NUMBER 10. VIRTUA COP AND VIRTUA COP 2

As one of the games that I got as part of the very clever �3 Free Games� Package in 1996, Virtua Cop commanded my attention instantly. When first powering up the game in the system, I didn't quite know what to expect, although I was quite interested. I'm glad this game was a part of the package because it was instantly fun. The graphics and sound were nicely translated well from the original arcade with little loss. The only drawback was that there are only three stages in the game, so sometimes it could be over quick. This was a very close translation from the arcade to the Saturn. Virtua Cop is great, and Virtua Cop 2 delivers the same thrills with better graphics and even more action. To put it bluntly, the Virtua Cop series is a blast�pun intended.

NUMBER 9. DAYTONA USA

The original Daytona USA on the Sega Saturn was also one-third of the "3 Free Games" package back in 1996. I enjoyed the game very much since first getting it. It would instantly become one of my favorite games for the system. Although criticized by its shortcomings (being a rushed arcade port, having dithered graphics, and no two player mode), the gameplay made the game shine through its faults. The original arcade music (slightly retouched for the Saturn version) is there, complete with the "DAY-EEE-TO-NAH! Let's Go Away!" theme song. The controls are top notch. Therefore, Daytona USA for the Saturn is not the technically great arcade-to-home port that it could have been, but it is definitely a very good game to play. It is one of the Sega Saturn's best racers despite its flaws.

NUMBER 8. DAYTONA USA:
CHAMPIONSHIP CIRCUIT EDITION

When I first got Daytona USA: C.C.E. I was expecting something a lot better than the orignal. The graphics were greatly improved. The music was remixed, but not changed too much, but the one fault was that the Daytona theme song does not play when the game first starts. Instead, it's this new "Sons of Angels" song. The controls were a little different due to the cars handling differently in comparison to the original, but it proved to be great. The major plus is the two player mode in the game. It was definitely missed. In all, it did not fully improve on the Daytona USA experience as expected, but this is a wonderfully new and better version of an arcade classic.

NUMBER 7. SEGA RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

Sega Rally Championship first intrigued me as it was my most played demo on the Sega Saturn Bootleg Sampler (well, this demo and the Clockwork Knight 2 demo). The game's touchy controls were something I wasn't used to. I haven't played a racing game like that before then. I was only used to Virtua Racing at the time. Then, I've grown to like the game. It was only two years later on a Christmas day that I would get the full game. It was then that I started to love the game. This is a proud Saturn showcase. The graphics were great for the Saturn system...not quite as good as the arcade, but great nonetheless. The sounds were excellent, and the music was nice too. I can play this game well, but it is still difficult to master. Sega Rally Championship remains one of the Sega Saturn's finest titles.

NUMBER 6. FIGHTERS MEGAMIX

Clash Virtua Fighter 2 and Fighting Vipers together, add a lot of extra bells and whistles, and you get the ultimate 32-bit fighting game. When I got the game back in the summer of 1997, it was nothing but fun times. The graphics are great...better than FV, but still not as good as VF2. The sounds and music, taken from the previous two games among others, are great. Not only does this game have all the moves from the previous games, but there's also Virtua Fighter 3 moves thrown in too. The control is as perfect as ever. The only problem is the off-balance factor due to the vastly different fighting styles between the characters. This game is packed with tons of goodies for players to enjoy. Fighters Megamix is a Sega fighter's fantasy that turned reality.

NUMBER 5. SONIC R

Sonic R is unique. It was a new Sonic game that was 3D showing off the Sega Saturn's 3D graphical capabilities. Second, this was a mascot racing game that was a bit original and didn't copy off the likes of Mario Kart. The graphics in this game are amazing. Seeing Sonic and the gang in full 3D is just great. The music is quite happy and fits the game. This is a Sonic game all the way, until you get to the controls. They are not Sonic-style, but more like car racing style. It was not right most of the characters to feel like cars, just the two that did have vehicles. The other problem is there is only four racing zones and one hidden track. There is a bit of replay value though. Sonic R sets itself apart from other mascot racers. It wasn't the 32-bit 3D Sonic game that many were waiting for, but it is still great.

NUMBER 4. SONIC JAM

Sonic JAM is a compilation of the most popular Sega Genesis titles: Sonic The Hedgehog, Sonic 2, Sonic 3, and Sonic & Knuckles almost perfectly emulated in top form. On top of that, there's a special game section called Sonic World where Sonic is shown off in 3D with a Green Hill Zone-like level. It has special museums full of Sonic history, Sonic art, Sonic music, Sonic movies, and more. My favorite portion is seeing the short movies and and the Japanese Sonic commercials. It would have been wonderful if the USA commercials were included for the American release, but they weren't. Although this is not a definitive collection of the 16-bit Sonic games, it is a well done. Sonic Jam is a wonderful game that actually was a reminder of a time when the blue hedgehog and his company was on top.

NUMBER 3. VIRTUA FIGHTER 2

Now, this is the best fighting showcase on the Sega Saturn. This port of the arcade classic is almost perfect showcasing brilliant high resolution 3D graphics, great music, and stellar gameplay. There are many modes and options found in the game to give it extra replay value. Many were questioning if this could be achieved (after the so-called "debacles" of Daytona USA and the original Virtua Fighter during the system's launch). When VF2 was released, all was proven. This fighter is seen by many as the best fighter not only on the Sega Saturn, but on a 32-bit system period. I got VF2 as part of the 3 Free Games package back in 1996. I loved it so much, and still have a soft spot for it. Virtua Fighter 2 represents the best of fighters in the arcade and on the Saturn system.

NUMBER 2. NiGHTS: INTO DREAMS

NiGHTS: into Dreams�what a wonderful game this is! Since the summer of 1996, I've decided this as one of the games I would get if and when I would get a Sega Saturn system. In November, I would get my chance to experience this. This was my first game for the system, and I couldn't have picked a finer choice. I got the NiGHTS bundle that includes the game and the 3D Control Pad. I was sucked into a game experience that was similar to my finest moments of the Sega Genesis days. I was impressed with the game that much because it is interpreted beautifully from the graphics, to the sounds and music, to the gameplay. There's so much involvement in this game thanks to the Sonic-style speed and the consistent flying. NiGHTS: into Dreams is definitely one of the Sega Saturn's finest hours.

NUMBER 1. CHRISTMAS NiGHTS: INTO DREAMS

The Sonic Team sprung this great surprise on Saturn gamers in the holiday season. When I found out about Christmas NiGHTS I wanted it quick, especially when I knew it was free with select game magazines. Three days before Christmas, I bought Next Generation magazine with a computer disc demo and this game. It was officially mine! While this is actually a one-level demo of the original NiGHTS, this is still a whole new game. Dependent on the Saturn system's internal clock, this game is enjoyable in many versions throughout the year. Christmas NiGHTS is truly the real deal! The same incredible gameplay that was found in the original NiGHTS is here and more! The best part about this game is the hidden gems, or �presents�, that you receive for completing level. Christmas NiGHTS is one of the most incredible rarities ever made!