Few consoles have had such ignominious send-offs as the SEGA Saturn. Sure, the system was faltering against the PlayStation and Nintendo 64, but it had a loyal fanbase that deserved better than what SEGA offered under the transition management period presided over by Bernie Stolar. Stolar was eager to bury the mistakes of the Saturn and make a clean break in favor of the more promising Dreamcast, but sunset Saturn games like Panzer Dragoon Saga and Burning Rangers demanded far better launches. The way these games were slipped into retail with zero fanfare and low circulation was insulting to both hardworking developers and SEGA fans.

Verdict

Burning Rangers is a rare find now thanks to its popularity among Saturn collectors and the small disc pressing. But if you want a truly great Saturn library, you must track it down. Too short for its own good, Burning Rangers is still a wonderful play. SEGA really should find some way to get this game, and others from the neglected Saturn catalog, into the hands of gamers. And while I'm wishing here, could I please throw out a little pleading for a sequel? The Wii Remote would be perfect for aiming the water from a Burneer Unit.