The Saturn was released in 1995/96 and after a strong amount of games released on it, Sega thought it was time for Sonic to move on from the Mega Drive onto their new 32-Bit console. Ironically, although this year was the greatest for Saturn/Sonic lovers, there was no real new Sonic platforming to be had, which was a shame. And also odd, as Sega and Sony were pretty much on even ground at this point. Until the PlayStation pulled ahead…
1997: The Year of the Sega Saturn
June 20th: Sonic Jam (Japan)
This was really a compilation of classic Sonic games, made to ease the pain of many who had switched their Mega Drives for a Saturn and had missed those brilliant platforming adventures of old. This was from Sega though, and therefore was not your ordinary run-of-the-mill compilation. As well as Sonic 1, 2, 3 and Knuckles, Sonic Jam also had a special 3D level called Sonic World, where you could see hilarious Sonic movies, character bios and more.
November 18th: Sonic R (USA)
Sonic R was a very special game for Saturn owners around the globe. This was the originality of Sega and Sonic Team that they had waited for, and in no means did it disappoint. If you MUST slag it off, we can talk about how there was no real challenge and once you had done everything, you may feel a bit unfulfilled. BUT, on the up side, this really does get touted as the best Saturn game by many who owned the console. Graphics were gorgeous, Sonic characters galore, many different paths through tracks (which is rare in racing games) and hidden items to collect while racing.
International / Other Releases
- February: Sonic 3D Flickies’ Island (aka Sonic 3D Blast – Sega Saturn, Europe)
- February 14th: Sonic & Knuckles and Sonic Screensaver (Japan)
- March 20th: Sonic & Knuckles Collection and Sonic Screensaver (USA, Europe)
- August: Sonic Jam (USA, Europe)
- August: Sonic Classics (USA)
- September: Sonic 3D Blast (PC – USA)
- September 25th: Sonic 3D Flickies’ Island (PC – Europe)
- November 21st: Sonic R (Europe)
- December 7th: Sonic R (Japan)