Panzer Dragoon 2 Zwei (Sega Saturn)
A super exciting Sega Saturn exclusive that’s worth checking out.Panzer Dragoon has been an incredibly powerful franchise for the Sega Saturn. Despite some hurdles getting it developed for launch. The Sega Saturn did manage to launch in the US and PAL territories with Panzer Dragoon. And it’s still one of the strongest memories I have around the Saturn launch.
In retrospect, a rail shooter was a great way to showcase the 3D graphics of the Saturn. Using a controlled environment, arcade-style game play with engrossing video makes it feel unique. Especially among the emerging 3D platformers at the time.
The best way to play the original Panzer Dragoon will probably be PC or through Panzer Dragoon Orta on Microsoft’s XBox. Due to tight deadlines and complex architecture, the Saturn release of the first Panzer Dragoon was hindered with a low framerate. Each of the subsequent ports offer smoothed or enhanced graphics. On the other hand, If you want to play Panzer Dragoon Zwei, the Sega Saturn is literally your only choice.
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Panzer Dragoon Zwei manages to expand on the original game-play without changing the formula too much. You still follow a pre-defined path, shooting down enemies but depending on how you play, your Dragoon can evolve in different ways. Add in alternative pathways. A combination of ground and air sections. Different bonuses. And suddenly this simple arcade-action game has a lot more depth and re-playability.
Considering Panzer Dragoon Zwei was developed alongside Panzer Dragoon Saga, I can’t help but feel Zwei has been somewhat overlooked. Saga took the Panzer Dragoon series in a totally different direction. Bringing one of the most memorable RPG’s to the neglected Saturn. Whereas the original Panzer Dragoon was exciting because it was a launch title for US and PAL regions. This was one of the first glimpses at what the Sega Saturn could do.
Panzer Dragoon Zwei is personally my favourite in the series. At the time of release, the Saturn was seriously failing. It was becoming obvious the Playstation was trumping the system in almost every way.
But one reason I wanted a Sega Saturn was because titles like Panzer Dragoon Zwei, even though not perfect, had a chance to shine.
Both Panzer Dragoon 1 & 2 have a very distinct, earthy visual style that I feel works on the Sega Saturn and helps create its own unique story. Team Andromeda had a lot of influences when working on the series, one of the most prominent in terms of visual style is possibly the comic Arzach by Moebius.
If you like the series, you might like to check out how I got to experience Panzer Dragoon Saga for $25.