The Sega Saturn is a 32-bit fifth-generation home console developed by Sega and first released in 1994.
With so many popular titles, surprisingly, the Saturn did not perform well on the market.
For those of you who have played this remarkable console in the past, I bet you want to know the best Saturn games of all time.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Sonic R
- Release Data: Traveller’s Tales/Sega, 1997
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Other
In the end it seems Sonic R is a neat racing game, but be warned it is a racing game and not a real Sonic game.
There are no battles with Dr. Robotnik or any of his little minions. All you do is run.
#24. Magic Knight Rayearth
- Release Data: Sega, 1998
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
As the last game released for the Saturn in North America, the game symbolizes a lot of what went wrong with the console.
Looking much better than the games that were developed after it, and perfectly adapting the heart of its anime source, Magic Knight Rayearth somehow became the rare good adaptation.
#23. Crusader: No Remorse
- Release Data: Realtime Associates/Electronic Arts, 1996
- Genre: Action » General
The game has control problems but it can be overcome by those patient enough to master them.
So if you’ve got the time to learn, and the desire to destroy, Crusader contains more than enough action and explosions to satisfy you.
#22. The House of the Dead
- Release Data: Tantalus/Sega, 1998
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Light Gun
The House of the Dead is an awesome light gun game that’s sure to keep you and your friend—if you have one—busy for a good long time.
This serves as a reminder of the time back when Sega was actually a good developer.
#21. Bug Too!
- Release Data: Realtime Associates/Sega, 1996
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
If you did complete Bug! you will have no trouble whatsoever, in completing Bug Too!.
On average the levels are tougher to solve than most of Bug!, making it a good challenge and a time consuming game.
There are no surprises in Bug Too!, and if you completed Bug! you have seen all the challenges that Bug Too! will offer.
#20. Last Bronx
- Release Data: Sega, 1997
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
The 3D graphics are good—for the Saturn.
The polygonal fighters move smoothly and quickly, due in part to the game’s 60fps action.
And while the game doesn’t really need an illusion of speed, the characters’ weapons leave trails when you swing them, which gives the game an even faster appearance.
#19. Virtua Fighter Kids
- Release Data: Sega AM2/Sega, 1996
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Virtua Fighter Kids is essentially a deformed version re-make of Sega’s 3D fighting game, Virtua Fighter 2.
This game didn’t play quite as smooth as the original Virtua Fighter 2, but it is a funny and entertaining game.
It is also the only game in the series to feature character endings.
#18. Albert Odyssey: Legend of Eldean
- Release Data: SunSoft/Working Designs, 1997
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Released at a time where games were pushing graphical boundaries and creating images that look hideous today, this is a game that perfected the art and presentation of the past and still looks great today.
Also, its soundtrack is one of the most riveting and memorable ever made.
Furthermore, the game was considered one of the Saturn’s best JRPGs.
#17. Burning Rangers
- Release Data: Sonic Team/Sega, 1998
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Overall, Burning Rangers is probably one of the better Saturn games out there and undoubtedly one of the last.
Anyone out there who still has his Saturn hooked up should probably pick this one up.
It’s short, but sweet, and closes the book on the Saturn rather nicely.
#16. Marvel Super Heroes
- Release Data: Tsuji Jimusho/Capcom, 1997
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
The thing about this game is, it is smoothly animated with awesome, over-the-top attacks.
All the standard punch and kick moves apply, plus there are a few special attacks for each character.
The backgrounds are gorgeous, and sometimes the screen will scroll up really, really far. Overall, a great game.
#15. Virtual-On: Cyber Troopers
- Release Data: CRI/Sega, 1996
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
If you are a fan of giant robot games, you really need to try out this game.
Although the visuals are a little blurry and the controls are awkward, it is still a great way to spend your time.
What this game lacks in depth, it more than makes up for with Sega quirk and fast paced arcade fun.
#14. Fighting Vipers
- Release Data: Sega AM2/Sega, 1996
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Taking its fighting style cues from Virtua Fighter 2 (which was also on the Saturn), Fighting Vipers focuses on combo moves.
All in all, Fighting Vipers is not only an interesting look back at the Saturn era of SEGA fighting games, but a solid fighting game that still stands on its own.
#13. Shining the Holy Ark
- Release Data: Camelot Software Planning/Sega, 1997
- Genre: Role-Playing » Western-Style
With countless dungeons to explore, fresh new towns, and countless enemies lurking under innocent puddles, Shining the Holy Ark pushes the boundaries of any first-person RPG to the limits.
Basically, it is a stunning addition to the Shining series.
The game manages to take the old storyline in a new direction, and successfully builds a new foundation.
#12. World Series Baseball II
- Release Data: Sega, 1996
- Genre: Sports » Team » Baseball » Sim
World Series Baseball II beats the nearly perfect original simply by adding so many new features.
Sega has the third longest running baseball franchise on any console system and their experience in the genre shows.
If you liked the first World Series Baseball, you’ll love the second one.
#11. Saturn Bomberman
- Release Data: Hudson, 1997
- Genre: Puzzle » Action
Even though it has its problems, Saturn owners should still get a copy of Saturn Bomberman.
Its multiplayer mode is crazy, with up to ten players support while the PlayStation version only support eight players.
Saturn Bomberman remains not only the best rendition of Bomberman but also one of the best Saturn exclusives and party games around.
#10. Virtua Cop 2
- Release Data: Sega AM2/Sega, 1996
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Light Gun
If you own the light gun peripheral, then this is one of the best games the Saturn library has to offer.
It takes everything that was great about the first Virtua Cop and improves on it: More variety, longer levels, and higher replay value.
If you’re a fan of light gun shooters, this game certainly is an absolute must.
#9. Shining Force III
- Release Data: Camelot Software Planning/Sega, 1998
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » Tactics
Shining Force III is the kind of game that could’ve given Sega more of a chance had it not come out in the Saturn’s beyond-final days.
However, for those less well-versed in strategy games and looking for something a little less trying than Final Fantasy Tactics, Shining Force III is a good bet.
#8. Tomb Raider
- Release Data: Core Design Ltd./Victor Interactive Software, 1996
- Genre: Action Adventure » Linear
Tomb Raider has not aged as gracefully as others of its era, including its sequels, and speaking of performance, the Saturn version is not the best place to experience Lara’s original outing.
But the game has earned its place in history, and whatever system it’s played on, it still has the ability to surprise new gamers and captivate the old.
#7. Panzer Dragoon II Zwei
- Release Data: Team Andromeda/Sega, 1996
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Rail
From a historical perspective, it is obvious why Panzer Dragoon II Zwei is such a highly regarded Saturn title.
It pushes the console to its limits while providing an exciting and fun game.
Panzer Dragoon II Zwei is without any doubt one of the best 3D shooting games available for the under-rated Sega Saturn.
#6. Fighters Megamix
- Release Data: Sega AM2/Sega, 1997
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Fighters Megamix defines the word “fun”, especially with a friend.
The graphics are ultra smooth, just like other Saturn fighters. Options and characters are plentiful while the replayability is unlimited.
In order to unlock the additional characters you have to beat a series of predetermined matches. In short, say hello to one of the best 32-bit fighters.
#5. NiGHTS Into Dreams…
- Release Data: Sonic Team/Sega, 1996
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Nights into Dreams is best played with the Saturn’s 3D controller, with its analog stick that really allows for fluid movement of Nights.
The music and graphics are spectacular as well and combined with the unique gameplay and plot, Nights into Dreams is a winner for sure.
This is considered one of the best games for the Saturn for a good reason.
#4. Guardian Heroes
- Release Data: Treasure/Sega, 1996
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
This game is often mentioned as one of the best games for the SEGA Saturn by a lot of people.
It is a blast to play and it is difficult but by no means impossible.
It has a great replayability due to the branching paths, the character you choose, difficulty level picked, and even how you assign ability points.
#3. Dragon Force
- Release Data: Sega, 1996
- Genre: Strategy » Real-Time » Tactics
Dragon Force balances role-playing and strategy elements perfectly, intermittently directing the war of the land through storyline segments.
And the ending is a stunning and climactic spectacle to behold.
The game also offers a great deal of replayability, since storylines differ, depending on which of the eight main leaders is chosen.
#2. Command & Conquer
- Release Data: Westwood Studios/Sega, 1996
- Genre: Strategy » Real-Time » Command
Command & Conquer is an incredible game on any platform, and it translates incredibly well to the Saturn.
With its mix of in-depth strategy, tactical action, and slick storytelling, Command & Conquer brings console strategy games out of the shadow.
Saturn owners should savor this title as an example of the games they deserve to play on their system.
#1. Panzer Dragoon Saga
- Release Data: Team Andromeda/Sega, 1998
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Panzer Dragoon Saga has been called Sega’s answer to Final Fantasy VII, but that is an unfair comparison.
Panzer Dragoon Saga, in its own way, is so much more than Square’s ultimate RPG.
It is flawlessly executed, limited only by the hardware and medium.
Unlike other RPGs, such as Parasite Eve and Grandia, Panzer Dragoon Saga is truly a “cinematic RPG”.
Browse Saturn Games By Genre
See also: Best Genesis Games & Best Dreamcast Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which Saturn game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
