The Panzer Dragoon series is one of my favorite video game franchises and of course the very best games on the Sega Saturn, bar none. The storytelling and world-building feel like a legit JRPG in the form of a rail shooter, the gameplay is white knuckle and hype, the music is just epic in the most literal sense imaginable, it's basically Sega's own answer to Star Fox and what an answer it was.
I must admit that I was a huge fan of Star Fox (Starwing over here). I also have to admit that I was very disappointed in Star Fox 64. it wasn't that it was a bad game, just that it felt like such a let down to me after the double whammy of Panzer Dragoon and then Zwei.
One thing I noticed with sequels on the Saturn is that they overhauled almost everything add/or just added more of everything that made the first game good. Perfect examples are Virtua Fighter, Virtua Cop, Clockwork Knight, Bug and Panzer Dragoon. When I got to stage 2 in this game I chose the left path on my first playthrough, my mind was blown when my baby dragon leaped off that cliff and flew for the first time. I especially love the different direction they took the music compared to the orchestral approach from the first game, has a more primitive vibe.
I think your statement could be more broadly applied to most of the big names of the era just because there was a learning curve with new hardware where we would get a very nice taste of what we could experience and then sequels a year or two later would naturally take advantage of optimization learned over the lifespan of the various systems. Now that theres practically no boundaries to how good a game can look its harder to see differences between generations, let alone early vs late development on a console
@aaronking9332 I agree with every word you said. Looking at it that way I can see the devs of all those games I mentioned above just testing the waters with all their first games and then after more time with the system and knowing more about how it works they felt more comfortable to push the hardware a bit more on the sequels. What an amazing experimental era the mid 90's was where devs made something special out of the tech of the time with its advantages and limited advantages.
@sonkunhyperspinretroarch4867 couldn't agree more, having to overcome the limitations and boundaries made it all so special in retrospect...either that or I'm just officially old (or a little of both😂)
The music in this absolutely blows me away, takes me to another place, I adore it. This game is an 1000% step up from the first, an incredible beauty in all its aspects. Fantastic vid Dan, one of my all time favourite games, for any console. Actually, going to put it on now! 💛
Fantastic video Dan! Yep I’m with you, it’s a full on masterpiece, pretty much as perfect as video game as you can get. Absolutely blew my mind back in the day and gave a glimpse of how much more the Saturn was capable of. In fact I used to put this game on when I wanted to give my PlayStation owning friends a taste of the Saturns awesomeness and they always had to acknowledge how great it was. And for sure that cliff jump moment was a standout moment, incredible! Awesome stuff as always mate, nice one!
It really does. If you squint it feels real. Goes to show the power of art design over more and more polygons. Imagine how good the devs would've done with today's gen power.
Fantastic video, sir! The Panzer Dragoon series is a huge part of what makes the Sega Saturn so special to me, and it's criminal how forgotten the series is today.
This game is my favorite Saturn game. Arguably the best, but there are so many amazing titles for Saturn…. This is the one for Saturn I will never part with, if I had to pick just one to keep, it’s Zwei.
The bit where lagi flies for the first time off the cliff. Def one of my fave moments in any game ever. Mad to think they accomplished that without any dialogue, cut scenes or anything. The game just plays and there's not even any enemies but its pure magic.
Thank you Dan, for another great video!! Panzer Dragoon is my favourite series on the Saturn and I've picked up every shred of Japanese media and demo/interview discs I can get my hands on. Still arguably the best 3D rail shooter series out there with Zwei at the very top, at least imo (sorry Orta).
In terms of atmosphere and presentation, there are very few games that come close to Panzer Dragoon Zwei. I think they took the original ideas of Moebius to another level. I love the passion in this review - another excellent video.
This game was like a VR game When I first picked up the controller at the Blockbustee Kiosk The most memorable cherishes Sega Saturn experience I had was with this game This is probably my favorite Saturn game of all time
f all the games I had on my Sega Saturn, Panzer Dragoon and Zwei were 2 of the games I missed the most after selling my system. I never got Saga. When Orta came out for the orginal Xbox I immediately got that game and I picked up the remake on Steam and Switch. I really hope we get a remake of Zwei and Saga. Those would be instant purchase for me. Thanks for the video.
Wonderful video Dan. I personally consider Zwei to be the greatest on-rails shooter ever. And like you, when I first saw this game demoed back in the day, I was more than blown away. Masterpiece? Yes. Pure utter perfection and a game that simply means too much to me. Loved this video, great effort.
Excellent stuff Dan. I love PD Zwei. I think the first game is great, but Zwei is even greater. A stronger overall musical score, better gameplay, more replayability. It has everything. I love my copy and do play it with some regularity. Fantastic stuff!
Fantastic vid and presentation, buddy. The PD series is a timeless classic. It still gets regular playtime here (even if it is on a handheld). I still have all my PD games from buying new back in the day.
No doubt, Zwei was a visually compelling masterpiece for the era. Still kicking myself for ever getting rid of my Saturn. The console as a whole was a dynamic feat, that sadly failed because Sega didn't properly market and distribute it; most of the public had no idea the console existed after it first launched. While its been eons since I last played Zwei, I have played the Panzer Dragoon remake in modern times, that's another title in the series worth playing, especially if you liked the original game.
what an absolutely cracking vid mate - can always tell when you really love a game and you captured this beauty so bloody well! really enjoyed that - so good!! - bedgell
Didn't realise the many changes during play throughs. Great game, awesome tech, awesome art design. Best music 🎶 , it's chip music not CD audio. Amazing!
I still have that saga flash CD along with a a bunch of other demo disks I acquired over the years. Sadly my Sega Saturn is long gone now but this bought back some great memories. 👍
Nice video! Just one little correction: they were already planning a 2nd part of Panzer Dragoon even before the first game was released. The proof is the first game's good ending (when you beat the game in Hard mode), which says "Expect next game of “Panzer Dragoon Team”. Japanese version only, though.
Excellent series! Not sure if you knew this but the (unlockable) CGI panzer dragoon ending video on Orta (XBOX) included a quick picture of Azel so it connected with the rest of the games
When the saturn came out I drove over four hundred miles with friend to get a Playstation but thay were out every were so I got a saturn and a couple games and I'm so happy it worked out that way because I got to play Christmas nights on Christmas and I that demo over and over.😊
If sega release a saturn collection compilation of original saturn titles. I will recommend them added this piece of art. This game alongside panzer dragoon, virtua fighter 2, and the last bronx pushed the saturn 3d hardware.
I love (not past tense) PD:Zwei! Official Saturn Magazine UK was a blessing. Zwei has one of the first video game soundtracks that I'd listen to outside the game, just like REZ. The recent original remake was good, hoped that someone would remake Zwei in the same fashion🤔Glad some of the Andro team went on to create Omega Boost too (that game was also great in it's own right).
I didn’t care much for Panzer Dragoon 1, it was just an ‘on rails shooter’ as far as I was concerned. I had a Saturn almost from day one with three games. VF, Daytona and Panzer ands must have played Panzer once or twice before it went back on the shelf. However, I still bought Zwei on release, mostly down to the Official Sega Saturn magazine who absolutely raved about it. And they were absolutely right, it was one of my favourite games that generation and I completed it multiple times and got a full completion. Recently played it again however and couldn’t get past the 5th stage. My middle aged reflexes can’t cope anymore.
I would have loved to see the remake of this game for the Switch. It was announced back then when they're released the remake of the first game, but it disappeared... Hope it still exists and is in the works
This was my introduction to the Panzer Dragoon series, but many years after release, although I knew of it. It's an absolutely amazing game! I wonder why SEGA has never returned to the series? The remake of the first game I thought was pretty good although as it's been almost five years since it came out I guess the Zwei remake is no longer happening. I'm sure if SEGA was to release the original four games with just updated graphics a la the Tomb Raider remasters it would sell well.
I never played this when new, I have not played it now either, but I tried a Panzer Dragoon "remake" (?) game on the Xbox One? I remember seeing pictures of it in Magazines in the 90s, but I have never understood what is so great about Panzer Dragoon. I think you who like these games also like games like Space Harrier? I just find it strange that an on-rails shooter is so popular, I probably like games that you do not like again. So I guess it goes both ways. Maybe if I played it when new I would like it, who knows. I think I remember Panzer Dragoon came out on PC too? There was a special graphic card that came out especially for some SEGA games like Virtua Fighter and such Saturn type games. Even the PC magazines I think liked it. So it was really liked by almost everyone it seems.
In my top 3 Saturn games for sure. | got this when i first got my console in about 96 so ended up getting the first game a little after but the quality of the second game made it so i could never get into the first one as the sequel is so much better. Also adore Saga, obviously!
Hi Sega guys & Sega fans , Voultar the utuber , has just uploaded 5 hour odd video titled “ Sega Saturn Repair Workshop! ” If that’s you bag 😊Long live SEGA !
Controversy time... I never liked these games. Just didn't do anything for me. Zwei was the game I put on to show off to my PS1 and N64 owning pals though, it looked spectacular.
The Panzer Dragoon series is one of my favorite video game franchises and of course the very best games on the Sega Saturn, bar none. The storytelling and world-building feel like a legit JRPG in the form of a rail shooter, the gameplay is white knuckle and hype, the music is just epic in the most literal sense imaginable, it's basically Sega's own answer to Star Fox and what an answer it was.
My favorite series as well
I still cherish all of the Panzer games
I must admit that I was a huge fan of Star Fox (Starwing over here). I also have to admit that I was very disappointed in Star Fox 64. it wasn't that it was a bad game, just that it felt like such a let down to me after the double whammy of Panzer Dragoon and then Zwei.
That moment when you take off and music quietens down...a masterpiece indeed!
Panzer Dragoon series IS the SEGA Saturn!
Lost count of how many times I played through this game back in the day. One of the most atmospheric games I've ever played.
I love the adoption of Taito style lasers for a 3D game before taito ever got a chance to. Such a beautiful game, makes the Saturn so worthwhile.
The devs were inspired by rayforce / layer section so it makes sense they lifted it
One thing I noticed with sequels on the Saturn is that they overhauled almost everything add/or just added more of everything that made the first game good. Perfect examples are Virtua Fighter, Virtua Cop, Clockwork Knight, Bug and Panzer Dragoon. When I got to stage 2 in this game I chose the left path on my first playthrough, my mind was blown when my baby dragon leaped off that cliff and flew for the first time. I especially love the different direction they took the music compared to the orchestral approach from the first game, has a more primitive vibe.
I think your statement could be more broadly applied to most of the big names of the era just because there was a learning curve with new hardware where we would get a very nice taste of what we could experience and then sequels a year or two later would naturally take advantage of optimization learned over the lifespan of the various systems. Now that theres practically no boundaries to how good a game can look its harder to see differences between generations, let alone early vs late development on a console
@aaronking9332 I agree with every word you said. Looking at it that way I can see the devs of all those games I mentioned above just testing the waters with all their first games and then after more time with the system and knowing more about how it works they felt more comfortable to push the hardware a bit more on the sequels. What an amazing experimental era the mid 90's was where devs made something special out of the tech of the time with its advantages and limited advantages.
@sonkunhyperspinretroarch4867 couldn't agree more, having to overcome the limitations and boundaries made it all so special in retrospect...either that or I'm just officially old (or a little of both😂)
It's been 6 years since we waited for the release of Panzer Dragoon Zwei Remake!!
The music in this absolutely blows me away, takes me to another place, I adore it. This game is an 1000% step up from the first, an incredible beauty in all its aspects. Fantastic vid Dan, one of my all time favourite games, for any console. Actually, going to put it on now! 💛
Fantastic video Dan! Yep I’m with you, it’s a full on masterpiece, pretty much as perfect as video game as you can get. Absolutely blew my mind back in the day and gave a glimpse of how much more the Saturn was capable of. In fact I used to put this game on when I wanted to give my PlayStation owning friends a taste of the Saturns awesomeness and they always had to acknowledge how great it was.
And for sure that cliff jump moment was a standout moment, incredible!
Awesome stuff as always mate, nice one!
One of my favourite Sega Saturn games, shows what the Saturn was capable of (as well as its limitations tbf).
This is a masterpiece. I’m still waiting for the promised remaster.
This game still looks awesome to this day
It really does. If you squint it feels real. Goes to show the power of art design over more and more polygons. Imagine how good the devs would've done with today's gen power.
Fantastic video, sir! The Panzer Dragoon series is a huge part of what makes the Sega Saturn so special to me, and it's criminal how forgotten the series is today.
This game is my favorite Saturn game. Arguably the best, but there are so many amazing titles for Saturn…. This is the one for Saturn I will never part with, if I had to pick just one to keep, it’s Zwei.
The bit where lagi flies for the first time off the cliff. Def one of my fave moments in any game ever. Mad to think they accomplished that without any dialogue, cut scenes or anything. The game just plays and there's not even any enemies but its pure magic.
yeah playing it in epcot at disney world along side last bronx and sega rally I can say it was a masterpiece of its time.
Thank you Dan, for another great video!! Panzer Dragoon is my favourite series on the Saturn and I've picked up every shred of Japanese media and demo/interview discs I can get my hands on. Still arguably the best 3D rail shooter series out there with Zwei at the very top, at least imo (sorry Orta).
In terms of atmosphere and presentation, there are very few games that come close to Panzer Dragoon Zwei. I think they took the original ideas of Moebius to another level. I love the passion in this review - another excellent video.
An absolute classic and yes indeed worthey of being called a masterpeice.
This game was like a VR game
When I first picked up the controller at the Blockbustee Kiosk
The most memorable cherishes Sega Saturn experience I had was with this game
This is probably my favorite Saturn game of all time
f all the games I had on my Sega Saturn, Panzer Dragoon and Zwei were 2 of the games I missed the most after selling my system. I never got Saga. When Orta came out for the orginal Xbox I immediately got that game and I picked up the remake on Steam and Switch. I really hope we get a remake of Zwei and Saga. Those would be instant purchase for me. Thanks for the video.
Wonderful video Dan. I personally consider Zwei to be the greatest on-rails shooter ever. And like you, when I first saw this game demoed back in the day, I was more than blown away.
Masterpiece? Yes. Pure utter perfection and a game that simply means too much to me. Loved this video, great effort.
A brilliant review of one of the Saturn's finest games. Great work, Dan. I want to go and replay Zwei now.
Excellent stuff Dan. I love PD Zwei. I think the first game is great, but Zwei is even greater. A stronger overall musical score, better gameplay, more replayability. It has everything. I love my copy and do play it with some regularity. Fantastic stuff!
Fantastic vid and presentation, buddy. The PD series is a timeless classic. It still gets regular playtime here (even if it is on a handheld). I still have all my PD games from buying new back in the day.
No doubt, Zwei was a visually compelling masterpiece for the era. Still kicking myself for ever getting rid of my Saturn. The console as a whole was a dynamic feat, that sadly failed because Sega didn't properly market and distribute it; most of the public had no idea the console existed after it first launched. While its been eons since I last played Zwei, I have played the Panzer Dragoon remake in modern times, that's another title in the series worth playing, especially if you liked the original game.
what an absolutely cracking vid mate - can always tell when you really love a game and you captured this beauty so bloody well! really enjoyed that - so good!! - bedgell
Didn't realise the many changes during play throughs. Great game, awesome tech, awesome art design. Best music 🎶 , it's chip music not CD audio. Amazing!
I played this game so much I unlocked a lot of things back in the day. I miss it!
Se no Sega Saturn esse Jogo ja é uma Maravilha, imagina se tivessem feito, uma versão para o Sega Dreamcast?
I still have that saga flash CD along with a a bunch of other demo disks I acquired over the years. Sadly my Sega Saturn is long gone now but this bought back some great memories. 👍
Epic video. This got me in the mood to play. Thanks for showcasing it!
Unequivocally, yes
I only played the first 2 games. And that was on a loan, back in the 90's.
And they have never left my mind ever since
Nice video! Just one little correction: they were already planning a 2nd part of Panzer Dragoon even before the first game was released. The proof is the first game's good ending (when you beat the game in Hard mode), which says "Expect next game of “Panzer Dragoon Team”. Japanese version only, though.
I often made my way through this one but never knew about the extras such as the original dragon. Cool!
100% yes. It’s a banger of the highest order in a very different trilogy of games.
This and Radiant Silvergun are my favourite Saturn games.
Excellent series! Not sure if you knew this but the (unlockable) CGI panzer dragoon ending video on Orta (XBOX) included a quick picture of Azel so it connected with the rest of the games
When the saturn came out I drove over four hundred miles with friend to get a Playstation but thay were out every were so I got a saturn and a couple games and I'm so happy it worked out that way because I got to play Christmas nights on Christmas and I that demo over and over.😊
I hope that they remake this game on modern hardware?
If sega release a saturn collection compilation of original saturn titles. I will recommend them added this piece of art. This game alongside panzer dragoon, virtua fighter 2, and the last bronx pushed the saturn 3d hardware.
Yeah, I think I need to play this masterpiece again after watching this video
I love (not past tense) PD:Zwei! Official Saturn Magazine UK was a blessing. Zwei has one of the first video game soundtracks that I'd listen to outside the game, just like REZ. The recent original remake was good, hoped that someone would remake Zwei in the same fashion🤔Glad some of the Andro team went on to create Omega Boost too (that game was also great in it's own right).
I didn’t care much for Panzer Dragoon 1, it was just an ‘on rails shooter’ as far as I was concerned. I had a Saturn almost from day one with three games. VF, Daytona and Panzer ands must have played Panzer once or twice before it went back on the shelf. However, I still bought Zwei on release, mostly down to the Official Sega Saturn magazine who absolutely raved about it. And they were absolutely right, it was one of my favourite games that generation and I completed it multiple times and got a full completion. Recently played it again however and couldn’t get past the 5th stage. My middle aged reflexes can’t cope anymore.
This and Orta are still my favorites. 👍
I would have loved to see the remake of this game for the Switch. It was announced back then when they're released the remake of the first game, but it disappeared... Hope it still exists and is in the works
My favourite IP on on the Saturn. Zwei is superior to its predecessor in everything but the music.
Beste Musik. Beste Atmosphäre. Kein anderes spiel war so
I will forever wait for a remake.
This was my introduction to the Panzer Dragoon series, but many years after release, although I knew of it. It's an absolutely amazing game!
I wonder why SEGA has never returned to the series? The remake of the first game I thought was pretty good although as it's been almost five years since it came out I guess the Zwei remake is no longer happening.
I'm sure if SEGA was to release the original four games with just updated graphics a la the Tomb Raider remasters it would sell well.
My favorite game.
I never played this when new, I have not played it now either, but I tried a Panzer Dragoon "remake" (?) game on the Xbox One? I remember seeing pictures of it in Magazines in the 90s, but I have never understood what is so great about Panzer Dragoon. I think you who like these games also like games like Space Harrier? I just find it strange that an on-rails shooter is so popular, I probably like games that you do not like again. So I guess it goes both ways.
Maybe if I played it when new I would like it, who knows. I think I remember Panzer Dragoon came out on PC too? There was a special graphic card that came out especially for some SEGA games like Virtua Fighter and such Saturn type games. Even the PC magazines I think liked it. So it was really liked by almost everyone it seems.
In my top 3 Saturn games for sure. | got this when i first got my console in about 96 so ended up getting the first game a little after but the quality of the second game made it so i could never get into the first one as the sequel is so much better.
Also adore Saga, obviously!
Hey Dan, do you play with the digital or the 3d pad?
Panzer zwei amazing fantastic sequel!!
Very nice video 👍
Great game.
How does the remake compare to the original?
Sega Saturn mouse is the easiest way to beat this game, in case anyone was struggling.
Whats the deal with the question mark lol?
It is a masterpiece because I am not a fan of shmups and this game is amazing despite that !!
Lovely game, but I prefer the original. Zwei is pronounced with a Ts sound at the beginning by the way.
Hi Sega guys & Sega fans , Voultar the utuber , has just uploaded 5 hour odd video titled “ Sega Saturn Repair Workshop! ” If that’s you bag 😊Long live SEGA !
I caught some of it live, love Voultar’s work. He’s a magician when it comes to modding and servicing consoles. - James.
Controversy time... I never liked these games. Just didn't do anything for me. Zwei was the game I put on to show off to my PS1 and N64 owning pals though, it looked spectacular.
This game is magic