DF Retro: Panzer Dragoon/Panzer Dragoon Zwei: Sega Saturn Masterpieces
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- DF Retro takes a look at two genuine Sega Saturn classics - Panzer Dragoon and the phenomenal Panzer Dragoon Zwei. The technology, the ports, the art direction - these games are wonderful pieces of work worth celebrating today.
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Awesome stuff as always, John! Glad the NV1 footage was useful :)
LGR I watched your NV1 video a few days ago and in combo with this video, it just really makes me miss the Saturn and Panzer Dragoon games in general.
Great work to both of you!
Thank you LGR.
I was there too LGR.. Freaking love your weird stuff that I really don't care about but I love watching everything about at the same time... PC game boxes, old hardware and all your odd crap. Keep it up!
Hey it's LGR! :D
LGR you are the coolest ! I like my LGR socks
Selling my Saturn and this game will continue to haunt me forever. PSA: NEVER sell your consoles, games, or accessories. Box them up and store them if you must, but always hang on and never let go, Jack. Never let go!
CD/DVD break over time especially in storage so no point storing forever.
Emulation and constant backups is really the only long-term solution.
nathanddrews i keep mine hooked up. Never getting rid of em. Something about firing those old systems up, hearing those boot start ups, just takes you to nostalgia heaven!!
The Saturn and the Dreamcast are only systems I've held onto all these years. That said, a used saturn isn't that much , you still have time to come to your senses, lol
That's true, but there's just something about having the original that I worked for and bought as a teenager: my game saves, all that. I was strapped for cash and stupidly sold my entire Sega collection including my Genesis, 32X, CD, Saturn, and Dreamcast along with all the accessories and games. In the end, it wasn't worth a lot of money back then (retro gaming wasn't as popular as it is today), so it feels like a waste. It's not that easy to track all that stuff down again. :(
The only console that I still own that I originally bought in the 90s is my N64. All the create-a-wrestlers and belts me and my friends made are still there and we still get together and play sometimes. I've even backed them up to my PC and play via emulator from time to time. Anyway, enough of this nostalgia trip...
I agree I wish I'd known back in the day what a gem my saturn was, I even owned the panzer dragoon saga which is now worth a boat load! I think I traded it in for croc or some crap :-(
John, this pulls at my heartstrings as a guy in his mid 30s that cherished these games. I got panzer dragon saga for my 8th grade graduation and this is still by far my favorite video game memory growing up. Mom did good that day. These games need to be highlighted for the masterpieces they are, especially considering the times and saturn’s limits. I really appreciate it.
Eight year old me just had a heart attack from the stunning graphics of Zwei!! I remember seeing my cousin play it and wondering how it was possible!
CatalystOfFire the answer was capable developers which used properly the Saturn hardware. Saturn is more powerful than PSX, so the game well developed will look better than anything on PSX.
Fabricio Vega The Saturn 3D capabilities are weaker than PSX. Zwei looks amazing but stuff like Crash Bandicoot, Gran Turismo, Tekken 3 and Chrono Cross were just not possible on Saturn in that quality.
@@bingobongo1615 It's an interesting debate. Games like Sonic R, Radiant Silver Gun, Last Bronx, Virtua Fighter 2, Panzer Dragoon Zwei and Saga could not be replicated to the same standard on the PS1. So which one was the more powerful of the two?
The truth lies somewhere in between. Each system had It's unique strengths which is something I loved about games consoles from the era. They had their own individual character.
In terms of 2D, the Saturn was the more capable machine, in terms of a fully 3D rendered game - particularly more expansive ones - then the PS1 had the edge for me. But if we then throw a 3D and pseudo 3D combination together, I.e. when the Saturn uses both VDP 1 and 2 together then it surpasses the capabilities of the PS1. I guess on balance the Saturn has the edge. In reality though the PS1 invariably ended up with the better version of 3D multiplatform games. That was purely down to the fact it was the system developers invested most of their time and money in as it was the platform where the profit could be made.
I love those games. Unfortunally never played Orta (probably never will) but I have the original trilogy for the Saturn. Saga is my favourite game of all time and a true holy grail....it's just unique and beautifull. Everytime I listen to a music from the game I get shivers on my spine.
Really hope you do a part 2 at some point. Really enjoying these retro videos it has to be said.
Saga is a MASTERPIECE that unfortunately many people never got to play or experience. It was one of the most beautiful and emotionally resonant games I've ever had the honour to play.
John, these pieces are a 90s Sega boys nostalgiagasm. thankyou for your efforts.
I bought the remake on steam and was thoroughly satisfied. Beautiful visuals that are vastly improved yet still faithful to the original, coupled with the silky smooth 60fps it’s an outstanding experience in my opinion and one of the more worthy remakes.
Zwei is a masterpiece. I miss my saturn so much...
David Somoza Domenech im going back through that game currently. Such memories! Zweii was much better than the first one. I never got my hands of Saga. Probably never will, especially now that the price is higher than a mortgage payment. Lol
Zwei was the best in series. Saga is extremely overrated and was ruined by the turn-based gameplay. I just found it dull and the graphics and sound were a step down from Zwei.
Godzilla 73 if you have a pro action replay cart and some patience you can experience Saga. I hope I'm not breaking any rules, but google Pseudo Saturn. It's a soft mod and allows cdback ups to be played on OG hardware. If you can't afford 600 dollars for a legit copy and since the original sorce code for the game was lost to time there is really no other to play it.
Beany Saga was more optimized and open world than Zwei, but i have to admit that Zwei and Saga look better than anything i ever see on the less powerful PSX. Zwei aged a little bit better than Saga's graphics true, but Saga was massive for its time. Gameplay wise, its very good. Final Fantasy 7 and 10 are overrated as hell, and both games are boring and look pretty bad for those respective consoles (there are better looking PS2 games than the plastic FF 10).
Beany Felt the same way until I got past the first area
Panzer Dragoon Zwei is a gem lost in time. It is a marvel that had no conversion for other platforms.
Love these about the Saturn! One of my favorite consoles!! I still have the first Panzer Dragoon and Zweii. Never even knew they came out with Panzer Dragoon Saga until much later and at that point it was ultra expensive. Its been on Christmas list for 18 years!! 😢
Yayyyyyy. When can we expect DF Retro Panzer Dragoon Saga? I still to this day think Panzer Dragoon Saga was one of the best Jrpgs every made.
I see a DF Retro on Panzer Dragoon , I like... before even watching.
Just to note a couple of things: 1) the transparent effects on the first game on the Saturn work over the other polygons, but not the background, and 2) even though Zwei is the second game in the series, it's actually a prequel.
This is the most detailed and well put analysis of Panzer Dragoon I've ever seen.
It would be one in a billion chance to play this game back in the 90s in Russia. It looks and feels like a game that I would fell in love with and adore for the rest of my life. Visual design, narrative and the music, everything is so magical and beautiful. I need to play it somehow in a proper way.
Well, SSF, Yabause, openemu, and some other emulators are available to play most Sega Saturn titles, so go for one of those.
Zwei is amazing, I played through both game this week, first time in over 15 years and wow, Zwei still blew me away, what a game. The first is good but man is it tough. Saving between levels like Zwei does would have made a world of difference.
I love the Panzer Dragoon series. Saga was the first one I got as a birthday present and then I begged my parents to lend me the money to get the first two and I paid them back.
Definitely warm fuzzies, here. My Saturn is still connected and active. Zwei was always a nice showpiece game.
Panzer Dragoon Zwei is still one of my favorite games. I just love the gameplay and how everything looks
Fun fact: there are a number of development remnants still in Panzer Dragoon 1, including "wizard mode" which completely unlocks the framerate. Unfortunately, game speed is tethered to the framerate so the mode was dubbed "fast mode" by fans.
"The DF Retro Panzer Dragoon Saga is not yet over". Oh you tease, I see what you did there =D
What an awesome video. Remember playing Panzer Dragoon II Zwei on Sega Saturn and this video just made me remember the countless amount of time I just put into that game. Thanks so much so such an awesome video, and of course all the nice technical features that are described there.
Beautiful! Can't wait for part II with AZEL & ORTA!
Did it happen yet?
I don't think calling it Azel only really does it justice. Azel/Saga is the panzer dragoon RPG. A masterpiece forgotten by the ages. It is crazy to me how SEGA still hasn't remade it. Nowadays it would be sure to be a hit. More than the shooter remasters/remakes can be. It could actually spell a future for the series. But alas, we are still stuck remastering the original for the Nth time. Not that is don't like it, but it's the worst game of the series.
@@AlphaladZXA NYE 2020 called. Ain't happened yet! T_T
not yet uwu
rip
Oh thanks you so much to made a video about this GLORIOUS GAME FROM THE SEGA SATURN !!! One of the greatest game ever from this superb console. All Panzer Dragoon are great ! I love so much the Sega Saturn ... VF2, Sega Rally, Virtua Cop 1&2, Clockwork Knight 1&2, Daytona USA CE, Nights, all the 2D Games (shmups like Layer Section/Galactic Attack and versus fightings like Street Fighter Alpha or X-Men was one of my favourite on Saturn ! So much impressive for it's time !) Fighting Vipers (very fun !) Athlete Kings, Mr Bones, Story Of Thor 2, Exhumed, Burning Ranger ... and so much more ! Really a superb and great machine. Great video.
Well said. I love Sega Saturn. It is one of the most underrated consoles ever.
Yes ! I think the same about this fabulous console was Sega Saturn.
Zwei was my game of that gen. Put hundreds of hours into perfecting my runs...and that soundtrack never got old.
I want to like this video more than once! Being slightly intrigued, I decided to try Panzer Dragoon several years ago on an emulator.. and instantly fell in love with the game.
I think if I had to choose a favourite game of all time it would be zwei. Bloody loved it when I was a kid.
Far and away the best compilation of music in any videogame series to date
Keivz I agree 100%. Atolm Dragon, Unexpected Enemy, Sona Mi Areru Ec Sancitu, Premonition Of War, Ruins, Flight, Forest of Taboo, Rest, City in the Storm, etc.... So many memorable tracks.
Panzer dragoon zwei is a masterpiece !
I played Zwei to death. I love that game! Still listen to the soundtrack from time to time.
Honestly I never thought of it as a rail shooter. I think it had something to do with how it just felt like a bigger world. This art work and story telling with music and suggestion is criminally underrated. Yes I know people talk highly of these games but it is not talked about enough
In fact, when it comes to all things Panzer Dragoon, I'm not sure I've seen anything better than this video. Exemplary. Absolutely stellar, hats off my friend. Thank you
Had forgotten how good Zwei looked on the Saturn, some real technological witchcraft going on there.
Jam Dev was one of the only games that actually did take advantage of the Saturn 2 CPU's beasts. Saturn still is the most powerful 32-Bit console ever made (and no, PSX was less powerful than Saturn and way less powerful than N64 and the cancelled 3DO M2).
Still looks good! It just shows that artstyle is greater than graphics.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, there's nothing like waking up to a brand new DF Retro on a Sunday morning. Awesome work, John.
Jonathan Camargo I hear ya, Coffee In hand comfy couch mode material right here.
This series is the main reason DF is worth following.
Panzer Dragoon was the game that convinced me to get the Saturn.
It’s funny but when the Saturn was released I thought the box art and the commercial with Panzer looked unappealing. It was only when I played the demo disc was I completely blown away.
I remember seeing panzer dragoon zewi at a friends place in early 1996 and just been blown away. Made me fall in love with sega all over again
I remember buying an unplayed copy of PDZ from a friend at school for £5.
The atmosphere this game creates is unlike anything I've felt in other games. I still listen to the soundtrack on a regular basis - it's truly spectacular. The boss fights felt epic, especially level 3 and the final stage. Plus Pandora's Box kept me coming back to unlock all the secrets.
A real gem, and I hope it gets the remake it deserves.
One of the absolute best games ever.
The music still gives me goosebumps. I miss the old Sega sooo much
Panzer Dragoon remake on Switch!
Aaaaand its here and it sucks. Pretty tho.
Man this takes me back. I had both these games for the Saturn back in the day. It wasn't a console I had for long, but these two games were absolutely phenomenal and made the purchase a worthwhile one. Thanks DF Retro, for this little trip down memory lane.
Ive never had a Saturn and i thought i didnt lose anything but with this Panzer Dragoon i feel like a douche. What kind of magic Sega did back then? This game looks absolutly amazing and the music make me feel very nostalgic without played it before. Thanks DF Retro for this videos.
LiliputZ
Honestly, while they are prone to making terrible business decisions, they have been pretty consistently amazing when it came to game releases, especially now that they have acquired Atlus and, surprising, seem to be doing well by them.
I'd argue that Sonic is probably their worst franchise in terms of scope and overall quality (but come on, there's only so much you can do with a mascot originally targeted at kids before even good ideas cause the tone of the games to feel a bit disjointed and split the fanbase; Mario and Crash Bandicoot are very well loved, but try and make their casts star in a serious Fire Emblem game and things would get kinda weird), and even he has some top tier games under his belt.
You really did miss out. You could always get a emulator and play it. Zwei is the best one. It's so insanely atmospheric and memorable.
One of the best series I've ever played. I loved all episodes - Panzer Dragoon Saga is downright one of the best games I have ever played in my life. Also, Orta is simply awesome on the Xbox. I would gladly buy a HD remake of the series.
John, you've absolutely made my day. Panzer Zwei is one of my favourite games of all time :)
ditto
Panzer Dragoon and Sega Rally, the most played Games on my Saturn.
This was convently recommend to me after today's announcement. Wow
I can't wait I've wanted to play panzer dragoon for such a long time and now I can with my switch. HYPE!!
I still play Panzer Dragoon Zwei regularly. A real jewel.
Although I hate those video comparisons you guys do where you have to zoom in 300% to see a lick of difference I absolutely adore these DF Retro episodes. I think they just do an overall better job of bringing gamers together and getting people to share their memories of games as opposed to having people argue over which box has more pixels. But hey, I get it, business is business and you gotta do what you gotta do. But please, don't ever stop doing DF Retros!
Zwei is probably my favorite game ever, I love the atmosphere between levels. It's one of those rare games that keeps you playing until you finish it.
Dang, you forgot to mention that Moebius hand painted the iconic cover art for the original Japanese release!
I was just made aware last week that saori kobayashi made a new recording of the saga soundtrack so I've been reveling in this world again! I'm going to eat these up thankyou!
I had no idea about this, just found it. Thanks!
That tech brings me back to the days I discovered and played the PS1. The leap from sprites to 3D was incredible, even if the graphics were not that good watching the camera move and point the action at diffferent angles looked like something magical.
Crazy how overlooked these games were. If they had hit the PlayStation it probably would have been a different story. Such quality gameplay and world building. Amazing stuff.
So much love for one my most beloved series of games. Nice use of the new Azel soundtrack release too. Thanks!
Simply a superb video John. Panzer Dragoon was the reason I imported a Saturn, which backfired when the US surprise release happened, but I still don't regret it. Its fantastic to see such an exploration of the series by someone who truly loves it as well.
I used to go up the Best Buy to play this on one of their demo stations when it came out. Was amazing for its time.
Wind back to the mid 90s, I had a Saturn for christmas with Panzer Dragoon II Zwei, Sega Rally and Virtua Fighter 2... All amazing games, some of the best gaming memories!
WE WANT MORE DF RETRO MORE OFTEN! I love this content. You approach this work in a unique way that sets you apart. Thanks and keep doing this!
Fantastic! I really enjoyed this. The Panzer Dragoon series meant a lot to me growing up! There has been a re-recording of the Saga soundtrack on vinyl recently! I'm looking forward to getting that soon.
Although I have a Saturn and a copy of Saga, I would give so much money for a modern day remaster...
Still waiting for the second part to see you covering the rest of the saga!
Will we ever get a follow up to this episode? I know John’s very busy, but seeing him tackle Panzer Saga would be really special.
Been waiting forever for the Saga episode as well. Come on John do it , do it now!
@@miguelroman4294 Maybe he never played it back in the day so doesn't have nostalgia for it or just isn't a fan.. If the remaster/remake would be announced though I'm sure he'd do it
@@alex.starostin im pretty sure John knows of it and probably never got to do the vid cause the game is very expensive or just doesn't have the time. In the summer there's always lack of new games coming out so I'm not sure why he didn't take this time to do the video. But hey we never know it could still happen.
@@miguelroman4294 expensive? I'm sure John could afford it 😄 if you meant expansive, it's not really, it's a short game by RPG standards
I loved this game when I was a kid panzer dragoon 2 was one of my favorite games and I always played that game and everyone I knew talked crap cuz they had ps1 systems little did they know I was playing the greats and all them jems and I had a ps1 so I never missed out on anything I'm glad I actually played my Sega Saturn alot and ps1 never changed that for me thank u grandma for all those great memories!!! I LOVE THIS EPISODE OF DR RETRO!!!!!! Thank u Digital Foundry
It's not a game...it's an adventure!
Panzer Dragoon Saga really was a sensationally good game, with some of the best video game music ever made, also. It's always made me a little sad that so few people got to hear about it let alone play it.
Just re bought a Sega Saturn and bought both these games, I missed my Saturn too much lol, love these games!!
I've always felt really sorry for VDP2.
"You want me to do what? That's it?!?"
Amazing episode as always, although as far as emulation goes, mednafen's Saturn core (also in RetroArch as beetle-saturn) is fantastic and is by far the most accurate Saturn emulator at the moment. I've played a ton of Panzer Dragoon and a few other Saturn games on it and it's a great experience. That being said it has pretty beefy requirements and lacks the ability to use higher internal resolutions as shown in Yabause. If you have a decent computer though I'd say it's by far the best way to play Panzer Dragoon on PC.
Nice I'm aware of that translation project. SSF did indeed have the best compatability for quite some time until mednafen's Saturn core came along. It currently is the most accurate and has the highest game compatability, but it is more demanding as a result. It is also new, just started within the last two years, so it probably wasn't even around when you started the project.
I have used SSF in the past but the inability to load ISOs properly without a virutral drive and it being closed source aren't great selling points. imho mednafen has surpassed it in every way. Might not be the best source but the Emulation General wiki for sure agrees on those points.
A later build of Panzer Dragoon on 32X is featured in the Official Sega Magazine, Issues 6 and 7. It's only referred to as "3D Shooting Game," but you can clearly tell it's PD given the early version of the blue dragon (which was actually green at that point!) and its rider.
crazy
It's kind of crazy how detailed John gets, but I love it. Even if I never played the game back in the day I love seeing how developers worked around limitations and hardware.
Personally I couldn't care less about PS4 VS PS4 Pro VS Xbone X whatever but THESE detailed retro presentation of classics games are pure candy. Thanks a bunch! Also thanks for informing me that my Orta had the original on it. I'll have to complete it now ASAP!
Zwei was my first Saturn title and I still think it stands up. Never got that 100% shot down ratio
DF Retro has to be the best part of DF.
Thanks for this video and the love for Panzer Dragoon series. It needs more recognition, it's such a gem of a series. It's sad Sega totally ignored it after Orta and never bothered with a remastered collection. Such an underrated series and on top of that, an excellent rail shooter, one of the best.
Panzer Dragoon Saga is one of the best games ever made and need s a freaking reboot asap - or at least a spiritual succesor.
One reason I love the Panzer Dragoon series is due to the way it used Saturns unique architecture to develop the game in interesting ways. Fascinating stuff.
I love it when Joe Redifer gets into a time machine and goes back to his youth. You go, young Joe!
Thanks John, this was awesome.
Panzer Dragoon is a series that's very close to my heart and probably the main reason why i'll never let go of my saturn.
I cannot wait for the Saga and Orta episode, these games 2 games are my holy grail.
AWWW YEAH. Gon' get me some popcorn. These are some of my favorite games of all time. Also, that Jean Giraud illustration is gorgeous.
Man, I missed so many Sega games back in the day that I want to go back and experience. They were doing some awesome looking stuff for sure! Awesome to see you take a look at more of them!
Ah Panzer Dragoon one of the best video game series. So much good work here and so much learned. Thank you
I remember playing the demo of PD1 on my brand new Sega Saturn which was very good. I bought the game a month later day one of release here in New York city way back in 1995. When I purchased PD zwei I was blown away with all the improvements to the point of showing it off to my friends who had a PS1 instead of the Saturn. The Graphics were a great showcase for the power in the box and quite simply better than anything on the PS1 at the time. Good times!
Please do a full analysis of the history of Unreal Engine! A DF Retro dedicated to how the engine came into existence with the original Unreal, then evolved for Tournament and went into its second iteration with Unreal 2. There's so much to cover, like the Xbox-specific versions of the engine designed for the Unreal Championship series. UT2003 pushed the engine forward, then Gears of War introduced the third iteration. Please do a video on all of this!
And another episode for an idTech retrospective!
Scott Douglas there was an episode talking about that, and the DC/PS2 incarnations (Unreal Tournament for consoles). That was one of the older episodes.
Scott Douglas has already been done by john.
You rock dude. I have much love for PD II from growing up. Thank you
This was a technical marvel when released. Incredible game. Sega’s in-house developers were out of this world.
adrian hazzard Sega's first Party games are technically superior to anything on the PSX 3D. It simply was too difficult to code for 2 CPU's.
One of my favourite video game series !
To be fair, we did get a spiritual successor for those who aren't aware called "Crimson Dragon" that came to Xbox One as well as for the 3DS. It was originally called "Project Draco" and was going to come out when the Xbox Kinect made its debut but got delayed following this. In spite of it being made/produced by former members of Team Andromeda, the game ultimately was panned by critics for a number of reasons such as repetitive missions and less-than-desirable controls. It's a shame because the concept of Panzer Dragoon was very much alive in this game. However I doubt we will see anymore games like this in the near future.
Great Review I hope you do a Retrospective on Skies of Arcadia for the Sega Dreamcast. That Game needs more love as well !
That would be amazing!
I'd love to see the comparison between the Dreamcast and Cube versions.
Yes, please!
The setting of Xenoblade 2 is a spiritual successor to Skies of Arcadia
Taelan Baylor
For what it's worth, the GameCube version at least tweaks the encounter rate to something a lot more comfortable and adds wire a bit of nice side content, including expanding Ramirez's backstory quite a bit.
I'm still waiting excitedly for part 2 of this video! And a look at the latest Panzer Dragoon patched remake. Pleassssssse
I love DF Retro. This brings back my childhood so much
One of the best games Sega ever made ! This DFR episode really struck hard my retro nostalgia ! Hope you'll do one on Azel Panzer Dragoon as well.
I remember playing this at Toys R Us in the 90s and being amazed by it as a child and wanting a Saturn so bad just for it. Sadly I still have yet to play any of the Panzer Dragoon games except for the Xbox one Orta. I very much enjoyed Orta though.
I always look forward to DF Retro. This time doubly so!
Thank you, Panzer Dragoon is a lost masterpiece, especially Zwei and Saga, from the beautiful Moebius inspired designs, the amazing mythical sci fi fantasy setting that took inspiration from Dune and Ghibli works, the music...the only recent approach similar was team ICO. A shame this Setting and Saga is probably lost forever, this makes modern videogame sci fi bilge look terrible. Also Saga and Zwei play much better on SSF emulator.
Great analysis! Though I think Zwei's soundtrack needed to be covered in more detail, it's a work of art in itself and its use of SCSP is amazing =)
Love the in-depth look at the Saturn! The footage quality and research put into DF retro is always the best there is on youtube
So happy and excited for the Panzer Dragoon remake on Switch!!
Still waiting for that Panzer Dragoon Saga Episode...
Yeah! Talk about all Panzer dragoons!
@:50 "our Panzer Dragoon Retrospective kicks off" implies this is a multi-part series and that they'll be covering the others
theinsfrijonds ;D
These games have always had a special place in my heart. From the amazing art, storytelling, music or gameplay this one of the few series that can say every game in the series is not only amazing but improves on the formula