Top 20 Sega Saturn Games

[digitalpress]

Discuss.

General rule with these lists: if you think a top twenty game is missing, then let us know what game to drop in place of it. Present your argument well, get it seconded, and it could affect the list... nay, the entire cosmic balance! Really.

For the FULL list of Saturn games, check HERE (http://www.digitpress.com/lists/saturn.pdf).

Astal
Dragon Force
Fighters Megamix
Guardian Heroes
House of the Dead, The
Magic Knight Rayearth
Nights
NightWarriors
Panzer Dragoon Saga
Panzer Dragoon Zwei
Saturn Bomberman
Sega Rally Championship
Shining Force III
Shining the Holy Ark
Sonic 3D Blast
Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo
Virtua Cop 2
Virtua Fighter 2
Virtual On
Winter Heat

[Arrrhalomynn]

Ok....
Replace virtua fighter 3 by virtua fighter 2 ;)
Replace Winter heat (which really sucks) by Sega Rally.

I don't like Sonic R either, I suggest replacing it by Tomb Raider.

[Raedon]

I'm assuming US only here? as Radient Silvergun is a top 5 easily.. and the Cotton games.

[ubersaurus]

Yeah I think the saturn will have to be an exception to US only rule, simply because of the sheer number of good japanese games.

[geelw]

...if he were counting imports*, that list would need to be longer, lol.

i'd replace hotd 2 with enemy zero- ez is actually quite scary, while hotd is actually quite...a mess (still fun, though)

i'm glad sega rally didn't make the cut- not too many of the saturn racing games were all that good!...=^P

*(actually, gun griffon 2 only came out in japan- we'll ass-u-me you meant the u.s. gun griffon, damn fine game that it was)

[ClubNinja]

Sonic R is actually a decent little game if you give it some time. Virtua Fighter 3 should indeed be 2, not 3! Otherwise, I'm in agreement with the list... except, I still think that Bug is such an underrated game, and deserves a spot on here too...

[Kroogah]

Virtua Fighter 3 came out for the Saturn? In the U.S.???

Oh, replace Fighting Vipers with Fighters Megamix. And where is Sega Ages Volume 1? And Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo? And Bust-a-Move 2 Arcade Edition?

[Cafeman]

It seems Joe digs out this list every other month?! Or am I experiencing Deja vu?

I'd axe Fighting Vipers. Its just too ugly, though great fun. Fighters MegaMix is much superior to FV.

I'd axe Sonic R. It was nice in its day, but I think it has low replay value. Once I unlocked everything, which took 1 week, I never played it again except during the "remember Saturn!" sessions periodically over the years. I'd replace Sonic R with Sega Rally, which is still such a great racing game, and seemed amazing that it could even be pulled off on Saturn, at the time. Sega Rally was the BEST Saturn racer. Too bad it doesn't support the analog pad. (digital control is great though).

I'd axe House of the Dead too, but that's just me. It's a rush job, though it is probably great fun. I'd pick Astal to include in the list. Astal is great to me because it's a type of game you never see anywhere else -- 2D, high color, good characters and music, great animation. Astal doesn't have a lot of replay value either, but it's special to me, and not surprisingly Astal hasn't aged much since its in beautiful, colorful 2D and not colorless & choppy Saturn 3D.

Finally, I loved Saturn Tomb Raider, but I would never say its one of the best 20. I guess I'm saying this because Tomb Raider was on several platforms, and the PSX and PC versions looked noticeably better than the Saturn version. Still, I applaud Core for what they did .. too bad they never duplicated the first one.

[geelw]

tomb raider was being developed for the saturn first, from what i recall- i think it should stay; it's still one of the best action-based adventure games ever. the ps/pc versions look much better, but i think only the saturn version kept the cool water distortion effect...

[Chunky]

can this list be split top 20 US/top 20 Import?

I want to make a list, not sure what is what with this system ..... seems like all the good games are not US

[Kid Fenris]

I always liked Burning Rangers for its unique gameplay and clever concepts. The voice-directed navigation was a great idea, and I'd love to see it used in a sequel. Of course, the game looked a bit rough, though I think it's more deserving of a spot on the list than House of the Dead, Sonic R, or Die Hard Arcade.

And where's the original Panzer Dragoon?

[digitalpress]

can this list be split top 20 US/top 20 Import?

I want to make a list, not sure what is what with this system ..... seems like all the good games are not US

This is the US list (the complete list can be found at http://www.digitpress.com/lists/saturn.pdf) - if you want to do an import list, feel free to start the topic... anyone! I don't have enough expertise with Saturn imports to "run" that thread.

[Arcade Antics]

I suggest the inclusion of SUPER PUZZLE FIGHTER II TURBO.One of the best puzzle games ever.

So who gets the axe? Mega Man 8.

[Ascending Wordsmith]

I'd like to second the suggestion of Astal. The 2D characteristics of the game (although very linear) are beautifully rendered. The music compliments the visual fantasy that the Saturn has no problem showing. The story is solid, the characters are voiced very well, and the cinema scenes are drawn in the traditional anime style. But again, the graphics are the highest aspect of the game. Each stage has its own mystical themes such as illuminated caves, volcanic eruptions, swirling clouds, and crystal palaces. We also get our fair share of well animated bosses ranging from giant weeds to fiery dragons. Despite the easy challenge and linear layout, I think Astal should be on the list too.

[digitalpress]

FYI!

If you want to chat about your favorite Saturn IMPORTS (assuming you're in the USA), check this out:

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6622

That is all.

[Don Rogers]

Good list.

I'd have to agree that Sega Rally was the best driving game available for the system.
Saturn Bomberman is still one of the best versions of the game ever. Just for the sheer number of players you have at the same time.
I'd kick Sonic R off the list. Sonic 3D Blast was better than that game.
Although not a Saturn exclusive, Mass Destruction was a blast to play. Well worth the 10 bucks it cost me. Nothing like cruising around in a tank blowing up buildings.
Gun Griffon 2 was released in Japan only. It's a great game but unfortunaltely didn't feature any cool opening movies like the original.



-Don

[Arrrhalomynn]

PLEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASE PUT IN SEGA RALLY!

[EnemyZero]

top 20 eh...
( these arent in any order)

1 Enemy Zero
2 Shinning Force 3
3 Burning Rangers
4 NiGHTS
5 Three Dirty Dwarves
6 Magic Knights Rayearth
7 Clockwork Knight
8 Sonic R
9 Virtual On
10 Virtua Fighter 2
11 Fighting Vipers
12 Sega Rally
13 Astal
14 Guardian Heroes
15 Sonic 3D Blast
16 Panzer Dragoon
17 Panzer Dragoon Zwei
18 Panzer Dragoon Saga
19 Albert Oddyssey
20 Grandia

[ubersaurus]

I'd say replace Mega Man 8 with Galactic Attack. Why? Though Mega Man 8 is a better version then the playstation one, as far as mega man games it just seemed to be on the weaker side. Galactic Attack is one of the few shmups released stateside, and is a great, hard one at that. Whenever I play my Saturn I always have to pop that game in for a go.

[lionforce]

I would not include Tomb Raider in there, I mean, you could not even do that sexy handstand in the Saturn version :D

[IcePak]

My top 20 domestic titles:

1. Panzer Dragoon Saga
2. NiGHTS Into Dreams
3. Panzer Dragoon Zwei
4. Sega Rally Championship
5. Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo
6. Virtua Fighter 2
7. Street Fighter Alpha 2
8. Guardian Heroes
9. Sonic Jam
10. Burning Rangers
11. Virtua Cop 2
12. Shining The Holy Ark
13. Panzer Dragoon
14. Shining Force III Scenario 1
15. Cyber Troopers Virtual On
16. Virtua Cop
17. X-Men: Childredn of the Atom
18. Fighting Vipers
19. Tomb Raider
20. Daytona USA Championship Circuit Edition

[XpOsUrE]

Sonic R is actually a decent little game if you give it some time. Virtua Fighter 3 should indeed be 2, not 3! Otherwise, I'm in agreement with the list... except, I still think that Bug is such an underrated game, and deserves a spot on here too...

I recall playing this game back then and thinking to myself this blows away the lacking mario64 on the n64 back then, so yeah I like sonic r quite a bit.

[Half Japanese]

All I've got to say is that Guardian Heroes had BETTER NOT get kicked off of that list :angry: :angry: :angry:

[ubersaurus]

Tempest 2000 was a sweet ass port to the saturn. I'd say axe Mega man 8 for it.

Yes, I really have it in for Mega Man 8 :P not that it was a bad game...but it wasn't one of the high points of Mega Man's series, thats for sure.

[Kid Fenris]

You know, Dark Savior's a pretty good acton/RPG. While it's not as solid as Landstalker, I'd rank it above Die Hard Arcade, Fighting Vipers, Mega Man 8, or Sonic R.

And I still say Burning Rangers and Panzer Dragoon belong up there. That's just me, though.

By the way, "Gungriffon 2" should lose the number. The first game was released in America, but the second one is import-only.

[Anthony1]

Ummm, I'm sorry, but SEGA RALLY abso freaking lutely has to be on this list.



When I got a Sega Saturn after all these years, and I got Sega Rally, at first I thought that Sega Rally sucked. I thought the 3D was so old school, and so clunky, and embarassing. But then guess what? I started to actually play the game. And play the game. And play the game. And play the game some more. Now, it isn't even a contest as to what the best Sega Saturn game is that I own. Sega Rally is just a freaking awesome game for the Saturn. Easily one of the 10 best Saturn games released in the U.S.

The control of the vehicles is just so perfect. So realistic. The physics are dead on. This is a AM2 classic all the freaking way.

Absolutely has to be on this list, to never EVER be removed.

I also think Astal deserves a spot.

[BHvrd]

This is a sad day indeed. :(

Not one person has mentioned Blazing Heroes, aka, Mystaria.

I have no trust in this list if it's not included. One of the best turn based RPG's i've ever played, and I know i'm not alone in this opinion as i've had discussions with others of its greatness.

Only reviews I could find:

http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/saturn/review/R33319.html

http://www.workingdesigns.com/rpg_critic/saturn/mystaria.htm

http://www.shinforce.com/saturn/reviews/Mystaria.htm

http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/saturn/review/21801.html

:(

[digitalpress]

OK, I've made some changes based on the comments here.

Please review the list again - and remember if something needs to be added, something else needs to be dropped. You have to make an argument to this effect to make anything "happen".

[Cafeman]

Suggestion: Sonic 3D Blast should be replaced with another game. I suggest Three Dirty Dwarves.

I do like Sonic 3D Blast a bit, but other than the bold colors and cool weather FX, and great bonus stage, I don't think it deserves in any kind of "top 20" list.

Three Dirty Dwarves is something else. It's a one or two player game (3 player? Can't recall) in which you control 3 Dwarves with sports equipment, battling through the stages of a city. Not only is it incredibly unique, but the beatem-up action is fun and imaginitively executed! Roll bowling balls into the side of a gym (a whole freaking building!) in which the people inside stick their feet out Flintstones-style and walk around? Where else can you play something like that? The baseball game, the dog pound, and others make the game quite special.

[digitalpress]

Suggestion: Sonic 3D Blast should be replaced with another game. I suggest Three Dirty Dwarves.

I can see the appeal in this game, in fact it was that very thought that led me to buy the game back in the day. But I thought it was kinda flat, personally. I should probably go back and play it again but I can tell you for sure that when it was brand new I didn't think much of it.

[RetroYoungen]

Suggestion: Sonic 3D Blast should be replaced with another game. I suggest Three Dirty Dwarves.

I can see the appeal in this game, in fact it was that very thought that led me to buy the game back in the day. But I thought it was kinda flat, personally. I should probably go back and play it again but I can tell you for sure that when it was brand new I didn't think much of it.

It was a bit flat, but just the strangeness of the game and the gameplay IMO should get it on the domestic top 20. I would have proposed it, but Cafeman beat me to it. :angry: ;)

[Cafeman]

I see where you're coming from with the flat comments, but I find Sonic 3D Blast a bit flat too. It may have seemed duller back then, but now with the passage of time, I find 3DD to be so bizarrely unique that I like it more than I used to. Batting those hounds, now THAT is fun to me. Hey I see we gots us TWO votes now for 3DD!

[digitalpress]

I guess I need to plug 3DD in again. I'm usually right in line with the games you like, Cafeman.

[Arrrhalomynn]

Winter heat was trash, can it be be replaced by tomb raider? Or sega touringcar championship? Or Daytona USA? Or pretty much ANY game...

[Saturn Sensei]

Steep Slope Sliders should be on there.


imports:
Elevator Action Returns
Dodonpachi
Sexy Parodius
Kingdom Granprix
Metal Slug

etc. etc. ad infinitum.

[slip81]

I think Albert Odyssey should definately be on that list, it is one of the better working designs rpg's and very reminissent of the lunar series. The only problem is i don't know which game to suggest to be dropped, they're all good, maybe you could make a top 21 list

[slip81]

I think Albert Odyssey should definately be on that list, it is one of the better working designs rpg's and very reminissent of the lunar series. The only problem is i don't know which game to suggest to be dropped, they're all good, maybe you could make a top 21 list

[Arqueologia_Digital]

Ok, this will be my Top 20:

Albert odyssey
Area 51
Bug!
Clockwork knight 2
Daytona USA
Grandia
NiGHTS Into dreams
Pandemonium
Panzer dragoon saga
Panzer dragoon Zwei
Radiant silvergun
Sega Rally championship
Sonic 3D Blast
Sonic R
Street fighter Alpha 2
The house of the dead
The king of fighters ´95
Tomb raider
Virtua cop
Virtua fighter 2

Matías

[Garry Silljo]

Mega Man x-4 was better than Mega Man 8 so if you HAVE to have a Mega Man use that one.

Burning Rangers deserves a spot for sure.

Call me crazy, but I liked Bug!

Dragon Force is and Shining Wisdom need to be present too.

[Gaddas]

I have to say there are a few games missing on the list this is my top 20 saturn games in no particular order:

Bug
Bug too
fighters megamix
sega rally
virtua cop
athelete kings(not sure if a us release)
sonic r
guardian heros
The house of the dead
nights into dreams
panzar dragoon saga(proberly the best game ever made)
virtua fighter 2
steep slope sliders
dayotona usa
three dirty dwarves
sonic jam
blazing dragons
winter heat
tomb raider
sega world wide soccer 98

thats it but just for the record panzer dragoon saga blows all of them away there is not a game available that matches to pds
ciao
gaddas

[attilathehun]

1995 Ghen War. It was a true next gen game. It was 2 games in one. A outdoor mech and indoor corridor shooter. 8-)

[ubersaurus]

I'd like to see PTO II added to the list, but honestly I don't know what there'd be to drop...maybe we need a top 25 list?

[Lemmy Kilmister]

The no import parts make it kind of hard so i'm going to go with dark savior,astal,3DD,nights and panzer dragoon saga.

[Mitch_Naz]

I think Galatic Attack is a really good game, but I do agree with most of those games.

[SegaAges]

replace something with steep slope sliders. i just got to this thread. steep slope sliders is awesome. it si way better than winter heat, and winter heat rocks

[Dart]

Why is Sonic 3D Blast on there? That game was bad. If you want a Sonic game on there, Sonic Jam is better.

[jp]

US only eh?


In no particular order:
Panzer Dragoon
Panzer Dragoon II Zwei
Panzer Dragoon Saga
NiGHTS
Guardian Heroes
Astal
Sonic Jam
Burning Rangers
Albert Odysessy
Shining the Holy Ark
Darius Gaiden
Galactic Attack
Street Fighter Collection
Street Fighter Alpha
Mega Man X4
Fighters Megamix
Virtua Fighter 2
Virtua Cop 1
Virtua Cop 2
Shining Force III
Magic Knight Rayearth
Fighting Vipers
Powerslave
Saturn Bomberman
The Legend of Oasis

[Zentazuken]

why are all the good saturn games so hard to find on ebay..i swear to god soem arent even on ebay at all

[sega-trader]

keep the thread alive. I would vot for Burning rangers as well. It should replace House of the dead as it is the weakest game on the list. House of the dead is a boring difficult game that would be lucky to hit the top 50 list. Burning Rangers on the other hand was a unique and very fun game. It was made by Sonic team how could you not have it on the list.

If you really wanted a gun game on the list put Area 51 on instead as it is the best one for saturn.

[whitewashedmex]

Saw this list and almost died when I saw some bad games noted on here. (I love Prize Fighter but I'm not plugging it for the top 10.) Over the years, this would be a list of games that can survive time, when games were short but sweet.


Top 20

Astal (Saturn at its best)
Fighters Megamix (Best 3D Fighter)
Guadrian Heroes (Most Original)
Nights Panzer Dragoon Saga (The Best RPG, ever)
Saturn Bomberman (Addictive party game)
Shining Force III (Basically RPG Chess)
Virtua Cop 2 (Still fun in the arcades & at home)
Radiant Silvergun (Seizure city!)
Policenauts (Great story, smooth animation, lightgun sequences)
Deep Fear (Great game, bad voicing, but you could run w/ your gun)
Enemy Zero (Seriously tense gaming with eye candy)
Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo (Fun to play and watch)
Die Hard Arcade (Just plain ol' fun)
Sega Rally (Best racing game)
The House of the Dead (Another great lightgun game)
Metal Slug (What saturn does best)
Resident Evil (The music, the story, the original survival horror)
D (Twisted and sick, John Carpenter would be proud)
Dragon Ball Z: Shin Butoden (Best DBZ fighter, slick graphics, intense gaming)
Duke Nukem (Who could forget "Shake it baby"?)

Many games were left out but deserve some note (Sonic 3D, Marvel vs, Panzer Dragoon Zwei among others) since they recieve bias points (because we love them). But let's get the truth out. If you gave someone a Saturn with 2 stunners, 2 controllers and it played imports, what would you give them?

*Reason for omitting each game on the current list:
-Dragon Force -> Shining Force III is better & you don't need 2 games too similar
-Magic Knight Rayearth -> Cool to watch, okay to play, but if I had friends over it's not something you bring out
-Nightwarriors -> good game, not great
-Panzer Zwei -> Fun but Saga reigns
-Shining the Holy Ark -> SFIII is better
-Sonic 3D Blast -> Fun but gets old
-Virtua Figher 2 -> If you've played Fighter Megamix you know why
-Virtual On -> Graphics were poor compared to Arcade, DC version put it to shame, like the Twin Sticks though
-Winter Heat -> Its ok at best

There's more that could be imported but I'm trying to be fair. Hope this helps someone out there.

[rarecube]

This is a sad day indeed. :(

Not one person has mentioned Blazing Heroes, aka, Mystaria.

I have no trust in this list if it's not included. One of the best turn based RPG's i've ever played, and I know i'm not alone in this opinion as i've had discussions with others of its greatness.

Only reviews I could find:

http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/saturn/review/R33319.html

http://www.workingdesigns.com/rpg_critic/saturn/mystaria.htm

http://www.shinforce.com/saturn/reviews/Mystaria.htm

http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/saturn/review/21801.html

:(

In my opinion one of the best RPGS ever made indeed.
And best game for Sega Saturn.

[nebrazca78]

How do you account for the fact that it's guaranteed almost no one has played every Saturn game? Moreover, I don't think most people contributing have played every game on the list. I play Saturn more than anyone I've ever known or heard of plus I have over 100 Saturn games but there are still quite a few games I haven't played. Wouldn't it be smart to get a top 20 from everyone during a weeks' time or so and then compile the conclusive list from that? Anyway here's my top 20, in no particular order:


Contra: Legacy Of War
Darius Gaiden
Dark Savior
Daytona USA
Dragon Force
Duke Nukem 3-D
Galactic Attack
Guardian Heroes
House Of The Dead, The
Legend Of Oasis, The
Mystaria: The Realms Of Lore
Panzer Dragoon Saga
Quake
Saturn Bomberman
Sega Ages (so unbelievably underrated)
Shining Force III
Shining The Holy Ark
Shinobi Legions
Street Fighter Collection
Valora Valley Golf (so unbelievably underrated)

I haven't gotten around to playing Burning Rangers yet so...
And of course everyone is right, the Japanese library deserves it's own top 20.

[bangtango]

How do you account for the fact that it's guaranteed almost no one has played every Saturn game? Moreover, I don't think most people contributing have played every game on the list. I play Saturn more than anyone I've ever known or heard of plus I have over 100 Saturn games but there are still quite a few games I haven't played. Wouldn't it be smart to get a top 20 from everyone during a weeks' time or so and then compile the conclusive list from that? Anyway here's my top 20, in no particular order:


Contra: Legacy Of War
Darius Gaiden
Dark Savior
Daytona USA
Dragon Force
Duke Nukem 3-D
Galactic Attack
Guardian Heroes
House Of The Dead, The
Legend Of Oasis, The
Mystaria: The Realms Of Lore
Panzer Dragoon Saga
Quake
Saturn Bomberman
Sega Ages (so unbelievably underrated)
Shining Force III
Shining The Holy Ark
Shinobi Legions
Street Fighter Collection
Valora Valley Golf (so unbelievably underrated)

I haven't gotten around to playing Burning Rangers yet so...
And of course everyone is right, the Japanese library deserves it's own top 20.

I have no idea. I never played 20 Saturn games, since I'm not a Saturn enthusiast, but you can't totally discount someone for that. Of the ones I played, the Saturn games I actually enjoyed were:

Daytona USA
NHL 98
Quarterback Attack
Street Fighter The Movie
Virtua Fighter
Virtua Fighter 2
Worldwide Soccer 1998

I don't play RPG's or Japanese titles, so it is a small list. I've only had about 30 US Saturn games pass through my hands total, most of which I played and not all of them I liked. I don't want to name games I didn't like just to get a total of 20 and pad my numbers.

[TurboGenesis]

Top 20 USA Saturn games for me:
(in ABC order)

Albert Odyssey
Astal
Burning Rangers
Darius Gaiden
Die Hard Arcade
Dragon Force
Fighters Megamix
Galactic Attack
Guardian Heroes
Iron Storm
Legend of Oasis
Lunacy
Magic Knight Rayearth
Nights
Panzer Dragoon II Zwei
Panzer Dragon Saga
Saturn Bomberman
Sega Rally Championship
Shining Force III
Virtua Fighter 2

[RadiantSvgun]

Top 20 USA Saturn games for me:
(in ABC order)

Albert Odyssey
Astal
Burning Rangers
Darius Gaiden
Die Hard Arcade
Dragon Force
Fighters Megamix
Galactic Attack
Guardian Heroes
Iron Storm
Legend of Oasis
Lunacy
Magic Knight Rayearth
Nights
Panzer Dragoon II Zwei
Panzer Dragon Saga
Saturn Bomberman
Sega Rally Championship
Shining Force III
Virtua Fighter 2


Aren't those just about all the good USA released saturn games? I'm in agreement with you on the Guardian heroes all the way!

[PSXferrari]

How it's god's name did any self-respecting Saturn owner let Sonic 3D Blast end up on that list??? It's not terrible by video game standards, but it is by Sonic standards. No fan of the games or the Saturn actually considers it a "true" Sonic title.

How about these much more respectable titles: Radiant Silvergun (import). Burning Rangers (despite being over-rated). Street Fighter Collection (not a big fighting game fan, but did see that EGM ranked this as the 3rd best Saturn game). Shinobi Legions is pretty good. And how about my personal pick for the list, MR BONES!!!

[agbulls]

After thinking about doing it for around 5 years, I just ordered a Saturn mod chip (for my round button Saturn) from jandaman.com. I haven't installed a modchip since my PSone, but looking at the directions makes it seems incredibly simple.

After I get it working, I might finally be able to play Panzer Dragoon Saga and some of the other ridiculously expensive Saturn import titles that some above have mentioned. Woohoo!

[TurboGenesis]

Shinobi Legions is pretty good.

I finally got to play this game. Other than the digitized graphics, the game is really good! Shinobi Legions is a game that every Shinobi fan needs to try. I can't believe that I waited this long to give this game a chance. The graphics are so mid 90's digitized fare but the game play is spot on with the likes of Revenge of Shinobi and Shinobi III.

[gameofyou]

If anyone's interested, I have made a Collector's Guide of sorts for the Saturn which you can download for free at:
http://www.SegaSaturnGuide.com

Also, most of the videos are now on Youtube (broken into 6 volumes). You can just do a search for "155 Sega Saturn" at Youtube.

[Baloo]

Take off House of the Dead, the graphics are horrible and Virtua Cop 2 is already on there, which is a much superior shooter. The gameplay in House of the Dead doesn't really do much for me, with the drifting bullets and all. Virtua Cop is much more solid.

I nominate these three games:

Daytona USA - Great Racing game with a fantastic soundtrack, multitude of gameplay modes, and overall solid gameplay. I prefer this to Sega Rally myself.

Burning Rangers - Sonic Team's last Saturn game is really good, and really deserves a spot on this list.

Die Hard Arcade - A fantastic beat-em-up by Sega that has aged very well. It also needs to be somewhere on this list.

And although I think Sonic 3D Blast is a good game, I'm not sure if you can consider it to be better than Die Hard Arcade or Burning Rangers tbh.

[Baloo]

Decided to come up with my own Top 20:

Astal
Burning Rangers
Die Hard Arcade
Darius Gaiden
Daytona USA
Fighters Megamix
Fighting Vipers
Guardian Heroes
Magical Knight Rayearth
NiGHTS into Dreams
Panzer Dragoon Saga
Saturn Bomberman
Sega Rally Championship
Shining Force III
Shining the Holy Ark
Sonic 3D Blast
Sonic R
Virtua Cop 2
Virtua Fighter 2
Virtual On

[PresidentLeever]

Top 20 US:
1. Panzer Dragoon Zwei
2. Saturn Bomberman
3. Shining Force III: Scenario 1
4. Darius Gaiden
5. Panzer Dragoon Saga
6. Galactic Attack
7. Sega Rally Championship
8. Burning Rangers
9. Fighters Megamix
10. Magic Knight Rayearth
11. Dragon Force
12. Panzer Dragoon
13. Virtua Fighter 2
14. Three Dirty Dwarves - Appaloosa Interactive
15. Dragon Force
16. Nights into Dreams…
17. Virtua Cop 2
18. Mega Man X4
19. Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo
20. Virtual On

I would remove these:
Astal - A slow and somewhat generic platformer which lacks thought out mechanics tailored to its level designs
House of the Dead, The - Not that great of a port, so it's pretty outdated.
Sonic 3D Blast - Just for the fact that it's a poor substitute for a proper sequel for the Saturn.
Winter Heat - Meh, it's sports.

[WCP]

Here is my personal top 10:


. Daytona USA - First off, not the Championship Version. I'm talking about the original launch game Daytona. Ok, look.... I know this game has it's graphical problems. The clipping, the pop in, etc, etc. Still, if you play this game, I mean... if you really play this game, you will see the beauty that this game provides. I think it's an audio/visual tour de force, even with all the graphical problems. This is one case where quality gameplay overpowers the glitches.

2. Darius Gaiden - Amazing shooter. People that are sleeping on this game are nuts!

3. Sega Rally Championship - Nobody can argue about this one. Gotta love the road textures on some of the mountain roads where it has concrete. Looks really sweet.

4. Panzer Dragoon - I feel quilty ranking this 4th. I should probably have this higher...

5. Virtua Fighter - Just like Daytona USA, I'm talking about the original launch version, not Virtua Fighter Remix. Remix does not stand the test of time. It looks like a texture mapped retrocity, lol. The original flat shaded launch version, even with all the clipping and glitches holds up after all these years. TRUST ME. Play both of them back to back and tell me I'm wrong.

6. Astal - Astal has it's share of problems, it's not a perfect game, but it also provides some of the most beautiful art seen on the Saturn during it's lifespan.

7. Galactic Attack - Man, if only we could include all the great Japanese shmups. To me, Galactic Attack is the second best Saturn shmup released stateside.

8. Clockwork Knight - This is a pretty simple game, but I really like the bosses on all the levels. I think this game is a bit underrated. It's not Sonic 2 or Kid Chameleon or anything, but it's still a solid platformer.

9. Burning Rangers - This is one of the last Saturn games that really impressed me.

10. Virtua Fighter 2 - I'm not that high on the Saturn version of VF2. I just think it looks a bit too fake. I prefer the original with all it's flaws. Still, you have to give them credit for trying to squeeze that game onto the Saturn.



Game That Needs to Bounce:

Sonic 3D Blast - The only reason this game is getting any love, is because this is the closest we got to having a Sonic game on the Saturn. This game is not that good. Not top 20 good anyways.

[Canadian Psycho]

Is Tempest 2000 any good on the Saturn? Does it control well? I've never played any version of the game but it looks interesting (I'm looking to add to my domestic collection and I am a fan of shooters...).

[Daniel Thomas]

I wanted to share my Saturn appreciation with this thread. Thanks, as always, to the Santulli Family and everyone here at Digital Press for keeping the flame alive.

My apologies for not playing by the rules and sticking to 20 Sega Saturn games. I recently wrote down my "2013 Sega List" of the 20 best Genesis, Saturn, and Dreamcast games. When it came to the Saturn, however, I couldn't narrow my favorites down, and even when splitting into two lists (US and Japan), it was impossible to give credit to all the great import classics. So I hope you won't mind.

Here's my Saturn Top 20 (USA), 2013 Edition:

1 - Virtua Fighter 2
2 - Sega Rally Championship
3 - Nights Into Dreams (+Xmas Nights)
4 - Panzer Dragoon Saga
5 - Panzer Dragoon Zwei
6 - Virtua Cop
7 - World Series Baseball 98
8 - Worldwide Soccer 97
9 - Steep Slope Sliders
10 - Saturn Bomberman

11 - WipEout
12 - Virtua Cop 2
13 - Street Fighter Alpha 2
14 - Panzer Dragoon
15 - Fighters Megamix
16 - Powerslave
17 - Tempest 2000
18 - Sega Ages
19 - Daytona USA
20 - NBA Action 98

Now here's my Saturn Top 30 (Import), 2013 Edition (not in any specific order, d'oh):

Fighting:

Street Fighter Zero 3
Marvel Super Heroes vs Street Fighter
Asuka 120% Burning Fest. Ltd
Asuka Superstars
Anarchy in the Nippon
Dead or Alive
Zero Divide: The Final Conflict
All-Japan Pro Wrestling, Featuring Virtua
King of Fighters 97

Shoot-Em-Ups:

Radiant Silvergun
Soukyugurentai
Dodonpachi
Battle Garegga
Batsugun
Hyper Duel
Bulk Slash
Dezaemon 2
Salamander Deluxe Pack

Adventure/RPGs:

Grandia
Princess Crown
Terra Phantastica
Wachenroeder
Baroque
Dino Island

Everything Else:

Daytona USA Circuit Edition
WipEout XL
Psychic Killer Taromaru
Metal Slug
Elevator Action Returns
Capcom Generations 2

[stealthrush]

Easily my favorite console of all time. I've purchase the console during the release of Nights: Into Dreams. For more than a decade Sega Saturn has provided me with hours of supreme-quality entertainment.


1. Bulk Slash
2. Guardian Heroes
3. Burning Rangers
4. Saturn Bomberman
5. X-Men vs. Street Fighter
6. Super Tempo
7. Keio Flying Squadron 2
8. Magic Knight Rayearth
9. Silhouette Mirage
10. Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo
11. Virtua Fighter 2
12. Detana TwinBee Yahho! Deluxe Pack
13. Cotton Boomerang
14. Panzer Dragoon II Zwei
15. RayForce
16. Groove On Fight
17. Nekketsu Oyako
18. Astra Superstars
19. Purikura Daisakusen
20. Wolf Fang: Kuuga 2001

[celerystalker]

Not sure about the order other than number 1.

Enemy Zero
Galactic Attack
Dragon Force
Virtua Cop 2
Panzer Dragoon Saga
Panzer Dragoon II
Soukyugurentai
Lunacy
Blazing Dragons
Sega Rally Championship
Street Fighter Alpha 2
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Marvel Super Heroes
Scud: The Disposable Assassin
D
Virtual On
Astal
Dungeons & Dragons Collection
Magic Knight Rayearth
The Mansion of Hidden Souls

There are tons more I really like, but I probably go back to these most often... though D&D will probably drop off due to the PS3 release...

[bb_hood]

1. Digital Pinball Necronomicon
2. Vampire Savior
3. Asuka Burning Fest 120%
Marvel Super Heroes vs Street Fighter
X-Men vs Street Fighter
Street Fighter Zero 3
Cyberbots
Darius Gaiden
Magic Knight Rayearth
Hyper Duel
Guardian Heroes
Sexy Parodius
Cotton 2 Magical Night Dreams
Kingdom Grandprix
Gunbird
Nights Into Dreams
Dodonpachi
Wolf Fang SS
Dodonpachi
Dragon Force
- -

I cant stick to just US games, all the best stuff is Japanese.
In my opinion, Necronomicon pinball is the best game on saturn.

[Slate]

Although I've never played it and only ever watched gameplay footage, why has nobody mentioned Mr. Bones? It's not the most original game and perhaps it has a lot of elements from other games but is pretty cool in a way plus it has music composed by Ronnie Montrose in it! The game is a rather cliche but interesting take on "One guy against a mass of evil"; a vampire (or whatever he is) brings many skeletons back to life as his slaves (red eyed skeletons) but Mr. Bones is blue-eyed so somehow he didn't come under that spell. You play as Mr. Bones and the gameplay varies from stage to stage including running from the evil skeletons, playing guitar and (literally) telling jokes. It's interesting to me anyway but I'm not interested in fighting games or FPS games anymore so it's scratching a lot out of my to play list leaving games such as this to play instead.

- Austin

[Tristashio]

The Lost Vikings 2: Norse by Norsewest was one of my favorites, and it wasn't released for the Japanese Saturn…and finding a copy from NA or Europe is really not possible(around 100$, 70£)…it was released for the Super Famikom in Japan, I just first played it on the Saturn, and I guess it's stuck there.9583