It's been a few months here, OP. How's it going on the Saturn front?
I do not own one, but I know for a fact that it's kind of a console where imports are a MUST because US prices are so high and JP got more/better support. By a lot.
Yes , US and PAL games have crazy prices now but some japanese released in too few copies have unhinged price also like Final Fight Revenge (not even a good game) , Street Fighter Zero 3, Shinrei Jusatsushi Taroumaru...
I've some official games but a flash cart like Saroo seems the reasonable choice nowadays.
You can even play fan translated games.
My main recommendation is to try playing the Saturn equivalent of multi-platform games that you've already played on PS1. I've found that the Saturn version of those always seem to be better in some way.
If you're emulating, I'd highly recommend doing the Retro Achievements list for Baroque. I normally avoid achievements, since I play for fun and use FPGA, but they aren't too hard compared to other achievement lists and it provides good goals and additional hints on how to progress the game. The Saturn version is the definitive version when it comes to atmosphere and aesthetics compared to the Wii/PS2 or PS1 version.
Three Dirty Dwarves is a great Beat 'em Up with a comical graphics style that's reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons as much as Comix Zone nailed the comic book vibes. It also does a lot of interesting stuff with sprite scaling and transforming that you wouldn't expect on any other console but Saturn.
Then of course there's Tactics Ogre - Let Us Cling Together. It's just a solid TRPG(which isn't uncommon on Saturn) with solid aesthetics and a good story.
Yes , US and PAL games have crazy prices now but some japanese released in too few copies have unhinged price also like Final Fight Revenge (not even a good game) , Street Fighter Zero 3, Shinrei Jusatsushi Taroumaru...
I've some official games but a flash cart like Saroo seems the reasonable choice nowadays.
You can even play fan translated games.
I also highly recommend looking into MiSTer FPGA if original hardware prices are too restrictive. The Saturn core is still being developed, but it pretty much supports most retro games 4th gen consoles and back in addition to a lot of 5th gen consoles.
Getting a DE10 Nano is pricey, but budget alternatives are out there like MiSTer Pi, which is what I got, that have the same exact capabilities.
That said, snatching up a Saturn you can get a deal on in favor of getting a Saroo is probably the best for Saturn specifically.
Then of course there's Tactics Ogre - Let Us Cling Together. It's just a solid TRPG(which isn't uncommon on Saturn) with solid aesthetics and a good story.
I wouldn't really recommend the Saturn version unless you like voice acting, if you like that version of Tactics just play the sfc version.
The Saturn does have the best version of Ogre Battle though.
I also highly recommend looking into MiSTer FPGA if original hardware prices are too restrictive. The Saturn core is still being developed, but it pretty much supports most retro games 4th gen consoles and back in addition to a lot of 5th gen consoles.
Getting a DE10 Nano is pricey, but budget alternatives are out there like MiSTer Pi, which is what I got, that have the same exact capabilities.
Baroque if you're looking for a creepy atmosphere with engaging gameplay and obscure storytelling. It's got a very fun combat system and controls really well with the 3D pad. It's also one of the more graphically impressive games on the Saturn in certain areas, with possibly the best texture work and lighting on the system. It's probably my most played Sega Saturn game, but be warned - you'll be using a walkthrough the entire way. There's no other game like it.
Battle Garegga for the best 2D shooter to play. There are certainly many other incredible shoot em' ups worth trying out (Dodonpachi, Layer Section, etc.), but to be honest I can't understand why I get drawn to this one more. Maybe it's the adjustable difficulty, or the god-tier soundtrack. Honestly, just play every shooter on this system not named Terra Cresta 3D.
Sega Rally Championship is the best racer on the system. Near arcade perfect port. Special mention to High Velocity (Togue King)
Shinrei Jusatsushi Taroumaru for an awesome Japanese mythology themed platformer. The whole game is practically a boss rush but it's loads of fun. Graphically and audio-wise a show piece for the system's library. Like a mix of Shinobi and Contra, as well as Panzer Dragoon with it's lock-on mechanics. Speaking of...
Panzer Dragoon Saga and its predecessors are slam dunks, but Saga is probably the best RPG on the system. You'll probably need a cheat patch to play on a real Saturn if you're using a cartridge since the game has built in cheat protection. I don't think I really need to say anything about this game that hasn't been said. Find a way to play it.
It depends on what you want out of the games. I gravitate towards MiSTer because I primarily game on a CRT TV and it has native RGB Analog output that can be easily converted to S-Video with no lag. The appeal is basically the pros of original hardware with flashcarts combined with emulation. The best option is whatever any given person likes the best.
Sonic R
Sonic Jam
Sonic 3D Blast
Bulk Slash (both English Dub and Japanese Dub)
Mega Man 8
Saturn Bomberman
Saturn Bomberman Fight
Virtual On
Sakura Wars
Princess Crown
Virual Cop
Sega Rally
Gotta echo dropsmegamega and recommend Clockwork Knight 1 & 2.
Both are wonderful, having just the right level of jank and also containing very unique boss designs and overworld maps...seriously, even though the way you move between levels is automatic, I'd wager that it inspired some contemporary games...(Cuphead, for instance).
[Fun fact, the first Tomb Raider game was developed for the Saturn, the PSX port came 6 months later and they had to disable water effects and downgrade the lighting to get it running smoothly.]
Panzer Dragoon Trilogy
Grandia (Has fan translation)
Burning Rangers
Enemy Zero
Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge
If you haven't already buy yourself a Pseudo Saturn Kai, then you can just burn games.
It's the best entry level way to gain access to its library, optical drive replacements (so you can use SD Cards) are pricey.
Everything I would've thought of got mentioned here already, proud of y'all. Except Metal Black, Fighting Vipers, Batsugun, Donpachi, DoDonpachi, Rad Mobile (aka Gale Racer), and Darius Gaiden so go pick those up
It definitely feels like a game made for me, one of those gems out of time. Didn't take long for me to get good :] Only 2 levels in and I got a Perfect for finding all of the blue gems in a stage rating :3 For the levels I beat so far and re visiting the first level to acquire the Perfects there....an immaculate feeling I haven't felt from a game new to me in a while
After owning my system for a couple days, my standouts are NiGHTS and Fighters Megamix. I would prioritize Megamix unless you are just that opposed to fighting games because that game is super sick and is ONLY on Saturn. Still. It is well and truly trapped on that console.
I second the Bulk Slash recommendation. I just started playing the fan translated version. The gameplay is great. I can't believe they added English voice acting too. Whoever made this was a crack team!
Haven't seen it mentioned, but I am a big fan of Mystaria: Realms of Lore/Blazing Heroes. It's a great appetizer SRPG to play before you delve into Shining Force 3. Music slaps, the magic system is fun, and the character designs are wild. Definitely worth a look!
Check out Dark Saviour as well. It changed video games forever, for better or worse.
Also yeah the Panzer Dragoons and the Shining games all own!
Here are some Sega Saturn games that I had fun playing that I would recommend.
Saturn Bomberman: One of the two Bomberman games for the Sega Saturn. This game becomes very chaotic when you have more than 2 people playing this game on the same console at the same time. I have played this game with at least 3 other people on the same console at the same time. You can have up to 10 people playing this game on the same console at the same time.
Sonic R: A 3D Sonic The Hedgehog racing game featuring Sonic The Hedgehog characters. The soundtrack goes well with the courses, in my opinion.
Space Jam: A basketball game based off of the movie Space Jam.
Sonic Jam: This game has a compilation of Sonic The Hedgehog, Sonic The Hedgehog 2, Sonic The Hedgehog 3, Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic The Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, and Knuckles The Echidna in Sonic The Hedgehog 2. Also includes Sonic World, a 3D world for the player to explore.
Sonic 3D Blast: An isometric 3D Sonic The Hedgehog game. This game has an amazing soundtrack, in my opinion.
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