Sega's followup to the Genesis was a highly anticipated game console that had a rocky life and died a little too quickly. Between a disastrous US launch that alienated retailers and its exceedingly high price point, the Saturn almost seemed doomed from the get go.
But that doesn't mean it didn't have its fair share of stand out titles. Sega drew upon its arcade experience when they created the Saturn, and hardware wise it is fairly similar to a lot of their later arcade cabinet circuitry. This makes it an ideal platform for 2D games, especially if you opt for the ram cart expansion. Many games for the system have better animation than their Playstation or N64 counterparts, and its 3D capability isn't too shabby either.
As it was more popular in Japan, some of the best Saturn games only received a Japanese release. However, with the exception of a few RPGs that received inferior ports on other consoles, (such as Grandia, which is easily one of the best best Japanese Sega Saturn games) most of the games are simplistic enough to be played & enjoyed without knowing the language.
The Bomberman series made its debut on the Saturn with this title. You play as the aforementioned Bomberman in either a story or multiplayer mode. The game play takes play in a top down view, and you can place bombs to defeat enemies & clear obstacles. In addition to several new power ups, this version has a feature were you can unlock and ride various dinosaurs that aide you in the course of the game.
Although Bomberman games are a dime a dozen, this version stands out for one reason only: its 10 player mode. The game allows you to play with up to 10 players simultaneously, provided you happen to have 2 Saturn multitaps laying around.
11. PowerSlave
PowerSlave is an Eqyptian themed FPS that was originally released on the Saturn. The basic premise is that the city of Karnak has been seized by alien beings known as the Kilmaat. You play as part of a group of soldiers that have been sent in to wrest back control of the city.
The game play takes place in a standard first person view, and there are the usual slew of FPS weapons. What is unique about this game is that it has elements of "metroidvania" to it in that you collect various items and artifacts that give you new abilities, thus allowing you to explore previously inaccessible areas.
10. Shining Force 3
Shining Force 3 is a turn-based tactical RPG. Players take control of up to 12 different warriors, each with their own unique move sets and abilities. The story of Shining Force 3 is split into three different scenarios. In the first, players take on the role of a young warrior named Synbios. The events of the game begin during a peace conference between three warring nations. Explosions, violence, and kidnapping set the story in motion. The additional scenarios occur during the same time period but focus on a new cast of characters and feature unique obstacles that the player must overcome using strategy and battle.
9. Dark Savior
Released in 1996, Dark Savior is a unique mixed-genre game that includes elements of a platformer, puzzle game, adventure game, and fighter. It uses 3D graphics and an isometric viewpoint to deliver a unique playing experience. Players take on the role of Garian, a bounty hunter tasked with escorting a monster to prison. At the start of the game, the monster escapes. Its Garian's job to recapture it before it causes more death and destruction. Dark Savior contains branching narratives that change based on the player's actions. The time it takes to find and capture the monster will affect how the rest of the story plays out.
8. Virtua Cop
Originally starting out as an arcade game with a physical light gun, Virtua Cop was ported to the Sega Saturn in 1995. It's a first-person shooter that requires players to take on enemies to advance through the story. The main protagonists are police officers tasked with taking down a powerful crime syndicate called E.V.I.L. The game is on rails and utilizes real-time polygonal graphics. The rail system takes players through detailed environments filled with enemies and innocent civilians that must be kept safe. With every advancement, players get closer to bosses and the eventual takedown of E.V.I.L.
7. Virtua Fighter 2
Virtua Fighter is a fast-paced fighting game that was originally released as an arcade title. It features bright 3D polygon graphics and an intuitive control scheme that's easy to pick up. There's a roster of nine unique fighters to choose from. These characters are entered into the World Fighting Tournament. Players must advance through the ranks and fight each character with increasing difficulty to win the game. Along the way, the story of the tournament and a mysterious crime syndicate unfolds.
6. Radiant Silvergun
The story of Radiant Silvergun is set in the year 2520 after scientists have discovered and unearthed a large mysterious crystal. The discovery of the crystal causes hordes of enemies to attack Earth. Players take control of a fighter pilot and plane that must destroy enemies to save humanity. Radiant Silvergun is a scrolling shooting game. The scene scrolls vertically while players use a number of guns to take enemies out. These guns provide unique abilities and can be used to complete the stages in a number of ways. Players can also use a sword to absorb damage and get rid of nearby targets. Radiant Silvergun was never released outside of Japan, which is a shame as it is easily among the top Sega Saturn games.
5. Guardian Heroes
Guardian Heroes is a side-scrolling adventure game that has some RPG elements, and has long been regarded as one of the top Saturn games. It has an in-depth story and lore that expands as the player progresses through the game. The game is set in a fantasy world that is controlled by spirits and wizards. The main protagonists are four warriors that come in possession of an ancient and powerful sword. They flee to escape capture and set out on an adventure to defeat an evil wizard. Throughout the game, players are faced with decisions that can affect the ending. There's also a karma meter that measures the actions of the player throughout the adventure.
4. Sega Rally Championship
Released for the Sega Saturn in 1995, Sega Rally Championship is a racing game that features colorful and realistic graphics. It has a multiplayer mode, time attack mode, and the main World Championship mode. In the main campaign, players have the opportunity to drive one of three different real-world racing vehicles. Players must make their way through three different stages. These include a desert, mountain, and forest track. The goal is to overtake opponents and complete the course in the highest position possible. If players finish the final stage in first place, a secret fourth track is unlocked.
3. Nights into Dreams
Developed by the Sonic team, Nights into Dreams was released for the Sega Saturn in 1996. It's an action game that features bright worlds and beautiful 3D graphics. The game is set in two parts of the Dream World, a dimension in which all human dreams are played out. The two protagonists, Elliot and Claris, escape their dreams and come across an evil ruler Wizeman that wants to destroy one of the dream worlds and the real world. They employ the help of Nights, a colorful dream creature, to stop the Wizeman. Each level is timed and players must gather enough points to move the story forward.
2. Astal
Astal is a side-scrolling platform game. It utilizes hand-drawn graphics with a distinct art style. The colorful graphics are complemented by the smooth gameplay and easy controls. The story of Astal takes place on Quartilia, a world created from a single jewel. In this world are two humans, Leda and Astal. One day, Leda is captured by an evil warrior called Geist. This warrior transforms the world and holds Leda captive. Players take control of Astal as he goes through the changed world alongside a bird to find Leda.
1. Panzer Dragoon II Zwei
Panzer Dragoon II Zwei is a rail shooter game that was released exclusively on the Sega Saturn in 1996. It features 3D graphics and a unique fantasy art style. Players take on the role of Jean-Luc and ride on his secret coolia creature named Lagi. Lagi was found by Jean-Luc as a baby and raised in secret. When he grew wings, Jean-Luc gets him to fly. During this flight, Jean-Luc's village is destroyed by a large ship run by an evil organization. Players can attack enemies using a gun carried by Jean-Luc or with fire attacks from Lagi. This is a solid entry for the Panzer Dragoon series, and is easily one of the best Sega Saturn games of all time.