The Sega Saturn never got the love it deserved, at least not in the West. While the PlayStation and Nintendo 64 dominated the late 90s console wars in North America, the Saturn quietly faded into obscurity. But behind that commercial failure was a powerhouse of a system packed with unique and memorable games, many of which barely made it out of Japan or flew under the radar entirely. Some of my favorite discoveries in retro gaming have come from digging deep into the library of hidden gems on the Sega Saturn.
Unlike the more mainstream titles like Virtua Fighter 2, Panzer Dragoon, or Nights into Dreams, there are a host of lesser-known releases that showcase what the Saturn was truly capable of. Whether they feature smooth 2D animation, ambitious gameplay mechanics, or unforgettable music, these hidden titles offer a treasure trove of retro charm.
If you’ve only scratched the surface of the Sega Saturn’s library, you’re missing out. Let me take you on a tour through the hidden gems on the Sega Saturn that deserve way more recognition.
Radiant Silvergun
If I had to pick one game that defines the phrase “hidden gem,” this would be it. Radiant Silvergun is a vertically scrolling shoot-’em-up developed by Treasure, and it’s nothing short of a masterpiece. It was a Japanese exclusive for years, which kept it off most people’s radar. I tracked down an import copy and used an Action Replay cart to play it, and it absolutely blew me away.
The weapon system is unconventional, you get access to all your weapons from the start, and learning how to use each one strategically is part of the challenge. The boss fights are intense, the soundtrack is epic, and the graphics push the Saturn to its limits. It’s hard, but not unfair, and every level is a thrill ride. This game alone justifies digging into the hidden gems on the Sega Saturn.
Astal
Visually, Astal is one of the most striking games on the system. It’s a side-scrolling platformer with hand-drawn backgrounds and beautifully animated characters. The color palette pops off the screen, and it has a kind of fantasy storybook vibe that you rarely see in platformers of that era.
The gameplay is solid, Astal uses his strength and breath to fight enemies and solve environmental puzzles. There’s also a cooperative bird mechanic that lets you trigger special abilities. The music adds to the whimsical tone, with a score that sticks in your head long after the game ends.
It didn’t sell well, probably due to timing and a lack of marketing, but it’s easily one of the hidden gems on the Sega Saturn that showcases its 2D prowess.
Bulk Slash
One of the best things about exploring import titles is stumbling across games like Bulk Slash. It’s a mecha action game with third-person shooting and light RPG elements. The game puts you in the cockpit of a transformable mech and lets you battle across urban environments in full 3D.
What makes it unique is the relationship system, you can choose different female navigators who provide voiceover support during missions. Depending on who you partner with, you get different story paths and perks. It adds a layer of replayability and charm that most mech games overlook.
Bulk Slash was only released in Japan, but English fan translations are available now, making it easier than ever to experience one of the most fun hidden gems on the Sega Saturn.
Magic Knight Rayearth
Based on the popular anime and manga, Magic Knight Rayearth was the last officially released Sega Saturn game in North America. It’s an action RPG with an endearing cast of characters, colorful visuals, and a great story. Each character has unique powers that you’ll need to solve puzzles and defeat bosses.
What sets this game apart is its polish. The cutscenes are anime-quality, the voice acting is surprisingly good for the time, and the gameplay loop feels like a smoother version of Zelda: A Link to the Past. It’s not talked about much, likely because of its late release, but it’s absolutely one of the hidden gems on the Sega Saturn that RPG fans should seek out.
Saturn Bomberman
Bomberman games are generally more known for multiplayer chaos than hidden gem status, but Saturn Bomberman is a different story. It supports up to 10 players with a multitap accessory, making it the definitive version of classic Bomberman couch co-op.
The game also offers a great single-player campaign and some of the most vibrant 2D graphics in the series. What makes this one a hidden gem is how few people got to experience its full multiplayer capabilities. I hosted a retro gaming night with a full setup, and it became the highlight of the evening.
If you can get the gear together, this is one of the most fun hidden gems on the Sega Saturn for parties or competitive retro gaming.
Princess Crown
Before Odin Sphere, there was Princess Crown. It’s a gorgeous side-scrolling action RPG with real-time combat and a fairy tale atmosphere. Unfortunately, it never made it outside of Japan, which is a real shame because it has all the ingredients of a cult classic.
The sprite work is stunning, with fluid animation and expressive characters. The food system, leveling mechanics, and storytelling all feel ahead of their time. It’s a slow burn, but well worth the effort. I played it through with an English translation and was struck by how rich and charming the world was.
If you’re a fan of Vanillaware’s later titles, this is essential playing, and one of the purest hidden gems on the Sega Saturn.
Elevator Action Returns
This one surprised me. Elevator Action Returns is a reboot of the classic arcade game but reimagined with stylish, gritty visuals and fast-paced shooting. You control secret agents infiltrating buildings, dodging gunfire, and rescuing hostages, all while the game scrolls both vertically and horizontally.
The level design is varied and clever, the soundtrack is full of high-energy tracks, and the game just oozes style. It’s arcade action at its best, but few people even know it exists on the Saturn.
Every time I introduce someone to it, they’re hooked within minutes. It deserves far more attention than it gets and stands out as one of the finest hidden gems on the Sega Saturn.
Tryrush Deppy
With a name like Tryrush Deppy, you’d think it was a joke title, but it’s actually a charming 2D platformer with a transforming car protagonist. Think Sonic the Hedgehog mixed with TurboGrafx-style wackiness. You jump, dash, and fight your way through auto-themed levels with bright, colorful pixel art.
The controls are responsive, and each level introduces fun gimmicks like conveyor belts, loop-de-loops, and timed chases. It’s got that classic arcade feel, with boss battles and power-ups to keep you engaged.
It’s another Japan-only title, but import-friendly, and definitely one of the hidden gems on the Sega Saturn worth adding to your collection.
Keio Flying Squadron 2
If you like side-scrolling action games with absurd humor, Keio Flying Squadron 2 is a must-play. The first game was a shooter, but this sequel shifts to platforming while keeping its quirky anime aesthetic. You play as a bunny-suited girl named Rami, fighting ninjas and bizarre enemies with parasols, hammers, and other comical weapons.
It mixes platforming and shooter stages, with creative level design and catchy music. The animation is fluid, and the game just oozes personality. It didn’t do well commercially, but its uniqueness and charm have made it a cult favorite over the years.
Among hidden gems on the Sega Saturn, this one is pure fun and full of surprises.
In the Hunt
From the same developers behind Metal Slug, In the Hunt is a submarine-based shoot-’em-up with detailed pixel art and heavy weaponry. The environments are destructible, the explosions are satisfying, and the challenge ramps up nicely.
It’s a slower-paced shooter, but the strategic movement and visual flair more than make up for it. Playing co-op with a friend takes the experience to another level.
It’s not as well-known as other shooters on the system, but it belongs in every Saturn fan’s library. It’s yet another example of the hidden gems on the Sega Saturn that are just waiting to be rediscovered.
Final Thoughts
The Sega Saturn might not have had the commercial success Sega hoped for, but it built a legacy of creative and technically impressive games that are finally getting the recognition they deserve. From jaw-dropping shooters to lush RPGs and innovative platformers, the system was a goldmine for developers willing to take risks.
Exploring the hidden gems on the Sega Saturn has been a journey of constant surprise and satisfaction. These games weren’t backed by massive marketing campaigns or blockbuster franchises, but they had heart, style, and gameplay that stands the test of time.
Whether you’re diving in through imports, fan translations, or digging through local retro shops, these underrated titles offer a new appreciation for what the Saturn accomplished. There’s a world beyond the obvious, and it’s filled with forgotten masterpieces.
Let the Saturn spin once more, and don’t be afraid to chase the gems that slipped between the cracks.