Saturn Saturn appreciation thread

[Kyyo]

Yesterday I could finally set Mednafen to work and I'm doing a dive through Saturn's games. I started with Nights Into Dreams which I never played before and I have a lot to say.

First of all, I would say that playing Saturn nowadays is a magical experience, even when emulating it and not playing in the traditional way. Saturn is a console that brought me the experience and energy of the 90s, even though I didn't live through that era. I felt all the aesthetics of that era in my few hours of gameplay, and even when emulating it I felt like I was playing on the home console (thanks Mednafen for being a great emulator). I also tested other games to pass the time like Asuka 120 Limited and I can say that the experience was the same.

Do you have similar thoughts about this console? I still plan on playing a lot of games on it, so feel free to recommend games to me if you want. In my opinion, Saturn is a console that should be more valued even today. I wish there were more emulators for it, even though it is one of the most difficult consoles to emulate due to its 8 cores. I believe in its potential to revive memories and the spirit of the 90s.

 

[DunkeyKong]

Ah Saturn, it could've been greater. My favorite game from that console gotta be Powerslave, especially when they designed it's own engine for it

 

[Kyyo]

Ah Saturn, it could've been greater. My favorite game from that console gotta be Powerslave, especially when they designed it's own engine for it

Looks cool! I'll definitely give it a try soon.

 

[DunkeyKong]

Looks cool! I'll definitely give it a try soon.

Go for it! If you like Doom or any FPS then it'll be a pretty enjoyable game for you

 

[Zooey]

The only game thats truly disappointed me on the Saturn has been the first Panzer Dragoon. It felt like a mediocre attempt at Star Fox 64.

 

[Kyyo]

The only game thats truly disappointed me on the Saturn has been the first Panzer Dragoon. It felt like a mediocre attempt at Star Fox 64.

Oh seriously? I've seen many people recommending this one as one of the Saturn gems. But I still need to play it, probaly I will after Nights Into Dreams.

 

[Zooey]

Oh seriously? I've seen many people recommending this one as one of the Saturn gems. But I still need to play it, probaly I will after Nights Into Dreams.

The 2nd and 3rd games, Zwei and Saga are better. But the first one really didnt impress me. Like play the first level of Panzer Dragoon, then play the first level of Star Fox 64, its like night and day.

 

[MrHtuber]

Someone getting into the Sega Saturn? Finally, an excuse to talk about one of my personal favorites!
If you enjoy tactical RPGs, 90's anime, dating sims, or any of that fun stuff, then I'd absolutely recommend Sakura Wars.
The characters are amazing, the gameplay is engaging, and the vibes are one of a kind. Also, the english fan translation is one of the best I've ever seen. Definitely check it out!

 

[haikujess]

Been wracking my brain against this gem for the past few days. Easily one of the hardest games on the Saturn, if not one of the hardest from its entire console generation. One of the few hardcore platformers I know of where the American version is pointedly the more bullshit brutal one.

Post automatically merged: Mar 6, 2025

Someone getting into the Sega Saturn? Finally, an excuse to talk about one of my personal favorites!
If you enjoy tactical RPGs, 90's anime, dating sims, or any of that fun stuff, then I'd absolutely recommend Sakura Wars.
The characters are amazing, the gameplay is engaging, and the vibes are one of a kind. Also, the english fan translation is one of the best I've ever seen. Definitely check it out!
View attachment 37522

This sounds incredible! Thank you for pointing it out I might not have tried it otherwise.

 

[RageBurner]

Yesterday I could finally set Mednafen to work and I'm doing a dive through Saturn's games. I started with Nights Into Dreams which I never played before and I have a lot to say.
View attachment 37497

First of all, I would say that playing Saturn nowadays is a magical experience, even when emulating it and not playing in the traditional way. Saturn is a console that brought me the experience and energy of the 90s, even though I didn't live through that era. I felt all the aesthetics of that era in my few hours of gameplay, and even when emulating it I felt like I was playing on the home console (thanks Mednafen for being a great emulator). I also tested other games to pass the time like Asuka 120 Limited and I can say that the experience was the same.
View attachment 37498

Do you have similar thoughts about this console? I still plan on playing a lot of games on it, so feel free to recommend games to me if you want. In my opinion, Saturn is a console that should be more valued even today. I wish there were more emulators for it, even though it is one of the most difficult consoles to emulate due to its 8 cores. I believe in its potential to revive memories and the spirit of the 90s.

I'm glad you are experiencing the Saturn. As someone that had the machine back in the day, I've always felt its greatness was mostly denied, and only now, thanks to emulation opening so many doors into the past, are people becoming aware of how wonderful it was.

 

[GundamJehutyKai]

I got into the Sega Saturn very late into the consoles lifecycle. The limited library of games in the west didn't help either so it wasn't until I got a taste of the japanese games that I jumped in.

Having said that, the 1 game that really got me into it was Virtual On with the twin stick controller. I had played it with a standard controller and thought it was pretty decent but once I played it with the twin sticks, it was a revelation!

Many 3D games on the Saturn looked pretty rough but it was a 2D powerhouse! I spent a lot of time on arcade perfect Vampire Saviour and X-Men Vs Streetfighter! Shmups was also a genre that was well catered on the Saturn. ppl LOVE Battle Garegga, but not me. Strikers 1945 plus & Hyper Duel are super good too.

There are a huge number of great games on the system tho

Guardian Heroes
Vatlva (real hidden gem, that one!)
Saturn Bomberman
Burning Rangers
Bulk Slash
The Shining Force 3 Trilogy
Shining the Holy Ark
Die Hard Arcade
Fighters Megamix
Dragon Force 1 & 2
princess Crown
Sonic R (I will not hear any slander about this game or its OST!)

The only game thats truly disappointed me on the Saturn has been the first Panzer Dragoon. It felt like a mediocre attempt at Star Fox 64.

to be fair, Panzer Dragoon predated Star Fox 64 by 2 years and was a launch title for the saturn when they really had no idea how to make games in 3D. The original Saturn Virtua Fighter was a MESS!

Also, for the Sakura Taisen fans, there are rumblings that an english translation of Sakura Taisen 2 may be released very soon.

 

[Eclipse14]

The 2nd and 3rd games, Zwei and Saga are better. But the first one really didnt impress me. Like play the first level of Panzer Dragoon, then play the first level of Star Fox 64, its like night and day.

That's not really a fair comparison, considering the differences between them in development.

Star Fox: Veteran development team and had time to hone in the N64's capabilities, in large part to the system getting delayed.
Panzer: Effectively a brand new team (Yukio Futatsugi's literal first time in the director's seat) and couldn't get to test their stuff properly until the Saturn was finalized, which was ~4-5 months before it launched. They were pretty much hard-pressed to get something done.

I'll agree that Zwei and Saga are better in every regard, but at least by then, the group knew what they were doing and getting into. The first game was not such a case.

 

[Zooey]

That's not really a fair comparison, considering the differences between them in development.

Star Fox: Veteran development team and had time to hone in the N64's capabilities, in large part to the system getting delayed.
Panzer: Effectively a brand new team (Yukio Futatsugi's literal first time in the director's seat) and couldn't get to test their stuff properly until the Saturn was finalized, which was ~4-5 months before it launched. They were pretty much hard-pressed to get something done.

I'll agree that Zwei and Saga are better in every regard, but at least by then, the group knew what they were doing and getting into. The first game was not such a case.

I think its also reflected by media. Saga is almost always featured and talked about, whereas the first game is barely mentioned. But then again, i also hear people saying Saga is better than FF7, which to me is very crazy. But yes, i use Star Fox 64 as they are both the same console generation, and style of game. The only other similar game i can think of is Sin & Punishment for the N64, but that one came out a full 5 years after Panzer Dragoon, so i think thats even less fair of a comparison.

I guess i would say that out of all the Saturn games, Panzer Dragoon series has the most hype behind it, but to me it kind of disappointed.

 

[fake-kun]

I played the Saturn versions of Mega Man 8 and Mega Man X4. That's about it.

 

[Endergod1]

Saturn also had some of the most unhinged ads. Segata Sanshiro will always live on as a spirit of console's intensity

 

[NeonKnights]

The Sakura Taisen ad is my favorite.

 

[Eclipse14]

But then again, i also hear people saying Saga is better than FF7, which to me is very crazy.

Well, this is awkward. I'm in that group.

To be fair, it was more of a matter of FFVII not really hitting me like PDS did. If anything, in terms of the PS1 FFs, IX was what kept an impact on me.

 

[Maresia]

Yesterday I could finally set Mednafen to work and I'm doing a dive through Saturn's games. I started with Nights Into Dreams which I never played before and I have a lot to say.
View attachment 37497

First of all, I would say that playing Saturn nowadays is a magical experience, even when emulating it and not playing in the traditional way. Saturn is a console that brought me the experience and energy of the 90s, even though I didn't live through that era. I felt all the aesthetics of that era in my few hours of gameplay, and even when emulating it I felt like I was playing on the home console (thanks Mednafen for being a great emulator). I also tested other games to pass the time like Asuka 120 Limited and I can say that the experience was the same.
View attachment 37498

Do you have similar thoughts about this console? I still plan on playing a lot of games on it, so feel free to recommend games to me if you want. In my opinion, Saturn is a console that should be more valued even today. I wish there were more emulators for it, even though it is one of the most difficult consoles to emulate due to its 8 cores. I believe in its potential to revive memories and the spirit of the 90s.

I recently got a Saroo and trying some games from the library. There are a lot of interesting games that I never had the chance to play and it's been a blast going through them.
It certainly is an underrated console.

View attachment 37524

Been wracking my brain against this gem for the past few days. Easily one of the hardest games on the Saturn, if not one of the hardest from its entire console generation. One of the few hardcore platformers I know of where the American version is pointedly the more bullshit brutal one.

Post automatically merged: Mar 6, 2025

This sounds incredible! Thank you for pointing it out I might not have tried it otherwise.

I've been playing Bug! It's fun, but it sure it's hard. It always looked like a silly game so I never expected to be pulled through the wringer like this lol

 

[stealthRUSH]

This Is Cool™ I grew up with Sega Saturn, and have fond memories first playing Nights into Dreams on a kiosk at K-Mart back in the mid 90s when I was a kid. At the time I was blown away with the type of gameplay, graphics, and colorful world Sonic Team conjured up. Yes, it truly is a magical experience!

Asuka 120 Limited is a great fighter that isn't brought up in conversations as much as it should. I'd also suggest Sokkō Seitokai: Sonic Council a similar style exclusive 2D fighter that is underappreciated.

I have similar thoughts about 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, a system I didn't grow up playing (I owned NES, SNES, SAT, PS1, DC instead) I've been enjoying the past few years, it also transports me back to 90s! Over the years I've defended the Sega Saturn but feel today its finally acknowledged for its greatness.

There are a few threads on recommending games worth searching for, I will suggest the following:

• CAPCOM games - fighters, shooters, puzzle, action, platform, compilations, brawlers.
• SteamGear Mash, Willy Wombat - 2 exclusive isometric action-adventure games.
• Super Tempo, TryRush Deppy - 2 exclusive platform games.
• Silhouette Mirage, Radiant Silvergun - 2 Treasure developed games, not mentioned yet, which debuted on the system.

 

[RebelofDaNeonGod]

I've slowly, but surely been cracking through Dungeon Master Nexus, it has such an impeccable atmosphere and feel to it. It is a fantastic dungeon crawler in every sense of the word. No music, all you have is the sounds from the dark, leather boots stomping upon stone floors and the sounds of metal tearing flesh. I love it

 

[Bomberman]

I played Guardian Heroes on 360 and was amazed at the amount of sprites and the fun the game offered.

I beat the Xbone remake of Panzer Dragoon but the original presentation is so much better. I prefer the Saturn original even if I never beat on that platform.

Saroo/Satiator is amazing. I have wanted to play through Shining Force Scenarios 1-3 and might start on that soon.

 

[FTLOTG]

I strongly recommend Shinrei Jusatsushi Taromaru, Elevator Action Returns, Powerslave and the Japanese version of Sega Rally Championship. Taromaru and Elevator Action are games I frequently replay.

The only game thats truly disappointed me on the Saturn has been the first Panzer Dragoon. It felt like a mediocre attempt at Star Fox 64.

Don't be mean to my baby like that. Panzer came in the wake of the first Star Fox, and make sure you're playing the Japanese release SoA tinkered with the balance making perfect clears impossible.

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24]

I strongly recommend Shinrei Jusatsushi Taromaru, Elevator Action Returns, Powerslave and the Japanese version of Sega Rally Championship. Taromaru and Elevator Action are games I frequently replay.


Don't be mean to my baby like that. Panzer came in the wake of the first Star Fox, and make sure you're playing the Japanese release SoA tinkered with the balance making perfect clears impossible.

GOOD TO KNOW! I was dangerously close to buying the U.S. version. Spending $80-$90 on that would have SUCKED and definitely turned me away from the series.

Post automatically merged: Mar 12, 2025

But yeah! Love my Saturn! Last night I played through and beat Astal! I’ll need time to process, but I think I’ll write a review of it as an application to the Writer’s Guild.

I only have six Saturn games, in comparison to the close to 14 Dreamcast games I have, and yet I’ve gotten way more out of my Saturn than my Dreamcast. I dig this console, its software, and its culture a lot! Something about the very dreamlike aesthetic of it and its games really call to me. Virtua Fighter 2 is one of the best fighting games I’ve ever played, NiGHTS is a game that made me feel like a kid again, Fighters Megamix is all the goofy fun I love in fighting games, Astal is a new 2D platforming classic, Daytona USA is a fun version of my favorite arcade game, and Virtua Racing is just fun to have around when I want to play something different (and brutally hard)! That’s my current Saturn library, and they’ve all been wonderful.

Best part? I haven’t seen the half of it. I haven’t torn into the RPGs. I haven’t played the amazing shooters. I haven’t truly played some obscure greats from the Japanese exclusive library. I haven’t messed with Sonic’s bizarre run on the console. I haven’t played Virtua Cop, Virtual On, or many of SEGA’s other amazing arcade ports.

The Sega Saturn is an expensive, beautiful, odd world filled with gems of all kinds. I’ve been loving my time so far, and every game has been worth its asking price to me.

 

[LaserMoose]

The Sega Saturn is a beautiful looking system.

(Image taken from retrorepairsandrefurbs.com)

I think it has my favorite design of all of the Sega systems; I own a black system identical to the image above, but I'd also love to own a gray model at some point. I don't usually feel the need to own more than one kind of a system, but the system has such a nice, sleek look to it!

I'm a very new owner of a Sega Saturn, and lacked a means of playing through the system comfortably through emulation, so I haven't had a long period of time to play through much of its library just yet. Those that I have played, such as Sega Rally Championship and Virtua Racing, look and play great! Sega Rally sure is difficult to get first place, but it's certainly a fun time!

Fighting games being my favorite genre helps quite a bit, given the Saturn's reputation for well-made arcade ports of classics like Vampire Savior and Street Fighter Alpha 2 Gold. More obscure fighters like Waku-Waku 7 and Groove On Fight are also very unique outings for the time! Of course, the 3D fighters on the system such as Virtua Fighter, Dead or Alive, and Fighting Vipers all have a low-poly charm to them, and are great in their own right, too!

I look forward to seeing the rest of what the system has to offer - titles rarely mentioned outside of the Sega bubble, such as Astal, Shinobi X, Princess Crown, Guardian Heroes, and the Shining Force titles are all games I plan to check out in the near future!

 

[Yousef]

segata sanshiro theme song plays