SSM proudly presents... "The Top 50 SEGA Saturn games"
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#16 and #15
So you wanna talk shooters eh? Well, this here is arguably the most bullet-intensive Saturn shmup of all! It owns you, oh yes, it does. It is... DoDonPachi!
While not everyone's cup of tea, and understandably so, it's just amazing to watch this game in motion... to see all the crap spew all over your TV... it's eye-busting!
Quick note before we begin. I'll do 14 and 13 on 10/29 and 12 and 11 on 10/30. For Halloween I'm taking a break. Then, first of November I'll be back in the swing of things COUNTING down! It'll then be the last 10 titles standing. And on 11/1 I shall reveal #10... 11/2 #9 and so on...
#16: PANZER DRAGOON II ZWEI -93%
A brilliant blasting game, this game features astounding 3D effects that no Saturn game or indeed PlayStation title has managed to match. And despite being easy to complete, there's tons of lastability in it too.
"We all knew that this one was going to be awesome, but when we first sat down and played the finished article, Panzer Zwei was like a gift from the gods. The graphics redefined our expectations of what the Saturn was capable of -- suddenly anything was possible. The different routes, morphing dragon and vast amounts of hidden stuff add immensely to its appeal." -Editor Rich Leadbetter
#15: COMMAND & CONQUER -94%
PC games don't convert well to consoles -- most are way too complicated to appeal to us. So how did Command & Conquer score 94% in issue #15? Well, it's a great game, that's why.
"Beneath the bland exterior beats the heart of a warrior. A warrior of gameplay, because manuevering your troops around the battlefield, building bases and attacking the enemy is simple to pick up, and the controls work perfectly. It even comes on two CD's, each with different areas and scenarios for the two sides in the conflict. A very big game." -Gary Cutlack
---
Yet to play Saturn C&C, but generally I've read nothing but good things about it.
Zwei is cool. It's just radical. Astounding visuals, uncanny atmosphere, and I dunno if any of you guys remember the 80s cartoon "Dino Riders" but... I feel like I'm on a big dino on the move blasting away at the opposition. The first time playing Zwei is definitely some sort of trip -- at first things feel so overwhelming it adds to the tension and urgency of the game.
Definitely one of the Saturn's all-time classics.
So you wanna talk shooters eh? Well, this here is arguably the most bullet-intensive Saturn shmup of all! It owns you, oh yes, it does. It is... DoDonPachi!
While not everyone's cup of tea, and understandably so, it's just amazing to watch this game in motion... to see all the crap spew all over your TV... it's eye-busting!
Quick note before we begin. I'll do 14 and 13 on 10/29 and 12 and 11 on 10/30. For Halloween I'm taking a break. Then, first of November I'll be back in the swing of things COUNTING down! It'll then be the last 10 titles standing. And on 11/1 I shall reveal #10... 11/2 #9 and so on...
#16: PANZER DRAGOON II ZWEI -93%
A brilliant blasting game, this game features astounding 3D effects that no Saturn game or indeed PlayStation title has managed to match. And despite being easy to complete, there's tons of lastability in it too.
"We all knew that this one was going to be awesome, but when we first sat down and played the finished article, Panzer Zwei was like a gift from the gods. The graphics redefined our expectations of what the Saturn was capable of -- suddenly anything was possible. The different routes, morphing dragon and vast amounts of hidden stuff add immensely to its appeal." -Editor Rich Leadbetter
#15: COMMAND & CONQUER -94%
PC games don't convert well to consoles -- most are way too complicated to appeal to us. So how did Command & Conquer score 94% in issue #15? Well, it's a great game, that's why.
"Beneath the bland exterior beats the heart of a warrior. A warrior of gameplay, because manuevering your troops around the battlefield, building bases and attacking the enemy is simple to pick up, and the controls work perfectly. It even comes on two CD's, each with different areas and scenarios for the two sides in the conflict. A very big game." -Gary Cutlack
---
Yet to play Saturn C&C, but generally I've read nothing but good things about it.
Zwei is cool. It's just radical. Astounding visuals, uncanny atmosphere, and I dunno if any of you guys remember the 80s cartoon "Dino Riders" but... I feel like I'm on a big dino on the move blasting away at the opposition. The first time playing Zwei is definitely some sort of trip -- at first things feel so overwhelming it adds to the tension and urgency of the game.
Definitely one of the Saturn's all-time classics.
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- Joined
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Panzer Dragoon Zwei is my favorite Saturn game. It blew me away when i first played it, i was a fan of the first game, but wow when PDZ came out it took the Panzer Dragoon franchise to a whole new level. Its my personal favorite Panzer Dragoon game too. Great atmosphere, level and enemy design, and the music, oh the music. PDZ is simply classic.
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Seeing as to how my two number one fav saturn games haven't been posted yet I can only hope they made the list, well I know one that stars a psychic warlock is most likey in the cut but the other that's part of a famed series i tend to go on about.....................
Yung Burnout said:
Heh-heh... well yeah, Assassin Taromaru's not in b/c it never saw a PAL release (remember this is a ranking of PAL games only)
As for Shinobi Legions (right?
) sorry but that one did not make the list. If it did, you almost expect it would come in around 50 or the late 40's, as it wasn't a particularly great game. Solid? Perhaps. Decent? I'd say so. But SSM wasn't too crazy about Legions AKA Shinobi X to the UK... BTW it scored a 69%... which is close enough to where I'd score it.. (72-ish% personally)BTW if I got it all wrong... ah wellz. Nice info on Shinobi X though eh!
#14 and #13 (Super Deluxe Edition!... you'll see..)
Unfamiliar with this game? I'd not be surprised. Takara released it in 1995 under the title STEAMGEAR MASH and it's a pretty darn good game. Think Sonic 3D Blast meets MegaMan and you got SGM. For its 10-15 dollar going rate, I recommend it as a decent platform blaster. Colorful graphics and pretty solid gameplay. Perhaps unspectacular, but well worth owning.
X-Men vs. Street Fighter. One of the saddest turn of events in Saturn history. Slated for a UK (and US I believe..) release, it just never happened. It goes to show you how bad the Saturn was doing in the UK/US by then... the only place you'll find this arcade-perfect port is via the JPN Saturn market.
I remember in 1998 XvSF was one of the most talked about Saturn games on the internet, along with FirePro Wrestling 6 Men Scramble. Back then, I thought I'd never play these games... little did I know...
SSM actually reviewed a copy (UK copy???) and scored it 94%. A month or so later they had the unfortunate task of telling the UK world the game was canned.
#14: WORLDWIDE SOCCER '98 -91%
Raising a swift index finger to the established FIFA and Actua brands, Sega WorldWide Soccer '98 out-quaffs them in every conceivable way, being the best footy (soccer) sim around.
"The arrival of Sega WorldWide Soccer '97 heralded a new standard in the footy sim genre, but the crap keeper AI and lack of Premiership sides was a real drawback. SWWS 98 redresses these criticisms whilst retaining the graphical finesse and rampant playability of the prequel. If you don't own the prequel, this is the only soccer game worth bothering with." -Lee Nutter
#13: RESIDENT EVIL -94%
Geniunely frightening action adventure in which the sole purpose is to survive. Roam freely throughout the secluded mansion, mercilessly slaughtering the undead and solving the diverse range of puzzles. Awesome!
"For Capcom's first foray into the realms of 3D, Resident Evil is an exceptional achievement. This shit-scary scenario, non-linear gameplay and tense atmosphere offers players an experience they'll never dare to forget. Blasting the head clean off a zombie as a fountain of blood erupts from between its shoulders is quite simply the most satisfying moment in videogames history. Hugely ace stuff!" -Lee Nutter
---
WWS 98, I don't own or have played. I do however own WWS 97, which is great in its own right. I remember WWS 97 made EGM's top 100 list (#73?) and when I played it I was not disappointed. By the way, SSM regarded WWS 98 as the soccer game to have on Saturn UNTIL a gem by the name of World League Soccer 98 came out after issue #28. It's still one I'm looking to get... apparently it has super hi-res graphics, super playability and super kick-ass feel. It scored 94%....
RE... what can I say. Great game, and although maybe lost most of its impact today, you really had to experience it back in '96 (or '97 for you Saturn Non-PSX owners back then) to really grasp the wonder of Resident Evil. It really was, as Lee Nutter perfectly stated, a shit-scary experience. It was (and IMO still is) awesome.
Sadly, it took 18 months til the Saturn got RE, and by the time Saturn did get it, the system was pretty much breathing its last breath (in the US). You could say in a strange way Saturn RE epitomized the state of the Saturn. Too little, too late. But hey, nevermind that for a second, at least THIS conversion wasn't half-baked eh!
BTW, remember that dog-crashing-thru-the-window bit? Talk about damn. I mean, just damn, when I first played... what a moment in gaming history...
I'll never forget this moment... (a fateful dark night in '96...)
New meaning to the term "In your face!"
If you're sadistic and you know it, put your two arms out!
What Lee Nutter called "The most satisfying moment in videogame history"
HA! And Jeff Daniels thought he had IT bad in Arachnophobia!
Unfamiliar with this game? I'd not be surprised. Takara released it in 1995 under the title STEAMGEAR MASH and it's a pretty darn good game. Think Sonic 3D Blast meets MegaMan and you got SGM. For its 10-15 dollar going rate, I recommend it as a decent platform blaster. Colorful graphics and pretty solid gameplay. Perhaps unspectacular, but well worth owning.
X-Men vs. Street Fighter. One of the saddest turn of events in Saturn history. Slated for a UK (and US I believe..) release, it just never happened. It goes to show you how bad the Saturn was doing in the UK/US by then... the only place you'll find this arcade-perfect port is via the JPN Saturn market.
I remember in 1998 XvSF was one of the most talked about Saturn games on the internet, along with FirePro Wrestling 6 Men Scramble. Back then, I thought I'd never play these games... little did I know...
SSM actually reviewed a copy (UK copy???) and scored it 94%. A month or so later they had the unfortunate task of telling the UK world the game was canned.
#14: WORLDWIDE SOCCER '98 -91%
Raising a swift index finger to the established FIFA and Actua brands, Sega WorldWide Soccer '98 out-quaffs them in every conceivable way, being the best footy (soccer) sim around.
"The arrival of Sega WorldWide Soccer '97 heralded a new standard in the footy sim genre, but the crap keeper AI and lack of Premiership sides was a real drawback. SWWS 98 redresses these criticisms whilst retaining the graphical finesse and rampant playability of the prequel. If you don't own the prequel, this is the only soccer game worth bothering with." -Lee Nutter
#13: RESIDENT EVIL -94%
Geniunely frightening action adventure in which the sole purpose is to survive. Roam freely throughout the secluded mansion, mercilessly slaughtering the undead and solving the diverse range of puzzles. Awesome!
"For Capcom's first foray into the realms of 3D, Resident Evil is an exceptional achievement. This shit-scary scenario, non-linear gameplay and tense atmosphere offers players an experience they'll never dare to forget. Blasting the head clean off a zombie as a fountain of blood erupts from between its shoulders is quite simply the most satisfying moment in videogames history. Hugely ace stuff!" -Lee Nutter
---
WWS 98, I don't own or have played. I do however own WWS 97, which is great in its own right. I remember WWS 97 made EGM's top 100 list (#73?) and when I played it I was not disappointed. By the way, SSM regarded WWS 98 as the soccer game to have on Saturn UNTIL a gem by the name of World League Soccer 98 came out after issue #28. It's still one I'm looking to get... apparently it has super hi-res graphics, super playability and super kick-ass feel. It scored 94%....
RE... what can I say. Great game, and although maybe lost most of its impact today, you really had to experience it back in '96 (or '97 for you Saturn Non-PSX owners back then) to really grasp the wonder of Resident Evil. It really was, as Lee Nutter perfectly stated, a shit-scary experience. It was (and IMO still is) awesome.
Sadly, it took 18 months til the Saturn got RE, and by the time Saturn did get it, the system was pretty much breathing its last breath (in the US). You could say in a strange way Saturn RE epitomized the state of the Saturn. Too little, too late. But hey, nevermind that for a second, at least THIS conversion wasn't half-baked eh!
BTW, remember that dog-crashing-thru-the-window bit? Talk about damn. I mean, just damn, when I first played... what a moment in gaming history...
I'll never forget this moment... (a fateful dark night in '96...)
New meaning to the term "In your face!"
If you're sadistic and you know it, put your two arms out!
What Lee Nutter called "The most satisfying moment in videogame history"
HA! And Jeff Daniels thought he had IT bad in Arachnophobia!
Last edited:
Baseley09
Hair Group,
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Mmmmm WWS 98 is the very good soccer game, the difference between that & 97 is negligable tho, unfortunately they removed the wierd CGI goal sequences for 98 (Jap victory goal 97), for sure in the top 5 soccer series ever....though bizarely dumped by SEGA, due to the quality of World League Soccer you mentioned.........
The series started out as US Gold's Olympic Soccer on 3DO, then PSX & Saturn...........WLS was right at the Saturns death (the top Silicon Dreams game), but also saw a PSX release under 2 guises : Michael Owens WLS,and Champions League soccer.....whiue both very good, they dont match the Saturn levels of glory.in fact, SEGA were so impressed, that they dropped the Victory Goal/WWS japanese programing team, and turned to silicon Dreams, who programmed the Dreamcast football games World Wide Soccer 2000 & 2001, so in fact WWS became WLS. Strange. Man, i'm anal
The series started out as US Gold's Olympic Soccer on 3DO, then PSX & Saturn...........WLS was right at the Saturns death (the top Silicon Dreams game), but also saw a PSX release under 2 guises : Michael Owens WLS,and Champions League soccer.....whiue both very good, they dont match the Saturn levels of glory.in fact, SEGA were so impressed, that they dropped the Victory Goal/WWS japanese programing team, and turned to silicon Dreams, who programmed the Dreamcast football games World Wide Soccer 2000 & 2001, so in fact WWS became WLS. Strange. Man, i'm anal
#12 and #11
Deep Fear was sadly the last Saturn PAL release. Since we highlighted RE last night with it ranking #13, how fitting it is that we now look at Deep Fear. DF is a lot like RE in many ways, but also different in some senses. It's a good game, and the JPN version even has dubbed english dialogue.
I'm not too sure about that darn DuBois character but haha... he does bring some "uniqueness" to the game, that's for sure.
Deep Fear vs. Resident Evil. Which Saturn game is better? Well, DF is more linear, with a lot less freedom. You are told where to go. In RE you pretty much roam anywhere you damn well please. DF also lacks the same scary punch RE has. The sound effects in DF are less impressive by far.
Overall I much prefer...
I'll be back 11/1 with #10 and more "opening tributes" on great games.. expect to see in the near future: Radiant Silvergun retrospective with special guest commentary (very ace, believe me!), post-Top 50 games and what SSM thought of them (e.g. PDS), which notable Saturn games got the Top 50 shaft, my own top 10 list, and more. Plus you get the final top ten SSM rundown... you lucky bastard you
BTW, Deep Fear scored 86%
#12: VIRTUAL ON -93%
Eight different robots battle it out over different stages in AM3's robot battler. A game of strategy as well as reflexes, this is one of the best two-player games on Saturn.
"Virtual On is a game of strategy -- of brains over brawn. It's also one of the best one-on-one titles you can get for the Saturn. The amount of strategies and tactics found in this game is frankly amazing. Not many people bought this -- a shame because it's in a class of its own." -Editor Rich Leadbetter
#11: VIRTUA COP -94%
The first of the much vaunted "Big Three" for Christmas '95, Virtua Cop is a staggeringly accurate conversion of the AM2 masterpiece which simply must be owned.
"After the appalling Lethal Enforcer games, Virtua Cop breathed fresh air into the dying genre. Using polygon-sensitive graphics as opposed to the dreadful FMV, players could reenact their favorite Tarantino shoot-outs in a socially acceptable way. It's an absolute classic, though has been largely superseded by its mightily impressive sequel." -Lee Nutter
---
Virtual On... it seems like 75% Saturn owners love or like it, and the other 25% couldn't care less. I've never really gotten into Virtual On but then again for one reason or another it's always been one I've never made enough time for... one of these days...
Virtua Cop... it was alright I suppose. Lee's right though, VC 2 is leagues better.
Hint hint...
Deep Fear was sadly the last Saturn PAL release. Since we highlighted RE last night with it ranking #13, how fitting it is that we now look at Deep Fear. DF is a lot like RE in many ways, but also different in some senses. It's a good game, and the JPN version even has dubbed english dialogue.
I'm not too sure about that darn DuBois character but haha... he does bring some "uniqueness" to the game, that's for sure.
Deep Fear vs. Resident Evil. Which Saturn game is better? Well, DF is more linear, with a lot less freedom. You are told where to go. In RE you pretty much roam anywhere you damn well please. DF also lacks the same scary punch RE has. The sound effects in DF are less impressive by far.
Overall I much prefer...
I'll be back 11/1 with #10 and more "opening tributes" on great games.. expect to see in the near future: Radiant Silvergun retrospective with special guest commentary (very ace, believe me!), post-Top 50 games and what SSM thought of them (e.g. PDS), which notable Saturn games got the Top 50 shaft, my own top 10 list, and more. Plus you get the final top ten SSM rundown... you lucky bastard you
BTW, Deep Fear scored 86%
#12: VIRTUAL ON -93%
Eight different robots battle it out over different stages in AM3's robot battler. A game of strategy as well as reflexes, this is one of the best two-player games on Saturn.
"Virtual On is a game of strategy -- of brains over brawn. It's also one of the best one-on-one titles you can get for the Saturn. The amount of strategies and tactics found in this game is frankly amazing. Not many people bought this -- a shame because it's in a class of its own." -Editor Rich Leadbetter
#11: VIRTUA COP -94%
The first of the much vaunted "Big Three" for Christmas '95, Virtua Cop is a staggeringly accurate conversion of the AM2 masterpiece which simply must be owned.
"After the appalling Lethal Enforcer games, Virtua Cop breathed fresh air into the dying genre. Using polygon-sensitive graphics as opposed to the dreadful FMV, players could reenact their favorite Tarantino shoot-outs in a socially acceptable way. It's an absolute classic, though has been largely superseded by its mightily impressive sequel." -Lee Nutter
---
Virtual On... it seems like 75% Saturn owners love or like it, and the other 25% couldn't care less. I've never really gotten into Virtual On but then again for one reason or another it's always been one I've never made enough time for... one of these days...
Virtua Cop... it was alright I suppose. Lee's right though, VC 2 is leagues better.
Hint hint...
AppleseedCast
Crazed MVS Addict
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- 131
No No No... VC1 was a much better game. For me, the attack waves were a lot more demanding, and there was just something about the way it was designed... it just flowed from scene to scene so well. Plus the score multiplier was a mile ahead of the 'three-point' thing they used in VC2 - yes, I know you could alter it on the Saturn version but to me that just seems like a quiet admission that the first system was better.
Still one of the finest on-rails shooters of all time IMO. And the Saturn light gun was sweet.
Still one of the finest on-rails shooters of all time IMO. And the Saturn light gun was sweet.
#10!
Halloween's over but the show is not! Still plenty of treats left...
SF Zero 3... one of Saturn's most impressive games. I remember the first time I played it... I was so blown away by the arcade-like quality that it sent me literally looking for the coin slot in my Saturn!
#10: STREET FIGHTER COLLECTION -92%
The ultimate 2D beat 'em up collection! Capcom's finest titles meet head-on in a two disc extravaganza. Play the original arcade perfect Super Street Fighter II, Super Street Fighter II Turbo and an updated version of Street Fighter Alpha 2.
"If you're a hardcore Street Fighter fan then Virgin's retro beat 'em up compilation is a must-have item. The game that made Capcom the giant it is today is still the classic it always was and its inclusion here shows just how far the series has come over the years. This collection is still worth buying if you already own Street Fighter Alpha 2, although both Super Street Fighter II and Super Turbo are really starting to look dated." -Matt Yeo
---
I love SF Collection. I love Street Fighter. Really, very few games have given so many gamers so many memories throughout gaming history. (Mario Brothers, Contra, Castlevania and Tetris springs to mind) The Super NES port of SFII was a HUGE, critical and pivotal event in gaming history. I personally will never forget the countless hours me and my friends logged onto that sumbitch. But enough of my memories... I've pulled two special guest commentaries for y'all to read...
----
Special guest commentary 1
Excluding the Tekken series, I'm not the biggest fan of fighting games. Now, it hasn't always been like this. I really enjoyed Street Fighter II Turbo back in the day, and I considered myself halfway decent. I used to play it late into the night with my then friends. It was the standard "loser passes the controller" setup that we had going, and the level of competition -- as fierce as it was -- was pretty even. Few people managed to hold onto the controller for more than three matches. Those were the times, but they are gone now. After that initial SF rush, I never played a 2D fighter again. Ever.
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S.G.C 2
I have a confession to make... I can no longer be called a TRANSFORMERS Collector. ::GASP:: Wait!! Come back!! It's not what you think. Actually, as of yesterday, I've become a *Action-Figure* collector. Why? Let me spin the tale...
You see, I love collecting Transformers. They were a huge part of my childhood. I can remember going to TRU and buying the latest TF toy, going home and spending the whole day totally focused on the joy of that new toy.
They were a defining part of my youth and I'll collect them and enjoy them for the rest of my life.
Now, after I had "shed" the toy thing, I had become like any other teen... on the hunt for exciting adventures. Sounds like a Porno But this ain't Emanuel, so let's keep it clean... and as for that new, exciting challenge... I found it.
It was Street Fighter II.
I had always loved video games, but this one was different... it totally consumed me. I can remember going to the arcade, after school, with my friends and playing for hours. I remember drawing all the characters during my spare time... and history class. I loved the game, the stories, and thus... Street Fighter is one of my fondest memories.
---
*sniff* if that ain't a tear-jerker I dunno what is. I feel lucky to have grown up during the "SF II Era." Also at Capcom's throat were Midway and SNK. Great times indeed. From hearing "Hadoken!" to "FINISH HIM!" to "Are-You-KEN!" to "Get over here!"... it was a blast from a different lifetime, folks.
Halloween's over but the show is not! Still plenty of treats left...
SF Zero 3... one of Saturn's most impressive games. I remember the first time I played it... I was so blown away by the arcade-like quality that it sent me literally looking for the coin slot in my Saturn!
#10: STREET FIGHTER COLLECTION -92%
The ultimate 2D beat 'em up collection! Capcom's finest titles meet head-on in a two disc extravaganza. Play the original arcade perfect Super Street Fighter II, Super Street Fighter II Turbo and an updated version of Street Fighter Alpha 2.
"If you're a hardcore Street Fighter fan then Virgin's retro beat 'em up compilation is a must-have item. The game that made Capcom the giant it is today is still the classic it always was and its inclusion here shows just how far the series has come over the years. This collection is still worth buying if you already own Street Fighter Alpha 2, although both Super Street Fighter II and Super Turbo are really starting to look dated." -Matt Yeo
---
I love SF Collection. I love Street Fighter. Really, very few games have given so many gamers so many memories throughout gaming history. (Mario Brothers, Contra, Castlevania and Tetris springs to mind) The Super NES port of SFII was a HUGE, critical and pivotal event in gaming history. I personally will never forget the countless hours me and my friends logged onto that sumbitch. But enough of my memories... I've pulled two special guest commentaries for y'all to read...
----
Special guest commentary 1
Excluding the Tekken series, I'm not the biggest fan of fighting games. Now, it hasn't always been like this. I really enjoyed Street Fighter II Turbo back in the day, and I considered myself halfway decent. I used to play it late into the night with my then friends. It was the standard "loser passes the controller" setup that we had going, and the level of competition -- as fierce as it was -- was pretty even. Few people managed to hold onto the controller for more than three matches. Those were the times, but they are gone now. After that initial SF rush, I never played a 2D fighter again. Ever.
-----
S.G.C 2
I have a confession to make... I can no longer be called a TRANSFORMERS Collector. ::GASP:: Wait!! Come back!! It's not what you think. Actually, as of yesterday, I've become a *Action-Figure* collector. Why? Let me spin the tale...
You see, I love collecting Transformers. They were a huge part of my childhood. I can remember going to TRU and buying the latest TF toy, going home and spending the whole day totally focused on the joy of that new toy.
They were a defining part of my youth and I'll collect them and enjoy them for the rest of my life.
Now, after I had "shed" the toy thing, I had become like any other teen... on the hunt for exciting adventures. Sounds like a Porno
But this ain't Emanuel, so let's keep it clean... and as for that new, exciting challenge... I found it.It was Street Fighter II.
I had always loved video games, but this one was different... it totally consumed me. I can remember going to the arcade, after school, with my friends and playing for hours. I remember drawing all the characters during my spare time... and history class. I loved the game, the stories, and thus... Street Fighter is one of my fondest memories.
---
*sniff* if that ain't a tear-jerker I dunno what is. I feel lucky to have grown up during the "SF II Era." Also at Capcom's throat were Midway and SNK. Great times indeed. From hearing "Hadoken!" to "FINISH HIM!" to "Are-You-KEN!" to "Get over here!"... it was a blast from a different lifetime, folks.
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#9!
This game was supposed to be Treasure's Saturn swan song.. until Radiant Silvergun showed up. Silhouette Mirage... a very unique game that not everyone will understand, what a shame, but for those who do get it, what a game.
On first play it's easy to dismiss it as a game that shouldn't have tried to be so different, but once you understand it, it opens up like a Treasure chest. (no pun intended)
Speaking of cool imports, how about this one... arguably the rarest and most expensive Saturn import of them all... Shinrei Jusatsushi Taromaru! Better known as Psychic Assassin Taromaru, this game, flawed as it is, is still a fun excursion into the BIZARRE!
Tomorrow we pay homage to Radiant Silvergun -- part 1 of 3!
#9: TOMB RAIDER -94%
Arguably the best game of 1996, Core's multi-format platform adventure became a massive success, thanks in no small part to the gravity-defying chest of a certain Miss Croft.
"From virtually every perspective, it's damn near impossible to find fault with Core's first real hit. This game is big -- like really big. Split into 15 differently themed levels, each feature enormous 3D environments, comparable in sheer scale to those of Mario 64. The gameplay is no slouch either, with a vast array of puzzles to solve, tasks to perform and endangered wildlife to kill. But the real star of the show is of course, Lara Croft. With a versatile array of superbly animated acrobatic maneuvers at her disposal, Lara certainly has a bright future. (sigh) Unfortunately not on the Saturn anymore." -Lee Nutter
---
Tomb Raider. My fond memory of this one comes in the form of one of the very first Saturn games I bought. I remember buying it off eBay for 11 bucks. The next day (a Saturday) I went to Toys R Us only to find Saturn Tomb Raider in the bargain bin for 8 bucks. Oh how I regretted winning that eBay auction then... because I could have been playing Tomb Raider later that evening.
The Saturn rendition is funny to me... I know a friend who absolutely loves it... and yet I know another friend who absolutely hates it. I guess I fall somewhere inbetween. For its time it was certainly one-of-a-kind and I quite liked the atmosphere. Who could forget that first encounter with the bear? That was sweet.
One funny piece from a SSM showcase on Tomb Raider was, they had a pic of Lara's front side up-close and the caption read... "Lara has great things in front of her."
This game was supposed to be Treasure's Saturn swan song.. until Radiant Silvergun showed up. Silhouette Mirage... a very unique game that not everyone will understand, what a shame, but for those who do get it, what a game.
On first play it's easy to dismiss it as a game that shouldn't have tried to be so different, but once you understand it, it opens up like a Treasure chest. (no pun intended)
Speaking of cool imports, how about this one... arguably the rarest and most expensive Saturn import of them all... Shinrei Jusatsushi Taromaru! Better known as Psychic Assassin Taromaru, this game, flawed as it is, is still a fun excursion into the BIZARRE!
Tomorrow we pay homage to Radiant Silvergun -- part 1 of 3!
#9: TOMB RAIDER -94%
Arguably the best game of 1996, Core's multi-format platform adventure became a massive success, thanks in no small part to the gravity-defying chest of a certain Miss Croft.
"From virtually every perspective, it's damn near impossible to find fault with Core's first real hit. This game is big -- like really big. Split into 15 differently themed levels, each feature enormous 3D environments, comparable in sheer scale to those of Mario 64. The gameplay is no slouch either, with a vast array of puzzles to solve, tasks to perform and endangered wildlife to kill. But the real star of the show is of course, Lara Croft. With a versatile array of superbly animated acrobatic maneuvers at her disposal, Lara certainly has a bright future. (sigh) Unfortunately not on the Saturn anymore." -Lee Nutter
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Tomb Raider. My fond memory of this one comes in the form of one of the very first Saturn games I bought. I remember buying it off eBay for 11 bucks. The next day (a Saturday) I went to Toys R Us only to find Saturn Tomb Raider in the bargain bin for 8 bucks. Oh how I regretted winning that eBay auction then... because I could have been playing Tomb Raider later that evening.
The Saturn rendition is funny to me... I know a friend who absolutely loves it... and yet I know another friend who absolutely hates it. I guess I fall somewhere inbetween. For its time it was certainly one-of-a-kind and I quite liked the atmosphere. Who could forget that first encounter with the bear? That was sweet.
One funny piece from a SSM showcase on Tomb Raider was, they had a pic of Lara's front side up-close and the caption read... "Lara has great things in front of her."
Q
qube
Guest
Lagduf said:
I'm with you 100% on this one Lagduf
Zwei is the pinnacle of gaming experience! I love all 4 Panzer games that I own (I do not own PDMini), but Zwei has always been and will probably always remain my very favourite Panzer title!Q-
#8!
1st off, Happy Birthday Loopz. I think you'll find the opening tribute fitting....
Tonight's entry is not only the longest one yet, but also what I feel is clearly the best one yet -- in terms of information and just sheer quality. In fact, tonight's entry is so damn long it's gonna take two posts! The stuff found in the next two posts are an attribute to some of the finest gamers I've met on the net. First, we look at Radiant Silvergun (part one of three) and then #8. #8's a great game, and I hope this RS bit won't steal too much of #8's thunder.... enjoy....
----
Radiant Silvergun Tribute 1 of 3... FAQ the FAQ!? No -- FAQ U! a NEW BEGINNING...
Snappy Joe: sooo... you're the local "RS god" everyone talks in hushed tones of eh? Well, I just played Radiant Silvergun...
Congrats! You have played, in my humble opinion (which will NOT match everyone else's here) the very best game for the very best console ever created. The best part about RS is that if you continue to play and enjoy it, the depth will begin to reveal itself in the form of chaining. When I first got RS, I felt it was excellent. After more than 100 hours playing, I can honestly say that it continues to get better with each passing hour. Very few games can claim that for me.
Snappy Joe: ... whoa -- didja say over 100 hours? You're nuts! Chaining? Wat dat? *heh-heh... I'll test his mettle*
The chaining is very neat -- and is really the heart of the game. Sure it can be played pure blast-everything and if you enjoy it that way, great. But RS really shines (no pun intended) when played the way it was designed -- with proper chaining and weapon powerups. There are 3 classes of weapons (although there are actually 7 weapons to use). They label these A/B/C corresponding to the weapons on those buttons (the X/Y/Z are combinations of AB AC BC so those use the powerups for the combined buttons). You will see the A/B/C powerup level at the top of your game screen (they start at level 1 and power up from there). Anyway, you power up A by using A (vulcan) to get points. The more points you get with that weapon the faster it will power-up. If you chain, you get LOTS of points quickly and power up your weapons faster. If you do not chain, the weapons will generally not power up quick enough to deal with the eventual ramp-up in difficulty post stage 3 (i.e. Stage 2/4 and beyond)
Snappy Joe: *just nod your head* Ahhhh I see.... riight... uhh how do you chain?
Chaining is pretty simple -- hit 3 enemies of a color and you get a chain bonus. Continue to hit the same color and the bonus goes up -- very rapidly!
Snappy Joe: *Testing his mettle stage two commence!* Can you give me an example?
Sure! 3B is an easy stage to chain RED only. Hit nothing but the red enemies and you can get around 1 Million on Stage 3B alone. Without chaining you might only get 200k or so. Hit any color other than Red and you start from the beginning of the chain again. Some stages are very hard to chain -- stage 3C being one of the more difficult (I can still only chain half after quite a bit of practice) There is a second form of chaining -- the yellow bonus. Hit any number of red, one (and only one) blue and then chains of 3 yellows will give bonus of 10k/20k/30k/etc. This works well on Stage 3A (the first stage) for example allowing you to get 300k for 3A. Remember to use your weapons roughly equally (there are situations for using all of them) that way they will power up evenly. It doesn't help to always use the Vulcan and have A at a power level of 10 while your other weapons are at levels 2 or 3 -- you will NEED those other weapons at various points. As a point of reference, I can get through stage 3 on one credit and maybe up to about 2C on that same credit. When I finish Stage 3 (A-E) I usually have all my weapons at about power level 9 or 10. That's not that great, but does help with the later levels.
Snappy Joe: *I'm not worthy!* Wow, thank you. You really are the RS god!
Chaining gives the game phenomenal depth for a shooter. Casual players don't pay much attention to chaining and miss out on the key thing that makes RS great (there are other nice things about the game so those who don't chain will still feel it's an excellent game but they tend to miss the best part)
Snappy Joe: I agree! I'll have you know I'm no casual player by the way... uh anyway what's the story all about eh?
There is a translation floating around with all the dialog in English which lets you figure out the story. The background anime story and dialog woven into the game make an outstanding package even more well rounded and polished.
Have fun!
The next day...
Snappy Joe: I just beat that one boss where it shoots that giant orange beam and you have to take cover behind one of many barriers. My jaw just dropped. It was incredible!
That's a great boss! But they get even better! Some will take many minutes to really wear down and defeat and it feels like a huge acomplishment! Later in the game, it seems you spend much more time on the well designed bosses than in actual flight!
Snappy Joe: Has anyone ever beaten RS on one credit?
There was this 45 minute movie floating around the net of a person beating RS on one credit (I'm only about 1/5 of the way there -- although I can clearly see the game is difficult but extremely fair -- when you lose a ship it can only be blamed on pilot error!) Absolutely amazing stuff. I must have watched that video like 50 times before deciding to get a copy (and a Saturn -- I had neither) Some of the Bosses on later stages are incredible. The final BOSS should make your jaw drop in amazement!
Snappy Joe: So wait, how does the Radiant Sword thingie work? It absorbs the pink bullets right -- the ones that looks like the pink NERDS candy? And when charged, sword can unleash an ultimate attack where your ship is invincible for a second or two? I like the sword -- it reminds me of a Light Saber! Just too bad it didn't make the same sound effect! RRRREEEEM.
You basically have it right. It does pretty high damage as a weapon even in the small form. When you unleash it, the sword swings around -- and if you continue to hold the button you can maneuver the sword by pressing in the opposite direction on the D-pad. I've seen replays of folks who have done the entire game using only the sword (often called "swordplay") Ikaruga (for the DC) has a similiar unique way of finishing the game -- you can go through the entire game without firing a single shot -- you get a ranking of DotEater under such circumstances (for absorbing enemy fire, but you must never fire and hit an enemy -- I thought at first this was impossible with stage 2 and the blocks of crates, but it turns out you can align the nose of your ship to literally "shave" between the cracks!). Anyway, in RS, the sword can only absorb the pink-ish bullets. When you collect 10 (there is a charge gauge at the top of the screen) the next press will unleash the mega Radiant Sword for a crushing attack. The power of the sword is a combination of all your weapon power levels (A/B/C). During the huge Radiant Sword attack, you are invincible for a second or two.
Snappy Joe: I use the Vulcan shot the most. Isn't that the same with you and other RS players? Also, please tell me more about the other weapons.
As for the Vulcan being the most used -- it is certainly the most used for beginners. I guess it's still the most used by more experienced players, but by a lesser margin.
The Homing Plasma (the Z button -- the one you call "Laser" is the two bolts of energy that can pass through solid walls) is invaluable simply because it has long range, good damage, has a 10k weapon bonus if you lock on for 10 seconds and did I mention it can go through walls! It's also much easier to use this on some bosses (like 2C) for the reasons stated above. Also when there are tons of enemy red fire on screen, those blend in too much with your vulcan -- use the homing plasma instead. By powering up B/C you will increase damage/angle range (that is, how far the sweep of the laser will go when trying to lock) on this weapon.
1st off, Happy Birthday Loopz. I think you'll find the opening tribute fitting....
Tonight's entry is not only the longest one yet, but also what I feel is clearly the best one yet -- in terms of information and just sheer quality. In fact, tonight's entry is so damn long it's gonna take two posts! The stuff found in the next two posts are an attribute to some of the finest gamers I've met on the net. First, we look at Radiant Silvergun (part one of three) and then #8. #8's a great game, and I hope this RS bit won't steal too much of #8's thunder.... enjoy....
----
Radiant Silvergun Tribute 1 of 3... FAQ the FAQ!? No -- FAQ U! a NEW BEGINNING...
Snappy Joe: sooo... you're the local "RS god" everyone talks in hushed tones of eh? Well, I just played Radiant Silvergun...
Congrats! You have played, in my humble opinion (which will NOT match everyone else's here) the very best game for the very best console ever created. The best part about RS is that if you continue to play and enjoy it, the depth will begin to reveal itself in the form of chaining. When I first got RS, I felt it was excellent. After more than 100 hours playing, I can honestly say that it continues to get better with each passing hour. Very few games can claim that for me.
Snappy Joe: ... whoa -- didja say over 100 hours? You're nuts! Chaining? Wat dat? *heh-heh... I'll test his mettle*
The chaining is very neat -- and is really the heart of the game. Sure it can be played pure blast-everything and if you enjoy it that way, great. But RS really shines (no pun intended) when played the way it was designed -- with proper chaining and weapon powerups. There are 3 classes of weapons (although there are actually 7 weapons to use). They label these A/B/C corresponding to the weapons on those buttons (the X/Y/Z are combinations of AB AC BC so those use the powerups for the combined buttons). You will see the A/B/C powerup level at the top of your game screen (they start at level 1 and power up from there). Anyway, you power up A by using A (vulcan) to get points. The more points you get with that weapon the faster it will power-up. If you chain, you get LOTS of points quickly and power up your weapons faster. If you do not chain, the weapons will generally not power up quick enough to deal with the eventual ramp-up in difficulty post stage 3 (i.e. Stage 2/4 and beyond)
Snappy Joe: *just nod your head* Ahhhh I see.... riight... uhh how do you chain?
Chaining is pretty simple -- hit 3 enemies of a color and you get a chain bonus. Continue to hit the same color and the bonus goes up -- very rapidly!
Snappy Joe: *Testing his mettle stage two commence!* Can you give me an example?
Sure! 3B is an easy stage to chain RED only. Hit nothing but the red enemies and you can get around 1 Million on Stage 3B alone. Without chaining you might only get 200k or so. Hit any color other than Red and you start from the beginning of the chain again. Some stages are very hard to chain -- stage 3C being one of the more difficult (I can still only chain half after quite a bit of practice) There is a second form of chaining -- the yellow bonus. Hit any number of red, one (and only one) blue and then chains of 3 yellows will give bonus of 10k/20k/30k/etc. This works well on Stage 3A (the first stage) for example allowing you to get 300k for 3A. Remember to use your weapons roughly equally (there are situations for using all of them) that way they will power up evenly. It doesn't help to always use the Vulcan and have A at a power level of 10 while your other weapons are at levels 2 or 3 -- you will NEED those other weapons at various points. As a point of reference, I can get through stage 3 on one credit and maybe up to about 2C on that same credit. When I finish Stage 3 (A-E) I usually have all my weapons at about power level 9 or 10. That's not that great, but does help with the later levels.
Snappy Joe: *I'm not worthy!* Wow, thank you. You really are the RS god!
Chaining gives the game phenomenal depth for a shooter. Casual players don't pay much attention to chaining and miss out on the key thing that makes RS great (there are other nice things about the game so those who don't chain will still feel it's an excellent game but they tend to miss the best part)
Snappy Joe: I agree! I'll have you know I'm no casual player by the way... uh anyway what's the story all about eh?
There is a translation floating around with all the dialog in English which lets you figure out the story. The background anime story and dialog woven into the game make an outstanding package even more well rounded and polished.
Have fun!
The next day...
Snappy Joe: I just beat that one boss where it shoots that giant orange beam and you have to take cover behind one of many barriers. My jaw just dropped. It was incredible!
That's a great boss! But they get even better! Some will take many minutes to really wear down and defeat and it feels like a huge acomplishment! Later in the game, it seems you spend much more time on the well designed bosses than in actual flight!
Snappy Joe: Has anyone ever beaten RS on one credit?
There was this 45 minute movie floating around the net of a person beating RS on one credit (I'm only about 1/5 of the way there -- although I can clearly see the game is difficult but extremely fair -- when you lose a ship it can only be blamed on pilot error!) Absolutely amazing stuff. I must have watched that video like 50 times before deciding to get a copy (and a Saturn -- I had neither) Some of the Bosses on later stages are incredible. The final BOSS should make your jaw drop in amazement!
Snappy Joe: So wait, how does the Radiant Sword thingie work? It absorbs the pink bullets right -- the ones that looks like the pink NERDS candy? And when charged, sword can unleash an ultimate attack where your ship is invincible for a second or two? I like the sword -- it reminds me of a Light Saber! Just too bad it didn't make the same sound effect! RRRREEEEM.
You basically have it right. It does pretty high damage as a weapon even in the small form. When you unleash it, the sword swings around -- and if you continue to hold the button you can maneuver the sword by pressing in the opposite direction on the D-pad. I've seen replays of folks who have done the entire game using only the sword (often called "swordplay") Ikaruga (for the DC) has a similiar unique way of finishing the game -- you can go through the entire game without firing a single shot -- you get a ranking of DotEater under such circumstances (for absorbing enemy fire, but you must never fire and hit an enemy -- I thought at first this was impossible with stage 2 and the blocks of crates, but it turns out you can align the nose of your ship to literally "shave" between the cracks!). Anyway, in RS, the sword can only absorb the pink-ish bullets. When you collect 10 (there is a charge gauge at the top of the screen) the next press will unleash the mega Radiant Sword for a crushing attack. The power of the sword is a combination of all your weapon power levels (A/B/C). During the huge Radiant Sword attack, you are invincible for a second or two.
Snappy Joe: I use the Vulcan shot the most. Isn't that the same with you and other RS players? Also, please tell me more about the other weapons.
As for the Vulcan being the most used -- it is certainly the most used for beginners. I guess it's still the most used by more experienced players, but by a lesser margin.
The Homing Plasma (the Z button -- the one you call "Laser" is the two bolts of energy that can pass through solid walls) is invaluable simply because it has long range, good damage, has a 10k weapon bonus if you lock on for 10 seconds and did I mention it can go through walls! It's also much easier to use this on some bosses (like 2C) for the reasons stated above. Also when there are tons of enemy red fire on screen, those blend in too much with your vulcan -- use the homing plasma instead. By powering up B/C you will increase damage/angle range (that is, how far the sweep of the laser will go when trying to lock) on this weapon.
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#8!
The Lock Ons (the X button... "Homing Spread" as it is sometimes called -- this is what you call the "Web") is a VERY powerful attack -- you can get up close and fire tons of these lock-ons right into the heart of a boss. It also works great for some of the stages where things are slightly to the side or behind you and you need to take them out without aiming. A very difficult Boss you haven't seen yet (I don't think) will almost require this as you will more than likely be riding along side it for a lengthy period of time and this attack is perfect for those situations. There are other uses as well that you will discover.
The homing shot (button B) unleashes green bolts that home in on enemies. Quite weak but good for those moments where you want to focus on dodging intense enemy fire and not worry about aligning yourself in a position to hurt the boss/enemies.
The Back-Wide (button Y) in level 1 fires three backward, and a single file fire in front for safety precautions.
The Spread (button C) fires two blue shots diagonally and is quite powerful.
Snappy Joe: Which guns are most useful?
I would say that the most useful weapons are Vulcan (A), Spread (C), Lock Ons (X) and Homing Plasma (Z) and the Sword. All of those are roughly equal in my opinion. The back-wide shot and the homing shot are less useful, but still have their momements (boss 3B after he gets behind you is a prime example of using the back-wide).
Snappy Joe: Thank you
Hey, no need. Thank Treasure. Thank Masato Maegawa (President) Thank Tetsuhiko Kikuchi (senior designer) They have enriched my life beyond belief. I want to name my son Treasure... my wife doesn't like the idea too much though... I tried convincing her that Treasure came from "Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson but she ain't buying it... not one bit... hehe
And so part 1 of 3 concludes. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for part 2 of 3 -- The Fans Strike Back! Now let's look at a game that deserves some looking!
#8: EXHUMED (POWERSLAVE) -94%
Lobotomy's initial adventure was unfairly dubbed "Doom in Egypt." In truth it's one of the deepest, action-packed, adventures money can buy. One of the most criminally under-rated games of all-time.
"It took the whining and moaning of our own "Manual" Daniel Jevons to convince me to take this game seriously. When I started playing -- and playing it properly -- I realized that this adventure is a work of genius. SSM got behind Lobotomy in a big way and our prayers for them to convert later FPS games for the Saturn were answered. Exhumed's extremely cheap these days, so there's no excuse not to own this classic." -Editor Rich Leadbetter
---
Rich Leadbetter and the rest of the SSM staff really did a LOT for not only PowerSlave, but for Lobotomy, the Saturn, and Saturn gamers. They pushed PowerSlave to the moon. Even after a 94% review in issue #11, several weeks later, Exhumed sales were quite low. So, Rich, being the high quality gaming crusader he was, sought to seek justice for the game. And in issue #13, this was his Editorial...
"Exhumed, the 3D Doom clone OUT NOW on Saturn, is brilliant. As a PC owner and a big Quake fan I just have to say that I am mightily impressed with what the Saturn is achieving with this game. Quite frankly, it's superb. The 3D is incredibly fast, but it's the design of the game that makes it so great -- you won't find a more cunningly crafted adventure on Saturn. Or PC for that matter. I've had a disturbing amount of mail from people who are ready to pass up Exhumed and get Doom instead because they "don't like the look of it." Well, GET YOUR EYES TESTED. Exhumed looks -- and plays -- absolutely briiiiiilliantly. Go out now. Buy it. Make it a top seller. Then perhaps GT Interactive will see sense and get Lobotomy (Exhumed'a creators) to do Saturn Quake..."
Wow and did that Editorial help to launch PowerSlave or what! The Editorial is usually the first part of the magazine everyone reads. So after constantly hearing Rich pipe on about Exhumed's greatness, the UK masses went out and bought the damn game.
It became a hit. Sales were high. Rentals for Exhumed were high. (often appearing in the top ten rental list)
And due to Exhumed's smash success in the UK, GT Interactive saw fit to allow Lobotomy to do Saturn Quake. If it weren't for Rich's never-say-die attitude and SSM.....
isn't the water lovely? But beware of biting piranha!
BTW did you know that PIE hired Don LeFontaine to be the narrator for the story and as the voice of King Ramses? You may know him from... almost every damn movie preview you have ever heard.
As for my thoughts on the game -- it's quality through and through. My friend is obsessed with PowerSlave. (And he's not exactly the biggest Saturn fan) After seeing his rabid posts on PowerSlave back when it came out in '96, the Lobotomy guys flew him over to hang out with them for a weekend and also let him test drive Saturn Quake! You can check out his website and see first-hand his PowerSlave adoration amongst other things:
http://users2.ev1.net/~belpowerslave/
See? It even has the game's name in it! His website is called "Whip Ass Gaming."
You definitely should have PowerSlave in your collection. Don't let Rich's words fall on deaf ears.... YOU MUST OWN THIS GAME
the light-sourcing is to die for... literally!
The Lock Ons (the X button... "Homing Spread" as it is sometimes called -- this is what you call the "Web") is a VERY powerful attack -- you can get up close and fire tons of these lock-ons right into the heart of a boss. It also works great for some of the stages where things are slightly to the side or behind you and you need to take them out without aiming. A very difficult Boss you haven't seen yet (I don't think) will almost require this as you will more than likely be riding along side it for a lengthy period of time and this attack is perfect for those situations. There are other uses as well that you will discover.
The homing shot (button B) unleashes green bolts that home in on enemies. Quite weak but good for those moments where you want to focus on dodging intense enemy fire and not worry about aligning yourself in a position to hurt the boss/enemies.
The Back-Wide (button Y) in level 1 fires three backward, and a single file fire in front for safety precautions.
The Spread (button C) fires two blue shots diagonally and is quite powerful.
Snappy Joe: Which guns are most useful?
I would say that the most useful weapons are Vulcan (A), Spread (C), Lock Ons (X) and Homing Plasma (Z) and the Sword. All of those are roughly equal in my opinion. The back-wide shot and the homing shot are less useful, but still have their momements (boss 3B after he gets behind you is a prime example of using the back-wide).
Snappy Joe: Thank you
Hey, no need. Thank Treasure. Thank Masato Maegawa (President) Thank Tetsuhiko Kikuchi (senior designer) They have enriched my life beyond belief. I want to name my son Treasure... my wife doesn't like the idea too much though... I tried convincing her that Treasure came from "Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson but she ain't buying it... not one bit... hehe
And so part 1 of 3 concludes. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for part 2 of 3 -- The Fans Strike Back! Now let's look at a game that deserves some looking!
#8: EXHUMED (POWERSLAVE) -94%
Lobotomy's initial adventure was unfairly dubbed "Doom in Egypt." In truth it's one of the deepest, action-packed, adventures money can buy. One of the most criminally under-rated games of all-time.
"It took the whining and moaning of our own "Manual" Daniel Jevons to convince me to take this game seriously. When I started playing -- and playing it properly -- I realized that this adventure is a work of genius. SSM got behind Lobotomy in a big way and our prayers for them to convert later FPS games for the Saturn were answered. Exhumed's extremely cheap these days, so there's no excuse not to own this classic." -Editor Rich Leadbetter
---
Rich Leadbetter and the rest of the SSM staff really did a LOT for not only PowerSlave, but for Lobotomy, the Saturn, and Saturn gamers. They pushed PowerSlave to the moon. Even after a 94% review in issue #11, several weeks later, Exhumed sales were quite low. So, Rich, being the high quality gaming crusader he was, sought to seek justice for the game. And in issue #13, this was his Editorial...
"Exhumed, the 3D Doom clone OUT NOW on Saturn, is brilliant. As a PC owner and a big Quake fan I just have to say that I am mightily impressed with what the Saturn is achieving with this game. Quite frankly, it's superb. The 3D is incredibly fast, but it's the design of the game that makes it so great -- you won't find a more cunningly crafted adventure on Saturn. Or PC for that matter. I've had a disturbing amount of mail from people who are ready to pass up Exhumed and get Doom instead because they "don't like the look of it." Well, GET YOUR EYES TESTED. Exhumed looks -- and plays -- absolutely briiiiiilliantly. Go out now. Buy it. Make it a top seller. Then perhaps GT Interactive will see sense and get Lobotomy (Exhumed'a creators) to do Saturn Quake..."
Wow and did that Editorial help to launch PowerSlave or what! The Editorial is usually the first part of the magazine everyone reads. So after constantly hearing Rich pipe on about Exhumed's greatness, the UK masses went out and bought the damn game.
It became a hit. Sales were high. Rentals for Exhumed were high. (often appearing in the top ten rental list)
And due to Exhumed's smash success in the UK, GT Interactive saw fit to allow Lobotomy to do Saturn Quake. If it weren't for Rich's never-say-die attitude and SSM.....
isn't the water lovely? But beware of biting piranha!
BTW did you know that PIE hired Don LeFontaine to be the narrator for the story and as the voice of King Ramses? You may know him from... almost every damn movie preview you have ever heard.
As for my thoughts on the game -- it's quality through and through. My friend is obsessed with PowerSlave. (And he's not exactly the biggest Saturn fan) After seeing his rabid posts on PowerSlave back when it came out in '96, the Lobotomy guys flew him over to hang out with them for a weekend and also let him test drive Saturn Quake! You can check out his website and see first-hand his PowerSlave adoration amongst other things:
http://users2.ev1.net/~belpowerslave/
See? It even has the game's name in it! His website is called "Whip Ass Gaming."
You definitely should have PowerSlave in your collection. Don't let Rich's words fall on deaf ears.... YOU MUST OWN THIS GAME
the light-sourcing is to die for... literally!
#7!
Welcome to Radiant Silvergun Retrospective 2 of 3 -- The Fans Strike Back!
While RS has its legion of fans, there are many doubters and shouters. Observe...
"RSG is SO overrated it's not even funny. It's slow, overpriced, overhyped, and I much rather play Souky or Garegga."
"To say that RSG blows every other shooter away is laughable. It's all about fun. If you want turtle-paced shooting action, be my guest. If you want quick thrills -- look elsewhere."
"I don't understand the love for RS. Is it because it's from Treasure? Maybe. Is it because you don't want to go against the hype? Probably."
To all those people, let me just say..
At the end of the day, Radiant Silvergun is quality. How can you deny that it's not? Whether you found the gameplay enjoyable or not varies. There's no game EVERYONE likes. Not even Tetris.
Now -- suppose the year's 1998. You have a Saturn. You walk in EB. You see RS for 49.99. You decide to purchase it, just because it looks good. You have never heard anything spoken of it before.... you know basically NOTHING about it.
You bring it home.
You play it.
I'd find it difficult to believe anyone with any sense to say that it wasn't at least a quality game. Agree, disagree? The price tag today (triple figures) and the hype (overwhelming) are what I believe to be the main reasons for the critics. I'm definitely not the biggest RS fan around -- it's not one of my top ten favorites. You don't have to love it to know it's triple A stuff. Anyone who says otherwise, should be locked away in a prison forced to play Battle Monsters for all eternity.
At any rate, let's take a look at an appreciative fan...
After Steve (yes, he's talking about me -Steve) reminded me how much fun EAR (Elevator Action Returns) was, I had to take the Saturn out for a spin again and had a killer Saturn marathon today. Played some EAR, Soukyugurentai and Radiant Silvergun... Wow... These games are still awesome and a blast to play, and just reminded me of how much I miss the good ol days of the Saturn + Dreamcast... Here's still hoping that Sega will one day come out with their own console again with Sega exclusives only appearing on a Sega platform.. Then all will be right in the world...
But really, the thing that impresses me the most is how well Radiant Silvergun still holds up today... That game is a total blast!! Quite a technical marvel... To appreciate it, you have to play it on a nice TV and Stereo (just crank up that volume!).. The graphics are still impressive.. It's amazing to see all the effects and graphical prowess of the Saturn at work... It really is quite a shame that this game hasn't been played by more people, and even WORSE, more Saturn games of this quality were NOT made...
It's a great game because it was built from the ground up as something to take advantage of the Saturn's capabilities.. Great 2D and 3D graphics are everywhere.... The music is GREAT, gameplay is GREAT, and just the variety of Bosses and their complex attack patterns is a true sight to behold.
Playing it today was like visiting with an old friend who you haven't seen in a while and finding out that life's been good to them
It's great going back to these old games, and gaining a new appreciation for them (well, at least for me)... If you've got a copy, give it another play!
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#7: MARVEL SUPER HEROES -95%
The game they said couldn't be done. Capcom's most ambitious 2D fighting game arrives on the Saturn replete all the awesome visuals and playability that you could hope for. Senses-shattering!
"We got arcade MSH in the office at about the same time that the finished Saturn X-Men appeared. I remember comparing the two and thinking, 'no way will this ever come to the Sega machine.' Whilst the conversion isn't perfect, it's incredible in every way that matters. The rich visuals are beyond compare, but it's the combo system that really makes this game. And Doctor Doom is ace." -Rich Leadbetter
---
Marvel Super Heroes was one of the first 10 or so Saturn games I bought. I really looked forward to it, but in the end ultimately couldn't help but feel disappointed. Ended up selling it away couple months later. I dunno how I'd react to it today -- it's been 2 years now since I played the Saturn port. All I remember was... it was slow and not as enjoyable as I thought it would be.
Then again, back then I didn't have the 4 meg ram cart so I dunno how much diff that makes...
I prefer X-Men: COTA. I was really baffled by Shuma Gorath's inclusion in MSH. Blackheart -- maybe. Shuma? Eh. So many other top choices... :/
BTW, MSH is the first game to crack the 95% or up range. Will there be a 100%.... come back tomorrow for #6 and the conclusion to our Radiant Silvergun Retrospective; part 3 of 3 -- aptly titled... "Return of the Prophet!"
a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...
Welcome to Radiant Silvergun Retrospective 2 of 3 -- The Fans Strike Back!
While RS has its legion of fans, there are many doubters and shouters. Observe...
"RSG is SO overrated it's not even funny. It's slow, overpriced, overhyped, and I much rather play Souky or Garegga."
"To say that RSG blows every other shooter away is laughable. It's all about fun. If you want turtle-paced shooting action, be my guest. If you want quick thrills -- look elsewhere."
"I don't understand the love for RS. Is it because it's from Treasure? Maybe. Is it because you don't want to go against the hype? Probably."
To all those people, let me just say..
At the end of the day, Radiant Silvergun is quality. How can you deny that it's not? Whether you found the gameplay enjoyable or not varies. There's no game EVERYONE likes. Not even Tetris.
Now -- suppose the year's 1998. You have a Saturn. You walk in EB. You see RS for 49.99. You decide to purchase it, just because it looks good. You have never heard anything spoken of it before.... you know basically NOTHING about it.
You bring it home.
You play it.
I'd find it difficult to believe anyone with any sense to say that it wasn't at least a quality game. Agree, disagree? The price tag today (triple figures) and the hype (overwhelming) are what I believe to be the main reasons for the critics. I'm definitely not the biggest RS fan around -- it's not one of my top ten favorites. You don't have to love it to know it's triple A stuff. Anyone who says otherwise, should be locked away in a prison forced to play Battle Monsters for all eternity.
At any rate, let's take a look at an appreciative fan...
After Steve (yes, he's talking about me -Steve) reminded me how much fun EAR (Elevator Action Returns) was, I had to take the Saturn out for a spin again and had a killer Saturn marathon today. Played some EAR, Soukyugurentai and Radiant Silvergun... Wow... These games are still awesome and a blast to play, and just reminded me of how much I miss the good ol days of the Saturn + Dreamcast... Here's still hoping that Sega will one day come out with their own console again with Sega exclusives only appearing on a Sega platform.. Then all will be right in the world...
But really, the thing that impresses me the most is how well Radiant Silvergun still holds up today... That game is a total blast!! Quite a technical marvel... To appreciate it, you have to play it on a nice TV and Stereo (just crank up that volume!).. The graphics are still impressive.. It's amazing to see all the effects and graphical prowess of the Saturn at work... It really is quite a shame that this game hasn't been played by more people, and even WORSE, more Saturn games of this quality were NOT made...
It's a great game because it was built from the ground up as something to take advantage of the Saturn's capabilities.. Great 2D and 3D graphics are everywhere.... The music is GREAT, gameplay is GREAT, and just the variety of Bosses and their complex attack patterns is a true sight to behold.
Playing it today was like visiting with an old friend who you haven't seen in a while and finding out that life's been good to them
It's great going back to these old games, and gaining a new appreciation for them (well, at least for me)... If you've got a copy, give it another play!
---
#7: MARVEL SUPER HEROES -95%
The game they said couldn't be done. Capcom's most ambitious 2D fighting game arrives on the Saturn replete all the awesome visuals and playability that you could hope for. Senses-shattering!
"We got arcade MSH in the office at about the same time that the finished Saturn X-Men appeared. I remember comparing the two and thinking, 'no way will this ever come to the Sega machine.' Whilst the conversion isn't perfect, it's incredible in every way that matters. The rich visuals are beyond compare, but it's the combo system that really makes this game. And Doctor Doom is ace." -Rich Leadbetter
---
Marvel Super Heroes was one of the first 10 or so Saturn games I bought. I really looked forward to it, but in the end ultimately couldn't help but feel disappointed. Ended up selling it away couple months later. I dunno how I'd react to it today -- it's been 2 years now since I played the Saturn port. All I remember was... it was slow and not as enjoyable as I thought it would be.
Then again, back then I didn't have the 4 meg ram cart so I dunno how much diff that makes...
I prefer X-Men: COTA. I was really baffled by Shuma Gorath's inclusion in MSH. Blackheart -- maybe. Shuma? Eh. So many other top choices... :/
BTW, MSH is the first game to crack the 95% or up range. Will there be a 100%.... come back tomorrow for #6 and the conclusion to our Radiant Silvergun Retrospective; part 3 of 3 -- aptly titled... "Return of the Prophet!"
a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...
#6!
This evening we conclude our RS Retrospective with... Return of the Prophet...
SSM did a lot to push Radiant Silvergun. It first appeared in issue #31, before receiving a six page preview in issue #34 and a huge 10 page showcase in issue #35, including a two-page review. The coverage was simply stunning. They really sold the game well. And their review was the capper for many (scoring RS a massive 95%)
As evidence, the guy who I won the SSM lot off, here's an email he sent me in regards to SSM and Radiant Silvergun, right after I won his auction:
---
I know I'm going to miss these mags and I must have read them cover to cover a thousand times. (yet I've kept them in superb condition) I have just purchased a Nissan Skyline GTR from Japan and need every cent I can get so over half my collection is going. I had over 450 Sega games (all originals and complete) and I've cut that down to around 200. As for the Saturn, I had around 90 games but that is now about 40, keeping mostly my shooters and imports along with a few others. Games sold though have included rarities such as Panzer Dragoon Saga and MegaMan X3.
Anyway, enough rambling. I will tell you though that the magazines are about the best Saturn ones ever and they convinced me to go purchase Radiant Silvergun before the hype and price skyrocketed. I still regard RS as one of the best games I ever played, and it's thanks to the SSM boys I even gave it a shot (I wasn't a fan of shooters back then, but their enthusiasm/coverage sold me)
I got all the SSM issues immediately as they went to newsstands and it's been quite a ride. Those times feel like a different lifetime now. It's a great archive for one of the greatest systems of all time -- and was written by some of the wittiest bastards this side of the UK. I know you'll enjoy them as much as I have.
Regards
Matt
---
Now let's turn our focus to a letter sent in from a fan, printed in the Final SSM issue #37 (Nov. '98)... I call this... The Return of the Prophet!
---
I'm writing to thank you for bringing to my attention one of the greatest games ever made. I'm talking about Radiant Silvergun, of course. If it were not for your fine coverage of this stunning title, I would almost certainly dismissed it as "just another shooter." It angers me that this game will never see the light of day over here, but utter tripe such as Iron Man XO and The Incredible Hulk are given official releases almost immediately. It's little wonder that the Saturn has died so swiftly in the west. I hate to say this, but Sony would have pounced on Radiant Silvergun and turned it into a Triple A release this Christmas. Treasure have put so much time and effort into this game. Everything is excellent; the controls, the learning curve, hell, it even has a good plot!
Now I'll tell you how much I paid for Radiant Silvergun. $60? $50? $40, maybe? No. I paid $30 for it.
As Tom Holmes stated last issue, ordering over the internet from America is a bloody good idea. My friends use TheRage.com but I like Tronix at tronix2@worldnet.att.net. Through them and the net (and let's face it, almost everyone has an internet connection these days) I've been able to get other imports like Princess Crown (which is bloody fantastic). The prices are cheap, and delivery to your door on average takes four days! The latest Japanese games, such as Astra SuperStars, cost less than $40!
So...
Here is my tip to all you readers: get on the internet and order Radiant Silvergun NOW! You'll thank yourself later...
Damien Worth, Hinckley
As I've mentioned before, Sega Europe are putting all their efforts into Dreamcast, into the future. They've conceded the 32-bit market to Sony and are now coming up with a new, astounding hardware platform. That's why, unfortunately, Radiant Silvergun won't be coming out. I agree, order Radiant Silvergun TODAY... or face the possibility of kicking yourself tomorrow... don't you DARE be that sucker who does. -Rich
---
Boy, if only I knew back then. But all's well that ends well. I got my RS copy last Halloween, all for 65 bones.
But yeah, ole Damien boy sure was on to something eh... he proved his Worth... pun intended
You know, I wish I could share with you the SSM RS scans and the 2 page review as they are splendid. Wait a second... I can! If you want to see the showcase and review scans, go here:
http://blazinglazers.gamersgraveyard.com/radiant/gallery/scans_html/scans.htm
ooooh. aaahhhh.
Well that concludes our Radiant Silvergun Retrospective. A New Beginning, The Fans Strike Back and Return of the Prophet. It was fun eh? Perhaps I'll see you again in 16 years... with... The Xiga Menace...
----
#6: VIRTUA COP 2 -95%
Following the unprecedented success of the seminal Virtua Cop conversion, AM2 reaffirmed their position as the greatest coders of Sega's machine with this stunning sequel. Time Crisis? HA!
"The most important thing to mention about Virtua Cop 2 is that it is huge -- approximately twice the size of its predecessor in fact. Each of the three levels feature multiple routes about half way through, making the sequel a less linear affair than VC1. Each of these levels are densely packed with destructible scenery and of course, hod-loads of bad guys. There's also some stunning set-pieces in there -- the car chase sequence in particular stands out in my mind. Yeah, it might not be as close a conversion as the less ambitious VC1, but AM2 have pulled off a miracle in getting the Saturn to emulate the Model 2 coin-op so well. Everyone must own this game." -Lee Nutter
---
I've always enjoyed VC2 greatly. I remember the first time my brother and I played this game... I really felt like I was at the arcades -- it was a damn nice feeling!
The greatest sight is shooting a baddie in his crotch and seeing him react to it. And a shot right between the eyes is always fun. It'd have been interesting if there was some sort of blood code....
Very playable and enjoyable -- what can I say? Tight game.
new meaning to 'nutcracker'.... (ouch!)
This evening we conclude our RS Retrospective with... Return of the Prophet...
SSM did a lot to push Radiant Silvergun. It first appeared in issue #31, before receiving a six page preview in issue #34 and a huge 10 page showcase in issue #35, including a two-page review. The coverage was simply stunning. They really sold the game well. And their review was the capper for many (scoring RS a massive 95%)
As evidence, the guy who I won the SSM lot off, here's an email he sent me in regards to SSM and Radiant Silvergun, right after I won his auction:
---
I know I'm going to miss these mags and I must have read them cover to cover a thousand times. (yet I've kept them in superb condition) I have just purchased a Nissan Skyline GTR from Japan and need every cent I can get so over half my collection is going. I had over 450 Sega games (all originals and complete) and I've cut that down to around 200. As for the Saturn, I had around 90 games but that is now about 40, keeping mostly my shooters and imports along with a few others. Games sold though have included rarities such as Panzer Dragoon Saga and MegaMan X3.
Anyway, enough rambling. I will tell you though that the magazines are about the best Saturn ones ever and they convinced me to go purchase Radiant Silvergun before the hype and price skyrocketed. I still regard RS as one of the best games I ever played, and it's thanks to the SSM boys I even gave it a shot (I wasn't a fan of shooters back then, but their enthusiasm/coverage sold me)
I got all the SSM issues immediately as they went to newsstands and it's been quite a ride. Those times feel like a different lifetime now. It's a great archive for one of the greatest systems of all time -- and was written by some of the wittiest bastards this side of the UK. I know you'll enjoy them as much as I have.
Regards
Matt
---
Now let's turn our focus to a letter sent in from a fan, printed in the Final SSM issue #37 (Nov. '98)... I call this... The Return of the Prophet!
---
I'm writing to thank you for bringing to my attention one of the greatest games ever made. I'm talking about Radiant Silvergun, of course. If it were not for your fine coverage of this stunning title, I would almost certainly dismissed it as "just another shooter." It angers me that this game will never see the light of day over here, but utter tripe such as Iron Man XO and The Incredible Hulk are given official releases almost immediately. It's little wonder that the Saturn has died so swiftly in the west. I hate to say this, but Sony would have pounced on Radiant Silvergun and turned it into a Triple A release this Christmas. Treasure have put so much time and effort into this game. Everything is excellent; the controls, the learning curve, hell, it even has a good plot!
Now I'll tell you how much I paid for Radiant Silvergun. $60? $50? $40, maybe? No. I paid $30 for it.
As Tom Holmes stated last issue, ordering over the internet from America is a bloody good idea. My friends use TheRage.com but I like Tronix at tronix2@worldnet.att.net. Through them and the net (and let's face it, almost everyone has an internet connection these days) I've been able to get other imports like Princess Crown (which is bloody fantastic). The prices are cheap, and delivery to your door on average takes four days! The latest Japanese games, such as Astra SuperStars, cost less than $40!
So...
Here is my tip to all you readers: get on the internet and order Radiant Silvergun NOW! You'll thank yourself later...
Damien Worth, Hinckley
As I've mentioned before, Sega Europe are putting all their efforts into Dreamcast, into the future. They've conceded the 32-bit market to Sony and are now coming up with a new, astounding hardware platform. That's why, unfortunately, Radiant Silvergun won't be coming out. I agree, order Radiant Silvergun TODAY... or face the possibility of kicking yourself tomorrow... don't you DARE be that sucker who does. -Rich
---
Boy, if only I knew back then. But all's well that ends well. I got my RS copy last Halloween, all for 65 bones.
But yeah, ole Damien boy sure was on to something eh... he proved his Worth... pun intended
You know, I wish I could share with you the SSM RS scans and the 2 page review as they are splendid. Wait a second... I can! If you want to see the showcase and review scans, go here:
http://blazinglazers.gamersgraveyard.com/radiant/gallery/scans_html/scans.htm
ooooh. aaahhhh.
Well that concludes our Radiant Silvergun Retrospective. A New Beginning, The Fans Strike Back and Return of the Prophet. It was fun eh? Perhaps I'll see you again in 16 years... with... The Xiga Menace...
----
#6: VIRTUA COP 2 -95%
Following the unprecedented success of the seminal Virtua Cop conversion, AM2 reaffirmed their position as the greatest coders of Sega's machine with this stunning sequel. Time Crisis? HA!
"The most important thing to mention about Virtua Cop 2 is that it is huge -- approximately twice the size of its predecessor in fact. Each of the three levels feature multiple routes about half way through, making the sequel a less linear affair than VC1. Each of these levels are densely packed with destructible scenery and of course, hod-loads of bad guys. There's also some stunning set-pieces in there -- the car chase sequence in particular stands out in my mind. Yeah, it might not be as close a conversion as the less ambitious VC1, but AM2 have pulled off a miracle in getting the Saturn to emulate the Model 2 coin-op so well. Everyone must own this game." -Lee Nutter
---
I've always enjoyed VC2 greatly. I remember the first time my brother and I played this game... I really felt like I was at the arcades -- it was a damn nice feeling!
The greatest sight is shooting a baddie in his crotch and seeing him react to it. And a shot right between the eyes is always fun. It'd have been interesting if there was some sort of blood code....
Very playable and enjoyable -- what can I say? Tight game.
new meaning to 'nutcracker'.... (ouch!)
Last edited:
Plisken
Snaaaaaaake!,
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2002
- Posts
- 3,487
oh hell yes, Exhumed is one of my favourite games of all time. I bought it mainly from the hype in that magazine, cost me £20 for a new copy some 6 years ago, worth eevry fucking pennt. I even found all 32 team dolls which took goddamn forever. I've always wondered what happened to Lobotomy...i bought Saturn Quake and Duke 3D, and the secret multiplayer game 'Death Tank ZWEI' is one of gaming's undiscovered treasures.
SSM was the greatest games mag ever. hell any magazien that gave Christmas Nights away for free on the cover instantly wins. I played that game more than most full-priced titles i'd bought.
SSM was the greatest games mag ever. hell any magazien that gave Christmas Nights away for free on the cover instantly wins. I played that game more than most full-priced titles i'd bought.
#5!
As mentioned previously, as the state of the Saturn declined in the UK, SSM began to showcase and review import games by the handful. They stressed converting your Saturn to get the best possible gaming experience. It's such a shame these games never saw the light of day...
X-Men vs. Street Fighter -94%
Prepare to be amazed! Witness this game and tremble!
my score: 97%
Grandia -97%
Import players, buy this game! Worry not about the language, SSM will be here to guide you through! Grandia astounds, delights and amazes from start to finish.
my score: N/A
Dead or Alive -94%
Simply the breast!
my score: 96%
Metal Slug -92%
One of the best 2D blasters we've ever seen.
my score: 94%
ThunderForce V -91%
Although the early levels may not seem up to snuff, the game quickly becomes an astounding blast....
my score: 91%
MegaMan X4 -91%
Remember all those 2D platform shooters on MegaDrive? MegaMan X4 is like them. Only better.
my score: 86%
Vampire Savior -94%
Senses-shattering. Pulse-pounding. Last one to get a copy is a one-legged zombie!
my score: 96%
Silhouette Mirage -90%
Treasure at their most bizarre. A 2D platformer packed to bursting with over-the-top action and monsters. Go for it!
my score: N/A
Elevator Action Returns -87%
A sweepingly playable platformer that's well worth tracking down. It's just a really, really cool game and the most fun you'll have for ages! A cultish videogame not likely to appeal to the masses, but in terms of sheer, mindless fun this occupies a unique space of its own in Saturndom.
my score: 87%
King of Fighters '97 -91%
A fantastic update with more extras than any fighting game deserves. Loads of cool characters and spot-on gameplay. Roll on King of Fighters 98! In the meantime, check out this cool title NOW!
my score: 90%
Bomberman Fight!! -90%
Our favorite bomber in a new look, but with the same kind of addicting formula. Top stuff and one of the best multi-player games around.
my score: 93%
Radiant Silvergun -95%
Do I even have to repeat myself?
my score: 96%
Pocket Fighter -93%
When Puzzle Fighter came out and became a minor hit, it was to almost everyone's wishes that we got what we really wanted: those pint-sized Capcom brawlers in ... well, a brawler! Capcom answered our prayers with this ace game!
my score: 87%
Grandia Museum -88%
More Grandia, more goodness!
my score: N/A
Castlevania X -94%
A red-hot import game, Castlevania X is guaranteed to give converted Saturn owners many a sleepless night...
Fancy a ride do ya? Strategically located are key wrap gates. Likewise, lifts and elevators. But our favorite mode of transport has to be the spooky boatman who punts players across the frozen underground lake. Brrrr...
(they had a pic of the spooky boatman -- shades of "Clash of the Titans!")
my score: 94%
Astra SuperStars -86%
OK it's not X-Men vs. Street Fighter but Sunsoft's 2D titan is still a fearsome force to be reckoned with.
my score: 88%
Capcom Generation 2 (Ghosts N Ghouls comp) -92%
Quite possibly the best retro pack since the seminal Sonic Jam! This pack sums up what makes retro worthwhile. Three classic games every serious gamer must experience! Buy this pack and feel the magic.
my score: 91%
On with # 5 . . . . .
----
#5: FIGHTERS MEGAMIX -95%
AM2's greatest creations clash in a 3D beat 'em up of unparalleled proportions! Virtua Fighters meet Fighting Vipers for some hard-hitting 3D beat 'em up shenanigans. If you want speed and action, get this!
"The Saturn is blessed with a number of awesome 3D beat 'em ups but Fighters Megamix is something else. A staggering 32 characters, Viper armor-breakers, VF3 moves, enclosed arenas and secrets galore make this a premier Saturn title. Even if you own both Virtua Fighter and Fighting Vipers, there are still plenty of new features and playable faces to get to grips with. Loads of depth and playability makes Fighters Megamix one game you can't live without!" -Matt Yeo
---
what Matt Yeo called 'staggering.' I'd bee-lee dat!
I always liked Megamix. It certainly is a "Mega Mixed Bag" when it comes to opinions on this game. I know one dude who constantly refers to FM as MegaMud. Anywho, for me it comes down to this simple question, besides do I like it or is it fun: Would I rather wish that this game never came out on Saturn? And my answer is a resounding no. It's not perfect, nothing is. But it is unique, even to this day....
As mentioned previously, as the state of the Saturn declined in the UK, SSM began to showcase and review import games by the handful. They stressed converting your Saturn to get the best possible gaming experience. It's such a shame these games never saw the light of day...
X-Men vs. Street Fighter -94%
Prepare to be amazed! Witness this game and tremble!
my score: 97%
Grandia -97%
Import players, buy this game! Worry not about the language, SSM will be here to guide you through! Grandia astounds, delights and amazes from start to finish.
my score: N/A
Dead or Alive -94%
Simply the breast!
my score: 96%
Metal Slug -92%
One of the best 2D blasters we've ever seen.
my score: 94%
ThunderForce V -91%
Although the early levels may not seem up to snuff, the game quickly becomes an astounding blast....
my score: 91%
MegaMan X4 -91%
Remember all those 2D platform shooters on MegaDrive? MegaMan X4 is like them. Only better.
my score: 86%
Vampire Savior -94%
Senses-shattering. Pulse-pounding. Last one to get a copy is a one-legged zombie!
my score: 96%
Silhouette Mirage -90%
Treasure at their most bizarre. A 2D platformer packed to bursting with over-the-top action and monsters. Go for it!
my score: N/A
Elevator Action Returns -87%
A sweepingly playable platformer that's well worth tracking down. It's just a really, really cool game and the most fun you'll have for ages! A cultish videogame not likely to appeal to the masses, but in terms of sheer, mindless fun this occupies a unique space of its own in Saturndom.
my score: 87%
King of Fighters '97 -91%
A fantastic update with more extras than any fighting game deserves. Loads of cool characters and spot-on gameplay. Roll on King of Fighters 98! In the meantime, check out this cool title NOW!
my score: 90%
Bomberman Fight!! -90%
Our favorite bomber in a new look, but with the same kind of addicting formula. Top stuff and one of the best multi-player games around.
my score: 93%
Radiant Silvergun -95%
Do I even have to repeat myself?
my score: 96%
Pocket Fighter -93%
When Puzzle Fighter came out and became a minor hit, it was to almost everyone's wishes that we got what we really wanted: those pint-sized Capcom brawlers in ... well, a brawler! Capcom answered our prayers with this ace game!
my score: 87%
Grandia Museum -88%
More Grandia, more goodness!
my score: N/A
Castlevania X -94%
A red-hot import game, Castlevania X is guaranteed to give converted Saturn owners many a sleepless night...
Fancy a ride do ya? Strategically located are key wrap gates. Likewise, lifts and elevators. But our favorite mode of transport has to be the spooky boatman who punts players across the frozen underground lake. Brrrr...
(they had a pic of the spooky boatman -- shades of "Clash of the Titans!")
my score: 94%
Astra SuperStars -86%
OK it's not X-Men vs. Street Fighter but Sunsoft's 2D titan is still a fearsome force to be reckoned with.
my score: 88%
Capcom Generation 2 (Ghosts N Ghouls comp) -92%
Quite possibly the best retro pack since the seminal Sonic Jam! This pack sums up what makes retro worthwhile. Three classic games every serious gamer must experience! Buy this pack and feel the magic.
my score: 91%
On with # 5 . . . . .
----
#5: FIGHTERS MEGAMIX -95%
AM2's greatest creations clash in a 3D beat 'em up of unparalleled proportions! Virtua Fighters meet Fighting Vipers for some hard-hitting 3D beat 'em up shenanigans. If you want speed and action, get this!
"The Saturn is blessed with a number of awesome 3D beat 'em ups but Fighters Megamix is something else. A staggering 32 characters, Viper armor-breakers, VF3 moves, enclosed arenas and secrets galore make this a premier Saturn title. Even if you own both Virtua Fighter and Fighting Vipers, there are still plenty of new features and playable faces to get to grips with. Loads of depth and playability makes Fighters Megamix one game you can't live without!" -Matt Yeo
---
what Matt Yeo called 'staggering.' I'd bee-lee dat!
I always liked Megamix. It certainly is a "Mega Mixed Bag" when it comes to opinions on this game. I know one dude who constantly refers to FM as MegaMud. Anywho, for me it comes down to this simple question, besides do I like it or is it fun: Would I rather wish that this game never came out on Saturn? And my answer is a resounding no. It's not perfect, nothing is. But it is unique, even to this day....
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#4!
Before we look at Post Top 50 list high-profiled games... let's look at two short letters:
OVERSEAS LETTER
Dear SSM,
I was browsing through an import shop in Ottawa last week when I came across a copy of Sega Saturn Magazine. I've never seen a Saturn specific mag before so I picked up a copy and was quite impressed. You guys are lucky to have a mag like this. In North America the best you can expect for Saturn coverage is a couple of pages here and there in the multi-format magazines. 10 pages if you're lucky. SSM is about ten times that -- 100 pages. The press here have all but given up on the system. It's nice to see that Sega is still alive and kicking in the UK.
Sheridan Hortness, Canada
--
I'D JUST LIKE TO SAY...
Dear SSM,
Thought I would just drop you a line to say how much I enjoyed reading your SNK and Capcom features, the interviews, the reviews, the showcases, the previews -- they were all simply awesome. I hope you continue to cover this aspect of gaming in the future, even when Dreamcast is the number one console.
Panzer Dragoon Saga -96%
This game is very special. Quite simply the best looking, best playing adventure Saturn owners will ever experience.
(SSM gave PDS some amazing coverage, including a massive four [!] page review)
Shining Force III -93%
Clearly the best Battle RPG for the Saturn -- a classic title that's most impressive.
House of the Dead -82%
Oooh, bit of controversy here. There's no doubt that Sega's coding workhorses, Tantalus, have managed to translate the gameplay of the coin-op pretty much intact, but it's all wrapped up in a pretty dodgy package.
Burning Rangers -90%
It does glitch a bit, and can look a bit rough on occasions, but the excellent characters and level design proves once again that Sonic Team still tower above all other game designers.
BR is hot, hot, HOT!
---
#4: DUKE NUKEM 3D -97%
One of the most action-packed, politically incorrect 3D blasting games imaginable. Lobotomy promised us an excellent translation but the final product defies belief. The best game released this year.
"The speed and action contained in Saturn Duke Nukem just blew me away. Couple the playability with Lobotomy's incredible 3D engine and you have a game that's just as cool as the PC game -- and sometimes superior. And it hoses down the PlayStation game. Completely. I honestly don't think I've played a game quite as satisfying as Saturn Duke for ages. On the higher difficulty levels the sense of carnage you get is almost intoxicating. Awesome!" -Rich Leadbetter
---
Wow. Ninety-seven-freaking percent. I think it earned it! SSM were big fans of Lobotomy since the days of PowerSlave. Not only did they push Exhumed but in turn they pushed Lobotomy. When Lobotomy got the OK to do the Saturn ports of Quake and Duke, SSM was there every step of the way, with previews, showcases, and interviews of the Lobotomy staff.
In fact, Quake and Duke graced back-to-back covers!
With everything Rich, in particular, did for Lobotomy, if you ever look at the Special Thanks in Saturn Duke -- like Sonic R -- you'll see the name RICH LEADBETTER. Boy, I wonder where he is today? I wonder if I could contact him for a word....
I tell you what, Saturn Duke is something else all right. I got this game as a gift from a nice friend and it amazed me what Lobotomy performed with this game on the Saturn. It's just uncanny. Who could forget Duke's lines? "Damn, those aliens gonna pay for shootin' up my ride." Heh.
The ahem, "extracircular" activity in this game is also intact for the Saturn version. The weapons, ace. The level design, super ace (taking you from the usual alien bases to real life locations). My only complaint is... the regular enemies aren't as memorable as the enemies found in other first person shooters. Still.... Stadium Boss = jaw-dropping.
Lastly, Death Tank Zwei is "hidden" within Duke and it's a stellar multi-player affair. Just another great thing about Saturn Duke.
We're making that final stretch run now. Have a great Friday evening everyone -- have some fun or something. Me -- I'll be catching a basketball game and just chilling. See ya tomorrow!
Before we look at Post Top 50 list high-profiled games... let's look at two short letters:
OVERSEAS LETTER
Dear SSM,
I was browsing through an import shop in Ottawa last week when I came across a copy of Sega Saturn Magazine. I've never seen a Saturn specific mag before so I picked up a copy and was quite impressed. You guys are lucky to have a mag like this. In North America the best you can expect for Saturn coverage is a couple of pages here and there in the multi-format magazines. 10 pages if you're lucky. SSM is about ten times that -- 100 pages. The press here have all but given up on the system. It's nice to see that Sega is still alive and kicking in the UK.
Sheridan Hortness, Canada
--
I'D JUST LIKE TO SAY...
Dear SSM,
Thought I would just drop you a line to say how much I enjoyed reading your SNK and Capcom features, the interviews, the reviews, the showcases, the previews -- they were all simply awesome. I hope you continue to cover this aspect of gaming in the future, even when Dreamcast is the number one console.
Panzer Dragoon Saga -96%
This game is very special. Quite simply the best looking, best playing adventure Saturn owners will ever experience.
(SSM gave PDS some amazing coverage, including a massive four [!] page review)
Shining Force III -93%
Clearly the best Battle RPG for the Saturn -- a classic title that's most impressive.
House of the Dead -82%
Oooh, bit of controversy here. There's no doubt that Sega's coding workhorses, Tantalus, have managed to translate the gameplay of the coin-op pretty much intact, but it's all wrapped up in a pretty dodgy package.
Burning Rangers -90%
It does glitch a bit, and can look a bit rough on occasions, but the excellent characters and level design proves once again that Sonic Team still tower above all other game designers.
BR is hot, hot, HOT!
---
#4: DUKE NUKEM 3D -97%
One of the most action-packed, politically incorrect 3D blasting games imaginable. Lobotomy promised us an excellent translation but the final product defies belief. The best game released this year.
"The speed and action contained in Saturn Duke Nukem just blew me away. Couple the playability with Lobotomy's incredible 3D engine and you have a game that's just as cool as the PC game -- and sometimes superior. And it hoses down the PlayStation game. Completely. I honestly don't think I've played a game quite as satisfying as Saturn Duke for ages. On the higher difficulty levels the sense of carnage you get is almost intoxicating. Awesome!" -Rich Leadbetter
---
Wow. Ninety-seven-freaking percent. I think it earned it! SSM were big fans of Lobotomy since the days of PowerSlave. Not only did they push Exhumed but in turn they pushed Lobotomy. When Lobotomy got the OK to do the Saturn ports of Quake and Duke, SSM was there every step of the way, with previews, showcases, and interviews of the Lobotomy staff.
In fact, Quake and Duke graced back-to-back covers!
With everything Rich, in particular, did for Lobotomy, if you ever look at the Special Thanks in Saturn Duke -- like Sonic R -- you'll see the name RICH LEADBETTER. Boy, I wonder where he is today? I wonder if I could contact him for a word....
I tell you what, Saturn Duke is something else all right. I got this game as a gift from a nice friend and it amazed me what Lobotomy performed with this game on the Saturn. It's just uncanny. Who could forget Duke's lines? "Damn, those aliens gonna pay for shootin' up my ride." Heh.
The ahem, "extracircular" activity in this game is also intact for the Saturn version. The weapons, ace. The level design, super ace (taking you from the usual alien bases to real life locations). My only complaint is... the regular enemies aren't as memorable as the enemies found in other first person shooters. Still.... Stadium Boss = jaw-dropping.
Lastly, Death Tank Zwei is "hidden" within Duke and it's a stellar multi-player affair. Just another great thing about Saturn Duke.
We're making that final stretch run now. Have a great Friday evening everyone -- have some fun or something. Me -- I'll be catching a basketball game and just chilling. See ya tomorrow!
