Top 100 Best Sega Saturn Games of All Time

Making a list of the best Sega Saturn games is no easy task. The console is the most underrated piece of hardware in video game history in my opinion. Many just know it as a failed console. The hardware R&D team did a rush job which resulted in confusing and odd architecture. That, and perception at the time of release led consumers to believe it didn’t have as many good titles as the other consoles. That’s though is absolutely incorrect! I began this list with the intent of listing just fifty titles, but I soon realized I couldn’t make a list of the best Sega Saturn games without mentioning one hundred. If you’ve been on the fence about collecting for the 32-bit system then by all means dive right in. You can use this list as your guide! Without further delay these are the top 100 best Sega Saturn games!

#100. – Mahou Gakuen Lunar!

I should have mentioned in the introduction that this list contains a lot of import titles. You really can’t avoid them because they represent some of the best Sega Saturn games of all time! Mahou Gakuen Lunar is a remake of the Game Gear title which served as a Gaiden to the original series. Here you play as three aspiring magicians attending the magical school of Vane. Combat is similar to past titles with a strict turn based combat system, but this time around it’s focused almost entirely around the magic aspect. I find that aspect unique from other RPGs of the time. Unfortunately there’s no fan translation yet available so you’ll have to use a guide. It’s easier than it sounds. I’d recommend Lunar: Magic School only to fans of the franchise. You have to have some vested interest in the story to get into this one.

#99. – Mega Man X3

I know, I know. I’ve trashed on Mega Man X3 in the past but what is a poor Mega Man game is actually a pretty good game on it’s own merits. X3 was originally released for the Super Nintendo but got an enhanced port on the Saturn/PS1 in Japan and Europe. That is the version I’m talking about today. While FMVs have been added for the storyline the graphics remain otherwise unchanged aside from a weird border on the sides of the screen. What is however is the soundtrack which is entirely redbook audio now. There’s also no new content, but the gameplay is strong enough that this isn’t a huge issue. If you’re hungry for Mega Man and own only a Saturn then this is a sure bet. Despite it’s issues it’s still one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#98. – Keio Flying Squadron 2

This one is kind of a weird choice for a list of the best Sega Saturn games. The original came out exclusively for the Sega CD. It was a shmup, but this sequel is not. While there are a few shooter stages the concept was put on the backburner. Instead Keio Flying Squadron 2 is mostly a side scrolling platformer. This game offers up the same zany brand of cutesy Japanese style that fans of the original loved. It’s bright and colorful with some really wacky character designs and stages. There’s a huge Japanese vibe going on so if you’re into that sort of thing you’ll feel right at home here. The change in genre is a bit jarring at first but makes sense with the franchise. If you’re looking for a low key good platformer Keio Flying Squadron 2 is a good choice.

#97. – Waku Waku 7

Here we have the first (but not last) Neo Geo port on this list. Waku Waku 7 is not a fighting game that takes itself seriously. I mean, one of the characters is a giant rabbit, Totoro like creature for crying out loud! It’s a beautifully detailed, colorful, and over the top 2D fighter. It’s a parody game of sorts with characters that poke fun at the rosters of other similar titles. At it’s core it plays like a typical SNK fighting game with four attack buttons as well as screen zooming when the characters get close. The combo system is enjoyable, and the game’s engine runs super smoothly. It’s a lot of fun to play, and the graphics and killer soundtrack push it to the limits. Waku Waku 7 is easily one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#96. – Saturn Bomberman Fight!!

You can’t go wrong with Bomberman. The franchise was particularly strong on the Sega Saturn. Saturn Bomberman is the best title in the series after all. We aren’t talking about that one (yet). Instead this is Saturn Bomberman Fight. Unfortunately this was a Japan exclusive. What’s interesting is that the game is fully 3D, and is viewed from an isometric perspective. This makes Saturn Bomberman Fight one of the more unique installments in the franchise. Honestly I’d have preferred something more traditional, but we already got that so I can’t complain too much. At it’s core this is an arena action/puzzle title. You set bombs that blow up in a cross shape, and must use them to defeat all enemies per stage. It’s a bit different from other Bomberman titles, but it’s still one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#95. – Magic Knight Rayearth

Back when the Sega Saturn was primed to be the RPG console of it’s generation (crazy, I know) Magic Knight Rayearth had a fair amount of hype. It was based off of the anime series of the same name, and tells basically the same story. This is an overhead action RPG hybrid where you dispatch foes in real-time. You can switch between the three main characters and each has their own weapons and spells. While Magic Knight Rayearth is a very beautiful game it’s strictly 2D. Gameplay is a bit simplistic and formulaic. You explore a town, and then dungeon with a boss at the end. Rinse lather and repeat. Regardless it’s one of the best Sega Saturn games ever. This is also not only the last Working Designs game on a Sega platform, but also the final game to grace the console.

#94. – Croc: Legend of the Gobbos

Most who played this game did so on the Sony PlayStation. The publishers didn’t leave the Sega Saturn out, and it helps fill the niche of 3D platformers on the console quite well. Croc has you playing as a goofy cartoon as you explore small environments collecting items, defeating enemies, and jumping over cliffs and on to platforms. It’s a pretty basic game that doesn’t do a lot different. It is however charming and well designed. The only real issue I have is that the controls are a bit odd. This one was released after Super Mario 64, but for some reason Croc moves kind of like a tank. Turning and walking is a bit unwieldly. Regardless it’s a good game and still well worth playing. The Saturn port fares surprisingly well.

#93. – Clockwork Knight

For better or worse Sega was dedicated to making new franchises in the 32-bit era. If they had their heads on straight they would have been more focused on bringing an original Sonic title to the platform at launch, but that’s just my two cents. Clockwork Knight was their attempt at a digitized 2D platformer. You play as a wind-up toy knight armed with a key as his sword. It’s his only attack which means gameplay is pretty simple and limited. He also moves pretty slow but thankfully the game isn’t too demanding in terms of platforming. The graphics hold up surprisingly well. The characters are all digitized sprites while the backgrounds are 3D. The mix looks really good, especially when you reach the 3D bosses. This is definitely one of the best Sega Saturn games.

#92. – Princess Crown

When it comes to Sega Saturn imports Princess Crown is usually at the top of the list. Because it’s a side scrolling RPG there’s less of a language barrier, after all. While I did like it I find this one to be a tad overrated. You guide four different characters across various linear paths, and the world is segmented between these which gives a great sense of progression. You’ll find that it’s actually pretty hard to get lost. Combat is done in real-time as you can attack with your main weapon, walk and jump. Encounters occur at random (which is a great throwback to traditional RPGs) and while they’re fairly fun gameplay feels kind of like a simplistic beat ’em up. The high point is definitely the graphics here. Despite being overrated Princess Crown is still one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#91. – Steep Slope Sliders

Snowboarding games were just starting to catch on in the 32-bit era. The Nintendo 64 had 1080 Degree Snowboarding, and the PlayStation offered up Cool Boarders. Sega’s console had steep slope sliders to compete, and in my opinion it compares very favorably to the competition. The graphics in particular transcend what most thought were possible on the console, but that’s not why it’s one of the best Sega Saturn games. The reason I like this one so much is because the physics make it feel more like you’re actually sliding down a snowy mountain than in most other snowboarding games. I also really like the method for performing tricks because it feels more natural using specific face buttons instead of simply holding down a direction. In my opinion Steep Slope Sliders is better than any Cool Boarders title from this generation.

#90. – Shinrei Jutatsushi Taromaru

Here’s yet another import only game (that’s the common theme of this list). It’s not difficult to see why this one was left in Japan. This is a 2.5D side scrolling action platformer which takes place in feudal Asia. You play as one of two ninja bounty hunters tasked with unleashing maximum carnage in every level. What’s interesting about Shinrei Jutatsushi Taromaru is the fact that most of your attacks are projectiles. There’s an on-screen reticule that automatically locks on to foes. While this sounds counterintuitive it works surprisingly well and let’s you focus on dodging attacks. Make no mistake though; despite the auto-aim this is an incredibly difficult title. You’ll find the screen is often filled with enemies and so you’ll have to focus on dodging while shooting. It’s a fun romp despite the frustration, and is easily one of the best Sega Saturn games.

#89. – Super Tempo

The original Tempo was a platformer released by Sega that few ever played. Why is that? The fact that it was released only on the ill fated Sega 32X. Surprisingly they followed it up with a sequel in Super Tempo, but for some reason it was a Japan-only release. Super Tempo is hands down one of the best looking titles for the Sega Saturn. It’s strictly 2D and plays on the strengths of the console well. The animations are absolutely chock full of detail, and the vibrant and colorful style is very appealing. As far as issues go the only one I really had is that the level designs aren’t up to par with most platformers of this generation. They’re a bit simplistic and it’s clear more effort was put into the graphics than actual gameplay. Regardless it’s still one of the best Sega Saturn games.

#88. – Twinkle Star Sprites

I mention Twinkle Star Sprites a lot on this blog. That’s because it was released for a myriad of different consoles, and each version is amazing. This is why it has been included on my list of the best Sega Saturn games. Twinkle Star Sprites is a combination vertical shooter and puzzle game. From screenshots it looks reminiscent of Tetris with a split screen with two play areas. The goal is to attack incoming foes using combinations which rains destruction down on the other player. It sounds really neat on paper, and the execution is fantastic. The cutesy art style may put some players off but in my opinion it’s fairly charming. Twinkle Star Sprites is one of the best puzzle games around.

#87. – Robotica

A little known fact is that the Sega Saturn had it’s fair share of first person shooters. Pretty impressive for a console known to struggle with 3D, eh? Robotica was an early release for the console and it’s a bit overlooked in my opinion. You play as a human aboard a mecha robot armed to the teeth with different weapons. In Robotica your goal is to explore an abandoned space station and destroy the mechanical menaces from within. What’s interesting about it is the fact that the stages are all randomly generated. This means no two play throughs will be the same. Robotica may be a bit dated by today’s standards but it’s pretty fun and easily one of the best Sega Saturn games ever released.

#86. – Loaded

Speaking of dated but still fun we now arrive at Loaded. This was one of those ‘edgy’ 90s games with gratuitous violence and blood just for the sake of it. That’s okay because gameplay is fun to the point that I would still call this one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. Loaded is an overhead shooter wherein you play as six different characters with separate attacks and abilities. They’re over the top psychopaths with, let’s just say, interesting designs to say the least. Gameplay is fast and frenetic as you shoot your way through a variety of labyrinthine stages leaving trails of blood in your wake. The frustration of exploration is cut down with a handy map at the top of the screen. Loaded is kind of a hard sell but I like it plenty and this Sega Saturn edition is great.

#85. – Ninpen Manmaru

Ninpen Manmaru was an interesting release for multiple reasons. For one it was a fully 3D platformer (something the Sega Saturn struggled with). It was also one of the select few titles published by Enix for the platform. Regardless Ninpen Manmaru is one of the most ambitious and impressive games on Sega’s 32-bit console. It’s also one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. In it you play as a ninja penguin who must collect items and reach a goal in each arena shaped stage. He can’t attack and must instead dodge foes. The controls take a little getting used to (this was the infancy of 3D gaming after all). Once you get the hang of things it’s a lot of fun.

#84. – Virtua Cop

Sega’s premiere 3D games for the Sega Saturn all had the word ‘Virtua’ in their name and for good reason. Polygonal graphics were far more realistic than sprites. Regardless, Virtua Cop itself is a light gun game where you take on the role of a law enforcement officer ridding the city of crime. You automatically progress as you gun down all criminals on-screen. Civilians will also rear their head from time to time so you have to be careful to avoid dispatching them because it costs you health. There aren’t really any bells and whistles or special gimmicks here. It’s just pure light gun goodness. If that’s what you’re looking for then Virtua Cop is a fantastic choice.

#83. – Savaki

Sometimes you just want to jump into a well designed game and don’t care about story. That’s where Savaki has your back. This very impressive 3D fighting game had little care put into it’s story and characters. What it does offer is realistic fighting styles, and one arena in which to duke it out. I mean, the characters are named after their martial arts discipline after all. It’s a bit strange but the fighting engine is exceptional. You have different strike zones, as well as counters and fake outs. If you really take the time to learn this one you’ll find it’s truly one of the best Sega Saturn games. I don’t play fighters for their story so I have no qualms with the simplistic approach.

#82. – Sakura Taisen: Hanagumi Taisen Columns

You’ll discover later on in this list that I’m a huge Sakura Taisen fan. There’s just something indescribable special about Sega RPGs. With the popularity of Sakura Taisen the house of hedgehog began pushing a few spin-off titles to keep fans at bay in between major releases. Hanagumi Columns is one of these such games. It’s basically a pretty version of the classic Columns but with characters from the aforementioned series. There’s a lot of voice acting as well as nicely rendered bromides in the background. There’s even a story mode lending itself to more of a visual novel. I like Columns, and I love Sakura Taisen so of course I’m going to include this one on my list of the best Sega Saturn games.

#81. – Clockwork Knight 2

The original Clockwork Knight was a short lived, but ultimately enjoyable 2D platformer. It was one of the best Sega Saturn games despite it’s length, and I wanted more. Sega came to the rescue with a sequel, and it’s even better than the first. Fortunately gameplay hasn’t been altered in any significant way. You still trek across 2D planes dispatching digitized enemies and performing some light platforming duty. There are a few small changes but these are mostly relegated to secret items that unlock bonuses. Now you can also ride atop the back of a toy horse in specific stages which means forced scrolling. Clockwork Knight 2 is the superior release, and is worth playing even today. It hasn’t even been released on another platform so grab it for the Sega Saturn if you can.

#80. – Wipeout

Wipeout is better known on the PlayStation where it had multiple sequels. Most fans don’t even realize it came out here too, and it’s easily one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. Wipeout is a futuristic racer where you compete in new fangled hovercrafts that move at lightning speed. The game takes some notes from Mario Kart with weapons you can pick up and shoot at your foes. Of course it’s a lot less goofy and stylish. The first thing that really captivated me about this title is how smoothly it runs. Surely Wipeout pushes the console pretty hard and still manages to maintain a solid framerate. The techno music is also fantastic and I find it fits the futuristic racing action extremely well.

#79. – Christmas NiGHTs

Often considered to be just a sampler disc Christmas NiGHTs is actually so much more. At it’s core it’s a demo of the first stage of NiGHTs Into Dreams. Things change when the internal calendar in the console nears the holiday season. The landscapes are suddenly covered in snow, and the usual electronic pop music is replaced with Christmas jingles. As you complete the stages you unlock incredible bonus content, and this is the reason I consider this a full release. Bonus content includes little things like photos, a karaoke mode of the theme song Dream Dreams, and even trailers for the original NiGHTs Into Dreams. The best addition however is the final bonus which lets you play as Sonic the hedgehog in the main game. It may just be a bonus disc for some, but for me it’s one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#78. – Gale Racer

It’s really surprising that Sega never released this one outside of Japan. Gale Racer is a port of the arcade title of the same name. As you can probably guess it’s a racing title, but it’s a little different from Sega’s typical fare. For one thing you can only play from a first person perspective viewing the action from behind the wheel. In terms of gameplay it’s similar to Outrun in that it’s more of a driving game than anything. Your goal is only to make it to the end of the track before time runs out, at which point you move on to the next event. It’s pretty simple all things said, but gameplay is fun and very addictive. You can’t go wrong with Sega’s classic racing titles.

#77. – Duke Nukem 3D

Here’s another first person shooter, and this one is a PC port to boot. I’ve always loved the Duke Nukem franchise and was surprised at just how competent this Sega Saturn version is. Best yet, I found it at a second hand store a few years back for $5. You can’t beat that! The engine runs surprisingly smoothly, and in my opinion it’s better than the PS1 release in that regard. You get a great sense of weight as you run around, and the fact that the camera sways when you turn is fantastic. What’s interesting is the fact that this edition also includes Sega Netlink support so it can be played online. There’s even an exclusive stage that hasn’t been released elsewhere since. If you’re hungry for some testosterone fueled shooting action then look no further. This is one of the best Sega Saturn games.

#76. – Gex

Gex was once the poster child for the ill-fated Panasonic 3DO console. Crystal Dynamics wasn’t going to let their lizard friend die on that platform and thus released ports for both the Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn. It’s just as fun as it ever was here, and that’s saying a lot! As you can tell I even consider it one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. Gex is a 2D side scrolling platformer with digitized graphics. The level designs are fun and refreshing, but what sets this one apart is it’s sense of humor. Gex routinely makes wise cracks and pop culture references, and it’s really charming and sometimes mildly funny. The whole game is kind of a riff on pop culture and I love it for that.

#75. – Dark Seed

Here’s where things get interesting. Dark Seed was originally released for PC. It’s a point and click adventure game with heavy horror elements. It’s based off artwork by HR Giger (of Alien fame) and saw a Sega Saturn release only in Japan. Thankfully all of the voice overs are in English so it’s not that difficult to follow. You play as Mike Dawson, a writer, who has just moved into a sprawling estate with a dark history. He has dreams about aliens implanting embryos into his head, and awakens with headaches every morning. As you solve the mysteries you begin to learn that his dreams are reality, and you have to travel between two worlds to save him. It’s a dark and haunting story that I really loved. It’s also very import friendly so I recommend jumping right in.

#74. – Daytona USA

There’s no getting around it. Daytona USA is a bad arcade port, and was clearly rushed to launch. That doesn’t mean it isn’t fun, and one of the best Sega Saturn games though. This one is a fast and furious racer where you’re up against a myriad of computer opponents and an unforgiving clock. Unfortunately the graphics are rather rough. The framerate is low, and the track suffers from the typical pop-in the Saturn was known for. I really do like how your car sustains damage though, and it’s a neat effect we hadn’t really seen up to this point. There’s also very little content. You have a few tracks, a mirror mode, and that’s about it. The gameplay engine however is a lot of fun, and I had a blast refining my skills.

#73. – Tempest 2000

Tempest 2000 is widely considered the greatest title on the Atari Jaguar. Thankfully it wasn’t left to die there, and the 32-bit consoles got an improved port. Tempest 2000 is a simple shooter where you guide your ship along a winding tube-like plane. You can only move left and right, and have to defeat incoming enemies as you compete for high scores. It’s simple arcade action, and while it doesn’t sound like anything fancy there’s something super addictive about this one’s gameplay. It also feels very retro even by the standards of back when it was released. The Jaguar’s greatest treasure is easily one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#72. – Linkle Liver Story

Yeah, try saying that name three times in a row! Linkle Liver Story is an action adventure RPG hybrid where you play as an anime style fox-girl that has to trek through an overworld with dungeons defeating foes every step of the way. It’s kind of a Zelda clone, but Linkle Liver Story has enough new ideas of it’s own. You collect and plant seeds which grants you new weapons. I found the system pretty unique and it’s primarily what kept me going. The graphics are really beautiful with colorful sprites which paint a unique looking fairy tale world. It may not be the best action RPG around but it has heart, and that goes a long way in the genre. Linkle Liver Story is a Japan only release but it does have a good fan translation available.

#71. – Code R

This is one of the more difficult to play import games on the list, and there’s no translation or guide available. I had to hold my phone up with google translate to figure out exactly what was going on to be honest. At its core Code R is a racing game, and it’s probably the most technically impressive one on the Saturn at that. The lighting effects in particular are really good for the platform. That, and the framerate holds remarkably steady. Honestly the racing segments are a lot of fun to play thanks to the competent engine. Unfortunately the story mode is kind of a visual novel/dating affair. It’s not my cup of tea, but at least you get to hit the track every once in a while. Despite the language barrier Code R is still one of the best Sega Saturn games ever released.

#70. – Legend of Oasis

Nowadays it seems like most gamers have forgotten all about Beyond Oasis on the Sega Genesis. It was meant to compete with Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda series by offering a similar top down action adventure experience. Even less people remember Legend of Oasis which is a shame because this follow up is one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. It plays very similarly to the original with action adventure gameplay mixed with beat ’em up elements. The first thing you’ll notice is how beautiful the graphics are. There’s a watercolor hand drawn quality to them and everything animates with surprising fluidity. The Sega Saturn was a bit lacking in this genre, and I whole heartedly recommend fans check out this hidden gem.

#69. – Baku Baku

This game gets the award for being the ugliest game on this list. Baku Baku was a bit hard for me to stomach at first because of it’s strange digitized style and focus on real world animals. You see, it’s a puzzle game like Tetris but instead of the blocks being colored different they’re instead animals and food. You eliminate these by placing animals adjacent to the food they like. This causes the beasts to go into a feeding frenzy and destroy them. Sounds simple, right? Well it is, but the concept is pretty unique to be honest. Despite being so ugly the game itself has a truly addictive quality to it, and it’s easily one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#68. – Darius Gaiden

Shmups were in their dying throes by the time the 32-bit era came around. What was once one of the most popular genres became niche almost overnight. It was good to see some developers kept at it though. You can always count on Taito and their Darius series to deliver the goods. Darius Gaiden was released for the Sega Saturn in 1996. The developers were able to pull of a near arcade perfect port and it looks absolutely amazing. The game foregoes polygonal graphics in favor of sprites and it’s all the more stronger for it. Darius Gaiden is a bit more serious than past installments but retains the robotic nautical theme the franchise is known for. Darius Gaiden is easily one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#67. – Quake

Surprise! The Sega Saturn even had a port of the PC classic first person shooter Quake. It’s like Doom and Duke Nukem 3D but significantly more dynamic. Here you can jump and even aim upwards. While this doesn’t sound particularly huge back then it was. The ability to platform really added a lot to the genre and it’s level designs. Quake is easily one of the best Sega Saturn games, but not just in terms of gameplay. Graphically this is one impressive 32-bit titles. The engine it runs on is surprisingly smooth and most of the geometry from the PC version is intact. I particularly like the colorful lighting effects which looked amazing back then. What’s more is the fact that this is the only 32-bit version of Quake around, and so I recommend jumping on it.

#66. – Mr. Bones

Sega was, if anything else, innovative in the 32-bit era. Unfortunately this meant that they did just about everything they could to release a true blue original mainline Sonic title for the Sega Saturn. I will never understand why they were so invested in new franchises. Were they not we never would have had classic like Mr Bones. This is a multi genre title where you play as a skeleton out to defeat an army of his fellow undead denizens. The best part about Mr Bones is how different each stage is. This is primarily a 2D platformer but the perspective often changes, and some stages are mini-games. I particularly like the one where you have to play music to the beat to win. Mr Bones is an amazing title and easily one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#65. – Die Hard Arcade

Beat em ups were clearly left in the dust when the 32-bit consoles launched. I guess arcades were dying down outside of Japan, and few developers were willing to take the chance. Thankfully AM1 didn’t get the memo and launched Die Hard Arcade (known as Dynamite Deka in Japan) for the platform. I absolutely fell in love with it right away. A serious beat ’em up title this is not. It’s super over the top with fast and furious action, crazy weapons, set pieces, and more. It feels a bit goofy but the gameplay is solid and it actually feels like a natural evolution of the genre. I know many will disagree with me right here but I consider it one of the best Sega Saturn games.

#64. – Mega Man 8

It’s a real surprise that Capcom continued the plain old Mega Man series long after X hit the scene, but here we are. What’s also shocking is that part 8 is actually one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time even if it’s not exclusive. It’s classic Mega Man gameplay; you choose the order you want to tackle the stages, and gain the primary weapon of the robot master boss. Rinse, lather, and repeat. There are a few things I didn’t particularly like though. Capcom decided to go a more kid friendly route this time around. As if Mega Man even needed it. Furthermore they included animated cut scenes with by far some of the worst voice acting of the era. If you’re hungry for a 2D platformer then you can’t go wrong with Mega Man 8.

#63. – Wachenroder

Sega must have had something against RPGs at the time because they left this first party strategy role playing game in Japan only. Wachenroder is a game that few have heard about. Even most import enthusiasts seem confused when they hear the name. It plays very similar to Final Fantasy Tactics and Tactics Ogre. Battles are strictly turn based and you move character across a 3D grid battlefield. You can attack, use magic, etc during your turn. No big surprises in that field. What makes Wachenroder unique is it’s style. It uses a steampunk motif that looks amazing and allows for a really unique atmosphere. It’s a shame it’s so unknown because Wachenroder is actually one of the best Sega Saturn games ever released.

#62. – Elevator Action Returns

Okay so I understand why this one wasn’t localized. Elevator Action wasn’t exactly a household name (outside of my home). Furthermore the 2D graphics ensured this one wouldn’t top sales charts. Regardless I’m a huge fan of the original title, and years later I was able to rediscover my love for it with this sequel. Your goal is still to travel through a specific number of red doors and then hit the exit. Along the way foes will come after you and you have to shoot them dead. The major addition here is the ability to shoot in multiple directions. There is also more diversity in hazards and enemy types as well. This is one of the most underrated games for the Sega Saturn.

#61. – Night Warriors: Darkstalkers Revenge

Sony had an exclusive deal with Capcom when it came to the Darkstalkers franchise. Fortunately the publisher found a work around to put this one on Sega’s console. This is a port of the arcade version of Darkstalkers 2. I’ve always liked this series and how it works in conventions from Street Fighter Alpha but uses a cartoon horror motif for it’s characters and environments. It’s a traditional 2D fighting game of the era with half moon swipes on the directional pad for most of the special moves and an intricate combo system. The characters have a ton of frames and look absolutely amazing in motion. My only gripe is that some of them have rather large hitboxes, but this is forgivable. Darkstalkers 2 is easily one of the best Sega Saturn games.

#60. – Dragon Force II

The original Dragon Force is my favorite strategy RPG game of all time. So how is the sequel? Well, it’s still good but doesn’t measure up. The developers got everything mostly right but seem to have forgotten what made the original so good. In this strategy RPG you play as a nation in the fantastical medieval fantasy world of Legendra. The story picks up decades later and a new threat is rising up and the countries in this world must unite to battle it. Unfortunately the storylines are now much more linear. That directly conflicts with what fans loved so much about the original. Allowing you to use two troop types at once is nice, but it doesn’t make up for the aforementioned issue. Regardless Dragon Force II is still one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#59. – Mortal Kombat II

It’s interesting that Midway decided to release the second game for the Sega Saturn after the third had already released. Regardless I’m glad they made this decision for the simple fact that it’s better. The port has the same content as the arcade original (and therefore the 16-bit ports) but with enhanced graphics that look absolutely amazing. The visuals aren’t the reason why this is one of the best Sega Saturn games however. The characters, atmosphere, and combo system really push this one above your average 2D fighting game of the generation. I’d go so far as to say that this is the definitive release of Mortal Kombat II.

#58. – Real Bout Garou Densetsu

If you thought we were done with Neo Geo ports on this list then you were wrong. Garou Densetsu is better known as Fatal Fury in the West, and the ‘Real Bout’ games are the evolution from the original titles. Despite still being limited to 2D gameplay there have been several enhancements. These include super moves, new characters, and significantly enhanced graphics. Gameplay pacing has been sped up and SNK really hit the sweet spot with this release. I’m a seasoned fighting game fan and I loved how I could jump right in, but that the combat mechanics took quite a bit of time to really wrap my head around. Absolutely get this one if you can.

#57. – Dark Legend

Almost no one has heard of this title. This is a real shame considering how forward thinking it is. Dark Legend is a 2D weapons based fighter, but the swords aren’t just for show. They actually affect gameplay in a few ways. You can destroy your foes weapon and they continue fighting with just their fists. This changes the mechanics behind them, and you’ll have to master characters both with and without weapons in order to be successful here. I absolutely love this. It’s also interesting to note that not a lot of fighting games were based on feudal China at the time. This gives Dark Legend a different flavor from just about every other fighter of this era. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; Dark Legend is one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#56. – Astal

I have mixed feelings about Astal. Seriously, my opinion changes almost daily on this one. Astal was an early release for the console, and I’ve come to decide that it really is one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. It’s clear that this one was in development early on at the time when the house of hedgehog thought the future was in 2D. This is after all a side view platformer that uses sprites exclusively. It’s also a bit limited and compares unfavorably with it’s 16-bit contemporaries. Astal is however absolutely beautiful. You won’t find many games from this era that look nearly as nice. Gameplay is however a bit limited, but it’s still a really fun romp. As long as you can get past the repetition and limited moveset you’ll be in for a good time.

#55. – Bulk Slash

It’s a real crying shame that Bulk Slash was never released in the West. It shows off what many thought the Sega Saturn couldn’t pull off with it’s free roaming large environments and all. Bulk Slash is not only one of the most technically competent titles for the platform but also one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. At first I expected this one to feel like Virtual On but it becomes clear that’s not what the developers were going for. Bulk Slash is a mech game at heart, but you can transform your robot into a jet to cover more area at a time. The different gameplay types mesh well and you’ll have to use both to be successful. This is yet another case where publishers left the best Sega Saturn games only in Japan. This one would have turned some heads for sure.

#54. – Thunder Force V

Thunder Force was an absolutely huge franchise on the Sega Genesis. That’s back when the genre was at it’s peak in popularity. Thankfully Thunder Force V limped on to the Sega Saturn. What I mean by that is it came out on the platform in Japan only while launching worldwide on the Sony PlayStation. Regardless this is the version that I prefer, and it’s one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. Thunder Force V makes great use of the hardware with some really neat 2.5D effects. The ships and enemies are all rendered in polygons which looks very nice. If you’re looking for a Saturn shooter this isn’t a bad choice.

#53. – Steamgear Mash

I don’t blame Takara for leaving this one as a Japan only release. If there was one genre that never caught on it was isometric 2D platformers. I have to admit that I never really got this approach. That is, until I tried Steamgear Mash. It’s a little strange at first; you play as a robot armed with a gun. Aiming is weird, and platforming imprecise. The level designs are really interesting however, and that’s what makes this one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. I really like the toy motif here, and there’s a rare innocence about this game. Initially I expected to hate it, but Steamgear Mash really won me over in spades. It’s an underrated gem for sure, and should be picked up by anyone who owns the console.

#52. – Dark Savior

Remember Landstalker on the Genesis? Dark Savior is the spiritual successor, and it plays very similarly. This is an action RPG played from an isometric perspective. I know, I know. That perspective seems to be a common theme with this list, but I can’t help it if so many of the best Sega Saturn games used it. Regardless Dark Savior has a lot going for it. The story, while simple, is very charming and there’s that early 32-bit atmosphere here that I can never get enough of. I also really love the visuals. The combination of sprites and polygons will always be a favorite of mine, and it’s a big part of what keeps Dark Savior so replayable now. Seriously, get this one if you can.

#51. – Sonic Jam

Sega finally realized near the end of the Saturn’s life that they needed a 3D Sonic game. The problem was that they waited so long to deliver one. In the end they had to throw together what they had, and the end result is Sonic Jam. The world is only one level devoid of enemies but it sure showed off what the blue blur could do in the 3D realm. Sega threw in emulated versions of their Sonic games to round out the package. It’s a pretty neat game. Not only is the emulation on point but the Sonic World mode is really fun to explore. You can also watch classic Sonic commercials and stills. This is probably one of the best compilations ever released.

#50. – Rayman

Rayman is an interesting case. Few know that this started out life on the Atari Jaguar, and was only later ported to 32-bit consoles. It’s pretty interesting that both Sony and Sega allowed a 2D platformer onto their systems but here we are. It’s a very beautiful game with excellent level design. Rayman is particularly neat because of your characters abilities. In the beginning you can’t do much. You’re pretty much limited to just walking and jumping. As you progress you unlock a few more such as his ability to punch with his detached hands for example. It’s a bit slower paced but Rayman has more than a few tricks up it’s sleeve. The Sega Saturn version is my favorite of it’s ports even to this day.

#49. – Mortal Kombat Trilogy

Back when Mortal Kombat was all the rage one of the biggest console wars talking points at my school was how the Sega Saturn only had Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. It’s true that Midway took their sweet time porting this one over from the Sony PlayStation, but here it is almost fully intact in all it’s bloody glory. Mortal Kombat Trilogy was a true dream for fans of the franchise. It features pretty much all characters from the first three titles as well as some exclusives. The roster is absolutely huge and you have a ton of options. Even all of the stages are present here. It’s definitely one of the best Sega Saturn games despite some issues. A few graphical effects are missing as are some voice overs, but this is still a worthwhile port.

#48. – Tengai Makyou: Daiyon no Mokushiroku

The Tengai Makyou series was absolutely huge in Japan but never given a chance in the West. It’s a shame because it’s one of the greatest RPG series of all time. This was the lone 32-bit installment many mistakenly dub as Tengai Makyou 4, and it’s one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. Bear in mind you’ll need to use a translation guide, but it’s well worth the extra effort. Tengai Makyou: Daiyon no Mokushiroku is one of those RPGs that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It takes place in a super wacky version of the United States in the 1800s. It’s not accurate at all but that’s why I love it. The battle system is similar to past installments meaning it’s good but very much a classic style JRPG. If you don’t mind the language barrier then by all means this should be in your collection.

#47. – Alien Trilogy

Who doesn’t love the Aliens films? Well for the first time this game offered an experience with atmosphere similar to them. Just for that fact alone it’s one of the best Sega Saturn games, but it also plays exceptionally well. Released at a time when first person shooters were awkward to control this one animates smoothly as you play through scenarios derived from the first three films. While gameplay still consists of a lot of ‘activate switch to open door’ while traversing narrow corridors somehow the presence of the alien enemies makes it much better than most others. Alien Trilogy is surprisingly tense and features some super great graphics for the console. If you like survival horror and first person shooters then this one has got you covered.

#46. – Sega Rally Championship

Sega absolutely dominated the arcade racing scene in the 32-bit era. The Saturn benefitted greatly from this with numerous home conversions. Sega Rally Championship is one of my favorites of these. It filled a niche during that generation quite well because most developers were avoiding the off-road mechanics at the time. The graphics are absolutely gorgeous for the platform. Somehow the developers were able to avoid a lot of the polygonal warping problems games faced at the time here which makes for a much more pleasant experience. The engine has no problem keeping up with the fast and furious gameplay, and fine tuning your abilities is extremely rewarding. I’d be remiss to say this isn’t one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#45. – Virtua Cop 2

Craving more bang bang shoot shoot action but you’ve already finished the original Virtua Cop hundreds of times? Well Sega has you covered. This sequel is largely the same thing as the first. You view the action from a first person perspective and are ushered throughout levels automatically dispatching foes along the way. The 3D graphics are impressive even by modern standards despite the textures being decidedly low res. Unfortunately Virtua Cop 2 is still a very short game. It can be completed in less than an hour if you know what you’re doing, and that’s a tall price for what was a full price game back in the day. The biggest addition this sequel brings is that you have branching paths in each stage. This adds replay value, but not much to be honest.

#44. – Fighting Vipers

Virtua Fighter was king in the arcade castle. That’s why it’s surprising that Sega tried their hand at another similar fighting game instead of making yet another sequel. Fighting Vipers was never the most popular fighter, but it has that classic Sega magic through and through. This one uses a similar control set up and fighting engine to Virtua Fighter. The major difference this time around is that the characters are all adorned with special battle armor. As they take damage during gameplay this armor breaks and even falls off. It’s a fairly unique mechanic for it’s time. It’s not that which makes this one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time, rather, the basic fighting engine that pulls it all together.

#43. – Silhouette Mirage

Silhouette Mirage was never localized for the Sega Saturn. North America didn’t get a taste of this title until it was ported to the Sony PlayStation. That’s unfortunate because it’s easily one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. This 2D action platformer from Treasure is as unique and distinct as their other titles of this era. The big gimmick here is that the protagonist has two different sides to them which are revealed depending on which direction you’re facing. They have distinct attacks, and enemies can only be defeated with one of these. It’s an interesting mechanic that really makes you think and play differently than you would in any otherwise similar title. Silhouette Mirage is amazing, and the Sega Saturn version if the best one.

#42. – Virtua Fighter Kids

With 3D graphics hitting the mainstream many of them contained an obligatory ‘big head mode.’ Yeah, I never really understood this nor did I think it was particularly funny. Someone must have though because I remember it being pretty common. Rather than include a mode like this Sega opted to make an entire version of Virtua Fighter with comically oversized craniums. It wasn’t the best idea, but that doesn’t mean it’s not one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. Virtua Fighter Kids is based off of Virtua Fighter 2. The main difference, as I mentioned, is that the characters are now ‘children’ forms of their previous selves. Gameplay has also been slightly sped up, and because of their short limbs everyone has shorter reach. It’s not as good as part 2, but Virtua Fighter Kids is plenty fun and even worth a laugh.

#41. – Sakura Taisen 2

Sakura Taisen originated on the Sega Saturn, and quickly became one of Sega’s biggest franchises in Japan almost overnight. It was a unique combination of visual novel, dating sim, and strategy RPG all rolled into one. The sequel is largely more of the same but continues the storyline. It’s a saccharine sweet plot focused around relationships, but it’s enjoyable. The gameplay remains largely unchanged but more polished. You guide your party of characters individually on grid battlefields via turn based combat. It’s simple, but very well done. Sakura Taisen doesn’t quite reach the same heights as the original but it’s still amazing, and easily one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#40. – Last Bronx

Weapons based fighting games were pretty rare in the 32-bit era. It wasn’t until Soul Calibur popularized the concept that we saw more of them. That doesn’t mean we didn’t have a few here and there, and Last Bronx is one of these earlier releases. At it’s core the gameplay is similar to Virtua Fighter with the same punch, kick, guard system in place. The main difference is the weapons which affect the rates of attack as well as range. It may sound simple but it does set Last Bronx apart from the others. I also really like the almost Akira Toriyama-like style of the graphics. Last Bronx has been pretty much completely forgotten about now, but it’s still one of the best Sega Saturn games in my opinion.

#39. – Batsugun

The shmup genre had been mostly forgotten about by the time the Sega Saturn hit it’s stride, but in Japan it never went away. That’s why the console had more than it’s fair share of them. Batsugun is one of the greatest of these and also one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. At first it appears to be a pretty by-the-books vertical scrolling shooter. Enemies fly in, and you shoot them down while dodging their attacks. The level designs are amazing and I absolutely loved practicing and getting down the enemy patterns. What elevates Batsugun however is the RPG elements. You level up your weapon by gaining experience which comes from defeating enemies. It’s a really neat system and one that works surprisingly well in this shmup. Batsugun is clearly one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#38. – Street Fighter Alpha

It was pretty clear that Capcom was doing everything in their power to not release a proper Street Fighter III in this era. That didn’t stop them from milking the franchise however. Street Fighter Alpha was the next generation of the storied series, and this first release is still one of the best Sega Saturn games ever released. It upgraded the visuals significantly and went for a more colorful yet detailed approach in it’s style. Alpha also adds super moves to the mix, and a few options regarding mechanics as well. My only real complaint is the fact that this one is missing some of the most recognizable faces in the franchise, but this was rectified later on. Street Fighter Alpha, like most 2D games of the time, was best played on the Sega Saturn thanks to it being a sprite powerhouse.

#37. – The House of the Dead

This franchise didn’t strike it big on consoles until it released on the Dreamcast. Heck, most gamers don’t even realize that the original House of the Dead came out on the Saturn. It was a late release, and had a very limited print. Because of it’s rarity most gamers didn’t even get to discover that this is one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. This horror themed lightgun shooter was as close as you could get to playing an actual B-movie grindhouse feature. It has hilariously bad dialogue, and more gore and violence than you can shake a stick at. House of the Dead is not without it’s issues though; the hardware could barely keep up with the engine. Gameplay slogs along and the graphics are pretty weak to be honest. Regardless this one is a must play.

#36. – Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Konami generally treated Sega Saturn owners pretty well, but it’s a real crime that they left this version of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night in Japan. It could have been a real hit on the hardware in the west, but alas everyone I know instead played the PS1 version due to it’s availability. Symphony of the Night transforms the classic Castlevania gameplay into an action RPG of sorts with an emphasis on exploration. The gameplay is absolutely amazing. Despite being a better experience on the PS1 (a real rarity for 2D games) this is still one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. I just wish we didn’t have to import it!

#35. – Virtual On: Cyber Troopers

This was one of the few arcade games of this generation that made me do a double take when I saw the cabinet in person. It looked unbelievably fun with fast and frantic two player action. At the arcade I would frequent this one even cost a single measly quarter to play. You couldn’t beat that back then! Virtual On has you boarding a mech and fighting it out against a single opponent in a 3D arena. Each character has their own set of weapons including projectiles and melee attacks. The targeting system takes a lot of the pains away from the 3D gameplay, and everything is surprisingly intuitive here. This home console port is easily one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#34. – Panzer Dragoon Saga

Panzer Dragoon Saga has an almost religious following at this point. It has long been considered the holy grail of Saturn releases with only a few localized copies being released. Personally I liked it a lot. Heck, it’s even on my list of the best Sega Saturn games. I do however think it’s highly overrated. Let’s focus on the good points though. This game takes the style and mechanics of the Panzer Dragoon series and incorporates them into a fully 3D role playing game. Battles take place atop the back of your dragon as you issue commands and unleash attacks on groups of foes. You can also change your position relative to them which is really neat. You’ll need to do this often to avoid attacks and also to strike foes more effectively. It’s a one of a kind RPG and has not been ported anywhere else.

#33. – Super Puzzle Fighter II: Turbo

Capcom was looking to branch their Street Fighter series out into multiple genres. The age old Tetris clone is where they landed and Super Puzzle Fighter II: Turbo was the end result. It plays a lot like columns with you lining falling colored gems to eliminate them in devastating combo attacks. The game also features the cute chibi designs so many gamers love, and it’s kind of fun to watch them perform the classic special moves as you are successful. I fell in love with this one right away and it’s not only one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time, but also one of the greatest puzzlers you’ll find on any console. It’s a crying shame that Capcom hasn’t kept this one going but thankfully it has been ported to other systems. This is another multiplatform title that’s best played on the Sega Saturn.

#32. – Tryrush Deppy

A anthropomorphic car is an odd choice for platforming mascot, but alas it was the 90s and surprisingly it works pretty well. The first really surprising thing about this one is the fact that your character doesn’t automatically drive. Instead he walks on his rear wheels. It’s a strange choice for real, but stick with me because Tryrush Deppy is one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. In terms of mechanics it feels a bit like Sonic the Hedgehog. There are times when you can drive fast (without blast processing to boot) and the level designs are vaguely similar. The main thing that makes this one stand out is that you have a gas meter that winds down and you have to collect fuel to keep it in check. It’s a weird platformer, but Tryrush Deppy just works.

#31. – Shining the Holy Ark

The battle for RPG dominance was tough fought until Final Fantasy VII hit the scene and overshadowed literally everything else. Leading up to that the Sega Saturn had some pretty decent hits. This includes Shining the Holy Ark. This first person dungeon crawling RPG is one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. It’s built on the foundation of Shining in the Darkness for the Genesis, but with a significantly better storyline and much improved graphics. What’s interesting is the fact that this plot takes place in the same universe as Shining Force III. It even contains references to the aforementioned title despite being released earlier. Shining the Holy Ark is a thoughtful and very well designed RPG. It’s also one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#30. – Saturn Bomberman

Bomberman was kind of old news in the 32-bit generation. I do however remember a lot of hype for the Saturn iteration, and for good reason. This was the biggest home console multiplayer game released at this time. Saturn Bomberman offered a whopping 10 player mode (provided you have enough multi-taps, controllers, and friends). That fact alone makes it one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. Aside from that it’s classic Bomberman only bigger and better. The sheer novelty of it all makes this one well worth seeking out. I’ve only gotten enough friends together once, but it was one of the best multiplayer experiences I’ve had.

#29. – Panzer Dragoon

As far as launch games go this one is my favorite. Panzer Dragoon was an entirely new game for Sega. This fully 3D shooter offered more freedom than just about any other similar title. It’s on rails, but you can turn and look in all directions from the dragon you’re riding atop. Enemies approach in at all angles so you’ll need to stay on your toes. It makes tremendous use of the 3D engine to affect gameplay in some pretty complex ways. It also helps that the art style is unique and absolutely incredible. Additionally the soundtrack is a real treat on the ears. Panzer Dragoon is one of the best examples of games as art, and it’s one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#28. – Daytona USA: Championship Circuit Edition

The first release of Daytona USA made big waves but it was really lacking. For an early CD release it was very lacking in content. Sega set out to make things right with an update, and let me tell you that it is easily one of the very best Sega Saturn games of all time. The Championship Circuit Edition features enhanced graphics, a new soundtrack, and two additional courses. That might not sound like much however it’s nearly double the content of the original. The new graphics engine looks amazing and is actually based off of that of Sega Rally Championship. Cars have significantly more detail, there’s less pop in, and even the textures seem to be higher resolution. This is a very worthwhile update.

#27. – Deep Fear

Sega was generally pretty good at keeping up with modern trends, and Deep Fear is a perfect example of this. It’s basically a first party Resident Evil, but takes place at the bottom of the ocean and involves sea mutants instead of zombies. It even uses the classic pre-rendered background style of graphics, and the polygonal characters bear more than a passing resemblance to Capcom’s own cast. I really like some of the new mechanics they invented for Deep Fear. Some rooms have limited air (it does take place in a station on the bottom of the ocean) and shooting your weapons drains this faster. You can also shoot while running which comes in handy more than once. Deep Fear is almost unheard of, but to me it’s one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#26. – Shining Force III: Scenario 1

Sega (in their not so infinite wisdom) released three different versions of Shining Force III each following a different set of characters within the same world and story. The unfortunate fact is they only localized one of these, and that’s scenario 1. As we know it in North America this is Shining Force III proper. It takes everything good about the franchise and ushers it into the third dimension. Unfortunately the camera rests at kind of an isometric view, but it can be rotated using the shoulder buttons on the controller. Shining Force III is a worthwhile follow up, but the first scenario is by far the weakest of the three. It’s a shame considering that’s the one that we got in the West.

#25. – Battle Garegga

I’ve already gone over how shmups were dying out and the Sega Saturn was one of the last bastions for shmups. Developers were porting over their biggest arcade hits, but almost all of these were left in Japan only. Battle Garegga is one of the best ones. This is strictly sprite based but looks absolutely gorgeous and makes great use of the Sega Saturn’s hardware chops. It has excellent level designs, great enemies, and fantastic attack patterns. It’s a more realistic approach that I normally wouldn’t like, but somehow Battle Garegga pulls it off wonderfully. This is easily one of the best Sega Saturn games and should be at the top of your list of imports.

#24. – Resident Evil

It was a late port, but late is better than never, right? Resident Evil came out long after it premiered on the PS1. What’s nice is that it came with a few enhancements in tow. This includes new camera angles and an additional mode. It’s nothing major but somewhat makes up for the scorned Sega fans at the time. Basically it’s the same as it always was, but Resident Evil is still one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. It’s basically an interactive B-movie as you shoot and blast your way through the various rooms and halls of the Spencer Mansion. Personally I would have preferred a port of Resident Evil 2, but this does plenty well to round out the library.

#23. – Policenauts

Following Snatcher Hideo Kojima had dreams of making more graphical adventure games. Policenauts was what he came up with, and if I’m perfectly honest it was the last good title he helmed in my opinion. Honestly I’ve always thought that the graphic adventure genre is a bit tired, but somehow Konami breaths life into it here. The story is absolutely one of the best and most immersive across the entire medium. I also found the characters super charming and I really got absorbed into this world. Policenauts is easily one of the best Sega Saturn games. Thankfully there’s a handy fan translation for this Sega Saturn version.

#22. – Panzer Dragoon II: Zwei

Wow. That’s all I could say after booting this one up. I always thought that the Sega Saturn was weak when it came to 3D graphics however this one puts most Sony PlayStation titles to shame. Panzer Dragoon II builds upon the foundation established in the original. What’s added here is ground sequences where your dragon runs instead of flies. Additionally you can evolve your dragon in numerous ways to add a lot of different effects to their offensive capabilities. As I mentioned, the graphics are absolutely incredible and they keep up with the on-screen carnage really well. I love the crazy set pieces in this game, and the enemies are absolutely a treat to dispatch. Panzer Dragoon II is without a doubt one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#21. – Street Fighter Alpha 2

Let’s get one thing straight. The only real problem with the first Street Fighter Alpha was it’s limited roster. It was missing some kept players from the franchise, and the new faces did not make up for this. Street Fighter Alpha 2 rights this wrong by bringing back Dhalsim and Zangief who were sorely missed in the last iteration. This is also the first entry that featured Sakura who went on to become one of the biggest names in the franchise. Gameplay has been altered but personally I like the changes. The new combo system in particular is an improvement. It’s a fun and beautiful title, and Street Fighter Alpha 2 is easily one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#20. – Mega Man X4

This is another late port, but at least Capcom was dedicated to keeping the blue bomber on Sega’s console. Here we have the first 32-bit installment in the series. It also marks the first time that you can play through the campaign entirely as Zero. I really didn’t like the previous sequel but X4 rights many of the wrongs. The level designs have been stepped up considerably, and the new graphics engine allows for some really cool set pieces and giant boss characters. Mega Man X4 is one of the best Sega Saturn games because of the amazing level designs. It’s a fantastic 2D action platformer.

#19. – Shining Force III: Scenario 2

Remember how I mentioned that two scenarios of Shining Force III were left in Japan? Well, this is the first of them. Instead of Synbios this release follows prince Median and his quest of political intrigue and drama. Personally I think the story here is stronger than in the first scenario. I also prefer the characters here as the roster feels more diverse. Besides that it plays pretty much the same way as scenario 1. The graphics and soundtrack are amazing, and some of the battles here are among the greatest in the entire franchise. Scenario 2 is definitely one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#18. – Dead or Alive

It’s a little known fact that the Sega Saturn was actually the lead platform for the home console port of the original Dead or Alive. Pretty nifty for a console that’s not supposed to do well with 3D graphics, eh? It’s no Virtua Fighter 2 but honestly Dead or Alive doesn’t try to be. This fighting game focuses on counters, blocks, and throws. It feels more defensive than your typical brawler, but that’s what makes it special. The real focus however is on the well endowed women and physics which really hit that fact home. Unfortunately I think this actually distracts from the gameplay a bit. Dead or Alive is definitely one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#17. – Lunar: Silver Star Story

At one point Working Designs was planning to localize this Sega Saturn remake of the original Lunar. Unfortunately they had a big falling out with Sega and moved the project to the Sony PlayStation. Since then fans have translated this version, but in my opinion it’s not quite as good as the other one. In Lunar: The Silver Star Story Complete you play as Alex. He’s a youth dreaming of becoming a dragonmaster like his hero Dyne. He gets the opportunity to quest with his friends when they set out to meet the white dragon in a nearby cave. From here the story unfolds into an all encompassing quest to save the world. The new graphics and soundtrack are great. Despite the battle system being worse in this remake it’s still one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#16. – Sonic R

The Sonic Drift series was Sega’s big foray into the kart racing genre. The thing is it just wasn’t a big hit. Sega kept these titles on the Game Gear. They weren’t big hits nor were they even advertised properly. Sega passed the reigns to Traveler’s Tales to make a 32-bit Sonic racing game. The end result was met with mixed critical reception but I loved it. I don’t see how anyone would think Sonic R isn’t one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. It has an unusual focus compared to most racers. Here you’re encouraged to explore because hidden in each stage are chaos emeralds. These unlock new characters and racing scenarios which is neat, and I really enjoyed the adventure aspects. Sonic R is seriously underrated.

#15. – Virtua Fighter Remix

Virtua Fighter was a big hit for the Saturn at launch but there was one big problem. The original release looked like an early Atari Jaguar game, and that is NOT a compliment. It was blocky with almost no textures. When you compare that to things like Tekken and even Battle Arena Toshinden it was pretty embarrassing to be honest. Sega made things right however by releasing Virtua Fighter Remix. This is an updated version of the original game but with significantly enhanced graphics more akin to Virtua Fighter 2. By and large this makes the original release obsolete, but I still included it and this remake in this list because they’re both among the best Sega Saturn games ever released. If you’re a fighting game fan this is one you’ll need in your collection.

#14. – Enemy Zero

In one of the single greatest burns in video game industry history when this game was revealed and the Sony PlayStation logo faded into the Sega Saturn. All of this took place at a Sony presentation. Enemy Zero is a first person survival horror game. You play as a survivor on a ship overrun by aliens. The thing is they’re invisible. That’s more than a little disadvantage! You have an indicator which tells when you’re close to them at which point you can attack and destroy the foe. Enemy Zero requires you to get very up close and personal with these guys and it can be startling and eerie when you’re trying to fire off a shot. This is absolutely one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#13. – Shining Force III: Scenario 3

And here we have the best of the Shining Force III scenarios. This third outing improves the graphics slightly and features the best soundtrack of the bunch. Scenario III follows the exploits of Julian and ties the other quests together in a cohesive and interesting way. There are even a few changes made to the formula such as there being multiple squad leaders per battle as well as a boss rush towards the end that will really test your patience. It’s a fantastic strategy RPG and easily one of the greatest in the genre. It’s pretty clear within the first hour that you’re playing one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#12. – Fighter’s Megamix

Sega had two great fighting games, but are they great together? That’s the very question they answered for gamers when they released Fighter’s Megamix. This combined both Virtua Fighter and Fighting Vipers together into one cohesive package. It’s amazing and turned out to be one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. The fighting engines are so similar that they mesh well, and the armor element from Vipers returns here for those characters that wear it. It’s a really neat idea. The roster is absolutely huge and includes some really weird but hilarious picks. Sega went buckwild and included things like a giant stuffed bear and even the car from Daytona. It’s wacky but I love the sense of humor.

#11. – Sakura Taisen

Sega has a habit of releasing some of the most memorable and magical role playing games across the entire genre. Sakura Taisen is easily one of their greatest. It’s one of the best Sega Saturn games bar none. In this title you play as a youth who takes over duties of a combat revue hidden away in an old performance theater in Japan. You befriend the ladies by day, and battle demons in your giant mecha suit by night. There’s not much else quite like it. Normally I’m pretty apprehensive about visual novel type adventures but Sakura Taisen is well made and extremely fun to follow. I really hope Sega comes back to make a new installment on the PlayStation 5!

#10. – Burning Rangers

Sonic Team’s final title for the console is nothing to sneeze at. Burning Rangers is without a doubt one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. Here you play as futuristic firefighters. They don’t put out fires in the traditional sense, rather, they shoot laser guns at the flames to extinguish them. It’s very strange but it works very well. For a 3D Saturn title Burning Rangers is also very beautiful. There are also some very forward thinking elements such as voice directions on where to go next. Burning Rangers is the classic Sega magic in it’s finest moments. I love it, and you will too.

#9. – Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete

Personally I’ve always thought the Silver Star was better on the Sega CD. That’s not the case with the remake for Eternal Blue however. Like the original Working Designs was initially planning to release this one on the Saturn in the West but in the end we only got it for the PS1. Thankfully I know the game so well that I was able to import this RPG and could complete it successfully. Lunar 2 is bigger and better in all the best ways. It also has an expanded storyline which takes place in the same universe as the Silver Star and has some really good call backs to Alex and Luna’s battle against Ghaleon. RPGs don’t get much better than this one here.

#8. – Street Fighter Zero 3

For those that don’t know this is actually Street Fighter Alpha 3. You see, Capcom left the Sega Saturn version behind in Japan. This is a crying shame considering the fact that this is universally considered the best release of the game. Street Fighter Zero 3 has an absolutely huge roster and made strides to restoring the roster to it’s former glory. There are more options for gameplay allowing you to alter the combo and super move mechanics to your liking. It also helps that the game is absolutely beautiful. There are few 2D titles that are as jaw dropping as this one. It’s not hard to see why most consider Street Fighter Zero 3 to be one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time. This is no doubt the best version of it thanks to the insane graphics.

#7. – Guardian Heroes

Whenever Treasure tries out a new genre they tend to excel at it. They decided to make a beat ’em up for the Sega Saturn and Guardian Heroes was the end result. This game is a beat ’em up at heart but it’s filled to the brim with RPG elements that make it stand out from the pack. In addition it features multiplayer up to four different players at once, and different paths you can take through the main adventure. There’s a whole lot of content in this game and thanks to the multiplayer you’ll be coming back for a long time. There’s even a bonus one-on-one fighting mode. The graphics are downright spectacular and the soundtrack is super fun too. Guardian Heroes is without a doubt one of the very best Sega Saturn games ever released.

#6. – Albert Odyssey: Legend of Eldean

When I first jumped into this one I didn’t know what to expect. It’s actually the first Working Designs game I ever played! The translation gripped me and kept my interest, but it was the gameplay and story that made a lifelong fan. Albert Odyssey: Legend of Eldean is a very traditional turn based RPG. Where it excels in terms of gameplay is it’s cast. There’s zero party customization, but the characters each fit distinctly into unique roles. Each are useful throughout the adventure and I loved growing them and seeing how they could be used in dynamic situations. The soundtrack is also one of the greatest of all time. Honestly this one should probably be higher up on this list because it is without a doubt one of the best Sega Saturn games ever. To this day it’s still an exclusive which is a crying shame!

#5. – Radiant Silvergun

This here, in my opinion, is the very best shmup of all time. Like I said earlier Treasure experiments in other genres and usually ends up dominating them even when it’s not like anything else they’ve ever made. Radiant Silvergun is the perfect example of this. It is very unique in that you start out with all the weapons you can possibly acquire in the game. Each of these is set to a different face button so you have all of them at your disposal at all times. You don’t even need to press a button to switch between them which is absolutely amazing. It also has some crazy good level design with a lot of moving parts that will keep you on your toes. No list of the best Sega Saturn games can ever be complete without Radiant Silvergun on it. You can quote me on that one.

#4. – Grandia

Believe it or not Grandia was at one time Sega’s answer to Final Fantasy VII in Japan. It had a ton of hype behind it and at the time was Gamearts most ambitious project yet. The high point here is the battle system which ranks among the best in any RPG from any generation. You have to strategically plan attacks to cancel out foes, and also time your healing just before devastating attacks. It has a bit of a learning curve but the game eases you in quite gently. Unfortunately this version was never released in the West so most gamers discovered it via the PS1 port. Thankfully there’s now a fan translation so gamers can experience the Sega Saturn’s biggest RPG the way it was meant to be played. Aside from the language barrier this is still the best version of the original to play even today.

#3. – Virtua Fighter 2

It’s tough to admit it but Virtua Fighter had a really rough start on the Sega Saturn. The original was ported too directly and looked really blocky and simplistic compared to contemporary releases. Virtua Fighter 2 is really where Sega pushed the hardware. Not only is this game the highest resolution title of its generation, but it runs at a rock steady framerate and still looks absolutely gorgeous. In some ways I prefer the graphics here to even Tekken 3. The fighting styles are more realistic and are based directly on real world techniques. Gameplay has surprising depth with counters, throws, and the classic three button set up we’ve all grown to love. If there’s one complaint I have (and believe me it’s minor) I’d say the physics are a bit floaty. Honestly this is still one of the very best Sega Saturn games of all time.

#2. – NiGHTs Into Dreams…

Here’s a fun little fact. Shigeru Miyamoto (the mastermind behind Nintendo’s franchises) once said that if there was one game he wished he created it’s NiGHTs into Dreams. That’s because there’s almost no other game that’s as much an experience as this one. NiGHTs is what we got instead of Sonic, but in my opinion it’s better than any outing the blue blur ever had. Set up as an arcade style action game you fly the purple jester through various levels traversing through rings and collecting orbs. When you’ve got enough a new path opens up and you run through the process again. It sounds repetitive but the gameplay is so fun and fresh it never gets old. NiGHTs also has one of the single greatest soundtracks of all time. Every hardcore gamer owes it to themselves to check this one out.

#1. – Dragon Force

Dragon Force is, bar none, the single greatest strategy RPG ever created. I don’t give that title likely. It’s truly unlike anything past or present, and even big hitters like Final Fantasy Tactics fall way short of this masterpiece. You begin by selecting which country and monarch you’d like to play as in the fantastical land of Legendra. From here you slowly overtake the continent moving your pieces across the map onto castles, and fighting against enemies. Battles are semi real-time with your units (and the enemies) moving on their own and engaging as per your commands. It’s really dynamic, and absolutely addictive. There are so many different ways to play through the campaign that it will make your head spin. Honestly there are few games as good as this one, and it’s absolutely the best Sega Saturn game of all time.