The Best Sega Saturn Games Under $25
For my next revision to the Cheapest Games series , I wanted to revisit the Sega Saturn. The values of the popular Saturn games have increased significantly over the last few years — especially for complete copies of the game. Because of this, I’ve bumped up my criteria for the list to games that are under $25. Now keep in mind, the prices quoted below are for complete copies of the game in excellent condition. If you want to save a lot of money, you can usually find disc-only versions of the games.
Not only does this revised list reflect the changing values, but I’ve also expanded it and included a Japanese-exclusive list and a short list of popular Saturn games that are sigificantly cheaper as Japanese releases. Hopefully, this revised list of Saturn games will help you start or build up your collection without having to spend much.. (Prices listed are an average eBay price for US games, including shipping)
Cheap Classics
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NiGHTS into Dreams: $19 This crown jewel of the Sega Saturn used to be one of the most afforable games on the system. However, with all the nostolgic talk about the game and the general disappointment of the Wii sequel, the demand for Nights into Dreams for the Saturn has pushed the price up to the $20 range. Until this fan favorite gets a solid port to another console, the demand for this otherwise common game should stay high. If you Shop for NiGHTS Into Dreams on eBay Shop for NiGHTS Into Dreams on Amazon.com |
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Panzer Dragoon Zwei: $23 While it kinda pushes the price limit of this guide, Panzer Dragoon Zwei is one of the more affortable foundations of the Saturn library. You can usually find it to be a better value than the original Panzer Dragoon. Shop for Panzer Dragoon Zwei on eBay Shop for Panzer Dragoon Zwei on Amazon.com |
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Panzer Dragoon: $19 Of course, if you are a fan of on-rails shooters and want a well-rounded Saturn library, it’s not a bad idea to check out the original Panzer Dragoon either. Shop for Panzer Dragoon on eBay Shop for Panzer Dragoon on Amazon.com |
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Street Fighter Alpha 2: $10 As one of my favorite fighting games of all time, I can’t help but put Street Fighter Alpha 2 on this list. At around $10, it can still fit into the smaller budgets. While some may prefer the larger character lineup of the more expensive Street Fighter Zero 3 (Alpha 3), I feel that Alpha 2 has more balanced gameplay and tighter control. Shop for Street Fighter Alpha 2 on eBay Shop for Street Fighter Alpha 2 on Amazon.com |
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Galactic Attack (Layer Section): $17 The Sega Saturn is one of the best consoles for fans of 2D shoot-em-ups. Unfortunately, most of the best shmups on the system were only availible in Japan and usually sell for $40 or more (many time a LOT more). Fortunately, one of the most recommended shooters for the Saturn was actually released in the US and carries a rather reasonable price tag. Galactic Attack (also known as Layer Section, Rayforce, or Gunlock) is one of Taito’s best of the genre and had a number of gameplay innovations considering its release date. Shop for Galactic Attack on eBay Shop for Galactic Attack on Amazon.com |
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Astal: $10 It is always a pleasure to enjoy some of the two-dimensional artistry that some developers treated gamers to on the Saturn. Astal is one of the earliest examples of 2D beauty on the Saturn and still holds up as an enjoyable 2D platformer. It also happens to be a game that went under the radar of many Saturn owners, so grab this 2D bargain on the cheap while you still can. Shop for Astal on eBay Shop for Astal on Amazon.com |
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Rayman: $8 After a decade, most gamers are familiar with Rayman. However, in the 32-bit era, this platforming series was an abitious newcomer. Much like Astal, it is a beautiful example of two-dimensional action. Rayman also happens to be one of the least-expensive games on this list (especially considering it wasn’t a pack-in for the Saturn) Shop for Rayman on eBay Shop for Rayman on Amazon.com |
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Night Warriors: Darkstalkers Revenge: $13 Even though the Darkstalkers series essentially uses the same engine as the Street Fighter Alpha series, it is still a blast to play due to is diverse cast of characters and it’s flashy style. If you are a fighting fan or even just like monster movie characters, Night Warriors is a must-play — especially for the price. (Also check in the imports section below for the sequel) Shop for Night Warriors on eBay Shop for Night Warriors on Amazon.com |
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Super Puzzle Fighter 2: $20 This little classic used to be a bit more expensive over the last decade, but now that it’s been re-released as an affordable download on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, the original releases have come down a bit in value. Of course many gamers might not think a puzzle game for an old machine is worth $20, but it’s one of my personal favorites and a bit of a collector’s item as well. Shop for Super Puzzle Fighter 2 on eBay Shop for Super Puzzle Fighter 2 on Amazon.com |
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Die Hard Arcade: $18 If you are a fan of old-school side-scrolling beatemups, Die Hard Arcade (known as Dynamite Deka in Japan — and precursor to the not-quite-as-fun Dynamite Cop on the Dreamcast) should be right up your alley. Even though it’s 3D, it has plenty of action, cool weapons, and just enough weird stuff in it to keep things interesting. Shop for Die Hard Arcade on eBay Shop for Die Hard Arcade on Amazon.com |
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Daytona USA: $5 As one of the biggest launch titles and eventual pack-in game, Daytona USA is one of the most common games in the Saturn library. You can get it dirt cheap in its pack-in form as it is commonly thown in as game or system bundles on eBay. You can also find the original full-case version for just a few dollars. This Saturn version isn’t quite as polished as its Dreamcast sibling, but if you are tight on money (or just a collector), you can’t go wrong with the original console version of Daytona USA. Shop for Daytona USA on eBay Shop for Daytona USA on Amazon.com |
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Sega Rally Championship: $8 Sega Rally is the essential complement to Daytona USA if you are a racing fan. This drifting-filled racer truely is an essential and dirt-cheap classic. But just like Daytona USA, Sega Rally also has a graphically-enhanced sequel on the Dreamcast that is also pricier. But at $5 its hard to go wrong with the Saturn version. Shop for Sega Rally on eBay Shop for Sega Rally on Amazon.com |
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Virtua Fighter 2: $9 Just like Daytona USA, you can find the plain disk or sleaved (pack-in) version for next to nothing. But collectors will most likely be willing to pay just a few dollars for the full-case retail version. Virtua Fighter 2 actually serves as a great technical demo for the Saturn. The game maxed out the Saturn’s High Resolution 720×575 mode (highest for a console game at that time) while running at a smooth 60fps. Shop for Virtua Fighter 2 on eBay Shop for Virtua Fighter 2 on Amazon.com |
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Fighters Megamix: $14 Fighters Megamix took the models from Virtua Fighter 2 and Fighting Vipers and threw in some of Virtua Fighter 3’s new moves. Megamix looked good, but lacked Virtua Fighter 2’s high-resolution feature. Of all of the non-pack-in games, Fighters Megamix is one of the best values today. You still won’t find as much depth as some modern fighters like Soul Calibur, but it’s a great game to give your Saturn some life. Shop for Fighters Megamix on eBay Shop for Fighters Megamix on Amazon.com |
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Virtual On: Cyber Troopers: $6 This excellent conversion of the one-on-one mech fighter is one of the most innovative bargain out of the bunch. Virtual On is essentially a true 3D fighter with super-quick mechs trying to blow each other up while dodging and hiding behind obstacles in the course. However, once again, the Dreamcast also has an enhanced sequel, but this Saturn original passes the savings on to you. Shop for Virtual On on eBay Shop for Virtual On on Amazon.com |
Affordable Japanese Exclusives
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X-Men vs. Street Fighter: $20 This game is the reason I bought an Action Replay back in the day. The Marvel vs Capcom game may get all the attention today, but I still love X-Men vs Street Fighter. It isn’t quite as chaotic as the later installments but still has a strong character roster. Also, the Saturn version is spot-on to the arcade version, unlike the crippled Playstation port. At the $20 price point, you should also get a RAM cart, but you should be able to find it cheaper on its own. Shop for X-Men vs Street Fighter on eBay |
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Assault Suit Leynos 2: $20 One of my first impressions of this game was “Mechs meets Metal Slug“. It’s an impressive, but very tough 2D Mech shooter with some spectacular graphics and gameplay. It’s a wonderful exclusive for the Saturn and is definitely worth looking into if you are a shooter fan. Shop for Assault Suit Leynos 2 on eBay |
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Waku Waku 7: $13 As one of the best hidden gems in the Saturn fighting library, this quirky brawler from Sunsoft is a steal for just over $10. Try finding the Neo-Geo cart for that cheap. Shop for Waku Waku 7 on eBay |
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Magical Drop III: $11 The Magical Drop series is an essential for puzzle fans. It’s a shame the series never really got much exposure outside of Japan. It happens to be one of the best values in the puzzle genre for the Saturn. Shop for Magical Drop III on eBay |
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King of Fighters ‘95, ‘96, or ‘97: About $15 each SNK was a strong supporter of the Saturn in Japan and blessed gamers with handful of King of Fighters titles for the 32-bit machine before continuing their support on the Dreamcast. Each game should come with a RAM cart for about $15 each. Not a bad price at all for such solid fighters. However, keep in mind, you could purchase The King of Fighters Collection: The Orochi Saga, which contains all three games for the same price Shop for King of Fighters Series on eBay |
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Cyberbots: Full Metal Madness: $12 This is one of Capcom’s lesser-known fighting gems and is a spiritual prequel to the Dreamcast game, Tech Romancer. Cyberbots is good change of pace for fighting fans and duking it out with large robots gives off a unique feeling of satisfaction  Shop for Cyberbots on eBay |
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Samurai Spirits III or IV: $15 each More SNK goodness. While many fans of the series prefer the original two installments of the series, part III and IV are still solid fighters and are quite affordable on the Saturn. However, you could purchase the Samurai Shodown Anthology on a newer platform for about the same price of one of these games. Shop for Samurai Spirits Series on eBay |
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Strikers 1945: $20 One of the other few solid 2D shooters that can be found for an affordable price on the Saturn. Also, remember than the Saturn port is superior to the PS1 version (and vice versa for the sequel). Shop for Strikers 1945 on eBay |
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Puyo Puyo Sun: $9 Yup, another puzzle game. But its a great version of the classic Puyo Puyo series and it’s easy to find for under $10. Might not sound like a great deal for those that aren’t hardcore puzzle fans, but it’s worth mentioning. Shop for Puyo Puyo Sun on eBay |
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Vampire Savior: $15 Also known as Darkstalkers 3, this fighter really takes advantage of the Saturn’s 2D capabilities and requires a RAM cart as well. Just be aware of some of the incompatibilities with many of the Action Replay Plus cartridges. Shop for Vampire Savior on eBay |
Cheap Import Alternatives
I thought it would be interesting to list of few of the especially popular Saturn games that are quite expensive as US releases and see what the Japanese version sell for. If you have a way of playing imports, you might want to consider these if you want real copies of the games.
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Panzer Dragoon Azel: $24 Compared to $200+ for US copy of Panzer Dragoon Saga Ok — so playing an RPG in Japanese can be quite a challenge, but look at the savings! Of course, there’s English FAQs out there if you want to brave this one. Shop for Panzer Dragoon Azel on eBay |
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Guardian Heroes: $25 Compared to $90 for US copy of Guardian Heroes There is some text in Guardian Heroes since it has RPG elements, but its rather playable in Japanese. Plus, the savings is quite noticable. Shop for Guardian Heroes on eBay |
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Shining Force III: Scenario 1: $15 Compared to $100 for US copy of Shining Force III Yeah, it’s another RPG, but $15 is dirt cheap for this game Shop for Shining Force III on eBay |
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Saturn Bomberman: $12 Compared to $60 for US copy of Saturn Bomberman Bomberman is Bomberman. And any Bomberman fan must play Saturn Bomberman. So if you want this game, can play imports, and want to save money on a real copy of this game, this is an easy choice. Shop for Saturn Bomberman on eBay |
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Burning Rangers: $23 Compare to $80 for US copy of Burning Rangers Like Guardian Heroes, there is some text in the game, but it should be quite playable in Japanese. Shop for Burning Rangers on eBay |
Other Cheap Favorites
- Bust-A-Move 2: $8 (eBay / Amazon)
- Baku Baku: $8 (eBay / Amazon)
- X-Men: Children of the Atom: $19 (eBay / Amazon)
- Virtua Cop : $7 (eBay / Amazon)
- Sega Touring Car Championship: $10 (eBay)
- Bug!: $14 (eBay / Amazon)
- Bug Too!: $19 (eBay / Amazon)
- Clockwork Knight: $16 (eBay / Amazon)
- Mr Bones: $13 (eBay / Amazon)
- Wipeout: $8 (eBay / Amazon)
- Three Dirty Dwarves: $15 (eBay / Amazon)
- Fighting Vipers: $10 (eBay / Amazon)
- Steep Slope Sliders $8 (eBay / Amazon)
- Manx TT Super Bike: $5 (eBay)
11 Comments:
I’m glad there’s an import alternative section. Seems silly paying 200 for Panzer Dragoon Saga when you can import it for so much cheaper. There must be guides available online anyway.
But if you’re paying $24 for it, you’re still getting ripped off is you ask me. I’ve never seen it going for more than $4.
There are some all time classics on this list that have just never properly made it to other consoles.
Nights is just perfect as far as games go. Guardian Heroes is still one of my favourite games.
I think you are right, Street Fighter Alpha 2 on the Saturn for some reason is the best version of that game. Though the Dark Stalkers games are also a lot of fun.
Thanks alot for this awesome list!!!
Vampire Savior was the first game I got for my Saturn, and I actually only paid $10 for it. It still gets play to this day, as it is probably the best version to hit consoles. (Vampire Chronicle on Dreamcast, for some reason, just didn’t look as hot.) I highly recommend it to fighter fans, especially those who would like to see where games like Guilty Gear and the Marvel vs series got their roots from.
I went the import route for Burning Rangers; the directions they give you are useless unless you know Japanese but otherwise it is completely playable.
Nice post. Usually the most expensive Saturn games are the only ones getting all the attention, and sadly I think that’s what scares a lot of people away.
Some of these cheaper games are truly excellent, like Layer Section, Astal, and Assault Suit Leynos 2.
Don’t forget how much you can save on House of the Dead.
You can make a HUGE saving on House of the Dead by importing the Japanese version, and 99% of it is in English.
I also find that, even though the American releases are featured, a big saving can be made by choosing the Japanese versions of the Panzer Dragoon games (1 & 2) and Nights into Dreams.
Nonetheless, great article! I love the Saturn, it’s one of those systems where collecting for it becomes an addiction in itself!
Never played a Saturn but it sounds like it has the types of games I like. Are there many good beat em ups for the Saturn? I assume that the Action Replay is a mod to play imports. Are they hard to install and are they easy to come by?
Action Replays simply fit in the memory card slot and allow you to play games from any region, as well as being a ram expansion and a memory card.
They are easy to come by and very easy to install
Great List! I really like the game Spot goes to hollywood. I think its way better that the psx spot and looks great! I would be lost if I did have racketboy.com Great page!!!
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