In typical compilation style, there are a handful of video interviews to unlock as well as an abundance of boxart to zoom around and trivia to glance over, but it’s all material that the average gamer almost certainly won’t bother with, while those that are interested will most likely have seen the same content on previous SEGA collections. It’s a great shame, but more importantly, a missed opportunity that more wasn’t done with Ultimate Collection to take it to a level that both its classic titles and host hardware deserve.

The lack of any form of online leaderboards is the package’s most glaring omission, especially taking into account the score-chasing nature many of the titles pride themselves on. The implementation of basic DVD-style extras such as video introductions, retrospectives, or perhaps even a Half-Life 2-esque developer commentary system would have also been much more deserving of praise than simply rehashing content from previous collections, as is the case here. Instead, it’s a function that has existed in emulators since their very inception that proves to be Ultimate Collection’s most notable achievement, giving players the ability to save their game anywhere and at anytime, allowing you to reattempt Sonic 2’s unforgettable final boss at any given moment.

But it’s that fact alone that saves Ultimate Collection from mediocrity. Many of the titles available here are true gaming classics filled to the brim with memorable moments. The near-complete Sonic library will be enough to pull in those with even the slightest interest in the blue blur, while the entire Streets of Rage series, Golden Axe I, II & 3, and the original Phantasy Star quadrilogy all offer a thrill unattainable anywhere else on the current crop of HD consoles.

Ultimate Collection may well feel like an indolent ‘quantity over quality’ effort from SEGA; a game put together to serve no other purpose than act as a convenient and fulfilling amalgamation of our childhood memories. But consequently, it’s hard not to fall in love with – even the weaker titles can induce a smile through mere nostalgia factor alone. Take Ultimate Collection for what it is – an inexpensive assortment of classic SEGA titles – and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal on the market. Look at it beyond face value, however, and you’ll be left found wanting.

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