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The TR Guide to Console Classics - Part 3

Author	Stuart Andrews
Published	23rd Mar 2008

The TR Guide to Console Classics - Part 3

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Panzer Dragoon Saga

The most spectacular of the Saturn's launch titles, Panzer Dragoon was a great-looking on-rails shooter featuring a huge, beautifully animated dragon flying through some awesome fantasy/sci-fi environments. An Xbox sequel, Panzer Dragoon Orta, was well received and is believed to be heading to Xbox Live as an Xbox Original. However, the series reached its highpoint with something different - a Panzer Dragoon RPG. Boasting a great story, fine combat mechanics and an outstanding soundtrack, it's one of the most eagerly sought-after Saturn games. Sadly, there are no plans for a remake or download release.

Guardian Heroes

The legendary Japanese software house Treasure created many games for the Saturn, but two stand out as classics. The first, Guardian Heroes, is a 2D scrolling beat-em-up with a difference. Not only could up to six players fight through the game at once (with the aid of a multitap adaptor), it also required them to flip between different planes of action to take on enemies or avoid special attacks. The game still stands out for its vibrant visuals and huge enemy characters, not to mention some RPG-style game elements and a great roster of allies and villains. No one who has played it can forget the mighty undead hero! Unfortunately, the game has never been released on any other format and a Game Boy Advance sequel, Advance Guardian Heroes, is widely regarded as a disappointment.

Radiant Silvergun

The second of Treasure's greats is another of its notorious 2D shoot ‘em ups. Radiant Silvergun is one of the finest vertical scrolling shooters of all time, distinguished by an ingenious weapon system and mechanics that encourage you to tackle specific colours of enemy at a time. Huge, bold and frantic, many fans believe that it's only been bettered by its own follow-up, Ikaruga. While not yet available on any other format, it's believed that an Xbox Live Arcade version of Radiant Silvergun may arrive at some point in the future.