SSM proudly presents... "The Top 50 SEGA Saturn games"

#3 but first...

The best Saturn site I ever seen... and why I don't hate FuncoLand as much as the next guy...

Wow, we're now down to # 3. Seems like only yesterday...

Speaking of yesterday, it only felt that when my enthusiasm for the Saturn was reignited. I bought a Saturn in January '99 (@ FuncoLand), and for 2 years, only had World Heroes Perfect and Fighter's History Dynamite.




these were the only 2 games I had for 2 years... see, back in my day......



were it not for my brother's desire in late '98 to own this game, I probaby wouldn't be here now.


In January of 2001, I went to a friend's house to study for a physics test. I saw his Saturn lying on the ground.

"Hey -- you're the first person I know who has this too," I told him. I looked at Street Fighter Alpha 2 and Bust-A-Move 2... I'd like to give these a try... "Do you still play it? I still do, though I haven't in a while."

"Not in years. If you want some of them, go ahead. It's cool."

"I can't do that man."

"No, go for it. Really."

"I can't."

"You sure?"

"... I'll just take these two," I said quickly.

The rest of the study session, I couldn't really focus on atoms and Murphy's Law, and who could blame me -- finally I got home and had a hell of a time with SFA 2 and BaM 2.
As they might say -- the rest is history. I never looked back.

February 2001 I was going to my cousins' house when I saw a FuncoLand and decided to stop by. I bought World Series Baseball II for 3.99 and Galactic Attack for 4.99.
WSB II, I had heard was a quick-paced arcade-like baseball game (like the classic Ken Griffey MLB on SNES) and Galactic Attack -- # 86 in EGM's top 100 (issue 100, November 1997)

There was also Quake & Fighters Megamix for 9.99 each but I decided not to get them (disc only). The clerk looked at me and said, "You still playing these games?"

"No... just starting." And he looked at me like I was crazy. Maybe I was... but damnit, if I was crazy, I was gonna have a good time being so.

Now I had six games in my collection, and couldn't wait to try out these new ones. It became an addiction.

I left the games in my glove compartment and made my way to my cousins' house. They had to make a run at the grocery store; told me I could join them or stay back and surf the net or something.

I stayed back and searched for info (read: reviews) on WSB II and GA. I'll never forget . . .

sega-saturn dot com

More specifically, the direct link is:

http://www.sega-saturn.com/reviews.htm

My God -- hundreds of user reviews! US and JPN game reviews. The works! I was absolutely floored. I read WSB II and GA reviews til my cousins came back. I was so happy to read all the good things about both games.
What do I think of both games today? Well, WSB II has largely been superseded by WSB 98, and GA... GA's still GA -- which is damn good fun and the shmup that brought me back into the genre.

Over the years, I occasionally referred back to the reviews found on sega-saturn dot com, either before purchasing a game, or just after playing it; reading what others thought of certain games and then comparing that to how I felt. It was part of the fun of buying and playing Saturn games.

I've definitely read one too many JM Vargas and Dark Falcon reviews!

But yeah, give it a look-see. It's a great site. The fact that it's still running is amazing; much thanks to the site owner Dave Z. Sega-Saturn dot com is one of my fondest memories when it comes to this system.

BTW I did write a review for sega-saturn.com. (2-23-01)
Can you guess for which game?

... Bingo.



http://www.sega-saturn.com/saturn/software/reviews/worldheroes-2.htm

There you'll see me... well, my pseudo-name anyhow

Anyway, the last Saturn game I ever bought from in-store was at FuncoLand after I took one of my damn college exams on December 17 2001.
I know, I know, most gamers have nothing but shit to say about FuncoLand, but you can see my history with them. I'm not crazy about them but they helped me get started... which is why I don't view FuncoLand as some sort of evil empire. I always say, "bring 20 bucks, look around for 10 minutes and then get the hell out."

BTW, the last game I bought from a real life shop was...



Heh, I remember seeing it at the bottom pile of some crappy sport games. I remember looking at the Goro-like creature thinking... cool, it's a Data East 2D fighter... and you know me and Data East fighters.
I stopped over to play a Metal Gear Solid PS2 demo, then I went back and said to hell with it and forked over the 5 bucks.



I had never heard of Dark Legend before but I brought it home and had a pretty good time with it. It's not very good, but I found it decent enough for a '95 fighter.



The semi-sequel is also only available on Saturn, via the JPN market, called Suiko Enbu Fuunsaiki. It adds from Fighter's History Dynamite fame -- Ryu clone Mizoguchi and the long-legged chick Yung-Mie. This game is pretty over-the-top with long-ass combo chains and 5 fireballs in the air... like a cross between a SFII game and a Versus game.



12-17-01... damn... 2 years go by fast...

Now...

on...

with...

# 3!

#3!

#3: NiGHTS -96%

Quite simply the most unique, innovative and beautifully crafted videogame of all time, from the crack development team that brought you Sonic the Hedgehog and the explosive Burning Rangers (coming soon!)
"Whilst many were quick to criticize the Sonic Team's creation for being a tad short and easy, what they consummately failed to appreciate was the true nature of the game. Whilst the sumptuous 3D visuals are enough to draw most gamers in, it's the superlative retro style of gameplay which keeps them engrossed. Pulling off massive links, racking up huge scores, performing a diverse range of aerial stunts and watching the artificial life system evolve as you play is only a minuscule part of what NiGHTS has to offer. Admittedly, the game concept may appear bizarre at first and 'immature' even, but NiGHTS is a unique and lasting experience which simply must be owned by everyone who is serious about games." -Lee Nutter



---

NiGHTS. Just about every Saturn owner has had their special little memory of this very charming game. But enough of my memories... I'll let these folks speak on its behalf... oh and who could forget Christmas NiGHTS as well?
Enjoy these little special guest commentaries, pulled from the archives of days gone by...

---

I would say that NiGHTS is perhaps the Saturn's finest hour. Talk about atmosphere. Talk about magic. Talk about the stuff that DREAMS are made of. Don't forget the music too -- which was wonderful, masterful. And the little details, like Elliot or Claris slowing down uphill, instead of sprinting. Even dropping to their hands and knees to climb over the hill. Damn. NiGHTS is in a league of its own. Magnificent. -Vince

---

sometime in mid-late '96

I just got home from Toys R Us and have played (test-drived) both Mario 64 and NiGHTS. I came away impressed with both. Mario 64 is destined to become a classic for generations to come, and NiGHTS possesses a unique charm... the kind that might make it the cult classic for the ages. I would not be surprised if these two games still have a large fan base ten years later.... -Bruce

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10-13-01

I remember the whole Mario 64 vs. Crash Bandicoot vs. NiGHTS thing. Heh-heh, good times those were. The battle of '96. Each heavyweight representing its system. How can I ever forget that Saturday where I was at Toys R Us waiting in line to test play each game? There were so many gamers on hand to play all three. It was an exciting time/rivalry -- one I still have yet to feel in today's generation of games. Maybe I'm just getting old or cynical -- I don't know. But I know that I was impressed by Mario 64 and NiGHTS -- Crash to me was more "Crap Bandicoot." NiGHTS was especially something else to witness in 1996. It was poetry in motion. The music was off the charts. They sure-as-hell don't make games like this anymore. -Charlie



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I love NiGHTS! If they ever make another one, here's an idea. Imagine finding a secret underground passage underneath a tree, filled with gems and power-ups, or even better, a clan of Nightopians living in seclusion. -Timothy



---

I loved NiGHTS (so much, I bought it import. :P) That was definitely one of the most inspirational games I've played in '96. Only 2 games have EVER kept me up the entire night fueled from adrenaline... NiGHTS and the original Sonic. Yuji Naka and Sonic Team, thanks. -Michael Ko



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12-10-97

Being single and living alone, I usually don't get into the Christmas spirit until I go to visit my folks a few days before Christmas. I just got Christmas NiGHTS and it actually gave me the Christmas spirit earlier than normal. Thank you Sega. Now I don't have to buy a tree... -Evan

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I just picked up my copy of the latest Next Generation magazine and along with it my copy of Christmas NiGHTS. What a great gift! I had forgotten how fun NiGHTS was to play.
I couldn't put it down last night until I had all 23 of the 24 gifts. I was confused as to why I couldn't get the 24th gift until I changed the date to earlier in the year and saw that the 24th gift was Christmas NiGHTS itself.
I thought the Sonic into NiGHTS gig was a nice touch also!



I just want to thank Sega for giving me (and others) this very very cool Christmas treat! -Keith

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12-15-97

Don't forget people, Christmas is coming, and you know what that means:

Christmas NiGHTS Into Dreams time!

If you got this little gift of joy, whip it out. If not, go find it. Don't look at me though. Mine ain't going no where but inside my Saturn.

So, don't forget... -Will

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12-10-98

Don't forget people, Christmas is coming, and you know what that means:

Christmas NiGHTS Into Dreams time!

Still copyless you say? Fool!

So, don't forget... -Will

----

12-11-99

Don't forget people, Christmas is coming, and you know what that means:

Christmas NiGHTS Into Dreams time!

You BETTER have a copy by now...

So, don't forget... -Will

---

12-18-00

Don't forget people, Christmas is coming, and you know what that means:

Christmas NiGHTS Into Dreams time!

So, don't forget... but I don't think I have to repeat myself any more. It's Tradition by now. -Will

---

This might sound sad but I owe Sega some major thanks. In 2000 I was alone on Christmas Eve, with only Christmas NiGHTS to keep me company. And you know what, it was a pretty good Christmas, all things considered. So thanks, Sega. -Nelson



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12-07-02

Wow, almost Christmas NiGHTS time already. I've played every year since release on Christmas. Last year I only played it on 12/25.

Not only has it become tradition for me and many others, it's become a staple for the Holidays. When I was a kid growing up, Christmas just wasn't Christmas unless you watched "A Christmas Story," went to the parade, sing carols or sit on Santa's lap in the mall. Well, for me anyhow, these days and yes still to this day -- Christmas NiGHTS is the equivalent to those, if not a little sweeter. -Arthur



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12-07-02

I agree! Christmas just isn't Christmas unless you watch Mickey's Christmas Carol, eat some gingerbread men and play some Christmas NiGHTS! It's a legend all in itself. One in which I shall pass down to my kids and their kids. Sega made a lot of mistakes over the years but everytime I play this, I say 'thank you for the good memories.' -David



starlight, starbright... hope I may, hope I might... get the wish I wish tonight...

Good night to all... and to all a GOOD NIGHT!

I remember Nights....
For some reason I never knew how to play this game very well. I still have it and one day i'll actually get Christmas nights...

Thanks for these memories Steve! Segata Sanshiro would be proud

#2 but first...


Totally un-Saturn related but damn, I just gotta say this game was a true cult classic of its time. There really needs to be a part 3!

It was really the first arcade game I played and loved to death. Also the first arcade game I ever beaten... took me 2 hours and 40 quarters at Chuck E. Cheese's...
Ahhh, the innocence of the early 90s...



Sega Saturn Magazine vs. Saturn Power

You read right! Like EGM's infamous side wars with GamePro and GameFan throughout the much vaunted 1990s (I recall one editorial by Dave Halverson saying "right back at cha, boys" in referring to EGM's bullying of GameFan in previous months) Sega Saturn Magazine had its own form of competition -- SATURN POWER! There was another, Total Saturn, but that was apparently quite weak and easily the runt of the three.

So, think of Total Saturn as GamePro

Saturn Power as GameFan

... and SSM as EGM (though still sad Ed left, Dan Hsu's a good guy)

Saturn Power ran 10 issues before folding. SSM ran 37. Saturn Power's last issue occured when SSM churned out issue no. 28 -- the one with the top 50 list. Power was led by a man named Dean Mortlock (makes it sound like a cult or gang eh)

I have one issue of SP, the last one, #10 Feb. 98, and judging from that issue alone, unfair as it might be, SSM is leagues better. That's the consensus with folks who have read both publications though, not just me. By far, SSM is king.

Let's see, Power had 100 pages like SSM. It was the same size (roughly 9x12) and it had color just like SSM. How so inferior to SSM then? It just didn't have the same kind of quality oozing out... nor the spirit. It looks second-fiddle and for all intensive purposes was. (but, mind you, it was a decent 2nd string; not worthless at all...)

So what's this "versus" war I speak of?

The two went at it. Like WCW and WWF. McDonalds and Burger King. Coke and Pepsi. Like Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon in Grumpy Old Men. And trust me, there was no making up or having tea when the dust settled!

There were fans of one side or the other (mostly, fans supported SSM, if not both mags) and soon the staff of each entity went at it within the pages of their own magazine, taking jab shots and playing one-up games here and there. Mostly in the Letters section where readers wrote in to only instigate and escalate the animosity between the two warring factions even further.

Lee Nutter, proud SSM staffer, did the most out of all the SSM boys to shove it right back up Saturn Power's arse. Some controversial words were spewed, and although things never got really harmful (at least that which we know of... perhaps the FULL story is unbeknownst to the public... I can just picture Rich at the Witching Hour standing outside the Power office with a bag of gags, hehe), it was a little more than just "harmless fun."

But that's how (the) business goes. Especially when the market's as tight as the Saturn's was in late '97/early '98. In issue 10, February 1998, Power packed it in. The sad thing was, throughout the mag they promoted issue #11. Thing was, right as Power was ready to print, Mortlock saw it was time to slain the beast. Here's an excerpt from Mortlock's editorial. Many considered Dean Mortlock a poor man's Rich Leadbetter. Like SSM itself, I'd say there's only one...

STOP THE PRESS!

I'm afraid I have the most saddest of news to report this month... this issue of Saturn Power will be the last one ever published. After many months of praying and hoping for a miraculous change of direction in the fate of the Saturn, we finally have to admit that there just isn't a market for the machine and another magazine.
So, who's to blame? You already know that the market is drying up, the amount of software is virtually nonexistent and that, coupled with the weak support by Sega themselves has done little to help our cause.
Sega Saturn Magazine will probably squawk like crows on E because of this news, but they were always going to be the best-selling magazine. They had the support from Sega (and let's face it, who else is producing games nowadays?) and the 'official' tag was never going to harm them, was it?
On behalf of the team, I'd like to thank everyone who's helped us and, placing the cringy, beery, 'yer me best mate honest' hat on, you lot for all your letters, feedback and support. Hey, it was fun. Let's do it again sometime.
-Dean Mortlock

--

Now we look at a SSM attack in Saturn Power's "Mail Bonding" section in issue #10...

--

I've noticed that the Official Sega Saturn Magazine has printed, on a regular basis, digs at your fine organ along the lines of, and I quote, 'We feel a tad guilty kicking a cripple when it's down.' Okay, so I admit that most rival magazines contain a small amount of rivalry from time to time but the problem with SSM is that they simply have no reason to criticize. Here's why:

1) They constantly (not really -me) harp on about the fact that they sell more than you. Of course, they got the official tag!
2) Have you read it? ('fraid so -Dean Mortlock) It's one of the most badly-written magazines I've ever seen (ha! very funny -me)
3) They can't match you for your range of content (hey you can stop there, the check's on its way... -me)
4) I'm sorry, but the biggest criminal of all is Lee Nutter. From the start he's been completely venomous toward you without any initial reason (although I believe you might have retaliated since) and for a 'pup' new to the magazine world, he doesn't appear to me to have a great future ahead of him.

I must admit to buying an issue of SSM here and there, but they dismissed my letter one time as the idle rantings of a bored youth. I should say that I've played games since I launched my first fanzine for the ZX81 and I own a PSX, Saturn and N64... so I like to think I know what I'm talking about.
So to Dean and the team, they may sell more than you but I prefer you to them by miles. Keep up the good work eh?
Andrew Nightingale, Brighton

The odd spot of rivalry was always going to be on the cards when you have two magazines in such a tight market, and we'll be honest, we're not in a circulation fight with SSM -- their demo discs and official tag will always, sadly, give them the edge. But we do agree with every point you've raised Andrew and know that if a reader truly wants the best all-round package for their Saturn then our magazine really is the only choice.
Oh, and our disgust for Mr. Nutter was only increased when we read his comments about kicking 'cripples' when they're down... make a habit of it, do you, Lee?

----

issue 25 of SSM (Nov. '97)

Dear SSM,
Why have some of your readership fallen in love with that puerile trash known as Saturn Power? (c'mon dude -- Power's not half bad -me) Don't these mugs realize they're being taken for a ride? They're handing out money for a poorly written, badly laid out, amateurish "fanzine" which annoyingly rounds off the corners of its screenshots, and churns out increasingly poor 'demo' discs.
You guys, on the other hands, are ace in my book.
Craig Ward, Lincs


yo Craig, Saturn Doom is trash. Saturn Power 'tis not


Thanks Craig -- and hey, 38,941 other readers can't be wrong, can they? LEE

From now on, could all you lot direct your criticisms of Saturn Power straight to them, please? The war of words between the pages is getting a bit ridiculous really especially as now they want to make it more... personal. Not that I really care -- the success of a mag is down to sales. Saturn Power's "estimated" ABC sales figures are 22,000. Ours is 16,000 stronger, which suggests many more prefer SSM's approach to Saturn coverage than to Saturn Power's.
Trust someone who knows. The best is yet to be... and it's here at SSM. RICH

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issue 29 (March '98)

Dear SSM,
Your mag is excellent and I've been reading since issue #1. But I've just read that Saturn Power is dead! I am extremely worried. I just read their forward and they admitted defeat to you and claimed that there's just no market left whatsoever for the Saturn. Also game store clerks and keepers tell me Saturn is dead. Is the sky falling?
David 'Zombie Killing' Balson, London

Saturn's not dead yet. Only Saturn that's dead round here is Saturn Power. LEE

Although it's true the Saturn market is in decline, Saturn Power exaggerated the situation somewhat to throw one final spanner in the works. See the next letter. RICH

---

Dear SSM,
My friend read in Saturn Power (that was his first mistake -RICH) that they think the Saturn is going out? I want your honest opinion -- what do you think?
Alec Thomson, South Wales

Hey, there's still plenty to look forward to over the next year, including Burning Rangers, House of the Dead, Panzer Saga, Vampire Savior, World League Soccer 98, Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter. LEE

The Saturn is indeed going out. Specifically down the pub for a couple of pints, then onto the cinema to catch "Titantic," then for a curry afterwards. Honestly... I guess the phrase "Don't believe everything you read" springs to mind. Unless it's written by me, obviously. RICH

the war continued

issue 30, April 98

Drivel and Shit

Dear SSM,
By now I'm sure you're aware of your rival magazine's demise. I would like you all to reflect on several other important points before cracking open the champagne and patting yourself on the back.
Firstly, without competition there tends to be complacency (look at the Soviet car industry). Therefore I trust your professionalism will override any feelings of arrogance, pomposity or pretension you all may be experiencing since Saturn Power's untimely death. SSM's faithful will not be too amused with endless pages of drivel and shit (Yeah right, as if -RICH Be warned...
Second and lastly, isn't this masterful position rather sad? Support for the Saturn is waning from all sides, be it software developers, retail outlets or magazine publishers.
SSM readers need some words of wisdom, you are almost solely representing us. Please do us justice.
Rob McGinley, Tyne and Wear

Well, Rob, you know what they say. The loneliest man is the one who's at the top. Just joking. Honestly. The masterful position SSM now holds is quite sad. Take it from me, there wasn't a dry eye in the office when we heard of Saturn Power's demise. However, we have no intention of being complacent, Rob. In fact, over the next several months you'll see marked improvement in the content and design of the mag. LEE
Let me just say we do things our own way here at SSM. We constantly strive to innovate the mag and put out the best possible package every month because a) it keeps sales high and b) we have pride in our work and c) we get paid to do so. The existence (or lack) of competition is largely irrevelant. RICH

---

That concludes our lookback on SSM vs. Saturn Power

I'm actually getting several SP issues from someone soon. It should be fun to see how they retaliated and what have you. Also see how the rest of their issues turned out in terms of quality (or lack thereof)

I know it's difficult to judge off one issue but when it comes to Saturn publications... accept no imitations... SSM is clearly number one. Their showcases and reviews are done in a much higher quality fashion.

So, I hope you enjoyed this (long) look at a rivalry few ever knew about. Saturn gamers hating on Saturn gamers during a time of despair. Ironic and a bit odd eh? But that's what money and competition will do to ya.

You know... there was a top 100 Saturn games list posted at the end of Saturn Power issue #10... maybe I'll post it some time... maybe... but if I do... a well-deserved vacation is called for first!

#2!

Now...

on...

with...

#2!

...

...

#2: SEGA RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP -97%

Since its release in early 1996, Sega Rally has gone on to become the best-selling Saturn game ever and the benchmark by which all other racers are judged. And rightly so, in SSM's opinion.
"It's difficult to pin-point exactly why Sega Rally is such an incredible game. Maybe it's the flawless conversion of the twenty-times as expensive coin-op. Maybe it's the feeling of gritty realism the programmers manage to convey, making you think you're actually driving a Rally car, but there's never so much realism that you'd have to know how to drive one yourself to play the game properly. Or coult it be the decent smattering of Saturn-specific modes, from the awesome split-screen two-player mode, to the ghost mode and custom car option. Who knows? The point is, two years on rom its release and Sega Rally is still the best racer on any console bar none. Whilst other racers may boast superior graphics (and only just), none have surpassed Rally in terms of sheer playability. It's a classic videogame of our time." -Lee Nutter



---

It's amazing how cheap this game goes for today, and how common it is. Every Saturn owner must have this game -- it's that simple. Rally is the most fun I've have with a racer since, well, since Super Mario Kart on the Super Nintendo. I'll say it -- Gran Turismo -- HA-HA! Give me Sega Rally anyday... also, check out what others have had to say...

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7-27-00

At one point in my life I poured so many hours into Sega Rally that, honest to gosh, I went out driving and heard a voice in my head say "Long medium left baby!" That's when I knew I had crossed that line... no game but Rally has ever made me feel that way. Not even Tetris...
-Scott



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8-21-03

Sega Rally still the best

SEGA RALLY was an awesome experience that became even better after I got my official Saturn Steering wheel.

This was also one of the few videogames my father actually played. He couldn't understand how a man in his late 20's could be interested in playing video games (NOTE: He was addicted to computer golf, but did not think of it as a VG)

Anyway, my niece and nephew were visiting and he asked me to bring over some games for them to play. I debated for about 5 seconds before I packed up the Saturn, steering wheel, and several games -- including SEGA RALLY.



SEGA RALLY hardly left the machine for the other titles. Everyone was trying to get the best score. The game is just pure fun. I played it last night just to see if my memory was holding it in too high a place. Nope. I played it for a good two hours, loving every minute of it again.

As to my father... I overjoyed him last Christmas by giving him a Golden Tee arcade cabinet for his den.
-Mike Andrews

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5-28-96

After playing out my current batch of Saturn titles, I decided to start playing some of the older ones I had not played in a while. I put in Sega Rally, a game I had beaten many times before and much to my surprise it was just as if not more fun than it used to be. The excitement of Rally racing is still there after 6 months! I beat all my records and had a blast doing so. If anything this is a testament to Rally's replay value and AM3's care and love for the games they make.
-Jordan

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9-8-99

Nothing's sweeter than practicing hard all night til you just manage to shave a half second off your career best. Man that is so satisfying words cannot do it justice. Even better is having a buddy watch you do it, trying to psych you out so you don't beat his best time -- and then handing the controller off to him with a smug smile saying "your turn, champ."
Rock on, SEGA Saturn.
Bring it on, SEGA Dreamcast!
-Jimmy Bakerfield



---


ahh, your classic light tunnel section... every racer has it


see, whada I tell ya? The underrated High Velocity represents it lovely


speaking of which, HV's mountain racing is a decent alternative to Rally!


11-14-98

True story. One Saturday night I stood up my girlfriend. I had an hour to go before the date began. I thought, eh, a little Sega Rally's never hurt anybody. Right? An hour quickly became 2 hours. My girlfriend called my cell but I left it upstairs. Eventually she came over to my place. She was about to blow her top when I told her to sit down and play. She looked like she was gonna kill me but I continued quickly.

Look, I'll give you a big BIG lead, if you can beat me, I'll promise to go to that ... opera with you.

You're on, she said.

I caught up with her on the last lap and was in position to win. But, purposely, I bumped into one of the railings and let her speed ahead for the win.

But really... I won. The opera? It wasn't so bad.

OK -- it was really bad.

But I didn't kick in the balls. Or have my Saturn and Sega Rally copy chucked out the window. It balances out...

8 months later we got married. I had an hour before the wedding started. I thought, eh, a little Sega Rally's never hurt anybody. Right? ...
-Luis A.

special Sega Rally article

Below are portions taken out of a very amusing (and informative) article ran in issue #21. Enjoy...

Rich's Ride with Death (SSM editor goes rally driving!)

Just how close are the Sega racing games to the real thing? Can today's cutting edge 3D technology and advanced gameplay really replicate the high-speed thrills and spills of hardcore motorsport? RICH LEADBETTER takes the co-driver seat in a real life Toyota Celica GT4... let's go burn some rubber!

I spent a fortnight of this issue's schedule in Los Angeles, taking a well earned break visiting my mate Julian Rignall (you remember, the guy who invented video games magazines)

One of our little excursions saw us travel up into the Sierra Nevada mountains to check out the press launch for the bizarrely titled Rim of the World Rally.

ENTER... THE TOYOTA CELICA!

My ride was a vehicle which has been immortalized in the classic Sega Rally -- the super sleek Toyota Celica GT4, in this case driven by a certain Bruce Newie -- a man who I would later come to recognize as a truly maniacal driver!
Inside the car was incredibly hot -- a thermometer reading 108 degrees Fahrenheit!

AND WE'RE OFF!

Suddenly we're accelerating... REALLY accelerating. Right up to 50 MPH and the car's barely breaking a sweat. Oddly enough we're still accelerating madly as we powerslide into the first corner, Bruce expertly handling the steering, counter-steering us back on course. I swear that even on the tightest bends we're still managing 30 MPH.
I know I should probably be in fear of my life at this point, but Bruce Newie is just so damn relaxed, carrying out an everyday conversation with me over the intercom that I realize that this suicidal driving is second nature to him. So I can afford to relax a little. Just a little.

OVER JUMP!

The overall impression of the drive is that Sega Rally does a great job of replicating a real rally drive within its limitations. However, the sheer noise of the engine, the dust and stones ricocheting off the windscreen, the sound of tires desperately trying to stick to the dusty track... that's kind of missing, as is the fear that you could damn well be dead in a few seconds.

EASY RIGHT MAYBE!

So what does the co-driver do in the Rally car? Well typically he spends his time with his nose buried in the map giving directions to the driver, warning him of what's coming up. Just like Sega Rally then eh?
Well, no. For starters, a real rally co-driver could never get away with saying "Easy right maybe" before taking on a mammoth chicane! On a stage like the one we were on, anything other than pinpoint accuracy would result in us flying off the side of the mountain!
Bruce Newie pointed out that the real pro rally drivers -- like the guys who take on the RAC -- use a kind of point system rating the severity of a corner on a scale from one to six. So no crappy "Long medium right" advice.

HOW CLOSE IS SEGA RALLY?

The dynamics of rally driving have been translated well but in Sega Rally you can drive like a mad man because your car is indestructible! In addition, the stages of Rally, although great for a video game, seem to lack the wildness and danger of the real thing. That's perhaps Sega Rally's greatest shortcoming compared to the real thing: it's just too safe, a precision exercise in driving as opposed to the constant improvisation I saw going on. As amazing as Sega Rally is, I reckon a Model 3 technology-based sequel could improve the exprience significantly...

No we are not... and no, you're not quite number one...

Tomorrow evening shall reveal all...

Its true, Sega Rally owns its Dreamcast sequal any day, the whole thing is just so right, where as the sequel was bit of a mish mash.

Must get High Velocity, was that an Atlus game??? I dont think there is a pal version

before it became Saturn Power, SEGA POWER was by far the best Sega magazine in the business, And that ran from 1991 - 1997, before changing names to Saturn Power. Dean Mortlock was also the editor of Sega Power for a good while.

Steve, First off thanks for showing everyone who didn't read SSM just how great it was, I still have all my issues locked away somewhere

Secondly, Saturn Power was around for a long ass time, they were known as Sega Power before for about 90-odd issues before the name change, and were a great mag... especially during the Megadrive and Master System days. They were around before that as well, but the name actually escapes me at this time.... However its maybe worth tracking some issues down, they were certainly "Kings" at one time.

They "Kinda" came back for the Dreamcast with DC-UK, but it really wasn't the same.... Ah well.

Cheers for rekindling some great memories Dude

WHat is #1?

Damn, they picked some great titles. Nights was complicated as hell, I got frustrated playing that game. Xvs.SF was and still is a fun game to play. The Saturn version had tag team without flipping around of the same players.

#1 but first...

Well folks we're down to the wire pretty much. Before #1 is unleashed, I'd like to take this time to reflect on SSM's greatness with some special guest commentaries... but first I'd like to speak on its behalf.

I've own them for almost two months now and can tell you honestly that they're the SHIT. You can literally spend a good hour with just one issue reading cover to cover. It reminds me of the good old days of gaming magazines. Like when Ed Semrad led the EGM ship. SSM's showcases in particular, have renewed my interest for certain Saturn games I have all but disregarded. It's little things like this that make hunting the magazine a worthwhile endeavor.

2 years and 225 dollars later -- I'd say the end result is borderline priceless....

---

Thanks to SSM (and the Saturn, of course) my years of growing up through high school were made all the more enjoyable -- I have some great memories from these times, and when I look back on it there is still a part of me that cannot believe a few sheets of paper and a now-dated games console could have so much of an impact.

---

I always found the humor of SSM (even the jokes aimed directly at its own staff) to be light-hearted and one of the things that took its pages beyond other similar publications. Yeah, they did give Lee Nutter a lot of jokes but it was always in good fun. Remember the editorial where he was Chewbacca?

Last I heard of the guy -- after SSM retired he became a writer for Lego Magazine. (yes, the toy LEGO)

Knowing him, I wouldn't be surprised if he got fired for writing one day:

"Set 4992, Fire Fighters Command Control Center, is a fine lovely dandy set. Ace, even. But if you want real fire action -- get off your ass and get a copy of BURNING RANGERS for the SEGA Saturn! Go on! You must rescue the Sonic Team! Don't fail me now, kids! I know everyone says you're all going down the shitter but as Tillis is my witness, I shall never relinquish hope! To the Saturn! At once!"

----

I used to love SSM as well. The quality of the writing was magnificent. Not patronizing shit for kids like you mostly find these days.

---

The "King" so to speak for Saturn reviews and coverage would definitely be Sega Saturn Magazine. Although they sometimes got a bit too carried away, they wrote with passion and enthusiasm and did more than anyone else to keep the Saturn alive in the UK. Their reviews were always written by gamers for gamers.

SSM was an emotional roller-coaster ride. You felt like someone was fighting the Saturn corner with you. You felt like you knew the writers and that they knew you. The magazine kep the true believers going through some of Sega's darkest days. Issue 37 was a great last issue too, a proper farewell issue from the writers.

The last page is a picture of Sega Rally with the caption "Game Over Yeah!" at the top and then the bottom half is Dreamcast with "But the Dream continues." What a way to go out. And what a ride it was.

---

Total Saturn - 6. A real mixture this one. Some really good reviews. Some really bad, way off ones. Some brimming with information, some almost devoid of anything you could tell from a single screen-shot. I think (could be wrong) that a lot of it was written by freelance journalists which would explain the slightly erratic quality. However it did have a cover disc most months and any Saturn coverage was better than no Saturn coverage.

Saturn Power - 8. A good quality mag. More jokey than SSM and with more filler material. Only ran 10 issues but by this point as a Saturn owner you took anything you could. Occasionally had a cover disc and provided pretty good reviews and a refreshing alternative to SSM.

SSM - 9.5. An almost perfect magazine. Dropped the mark due to sometimes being slightly too pro-Saturn and anti-PlayStation/N64. Bizarrely this magazine got better and better as the official support dried up. Some of the best issues feature no PAL games at all. I guess it gave them more scope and space to go into detail and more freedom to write how they wanted and to craft a unique magazine.

#1! Numero Uno! Ichiban! KING

This is it. We have come to the numero uno game. The one deemed better than all the rest. The very best, as it were.

I'd like to take this time to unveil its banner. If you would please direct your attention overhead, I shall reveal the banner of the king who sits atop all the rest. The one that shall proudly hang in the rafters as number one.

The Champion of Champions.

cue Tina Turner's Simply the Best

Cause you're simply the best
Better than alllll the rest
Better than anyone
Anyone I ever met . . . . . .
You're simply the BEST!

. . .

. . .

. . .





Congratulations, Virtua Fighter 2! You ... are ... the ... best!

#1: VIRTUA FIGHTER 2 -98%

Virtua Fighter 2 remains the Saturn's finest hour, bearing all the hallmarks of greatness that the Saturn stands for. For starters, it's an AM2 arcade conversion -- quite possibly their best one to date. The Saturn's high resolution mode is used to create the most life-like fighters yet seen on the system, and the super-smooth 60 frames per second movement is uncannily realistic. But for all its technical accomplishments, the real joy with this game is its playability. Each of the characters battles away with REAL fighting techniques, they move and react just like real fighters would. And the possibilities with the 2,000 moves in the game make it virtually limitless in terms of lastability. When this arrived in coin-op form, it was such a step forward that arcade-goers across the globe took notice. And the Saturn version, bar small graphical compromises, is identical. A mammoth achievement -- still.
"I remember seeing the first demo of VF2 in motion on the Saturn. You couldn't play it -- you could only watch as two CPU-controlled opponents slugged it out. But I was spell-bound. Months earlier we'd seen the Saturn seemingly having difficulties replicating VF1, which had no texture mapping and half the frame rate. To see VF2 on the Saturn with all the techniques, characters AND in hi-res was a revelation. Plain and simple. But technical issues aside, VF2 is more than a game, it is an art. On a trip to Japan, my old MAXIMUM colleague Gary Harrod brought back videos of expert VF2 players getting to grips with Akira and Jeffrey (my favorite fighter and his, respectively). What I saw on this video was light years ahead of my own skills. Watching these Japanese masters playing VF2 was like watching an entirely different game to the one I was playing. It was another revelation. These guys had taken VF2's precision controls and stunning physics to awesome effect, with combos and techniques I would spend the next few months attempting to emulate. It's this huge lastability that makes VF2 superior to MegaMix in my eyes. True, MegaMix has more characters, but it lacks the precision gameplay and thus the aspiration for true mastery that VF2 has. And that's why I think Virtua Fighter 2 is the best Saturn game money can buy." -Rich Leadbetter



---

VF2's a game of brains over brawn... observe






what would I do for a Klondike bar? Beat up this fossil that's what!

When I first played VF2, I didn't find it my cup of tea, but over the years I managed to develop an appreciation of it. It's still not my cup of tea -- I prefer 2D fighters -- but it's one of those games that did a LOT for its respective system. And at the very least, you gotta respect that. I mean, VF2 did do a lot for the Saturn. Just a shame more games early on weren't of VF2 quality but no need to open that can of worms...
I still play it every now and then. But probably not as much as these guys....

---

12-5-95

Just the other day I was at my friend's house. He showed me Virtua Fighter 2 and, remembering the disaster VF1 was, I prepared myself for a good chuckle or two. Then I played it. Well I'll be. Virtua Fighter 2 is quite impressive... I feel a little jealous it's not on PSX. Perhaps there is legit competition in the Saturn just yet... it certainly has changed this diehard PSX user's perceptions on what the Saturn is capable of.
-Brent 'The Bone' Bonds

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12-3-95

I finally got my hands on Virtua Fighter 2 (for $49) this past Friday, and I must say this game is truly awesome.

First off, I've been into gaming for quite some time now. I've had those early PONG systems, an Atari 2600, the C64, Amiga all the way up to the Genesis and now the Saturn. I still remember waiting for 2600 PACMAN to come out and playing that for hours (despite the fact it was no where near the arcade version. This may serve as a good testament to the fact that a game does not have to be ARCADE perfect to be just as fun In any case, I must say that Virtua Fighter 2 has been the first game I've purchased that has just made feel like "OH my God, this is incredible!" I look at this game and simply can't believe I'm playing this at home and I've played a LOT of games on a LOT of systems, and this game is just AWESOME!

I've written quite a few programs, and worked with a lot of graphics applications, and maybe this is why I am so impressed. To realize what is going on and what has to take place in order to bring you a game of this magnitude is simply mind-blowing. This game is that good!

And definitely it is not just the graphics. The gameplay is superb! Controls are excellent, and everything is just so smooth. This is a great translation. Sound is lacking, but hey, if you're totally into the game, you won't notice it as bad! (SFII for the Genesis had terrible sound too, but you got used to it, and the gameplay made up for it)

I've got to reiterate: I'm very happy I purchased the Saturn. The recent games are just awesome! VF2 is unbelievable for a home console! And surprisingly load time isn't that bad

I'd post more, but gotta get back to my Saturn!

Game on!
-Dave Mann
Irvine Alumni, Class of 1994
University of Southern California

VF2 continued

12-1-95

I just purchased a copy of Virtua Fighter 2 from Microplay and it is absolutely amazing!!!! At the first sight of the incredibly high res display and fluid animation, I was blown away. What's here folks is nothing short of a miracle. It's the punch in the face Saturn owners have been waiting for! Here's my quick review:

Graphics: 10
Sound: 9
Game Play: 10!
Replay Value: 10!

Overall: 98%

Definitely THE best fighting game on any home system to date, and it's just so damn fun to play, I could go on FOREVER about how great it is!!
BUY THIS GAME!!!!!! If you don't, I'll hire midgets to burn down your house.

Dan

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2-2-01

In my gaming life, I can point to certain console moments that shall forever haunt me (in a positive way I mean). Super Mario Brothers 3 on NES. Sonic 1 on Genesis. Street Fighter II on SNES. Add Virtua Fighter 2 on Saturn to that list. I went with my dad and three friends to Toys R Us to buy it. Then we got home at 8 PM and played against each other for five hours straight. Imagine... four 12 year olds huddled around a 27 inch TV for five straight hours on a Saturday night. You know whatever it is that's keeping their attention for THAT long has to be pretty special. VF2 certainly was, is, and always will be special.
-Ron

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8-28-00

I was one of the hugest Street Fighter fans you would have found during the first half of the 1990s. Then came VF2 and I found my new calling. I recall a-many hours spent at my local arcade attempting to master all 11 characters. I'd stay until literally they had to kick me out.
Then the Saturn version came out and blew away everything I expected. I swear I must have spent at least 1,000 hours on VF2. No game is perfect, but in my book VF2 is VERY close.
-James Dat Nguyen

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6-6-02

I don't play games much today. In fact, the last game I really touched was Halo on XBOX when it came out. Yeah, it's been a while. Anyway I still lurk from time to time and felt the need to chirp in.

There was once a golden age in gaming. It was the early 90s. NES still was kicking, Genesis was coming into its own and SNES was just about to be released. Boy what great times. Then came the 32-bit wars. They weren't quite as memorable as the previous generation of games but three words...

VIRTUA FIGHTER 2.

'Nuff said.

This game had the kind of magic where, sadly, not everyone will understand. To fully experience it, you must have a gaming group of friends -- all about equally skilled as you are -- and have get-togethers on occasion where you just feast on this game. It really is a marvel. The bouts can either be snap-snap-snap or long drawn-out epics. It's about as fun to watch as it is to play and improvise on the spot. This is the only way to truly appreciate VF2.

All the guys I used to play with back in the day -- they all got married and having families of their own. I still talk to them and we kid around sometimes about the "good old days." We still get together to play VF2 every once in a while but for sure those times in 1996 and into 1997 even, they were priceless.

We joke around that one day we might be as old as Shun himself.
-Ben

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11-5-03

I absolutely hated fighting games until I played Virtua Fighter 2 on May 1, 1997. I thought both 2D and 3D fighting games were stupid, boring and offered no depth whatsoever.

The day I got my US SEGA Saturn was the day that I changed my mind about fighters. I learned that deep fighting games did exist, I just had to find the ones made by Yu Suzuki. From 1997 up until 1999 my gaming group and I played an average of six hours of Virtua Fighter 2 a week. That's a lot of hours. The only reason why we stopped were due to life (marriage, college, whatever)

I use to feel the same way about racing games. I hated the genre. Thought it too was junk . . . until I discovered my love of SEGA Rally. Thanks to both these titles (both on Saturn of course) I "evolved" as a gamer.
-Glenn A. Rudy III

Congrats VF2!

Tomorrow morning (roughly 10 AM eastern) I shall post what I believe were the top 10 shafted games. On Wednesday evening I will conclude this month-long thread with final thoughts and a fitting farewell letter from SSM.

I think you'll find it most proper...


VF2's better than MegaMix but both games, I believe, have gracefully sailed off into the sunset...

Saturn VF2 > Any PS visulas. Period to quote the yanks.

Truly a great mag, the demo disks alonne were worth the dosh, long live the pal Saturn market.

Baseley09 said:

Saturn VF2 > Any PS visulas. Period to quote the yanks.

Truly a great mag, the demo disks alonne were worth the dosh, long live the pal Saturn market.

Click to expand...

Amen brother.

BTW, yeah, High Velocity's an Atlus racer and ... no PAL release for that one, unfortunately. But it's in the US market and JPN market under the name "King the Spirits." The sequel, only available as a Japanese import, KtS 2... I never got into. I'd say stick with the original.

BTW, you said Jonah Lomu and World League Soccer 98 (all PAL only) were ace. Can you tell me how good "Z" and "Swagman" were? Anyone?

For those of you who don't know, Z was made by the Bitmap guys and it's a Command & Conquer-esque title -- except with... skeleton?!?! Sounds and looks cool to me... Said to be pretty ace....



Swagman (88%) is like NiGHTS in story. By the makers who brought you Tomb Raider. I always wanted to try Swagman (it's also on PSX) but the PAL only Saturn version is a tough cookie to locate.

Virtua Fighter 2 was one of the most incredible games I ever had the privilege of playing. It was beyond it's time every way possible. I remember playing it on the Saturn all night around 1996-1997 at a friend's house.

I truly think the Saturn was the most misunderstood system ever. I love the Dreamcast, but the Saturn did not get the respect it deserved moreso than the DC. Sega fucked up with this system and I believe it cost them everything, hence why they are third party now...their losses were too great with this system to ever make up for it.

Thanks for posting all of this Steve, it was certainly a fun read!

Snubbed, shafted & dissed! Oh my!

In every 'top X' list, some games (have to) get squeezed. Today we examine which 'quality' games did not make SSM's top 50 and why. Well, we dunno why exactly. But it sounded good enough to tack on when you read the sentence out loud.

Without
further
ado
...

My top 10 top 50 shafts...

...

...

...

#10: SLAM 'N JAM '96 -69%

So this game isn't a household name nor one I'd expect everyone to find some merit with, which is why I placed it number 10. But you know why I placed it number 10, well besides being intoxicated at the moment -- I have found this, seriously, to be one of the most overlooked Saturn games, period -- which is why I placed it here, in hopes others will give it a shot. It can be really fun and just the most competitive 2 player game. It's as close to Konami's esteemed Run 'N Gun as you're gonna get on the Saturn. And it's damn fun. Any basketball title where you can shatter the glass backboard is ACE. My bro and I've had our share of classic battles. (we're evenly matched, so it's 50/50 -- a true rivalry!)
It's arcade like, but enough simulation to cater to fans of both spectrums. It's not technically amazing or superb in any category -- except in the fun department (with two players). A game most will easily dismiss... but those who have interest in the sport and give this game a chance, may be pleasantly surprised at the amount of value this ($3) game can provide.

http://www.sega-saturn.com/saturn/software/slam.htm
(if you go here, make sure to read Falcon's and J.M.'s reviews in particular)

my rating: 91%


#9: MORTAL KOMBAT TRILOGY -88%

Disappointing in some ways but still... so many fricking MK characters, -alities and stages... it's decent enough to be my #50. I admit though that memories get the best of me.

my rating: 76%


#8: ALIEN TRILOGY -85%



Not without its flaws but it captured that claustrophobic scary atmosphere of the Alien films damn well. A pretty solid FPS game, all things considered. Plus, beating it won't be easy and no short task. And after beating it, it's always fun to go back with all sorts of cheats enabled. The 4th best FPS on Saturn behind the Lobotomy "Big Three."



my rating: 78%


#7: DIE HARD ARCADE -80%

OK, on a top 50 Saturn games of any format-kind list, this would not even scratch the surface. But on a PAL or US only list? I think it deserves a spot somewhere! Sure you can breeze through the game in 18 minutes... and sure it has arcade shenanigans through and through but it's a decent enough two player outing and is unique enough (read: one of a kind on Saturn) which makes it in a (sub)class of its own. Plus any game that lets you beat up a punk for whizzing in front of you is A-OK in my book.

my rating: 80%


#6: RAYMAN -59%



Generally I agree with most of SSM's reviews but 59% for Rayman is brutal. Sure it's not for everyone, but I found it quite playable and charming. Luscious 2D graphics and an awesome soundtrack. I liked the fact that you had to return to previous levels as Rayman attains new skills so he can reach/unlock new areas he previously could not. Cool. And finding the Electoons are decent fun in an egg-hunt sorta way. Rayman deserved much better.



my rating: 88%

top 10 shafts continued

#5: KEIO YUGEKITAI -78%

KEIO FLYING SQUADRON 2 to the UK. A very quirky off-beat anime-esque platformer. I always end up thinking Treasure with this one. Keio (in my experience anyhow) is generally well-loved and highly praised. While I don't think the game is "super ace stuff," it's good enough to crack the list.

my rating: 84%


#4: GALACTIC ATTACK -72%

An ace shooter that's flat-out cool. One of the first Saturn games I bought... and still one that I have very fond nostaglic memories for (though it only stems back to Feb. 2001, to me that feels like EONS ago...)



my rating: 88%


#3: WORMS -83%

As stated earlier in this thread, I believe this to be one of the best one-on-one games on Saturn. (Oh, and up to 16 people can play! One-on-one is intense enough; but with at least four people, it's INSANE!!) WORMS has given me and my brother countless cutthroat battles over the past two plus years. Yeah updates and upgrades were churned out over the years but the original's still a blue chipper classic. I love it. You can totally customize the game to your liking. It's just a very fun, addicting title.
Did you know: SSM originally rated Worms 90% but its rating dropped to 83% later on.



my rating: 95%


#2: LEGEND OF OASIS -89%

Complaints often found with LoO (Story of Thor 2 in the UK)... the puzzles: too brain-racking or how sometimes you'll waste 15 minutes of your life just stuck. Still, the graphics colorful and bright, the gameplay a breath of fresh air and the atmosphere just delightful. Would definitely grace my top 50. To borrow a hip term that the damn kids are using these days ... FO' SHO!

my rating: 89%

And, ladies and gentlemen, OK, just gentlemen... the number one Shafted game in the top 50 list issssss...

...

......

..........

......

...

DRAGON FORCE! -87%



The big one. The most controversial top 50 shaft. So many Saturn owners live(d) and breathe(d) this game. Although I never really got into it, I know this is the biggest omission by far. Let's face it, top 50 PAL games only; DF certainly should be in. And what, it got beaten by the likes of Space Hulk and Actua Golf?
Yikes.
The land of Legendra is not peaceful tonight, my friends. In fact, I hear it rumbling with the same type of disdain as when BILL BUCKNER misplayed that infamous ground ball....



my rating: N/A... regardless of that, the unarguable number one shaft, easily.

Oh, and ten other games that did not make the cut (w/ SSM's review score) that could have made the list...

*Shinobi-X ... 69%
*Sonic 3D Blast ... 82%
*Tempest 2000 ... 80%
*Darius Gaiden ... 79%
*In the Hunt ... 76%
*Norse By Norsewest: Return of the Lost Vikings ... 89%
*Williams Greatest Arcade Hits** ... 80%
*D ... 83%
*NBA Jam T.E. ... 83%
*Clockwork Knight 2 ... 83%




**Joust, Defender, Defender II, Bubbles, Sinistar & Robotron 2084


Ahhh... about as classic as classic gets, folks.
An age of innocence...
An era gone by...
Only survived through the hearts and memories of gamers today

my top 10 very best/favorites

Here's my top ten Saturn game list. This list is based on technical merit and/or just sheer quality merit. I tried my best to not let bias get into this too much...

01. Saturn Bomberman
02. Virtua Fighter 2
03. Sega Rally
04. Fire Pro Wrestling: Six Man Scramble
05. Street Fighter Zero 3
06. Radiant Silvergun
07. NiGHTS
08. X-Men vs. Street Fighter
09. Panzer Zwei
10. Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo



As for my top ten favorites... and by "favorite" I base that on the value that I could pick these games up at any time and have a blast. No matter how many times I play them, I still get excited to fire these up...

10. Keriotosse!
Ahhh, in the land of the rising Saturn, there are many great games. Some possess raw processing power, others are more simplistic and basic. There are the worldwide known hits like Guardian Heroes and Radiant Silvergun, but then in the dark corner under the closet lies a set of numerous Saturn games known as "obscure gems." KERIOTOSSE! is such an example. Ever played Poy Poy on PSX? T his is like that. 3D game that pits four players in 1 of 8 arenas... and the last one staying on the playing field wins! First one to 3 victories wins that stage and so forth. There are 21 characters to choose from and each is very unique with their special attack. Awesome.


09. Saturn Bomberman Fight!!
Ahhh, this is the perfect compliment to the almighty Saturn Bomberman. When you get tired of playing the best 2D Bomberman title ever, pick up this 3D chaotic-filled title! It has new gameplay techniques but retains the classic 2D Bomberman feel. There's now an energy bar and bombs can even explode from up above. 2 story stages, mega bombs, jump button, etc. What a game.




08. DooM
Before you demand my head on a platter let me STRESS that this is the JAPANESE version, and not the cacky US or PAL versions! I've played both the JP and US versions, and the JP one has been tweaked! It's very playable and damnit, killing a Baron of Hell with a shotgun on a Saturn controller = tops. You get Ultimate Doom and Doom II... plus the awesome hidden levels "Club Doom" and "Mansion".... Club Doom is so damn trippy! Beat the 60 levels within 5 days, and was one of the best solo player experiences I've had with the Saturn.




07. Street Fighter Collection
I'm there. Alpha 2 is still great and the Super games provide a nice touch of nostalgic value -- and still great fun to play.




06. Fire Pro Wrestling Six Men Scramble
Awesome. Sheer mayhem. Also 50% why I'm a Saturn fan now.




05. Slam 'N Jam '96
Another low-risk high-reward game. GREAT two-player stuff. NEXT Generation Magazine said "This fastpaced first-person basketball sim/arcade does a phenomenal job of bringing players into the action." Dare I say... best kept secret on Saturn...




04. Street Fighter Zero 3
Screw Waldo and Carmen San Diego -- Where's the coin slot?


03. World Heroes Perfect
The other half why I got into this system. A flawless conversion. Only if it had Neo Geegus and the Death Matches... it might really be perfect.






02. Puzzle Fighter
Possibly the most fun a guy and a girl can have with their clothes on.




01. Saturn Bomberman
The Bomb. 'Nuff said.




Well, join me one last time tomorrow evening... I shall have some farewell notes, some final special guest commentaries and a letter that shall fittingly conclude things...

Farewell editorials 1 of 3

11-1-99

My Dear Friend

The Saturn is a great system and was the only constant in my life for a-many years. I was weened on the MegaDrive and naturally, when it came time to upgrade I stuck with Sega.

And somehow... Sega stuck with me.

My family moved a total of six times during high school. I would make friends one day, and it'd seem like I had to say good-bye the next. But wherever I moved, I of course brought my Saturn along. It kept me entertained and occupied on a-many nights where I just could have killed myself out of wondering "Why me?" Conceivably so... I easily could have thrown in the towel and was ready to do just that on several occasions. I was also ready to go out and do stupid things I'd probably only later regret... but I usually ended up cozying on the couch with my Saturn.

It was not easy moving town to town during my high school years. Bar-hopping is one thing, but town-hopping -- no thank you. A kid needs stability. A constant.

For all those years, my constant was a little black box I never imagined would give so much and ask so little.

Off the top of my head some games that I really enjoyed over the years include Dragon Force, Saturn Bomberman, MegaMan 8, Resident Evil, Street Fighter Collection, Fighters Megamix, and Burning Rangers. As the Saturn died off in the US, I looked to the import avenue and discover a whole new world. It was like ... Saturn 2. I got my hands on greats like X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Metal Slug, Elevator Action Returns and Radiant Silvergun.

Like I said, many "friends" came and go. The Saturn, on the other hand, never did. The day I got my driver's license, I celebrated with the citizens of Legendra. The day I got my first job, I celebrated by saving the Sonic Team in Burning Rangers. The day I got my first straight A's report card in high school, I celebrated with Bonk, Mr. Higgins and the gang. The day I got my first girlfriend, I celebrated by playing... with her.

At any rate, I'd just like to thank the SEGA Saturn for the innumerous memories it gave me. In some ways, it was like an anti-drug... it helped keep me out of trouble. Most of all, I will always consider it a dear friend for life.
-Glenn David Hanson

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12-10-00

Exciting Times...

The Saturn was a funny little thing for me. I bought it and have supported it since day one. While everyone in the later part of the 1990s were going ga-ga over the latest PSX releases, I was perfectly content in that little corner at the far end of the game store looking to pick out my latest Saturn purchase(s).
And lemme tell you -- it was the most fun I ever had with a game system. I bought a game every week. I have over 200 Saturn games. 100 domestic 100 import. Every game I have, I have either beaten or invested at least ten hours into. That's a lotta value... and there's just a mystique to the Saturn I can't put my finger on.

I played the hell outta "triple A" releases like VF2, Sega Rally and Panzer Saga. But I also found a lot of fun in lesser known titles like Herc's Adventures, Crusader No Remorse and NHL All-Star Hockey '98. That's what really was fun to me. Taking a risk of those "double or single A" games and discovering some REAL genuine value within them. Going home and devoting the whole evening to the latest games you just paid for with your hard-earned cash.

It was the best of times... and it was the worst of times... but mostly, it was the best of times.
-Moe "not THAT Moe" Jones

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7-20-99

The Saturn Changed My Life -- No, Really

Here's a little history of my Sega Saturn and how it changed my life. My Saturn has been at over 10 different homes I have lived at in 5 different cities in 4 different states in the course of four years.
*Thanks to my Sega Saturn NetLink, I was able to move away from Hawaii to save myself from being homeless thanks to a good person I knew from the Sega Saturn NetLink IRC chat server who paid my way to Ozark, Missouri (of course I paid him back) where I lived for six months.
*Thanks to my Sega Saturn NetLink, I was able to meet three different sets of roommates (one roommate who ended up saving me from being homeless) and lived at three different apartments in Springfield, Missouri where I lived at for another six months.
*Thanks to my Sega Saturn NetLink, I met a girl in the Sega Saturn Netlink IRC chat server (no, I wasn't gonna go steady with her, we were just friends) who lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma who let me come live with her. Then I ended up meeting her uncle at a Christmas party and he ends up being the vice president of the Bank of Oklahoma where he actually hired me with no questions asked as a Data Entry Remittance Clerk getting paid $7 an hour.
*Thanks to my Sega Saturn NetLink, I was able to finally meet my future wife (we're getting married at the end of this year), the mother of my child (she's a month pregnant), and the love of my life after knowing her off of the Sega Saturn NetLink IRC chat server for almost 2 years.
*Thanks to my Sega Saturn NetLink I was able to move to Cincinatti, Ohio and finally get an apartment with the love of my life.
*Thanks to my Sega Saturn NetLink, I was able to attend a party in Cincinnati, Ohio of whom over a dozen people attended where I got to meet my best buddies that I knew online that I met using my Sega Saturn NetLink to IRC chat.

And finally, thanks to my Sega Saturn NetLink, I was able to live the experience of a lifetime for the past two years, meet dozens of great and not so great people, mature a lot, live in many different cities, find out that internet romances can actually work (me and Jeanette have been actually living together for six months now, not counting the two years we knew each other from the Sega Saturn Netlink IRC chat server), have a child, and get married.

Never would I have thought that a videogame system would change my life in
such a way. Isn't that funny? A videogame system? I mean, who would of thought that a videogame system could change and improve one's life this much? Anyways, this was just my story that I needed to share with you all about how my Sega Saturn changed my life and how it helped me started a new and better life.
-James Stevens

(my note. Wow, what an incredible story. But I'm not all THAT surprised by James' story... because in my experience I've found that some Saturn gamers are among the most generous and amazing creatures out there.
For my Birthday, I once got these games (complete and mint) all for FREE: Christmas NiGHTS, Duke Nukem 3D, OutRun, Space Harrier, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Vampire Savior, Magical Drop III, Contra, Tempest 2000, PowerSlave, Dead or Alive, Puyo Puyo Sun, a 3D pad and.... oh, Battle Garegga. Don't ask me who or why -- let's just say some Saturn users are incredibly good-willed folks.. the kind you'd be proud to have as your neighbor...)

continued...

6-28-99

Saturn's the Shit

I don't care if Sony won the quote-unquote battle against the Saturn. In my house, and that's all that matters to me, the SEGA Saturn by far won the WAR.
All those 8 player Bomberman outings, all those 6 player Guardian Heroes epics, all those "winner keeps controller" nights of Puzzle Fighter, Baku Baku, VF2, and Street Fighter Collection... what can I say?
The Saturn, for pure fun and enjoyment, was is and always will be... the shit.
-Dominick Johnson

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8-23-98

Saturn, I'll Miss You

Unfortunately, with Dreamcast arriving in Japan this fall, the Saturn seems to be going under. With the United States market long inactive and unproductive, it looks as if Sega of Japan will begin to focus its efforts on the Dreamcast. Most current Saturn owners have relied on imports lately, but with the Dreamcast on developer's minds, they will most likely cease production of Saturn games.

This is sad because Saturn, in my opinion, was the best 32-bit system ever. Yeah, I'm probably favoring emotion in lieu of factual basis, but I like Saturn better than Playstation. I don't care if the Saturn can't do transparencies like PSX can; I'd like to see a Guardian Heroes-caliber game on the Playstation or the Nintendo 64. I didn't think there were any takers for that one.

The sad thing is that it seems as if Sega didn't want the Saturn to succeed. They underestimated the customers.

All in all, I'm sure everyone will agree that the Saturn died an early death, and could've been much more than the sad state it's in today. My friends still scoff at me when they hear I have a Saturn, and snicker wickedly when word is that I actually like it... They, too, are oblivious to Saturn and what a great system it is. I'll love my Saturn until the very last game hits the shelves. But for now, I'll enjoy the precious three months I have until the Dreamcast frenzy hits Japan...
-Henry Knapp

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3-17-01

The Best Ever

It has been a few years since the "death" of the Sega Saturn, and I found it a good time to reflect on the state of Sega, as well as take a retrospective look on everyone's favorite (or not) 32-bit system.

A little background here... I got the Sega Saturn for Christmas of '96, the year the 3-free promotion was running. I was initially enthralled with the Ultra 64, so much so that I actually held SGI stock anticipating the new Nintendo system to sell millions and millions... Luckily I dumped that soon after buying, made a profit, and don't have to jump out a window because of SGI's stock price today ... but back to my affair with Sega...

I was still a Nintendo 64 lover when I went to Hades Haunted House in Villa Park, IL.. (The largest haunted house in the country!) On the way out of the haunted house, Sega had a setup to display the Saturn... this wass where I played "NiGHTS: into Dreams" for the first time... it was an experience I can remember vividly to this day, and I immediately was in love... That christmas I got the Sega Saturn. (I also got alot of NiGHTS playtime in at various kiosks around Chicagoland when Christmas shopping with the family)...

I was then what you'd call, a Sega freak. If anyone remembers the AOL screenname "YujiNaka", that was me... Sitting in the videogame lounge all night, reading Saturnworld.com and sega-saturn.com throughout the day... It was sick.

But ... it was one of the funnest times, and the best time I have ever had with a video game system.

Anyone else run to the mall to get the new Next-Generation because of the Christmas Nights demo? I am sure lots of us did. Ditching school to read the E3 updates (Sonic R! woohoo!) ...

Goodness, Sega Saturn was and continues to be my favorite system ever.

On spring break from school this week (Go Illini!) I have been heavily investing time into Burning Rangers... It seems whenever I come home, I play my Saturn more than I ever play my Dreamcast back at school... Sure, Sonic Adventure, Phantasy Star Online, Quake 3 Arena (w/ BBA), etc etc are AWESOME games... but c'mon... they don't have the same magic to them as the Saturn did... maybe the fact that Dreamcast was at least somewhat successful makes me resent the games somewhat... but I just can't find the same magic in Crazy Taxi as I can in the original Sega Rally. Sonic Adventure does well, but can't topple NiGHTS. And Phantasy Star, while AWESOME, I'd still rather be locked in a room with Burning Rangers trying to rescue Sonic Team members!

Thanks for reading my nostalgic rant, oh and...

Long Live Sega!

-James O'Sullivan