $49.99 per year. It includes access to both the SEGA Genesis and Nintendo 64 library of games. With these four new additions, the number of playable SEGA Genesis titles on Nintendo Switch stands at 36.