A Retro Revival: The Best PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16 Games for Classic Console Collectors

When the PC Engine launched in Japan and its North American counterpart, the TurboGrafx-16, hit shelves in the late 1980s, few realized they would become cult classics in the gaming world. Compact and powerful for their time, these consoles offered a distinct experience different from their 8-bit and 16-bit peers. With a library rich in color, character, and challenge, many of their top games remain beloved decades later.

In this product guide, we explore the best PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16 games that retro enthusiasts and collectors consistently praise. These games highlight the creativity and performance capabilities of the console, making them enduring favorites. Whether you’re using original hardware or emulation, these titles exemplify why the best PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16 games still matter.

Bonk’s Adventure – The Headstrong Prehistoric Hero

Bonk’s Adventure is a platformer that showcases a bald caveman who fights his enemies with sheer cranial force. Rather than conventional attacks, Bonk uses powerful headbutts to navigate levels, topple enemies, and overcome vertical terrain. Its environments are bursting with cartoonish charm, featuring dinosaurs, lava pits, and inventive enemies that enhance its playful tone.

This game doesn’t just rely on visuals to charm players—it’s also designed with intuitive controls and layered levels that reward exploration. While not as widely known as Mario or Sonic, Bonk became an unlikely mascot and brought lighthearted originality to the TurboGrafx-16. For its blend of humor, gameplay, and artistry, Bonk’s Adventure is a standout among the best PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16 games.

Key Features:

• Engaging side-scrolling action with headbutt mechanics
• Lush prehistoric landscapes filled with variety
• Secret paths and collectible bonuses
• Simple but tight control system

Pros:

• Family-friendly yet satisfying gameplay
• Distinct character design
• Levels offer replayability with hidden areas

Cons:

• Limited challenge for advanced players
• Lacks the complexity of other platformers

R-Type – The Space Shooter That Raised the Bar

R-Type is a classic horizontal-scrolling shooter that made a big impact when it arrived on the TurboGrafx-16. Known for its unique power-up system and tactical gameplay, the game challenges players to master precise movements while blasting through waves of enemies in deep-space settings. It brought arcade-level performance to home players in a compact format.

With each new stage introducing novel challenges and intimidating bosses, R-Type keeps tension high throughout. The game’s Force Pod mechanic allows players to attach or detach a weaponized sphere to block attacks or deal damage. Because of its thoughtful level design and replay value, R-Type is still hailed as one of the best PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16 games.

Key Features:

• Arcade-quality sci-fi shooting experience
• Modular weapon system via Force Pod
• Detailed enemy and boss designs
• Smooth gameplay and sound effects

Pros:

• Deep and strategic shooter
• Impressive enemy variety
• High replayability

Cons:

• Brutal difficulty spikes
• No adjustable difficulty levels

Ys Book I & II – Role-Playing Redefined

Ys Book I & II delivered a dual-title RPG experience that stood out from its contemporaries. Following the journey of Adol Christin, players explore a land filled with magic, ancient ruins, and enemies to defeat through a real-time bump combat system. It was among the first to blend anime-style cutscenes, CD-quality audio, and voice acting.

This game isn’t just remembered for its technical achievements—it tells a compelling story that keeps players engaged. The music, rich in atmosphere, carries the emotional weight of the journey, while the gameplay remains fast-paced and intuitive. These qualities help it remain among the best PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16 games ever made.

Key Features:

• Real-time bump combat system
• Anime-style visuals and storytelling
• CD audio with orchestral music
• Two full games in one package

Pros:

• Engaging plot and characters
• Unique gameplay style
• Memorable soundtrack

Cons:

• Combat system takes getting used to
• Some dated mechanics

Blazing Lazers – A Top-Notch Vertical Shooter

Blazing Lazers, known as Gunhed in Japan, brought an energetic rush to the vertical shooter genre on the TurboGrafx-16. Packed with power-ups, fast enemies, and colorful levels, the game lets players choose and upgrade from multiple weapon types to battle waves of robotic foes and alien forces.

This title set a benchmark for smooth scrolling and speed in shooters. It strikes a nice balance between challenge and accessibility, offering long-time fans and newcomers a thrilling experience. Blazing Lazers continues to be recommended by retro fans looking for the best PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16 games that still play well today.

Key Features:

• Intense vertical shooting action
• Variety of weapons and upgrades
• Dynamic enemy design
• Fast-paced soundtrack

Pros:

• Smooth gameplay
• Great for casual and hardcore players
• High replay value

Cons:

• No co-op multiplayer
• Some levels feel repetitive

Splatterhouse – Horror Comes Home

Splatterhouse delivered a gritty, horror-themed experience that was rare among home console games of the time. Players control Rick, a man transformed into a brute by a cursed mask, who must fight through terrifying monsters to rescue his girlfriend. With side-scrolling action and grotesque visuals, the game made a lasting impression.

While the combat is simple, Splatterhouse thrives on atmosphere and visual style. The grotesque monsters, eerie backgrounds, and chilling soundtrack create a sense of dread that set it apart from other beat-em-ups. For those looking to explore the darker side of retro gaming, it remains one of the best PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16 games.

Key Features:

• Horror-themed beat-’em-up gameplay
• Graphic visuals and monster design
• Atmospheric music and eerie sound effects
• Inspired by horror films

Pros:

• Unique aesthetic
• Simple but fun mechanics
• Cult classic appeal

Cons:

• Short gameplay length
• Linear structure limits variety

Final Thoughts

The PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 offered more than just a flash in the pan—they built a deep and creative library that’s still worth revisiting. From lighthearted adventures to challenging shooters and haunting horror titles, the best PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16 games span genres and moods. Whether you’re collecting physical cartridges or exploring through emulation, these titles bring vintage gaming to life.