Virtual Insanity #2: Sega Saturn

For this weeks column, we’ll be focusing the Sega Saturn, its games, and its likelihood of coming to VC. Chances are this forgeten console won’t be coming to the Virtual Console anytime soon, or anytime at all considering the meager size of the Wii’s internal memory. Of course, a simple fix would be to allow USB memory or flash memory expansions, but Nintendo seems to be very 1996 about this whole issue. They compare their memory restraints to that of an iPod; when you want to play what you want, you just swap it in for something else. It works, but it’s a hassle, hence why this probably won’t be happening, but it’s still fun to speculate. List of Saturn games that would be essential if we ever get an emulator:

5. Saturn Bomberman

The alpha and omega of multiplayer games. There is already a great Bomberman game on VC (‘93), but this one is just insane with features. It supports tons of gameplay types, a fun single player adventure, and of course the amazing multiplayer that suports up to 10 (!) players on one screen.

4. Burning Rangers

To be honest, I don’t know much about this game. It’s kind of a cult classic, so I decided to dig up some info. It’s basically a fire fighting game set in the future. The graphics look pretty slick and unique for a Saturn game and there’s lots of stuff to unlock.

3. Panzer Dragoon Saga

It’s no secret that I adore the Panzer Dragoon series. My first foray, Orta, made me a fan for life. It’s a fun on-rails shooter with great graphics and customization. There’s a fair amount of things to unlock as well. I also have not played this game.

2. Guardian Heroes

First off, I’m a huge Treasure fan. Their Gunstar Heroes game is an all-time favorite of mine, and Guardian Heroes is its spiritual successor. It’s more of a beat-em-up, but some characters from Gunstar show up. I love the art style and Treasure really can do no wrong. Please let this come.

1. Nights Into Dreams

This game is the definition of cult game. Having played the under whelming sequel a little, I don’t have much hope that this game is much different, but there are hordes of people clamoring for this game. I have a feeling it’s just nostalgia keeping the interest in this game alive, but there’s no denying it’s innovation on the industry when it was first introduced. You don’t really do much in the game but fly through loops and on timed courses. Fun for a little while.

Well there you have it, my five picks for Saturn VC games. I haven’t played any of these games, and base my judgment off of community reaction to these games. I’m the type that likes to collect unique and cult games, and would most certainly purchase all of these if they ever make an appearance on VC. Let’s make it happen, Sega. Or should I say Nintendo.