Life and Death of the Sega Saturn

Legacy of the Sega Saturn

Released in 1994 in Japan, and later in North America and Europe in 1995, the Sega Saturn was Sega’s 32-bit console of the fifth generation. Having a whopping total of eight processors, (two CPUs’ and six other processors for audio and display) the Saturn was a powerhouse compared to the N64 (1996) and Playstation (1994)

This complex hardware system provided developers with extended creative limits, resulting in remarkable Saturn exclusive titles such as the Panzer Dragoon series, Nights into Dreams, Clockwork Knight, Dragon Force, Guardian Heroes and many others. The Saturn also created successful ports of popular arcade titles including The House of The Dead, Die Hard Arcade, Daytona USA, Sega Rally Championship, Virtua Fighter, and Virtua Cop.

Due to the Saturn’s popularity in Japan, there is a vast selection of Japan only titles that were never released to North America and Europe. Popular imports include ( Elevator Action Returns, Dungeons & Dragons Collection, Radiant Silvergun, and Marvel Superheroes vs. Street Fighter ). Although the Sega Saturn is region locked, imports can easily be played with a 4MB RAM Cartridge or by a conversion service.

Unfortunately, with a price of $399 compared to the Playstation’s $299, the Sega Saturn began to struggle. With sales totalling of 9.5 million units, the Sega Saturn was then discontinued in North America in 1998. However, the Sega Saturn continued in Japan until its final discontinuation in 2000.

10 Most Popular Sega Saturn Exclusive Titles (-)

# 1

Virtua Fighter 2

The sequel of the first 3D fighting game to be released on console. An exclusive Saturn title that was the highest selling game for the system.

# 2

Sega Rally Championship

This console port of Sega Rally is arguably the best racing game on the Sega Saturn.

# 3

Virtua Cop

The Virtua Cop game to be released on console. An exclusive Saturn title that was Virtua Fighter but like, as a cop.

# 4

NIGHTS into Dreams

A unique platformer in beautiful 3D dream worlds. Plays exceptionally well with a 3D controller.

# 5

Daytona USA

Sega’s classic arcade racing title ported exclusively to the Saturn. Check out the Championship edition for extra courses and music tracks.

# 6

Panzer Dragoon

Nintendo had Star Fox, but Sega had Panzer Dragoon. Fly around and take down enemies in this amazing 3D rail shooter.

# 7

Saturn Bomberman

The Saturn version of Super Bomberman is often regarded as the best. With use of a multitap, up to 10 players can play at once.

# 8

Shining Force III

An excellent turn based RPG for the Saturn.

# 9

Guardian Heroes

The best Co-op beat em up game the Saturn has to offer!

# 10

Burning Rangers

Rather save lives than end them? Rescue civilians in extreme hazardous environments.

10 Sega Saturn Games You Should Avoid at All Costs (+)

10 Rarest Sega Saturn Games (+)

10 Most Creative Sega Saturn Games (+)