22 Saturn games we want to see on XBLA/PSN

We've known for a while that Sega were bringing Dreamcast classics to Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network. But while the spokesman was quick to point out they were doing Dreamcast games instead of Saturn games a few weeks ago, he's now changed his tune - to the point where he's now asking people to say which Saturn games they'd like to see on the service. We've got 22 classics right here...

Radiant Silvergun

I've already written pages and pages on why this game's so great, but it really is. With a more complex array of weaponry than its pseudo-sequel Ikaruga and just as much bullet-hell spectacle as Espgaluda II, this Treasure at its absolute best. You could have two-player co-op over Live, lock the frame-rate at 60fps and nothing would else would need to change.

NiGHTS into Dreams

Best scoring system ever? Most original game design in a flagship game ever? best game ever? There are arguments for all of these. NiGHTS is what would happen if Sonic could fly. This really was the golden era of Sonic Team, combining superb production values with memorable characters, varied levels and a truly epic final level. On more modern consoles, just a high-res version (like the PS2 remake) with online scoreboards would be enough.

Sega Rally

To be honest, an online conversion of the Model 2 coin-op would be better, but the Saturn port still stands as one of the finest arcade-to-console conversions of all time. With a few graphical tweaks like proper transparant windows and smoke, adding in the few missing polygons and boosting the texture resolution, this would be superb. Especially with 4 or even 8-player online races.

Panzer Dragoon Zwei

Team Andromeda's second flying dragon game on Saturn pushed the console further than any thought possible. Some scenery looks a bit ropey in the harsh light of 2010, but a polished-up HD conversion would still rock. Seeing your dragon evolve throughout the game is brilliant, not to mention the first time he tries to fly, launching himself of a massive cliff. Online scoreboards would also rock.

Panzer Dragoon Saga

We didn't expect a Panzer Dragoon RPG, but we're extremely glad we got one. Coming on four discs, this was one of the last great Saturn games before the console's untimely demise at the hands of PlayStation. It even had a South Park reference carved into one of the tables in a bar: "They killed Kenny". There's not much that needs updating... we can only imagine how awesome if Sony could get the entire game onto PSP, Final Fantasy VII-style.

Manx TT Superbike

Another great Model 2 conversion, this racer only features two tracks, but at least they were good ones. Again, online racing over XBL/PSN would be just the ticket. Maybe Sega could even put in the zebra crossings that were taken out for the Saturn version? Just a thought...

Dead or Alive

The Saturn's version of the original Dead or Alive only came out in Japan, which was a crying shame - especially as most of the text was in English anyway. It was the naughtier version, too, with more outragious costumes than its PSone sibling, which did make it out in the UK. This was the start of all that boob bouncing nonsense, so we deserve it for historical study, if nothing else. Right?

Sega Ages Vol 1

A bit of a cheat entry, sure, as these are actually old arcade games. But we still don't have any version of the original OutRun on XBLA or PSN. Not that OutRun Online Arcade is bad (far from it), but the truth is the Saturn version of OutRun is identical to the arcade game but runs at twice the frame-rate, at 60fps. The addition of After Burner II and Space Harrier are just cherries on an already delicious cake. Again, online scoreboards are all you need to add. Imagine using a wireless sterring wheel and pedals on a 60fps OutRun. Yum.

Dark Savior

This is a criminally underrated and oft-forgotten action RPG. It's the indirect sequel to the Mega Drive's also-brilliant LandStalker. Utilising 3D environments and scaleable sprites, this would still look sweet if remastered in HD. It's also one of the first games to feature a true branching story, depending on your actions or speed at key moments in the game. If you've never played it, you really should give it a go.

Burning Rangers

Another Sonic Team masterpiece. Sadly, it was trying to compete with the likes of Metal Gear Solid on PSone at the time, so the NiGHTS graphics engine was pushed perhaps a little too far. But what was a messy, flawed gem on Saturn could be polished up to a perfect diamond for current-gen. We're surprised it hasn't been revived for Wii, if we're honest, as the firefighting gameplay would be perfect for Wii-mote control. But still, analogue pads would work just fine. Give us it.

Virtua Fighter 2

Perhaps the most-loved entry in the series, VF2 is still one of the greatest fighting games you can play. Yes, even judged on current standards. The Block/Punch/Kick controls are so easy to pick up that anyone can play it, but the juggling system, wealth of varied moves and scope for tactical play is way beyond anything that Tekken has ever offered. Online multiplayer and re-addition of the Model 2 arcade version's 3D backgrounds would make this the ultimate retro fighter.