Saturn Vs Dreamcast

[Merchant]

I'm currently experiencing owning both a saturn with a saroo and a dreamcast with a gdemu.
My question is, which one do you personally think is best? I won't have a full answer for a while, because it will take a long time to play all these games lol.

Here is a short comparison from my end.

The saturn controllers are less comfy than dc, but have one of the best d pads on both the mk2 and the 3d pad.
I think the saturn looks cooler with its big bulky design and I love the logo. I find that I really like the pixel graphics on the saturn more than the dc but this is only a subjective. I like still having the disc drive and having all the games where as the gdemu is just for games; not sure if you can play music; which is a plus for the saturn. It is very hard to say which has the cooler menus and I would have to say the saturn is cooler but that the dc is very close ( shows how much I like the aesthetic of the two)

In terms of games I think that the saturn is best for 2d fighters, rpgs and shmups. The dc has more action games imo like jet set radio, maken x and sonic adventure.

In conclusion, I think the dc has the better variety and quantity of good games for my tastes, but the saturn is best for rpgs and shmups. They both have great 3d and 2d fighting games, fighters megamix being a fav. Definitely all my friends want to play the dreamcast more than the saturn tho I have noticed.

 

[Yousef]

dc better

 

[Blamhammer]

I had a lot of fun playing SF3 Third Strike with friends on the DC. Third Strike alone is enough to make me stick with the DC.
Then there’s Shenmue, Rez, Soul Caliber, Skies of Arcadia, Ikaruga, Crazy Taxi, and…GTA 3?!

 

[ladyerrant]

That really depends on what games you like more. If you prefer 2d games, Saturn is the clear answer. If you want early 3d, dreamcast. Both libraries are great, it just really comes down to personal preference.

 

[SecretStrategist]

While I love the Saturn and its unique library of great games that I occasionally play every now and then (Fighters Megamix, Burning Rangers, Sakura Wars, Street Fighter Alpha 3, Darkstalkers 3, Mega Man 8 and X4, Guardian Heroes, Radiant Silvergun, Bulk Slash, Thunder Force V, Twinkle Star Sprites, Daytona USA, Virtua Cop 2, Lunar 1 and 2), I usually prefer the Dreamcast as it had intense and awesome games that I always play from time to time (Sonic Adventure 1 and 2, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Capcom vs. SNK 2, Street Fighter III: Third Strike, Soulcalibur, Plasma Sword, Psychic Force 2012, Tech Romancer, Project Justice, Power Stone 1 and 2, Ikaruga, Crazy Taxi 1 and 2, The House of the Dead 2, Skies of Arcadia)

 

[ouyrtuy]

I prefer Saturn because I believe its library has aged better. I also think Saturn's intro beats the PS1's

 

[Somnia]

It is tough to say, honestly. It mostly comes down to what games you're looking for since their libraries are fairly unique in what they offer. I'd probably go Saturn since I'm a big fan of RPGs and while the Dreamcast has more of my favorite games on it the Saturn has more games I like or am fascinated by in general.

 

[dropsmegamega]

Saturn has stuff like Baroque and Panzer Dragoon Saga. And Saturn Bomberman is my favorite Bomberman of the series. So Saturn wins.

 

[DrunkOcelot]

I had a dreamcast as a kid. The answer is clearly Dreamcast. :P

 

[Merchant]

While I love the Saturn and its unique library of great games that I occasionally play every now and then (Fighters Megamix, Burning Rangers, Sakura Wars, Street Fighter Alpha 3, Darkstalkers 3, Mega Man 8 and X4, Guardian Heroes, Radiant Silvergun, Bulk Slash, Thunder Force V, Twinkle Star Sprites, Daytona USA, Virtua Cop 2, Lunar 1 and 2), I usually prefer the Dreamcast as it had intense and awesome games that I always play from time to time (Sonic Adventure 1 and 2, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Capcom vs. SNK 2, Street Fighter III: Third Strike, Soulcalibur, Plasma Sword, Psychic Force 2012, Tech Romancer, Project Justice, Power Stone 1 and 2, Ikaruga, Crazy Taxi 1 and 2, The House of the Dead 2, Skies of Arcadia)

I had no idea how much I would love sakura wars, it was really weird; but I've always liked tactical rpgs. I playing it at the moment, I really hope the sequel on the dc gets a translation.

 

[PrinceRogue]

For me It'd have to be Dreamcast, mainly becasue that's the one I've played the most. The idea of the VMU also is a really interesting take on the memory cards that I think is incredibly charming.

That said, Saturn gets a lot of points because of Sakura Wars haha.

I had no idea how much I would love sakura wars, it was really weird; but I've always liked tactical rpgs. I playing it at the moment, I really hope the sequel on the dc gets a translation.

Apparently, Sakura Wars 3 on the dreamcast is getting a translation, it's on the works! There's not a lot of info tho, but it is. And the Sakura Wars 2 translation patch is apparently almsot finished too, by the way!

 

[SkoomaCatJesus]

I'm currently experiencing owning both a saturn with a saroo and a dreamcast with a gdemu.
My question is, which one do you personally think is best? I won't have a full answer for a while, because it will take a long time to play all these games lol.

No! Don't cross the streams! LOL My friends and I have struggled to pick a 'best' between the two for years. I think the problem with the question is the novelty of both systems (very unusual with consoles). On the one hand, we have Illbleed and Shenmue. On the other hand we have Panzer Dragoon and Virtual Hydlide. But... The Dreamcast does have GGGG. That's tough, I'm still going to have to go with a strong both.

 

[Ikagura]

My nostalgia would choose Dreamcast.

 

[Merchant]

For me It'd have to be Dreamcast, mainly becasue that's the one I've played the most. The idea of the VMU also is a really interesting take on the memory cards that I think is incredibly charming.

That said, Saturn gets a lot of points because of Sakura Wars haha.


Apparently, Sakura Wars 3 on the dreamcast is getting a translation, it's on the works! There's not a lot of info tho, but it is. And the Sakura Wars 2 translation patch is apparently almsot finished too, by the way!

hyped

 

[stealthRUSH]

Plenty excellent replies above I think both consoles are phenomenal. I grew up with both first being Saturn in '96 then Dreamcast in '99. I agree with you on the controllers comment. Both systems excel in arcade ports from fighters, shooters, puzzle, racing, etc. It partly comes down to your genre preference on RPGs and if your more into multiplayer games since DC has easy access for 4-controllers without a multi-tap accessory.

In the end I prefer Sega Saturn for its vast library of games (1K compared to roughly 550) across the board, and having an affinity for the 5th generation graphics & presentation, but in the end you can't go wrong with either systems since they both have quality software.

 

[Zerpina]

I Never had a Saturn sadly, Still don't. i have played alot of the Library over time. But my Memory is as they say "Rose Tinted" by the Dreamcast. I had one when they where new. and Loved it. so, Throwing my Vote in on Dreamcast.

Tho i will say the Saturn had some Banger games

 

[Comster]

I prefer the Sega Dreamcast.

 

[What's His Face]

Oof. Asking the hard questions here. I can only answer by examining my favorite games on both systems.
...
After careful examination, which I will not bore you with, the Dreamcast is the clear winner. Fighters Megamix? Meet SoulCalibur. Panzer Dragoon Saga? Meet Skies of Arcadia. Astal? Meet Sonic Adventure 2. Resident Evil? Meet CODE: Veronica AND Illbleed. The games that might've turned the tide for the Saturn? Also on: Playstation.

 

[bjork]

I enjoyed my dreamcast and PSO is one of my all-time favorites, but I think I'd go with Saturn. The second, smaller controller is probably my favorite non-analog controller, and I think the library is just more interesting overall. DC definitely has the bigger hits and looks better visually, but there's something really charming to me about the Saturn's chunky textures and weird also-ran titles.

 

[TheREALBLUEdragon]

Both systems have lots of great games, it just depends on what style of retro you prefer I guess.

I think the Saturn has the better controller for games that don't need an analog stick; trying to play 2D fighting games with a DC controller just sucks. The DC pad is great for 3D platformers (Sonic Adventure & Rayman 2) and 3D fighting games (SoulCalibur & DOA 2) but is very awkward for anything else, especially first person shooters.

Aesthetically, I prefer the Saturn. The cool black styling just screams 90's Sega. There's also an aura of mystery around the Saturn that the Dreamcast just doesn't have. Mostly because so few people had one at the time compared to the super popular N64 and Playstation.

 

[Merchant]

Oof. Asking the hard questions here. I can only answer by examining my favorite games on both systems.
...
After careful examination, which I will not bore you with, the Dreamcast is the clear winner. Fighters Megamix? Meet SoulCalibur. Panzer Dragoon Saga? Meet Skies of Arcadia. Astal? Meet Sonic Adventure 2. Resident Evil? Meet CODE: Veronica AND Illbleed. The games that might've turned the tide for the Saturn? Also on: Playstation.

That does make sense tbf, I agree with all except skies of arcadia. I have not played either yet but panzer looks cooler.

Post automatically merged: Jan 13, 2025

Both systems have lots of great games, it just depends on what style of retro you prefer I guess.

I think the Saturn has the better controller for games that don't need an analog stick; trying to play 2D fighting games with a DC controller just sucks. The DC pad is great for 3D platformers (Sonic Adventure & Rayman 2) and 3D fighting games (SoulCalibur & DOA 2) but is very awkward for anything else, especially first person shooters.

Aesthetically, I prefer the Saturn. The cool black styling just screams 90's Sega. There's also an aura of mystery around the Saturn that the Dreamcast just doesn't have. Mostly because so few people had one at the time compared to the super popular N64 and Playstation.

totally agree, my friend said the dc had a better d pad, but he doesn't like 2d fighters so he just has a wild take. He is definately wrong though, the saturn has a great d pad, the dc is ok, worst for fighting tho

Post automatically merged: Jan 13, 2025

Oof. Asking the hard questions here. I can only answer by examining my favorite games on both systems.
...
After careful examination, which I will not bore you with, the Dreamcast is the clear winner. Fighters Megamix? Meet SoulCalibur. Panzer Dragoon Saga? Meet Skies of Arcadia. Astal? Meet Sonic Adventure 2. Resident Evil? Meet CODE: Veronica AND Illbleed. The games that might've turned the tide for the Saturn? Also on: Playstation.

i could argue the PlayStation has one of worst d-pads ever though in my opinion, So in a way that would make the saturn still better in a way. But that's a bit of a tangent lol.

 

[bjork]

Panzer Dragoon Saga? Meet Skies of Arcadia.

I hate to say anything negative, but no

 

[TheREALBLUEdragon]

Panzer Dragoon Saga? Meet Skies of Arcadia.

As someone who owns and has beaten both games. Both are excellent RPG's but PDS is my favourite and it's not even close.

 

[RebelofDaNeonGod]

This is like asking me to choose between both of my children. I think the DC is sliiiiiiiiiiiightly better than the Saturn, but by the smallest of margins. They both have super solid libraries and they both sauce to them, appearance-wise.

 

[zacharinolongpants]

I'm currently experiencing owning both a saturn with a saroo and a dreamcast with a gdemu.
My question is, which one do you personally think is best? I won't have a full answer for a while, because it will take a long time to play all these games lol.

Here is a short comparison from my end.

The saturn controllers are less comfy than dc, but have one of the best d pads on both the mk2 and the 3d pad.
I think the saturn looks cooler with its big bulky design and I love the logo. I find that I really like the pixel graphics on the saturn more than the dc but this is only a subjective. I like still having the disc drive and having all the games where as the gdemu is just for games; not sure if you can play music; which is a plus for the saturn. It is very hard to say which has the cooler menus and I would have to say the saturn is cooler but that the dc is very close ( shows how much I like the aesthetic of the two)

In terms of games I think that the saturn is best for 2d fighters, rpgs and shmups. The dc has more action games imo like jet set radio, maken x and sonic adventure.

In conclusion, I think the dc has the better variety and quantity of good games for my tastes, but the saturn is best for rpgs and shmups. They both have great 3d and 2d fighting games, fighters megamix being a fav. Definitely all my friends want to play the dreamcast more than the saturn tho I have noticed.

I feel like if I could read Japanese, I'd say the Saturn. But as it stands, the Dreamcast has a healthy volume of accessible classics for English speakers that everybody else has already brought up. I still love the overall vibe and period the Saturn existed in. Street Fighter Alpha 3 is dope on DC. Oh and if you can find it, Twinkle Star Sprites (silly name, I know lol) is a ridiculously awesome shoot'em up that's arranged like a VS puzzle game if you have some folks to play with.