Phelios - Sega Genesis (Like New)

Product Overview

• Product Name: Phelios
• New or Used: Used
• In Case or Loose: In Case
• Overall Condition: Like New
• Save Battery Status*: Not Applicable – Does Not Use Battery
• Notes: Genesis clamshell case appears virtually new, case artwork is vibrant with no blemishes or sun fading. Instruction manual is virtually perfect, very clean and complete with intact staples. Cartridge is pristine with intact label. This shoot-em-up hidden gem would be a rare find for any serious CIB Genesis collection!

Photos show actual product for sale — no stock images used.

What's Included

• Genesis Game Cartridge: Yes
• Manual / Instructions: Yes
• Case Artwork: Yes
• Case Type**: OEM/Original
• Extras:

Game Description

Phelios for the Sega Genesis is a mythological shoot-’em-up masterpiece that fused Greek legend with arcade precision. Released in 1990 by Namco, it places players in the role of Apollon, a winged hero who soars through the heavens to rescue the goddess Artemis from the clutches of the underworld serpent, Typhon. Combining high-fantasy storytelling with vertical shooter gameplay, Phelios delivers a cinematic journey across the skies of Olympus, where divine light battles the forces of darkness in spectacular 16-bit fashion.

Adapted from Namco’s 1988 arcade release, the Genesis version preserves the game’s smooth scaling effects, lush orchestral soundtrack, and detailed enemy designs inspired by classical mythology. Each stage immerses players in a tapestry of gods, demons, and legendary creatures — from winged harpies and cyclopes to blazing phoenixes — all rendered with vibrant color and fluid animation that pushed Sega’s early hardware. The game’s power-charging mechanic allows Apollon’s sword of light to unleash devastating energy bursts, adding strategy and rhythm to every battle.

Though it flew under the radar at launch, Phelios has since gained a reputation as a hidden gem in the Genesis library — a visually stunning, musically rich shooter that blends arcade intensity with mythological atmosphere. For collectors and retro enthusiasts, it represents a moment when Namco experimented fearlessly, crafting a shooter that feels as much like a work of art as a test of reflexes. Rediscovered today, it stands among the most distinctive early titles on Sega’s 16-bit console.

Gameplay Features

• Play as Apollon in a vertical shoot-’em-up inspired by Greek mythology and arcade heritage.
• Charge your sword of light for powerful energy bursts that devastate bosses and enemy swarms.
• Battle mythological beasts across beautifully illustrated stages drawn from ancient legend.
• Atmospheric soundtrack and bold color palette showcase Namco’s early Genesis mastery.
• Includes dynamic scaling effects and stage transitions faithful to the original arcade experience.
• A rediscovered Genesis hidden gem beloved by collectors for its artistry and arcade challenge.

Historical Trivia or Fun Fact

Phelios was one of Namco’s earliest Genesis releases and stood out for its mythological setting — a bold contrast to the sci-fi themes that dominated shooters of the era. Its cinematic storytelling, complete with intermission scenes and spoken lines in the Japanese version, made it feel like an early attempt at fusing arcade action with narrative depth.

While overlooked in 1990 due to limited marketing and fierce competition from other Genesis launch titles, Phelios has earned a devoted following among collectors and fans of atmospheric shooters. Modern retrospectives praise its music, art direction, and mythic tone, cementing it as one of the most unique and collectible Sega Genesis shoot-’em-ups ever produced.

Additional Details

• Variant: Standard Release
• Genre: Shoot-em-up
• Year Released: 1990
• Publisher: Namco
• Developer: Namco
• ESRB Rating: E - Everyone
• UPC: 722674020015
• SKU: 13198
• Format: Sega Genesis Video Game Cartridge
• Platform: Sega Genesis 16-Bit System
• Region: NTSC (North America, Canada)

Important Information

• *Save battery (if present) has been tested or replaced and is verified working at the time of listing.
• **Used cases may be replaced with a new aftermarket one if damaged. Listing above indicates if it's "OEM/Original" or "Aftermarket." Aftermarket cases typically differ in color &/or build quality from original Genesis cases. (See photos)
• Photos show the exact item for sale — we never use stock images for used games.
• All used items are cleaned, tested, and 100% guaranteed to work.
• Backed by Retro Game Fan’s 60-day warranty.