Saturn 2D Shooters

[Duddyroar]

I had a quick search on the forum and I couldn't find any other topic like this, so I thought I'd start one.

The Saturn is a machine that is famed for its selection of 2D shooters, so I thought it best to compile a list of the the best for the system, along with a little description. Obviously we don't all have to agree on the selection, but if you feel you want to recommend a game others might have missed (or might be considering getting) then post away!

I'll start it off with some of the usual suspects:

Radiant Silvergun - Simply the greatest shooter I've ever played. Probably not worth what some people ask for it, but it's still a must have IMO.

DonPachi - I don't own DoDonPachi yet but the first game is worth a mention. The firepower on hand is stunning. Can be gotten pretty cheaply too (compared to DoDonPachi).

Kingdom Grandprix - A racing/shooting hybrid, I know many people can't get on with title and I have to admit at times I get really annoyed playing it as it doesn't know why type of game it wants to be. However the gameplay is really addictive and the graphics are gorgeous. Some inspired level design here.

Battle Garegga - Many people regard this as the finest Saturn shooter available. I don't quite agree, although I still love the game to bits. Brilliant design and rock-hard challenge make this a shooter to sort the men from the boys. Just in case you were wondering, I usually fall into the 'boys' catergory.

Layer Section - Excellent 'lock-on' action from Taito. Another cheapy that puts the more expensive Saturn shooters to shame.

Soukyugurentai - Another game that divides opinion - I consider it to be an excellent title with plenty of challenge. Released by EA in Japan, of all people (as was Battle Garegga)! Must be one of the best EA releases of all time.

1945 1 & 2 - Much better than the PSX/PS2 versions, the Saturn conversions of these two WW2-themed shooters are excellent (if a little basic).

[eastyy]

What's sol divide like?

[Strider]

What's sol divide like?

****

[muse hunter]

game paradise and sexy parodius nuff said

[Duddyroar]

****

I second that

[Team Andromeda]

game paradise

Hell yeah if only for The karaoke part (which cracks me up).

Other?s would be

Hyper Duel- Good little blaster

Shienryu- Looks lovely and while it starts off slow, gets really good and hectic towards the end.

Cotton II- Not the best in the series but a decent enough game, and looks so good dame beautiful.

Batsugun- In a word bloody awesome , and the music score is stunning.

Darius Gaiden- Best backrounds to any shooter ever , and the music is somthing else

[msm13579]

DoDonPachi- Best shooter ever imo. I prefer it to Radiant Silvergun, Ikaruga, ESPgaluda, etc. I have the saturn version but play it on mame because it looks much better unless you can turn your tv on it's side.

[Duddyroar]

I have the saturn version but play it on mame because it looks much better unless you can turn your tv on it's side

A problem that affects 99% of Saturn 2D shooters

Batsugun- In a word bloody awesome , and the music score is stunning

Keep hearing good things about this...must try and get a copy. Also want to get my hands on DoDonPachi and Game Paradise.

[andrewfee]

I don't want to hijack this thread at all, but I'm considering getting a Saturn for Radiant Silvergun, as well as some of these other shooters, and had a couple of questions, as I don't really know anything about the Saturn. (I skipped last-gen because I was playing SNES/PC games at the time, not that I didn't want to get one of the systems, couldn't afford it)

• I've seen a really nice, near-mint white Saturn on sale, it's US though. Is the Saturn PSU internal / external? (do I need a stepdown, basically) I've also seen a good condition JP HiSaturn. What sort of price should I pay for one of these? If I went with the white one, is it hard to mod it to play JP games, or not worth the bother/risk? The JP HiSaturn was about ?90.
  
  
• Secondly, what's the best output? RGB SCART / JRGB I presume? If so, do I need to do a mod to get that out of a US/JP machine or just buy a regular cable?
  
  
• Controls. I've just bought a Neo Geo Stick 2 for my PS2 and would like to use it with the Saturn if I get one, is this possible? I know some adapters don't work with arcade sticks - I tried one for my Gamecube today and it wouldn't work. It does work with an Xbox MagicBox adapter though, so I know some do.
  
  
• Finally, games. As I said I'm just planning on buying this for shooters really, however I'm mainly a fan of horizontal shooters, as well as slower paced ones like the R-Type & Gradius series' and not the ones with 200 bullets onscreen at once requiring pixel-perfect manouvering at insane speeds. (generally vertical ones for some reason) I don't dislike vertical shooters though, and if they're slower paced, I don't mind the ones that swarm you with bullets either. I had Ikaruga a while back, but it was PAL and I couldn't stand it dropping frames the way it did. (to keep it at full speed) I did enjoy it though, and plan on picking up an import copy with freeloader soon.
  
  I hear RSG is a slower shooter compared to most vertical ones? I'm also interested to know if it's got options to rotate the screen for TATE.

If this should just be in a thread on its own, I'm sorry, feel free to move it mods.

[msm13579]

I'm also interested to know if it's got options to rotate the screen for TATE.

it's standard full screen (like soukyugurentai i think?) so no need for a tate mode

[moonwhistle]

Nobody's mentioned Gun Frontier yet, it's a bit crusty in the looks department but plays really well and has one of coolest soundtracks on any shooter. I love the idea of playing as a flying revolver.

I'm not really a fan of horizontal shooters, mainly as it's domainted by Konami's stuff which I really don't like. All Konami's shooters (Parodius, Gradius, Salamander etc..)are basically the same game, all with horrible balance. Sengoku Blade is stunning though and get's my vote for the best of the sidescrollers.

[Leon Retro]

My first Saturn shooter was Layer Section. I love the music and nice crisp visuals- the gameplay is also very compelling!

The Salamander Deluxe Pack is very nice- I remember playing the modern version and being in my element!

I always tell people to buy a Jap Saturn if they love shooters!

[Tychom]

Batsugun is an ace game and the saturn version is an ace package, it's essentially a floorless conversion. It contains both the original and Special Version of the game which is quite lovely (Personally prefer the Special Version with it's smaller hit box). Only problem with the game is you really need to rotate your TV as it's default is wobble mode where you can't see the whole play area.

It's a realy shame the Saturns Donpachi & Dodonpachi ports arent so hot when seen alongside (graphically, sonically, slowdowningly, loadtimingly). Garegga is again a lovely port that really does everything right when in TATE.

I really like Twinkle Star Sprites but this is a game that certainly divides people.

[Sabreman]

Gradius Deluxe Pack - everyone knows Gradius and this is a lovely little package. Perfect conversions.

[saturn-gamer]

Thunder Force V - I love this game, although it would be better off in 2d. Its difficulty is what makes it one of my favorite shmups.

The Konami's are my least favorites too, but Salamander 2 is decent enough. Oh yeah, don't fret; Soukyugurentai is only published by EA, its still being developed by 8ing/Raizing (bloody roar, garegga).