I've had my SEGA Saturn since November of 1996. It's the only console from that era that I still use at all: the SNES, PS1 and N64 are all packed away. I would love for the system's library to reach a wider audience, and given SEGA's interest in pursuing the 'Classic' console re-release craze, I'd like to share what I think would be the perfect 20 game rundown of the Saturn's highlights. Unfortunately lightgun games like Virtua Cop 2 and House of the Dead are out, which is a shame.
First the obvious stuff. First party titles.
First the obvious stuff. First party titles.
- Virtua Fighter 2
let's get this one out of the way. This game is perfect bye - SEGA Rally Championship 1995
IMO the best-looking and best-playing racing game on the Saturn, SRC1995 represents one of the strongest elements of the console's library: bringing the arcade home. It's short but easily replayable, and the music is amazing too. - Panzer Dragoon Zwei
It's probably not worth including both of the shooter entries in this franchise if we're sticking to 20 titles, so let's stick with the best one. - Panzer Dragoon Saga
duh - NiGHTs into dreams...
It wasn't until well after the Saturn gen that I truly understood how this game was supposed to be played, because it makes no effort in teaching you. That's probably a fault, but it didn't keep me from liking the game in 1997 or so and it doesn't keep me from liking it now. I know it's not for everyone, but it's Sonic Team and it would be a glaring omission if it weren't included. - Burning Rangers
I actually think this game sucks, but the last bit of the above applies here too - Shining Force III
Even without Scenario 2 & Scenario 3 this game is terrific to this day with beautiful art and music. Not sure what the general consensus is on the translation, but I like the writing a lot.
...Left turn! - Mr. Bones
Mr. Bones is weird. It's a little clunky. But... I think it's kinda great. It's from the creator of Ecco the Dolphin (also weird, clunky, and great). Every level plays differently - you start out in this terrible auto-scroll stage, jumping over obstacles and avoiding your pursuers, and next stage you're playing an electric guitar to appease them. I want everyone to play Mr. Bones. - Clockwork Knight
This was a launch title in NA which is obviously heavily influenced by the success of Toy Story while using the digitized 3D look of the Donkey Kong Country games. It's somewhat unremarkable, so its inclusion may be controversial, but like the simplistic Altered Beast which became a staple of Genesis compilations, its importance is gleaned in part from it being one of the better games at the console's launch. No one talks about this game, but it's something I can't help but associate with the console, and I'd prefer it make the cut. Personally. - Sonic 3D Blast
eh, need one right?
- Fighters Megamix
I'm going to include this title while excluding games like Last Bronx and Fighting Vipers which are also great. Fighters Megamix has become something of a caricature of itself due to the inclusion of a motherfucking race car in its roster, but despite its lunacy it's very fun to play to this day.
3rd party stuff...
(Capcom) - Street Fighter Alpha 2
Yes, Saturn is home to an arcade-perfect port of Street Fighter Zero 3. Yes, the port of Alpha 2, while great, has load times. Regardless, I think Alpha 2 is a better game than Zero 3 and if we're gonna restrict ourselves to one Street Fighter, I'd prefer Alpha 2. - Mega Man X4
This is the best Mega Man game ever made. Playing it on a Saturn pad is a joy.
(TAITO) - Galactic Attack
aka 'Layer Section', aka 'Rayforce' aka 'Gunlock' this is my favorite vertical shmup on the Saturn and it even got a Western release! Beautiful spritework, especially once you descend on the planet in stage 3, and great music too. - Darius Gaiden
G-Darius is great but Darius Gaiden is my favorite entry in the franchise. As above, this game also got a western release thru Acclaim for some reason!
(other) - Dark Savior
A puzzle action/adventure game that was a sequel to Landstalker on the Genesis. Full disclosure, I haven't played this game. - Batsugun
We need 1 bullet hell, right? In that case I'll pick the first one (don't @ me Recca fans). I personally find this more fun to play than DoDonPachi. This will save a lot of would-be collectors a lot of lunch money. - Guardian Heroes
Especially since we've already got 3 shmups on here, I'd choose Guardian Heroes over Radiant Silvergun for the Treasure slot. It's great fun multiplayer and considering how good the Genesis was for beat 'em ups, we need at least one representation on the Saturn, yeah? - Decathlete
I don't care if you don't like sports games, you should play this! I played its sequel Winter Heat for the first time last year at a friend's place, it's great fun. Decathlete is basically the same, but unlike Winter Heat it got a worldwide release so more people will be familiar with it. Like it or not, back in the day many of the people who favored SEGA to Nintendo did so because of the sports games, this wasn't as much of the case during the PS1 days but it's still a part of the console ultimately and I don't think something like NHL 96 is on the table due to licensing. - Magic Knight Rayearth
To close out our list it feels appropriate to include the last game released in North America for the console, Magic Knight Rayearth. I know a lot of people dislike Working Designs' translations but as with sports games their games were an important part of the Saturn's library in the West, padding out JRPG support in the face of behemoths like Final Fantasy VII. Like Dark Savior, I haven't actually played this game.
