Play Twinkle Tale (English) Online

Twinkle Tale is one of those Genesis games that looks like it’s made of pure sugar—until you actually play it and realize it’s secretly brutal. You control this tiny, wand-wielding kid (or fairy? Honestly, I’m still not sure) soaring through these dreamy pastel landscapes, dodging enemy fire that comes at you way faster than the art style suggests.

The first level lulls you in with floating islands and cheerful music, but by stage two, you’re weaving through bullet patterns that’d make a Touhou player sweat. The magic shots feel great though—they fan out in these satisfying sparkly arcs, and there’s something weirdly funny about annihilating giant monsters with what looks like a glitter cannon.

It never got the attention of stuff like Thunder Force, but the controls are razor-sharp, and the bosses are these ridiculous screen-filling creatures that somehow fit the fairy tale vibe while also trying to murder you. If you dig obscure shooters with personality, this one’s a blast—just maybe don’t start on Hard mode unless you enjoy pain.