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Introduction:
Emulation allows players to run the older Panzer Dragoon games on a modern Windows PC. Various emulators such as RetroArch, Mednafen and Yabause facilitate this. In addition, the Retroarch Kronos and Yabause emulators can upscale and smooth out the graphics. These emulators will play and run any .cue file you have ripped from any legally owned Saturn game.
Sega Saturn Emulators Important Info:
RetroArch Sega Saturn Kronos Core Emulator: RetroArch is an all-in-one emulator, but has a very good Sega Saturn emulator called Sega Saturn Kronos. Sega Saturn emulation has come a long way over the years and we finally have a user friendly Saturn emulator that is easy to use and setup. RetroArch Kronos also offers full controller support and lets you upscale the game to 1080p or 720p (720p with no loss of fps). So if you don't like the pixelated, blurry mess you get with the Mednafen Saturn emulator, RetroArch Kronos is the way to go. For this emulator you need to first install the RetroArch emulator interface. Then, download the Sega Saturn Kronos core.
Yabuase 0.9.15 (Standalone Sega Saturn Emulator): Standalone Yabause is
also a great second alternative because it can run at 1080p with almost
no loss of fps. You can also use the Bilinear Filtering option to
smooth out the graphics (and that looks really nice!). The only downside
is there is no analog support as you can only fully map the controls
with the "pad" controller option. And this option will only
let you use the d-pad, as attempting to use the 3D pad controller
option won't let you map the L and R buttons correctly. But you can
use the 3D control pad option for NiGHTS into Dreams with full analog
control, but just without L and R input. As you won't need that for
the game anyways. If you have any loud sound issues try un-selecting
"Enable higher quality sound", found in settings/sound options.
And make sure SDL Sound Interface is selected.
Mednafen (Standalone Sega Saturn Emulator): Is reliable, functional and good compatibility-wise, but there is no upscale. So, the graphics will look pixelated and blurry. But everything works perfectly and functions like the real hardware, albeit no upscale.
Xemu (Standalone Xbox Emulator): The Xbox emulator Xemu, can successfully play Panzer Dragoon Orta from start to finish. Just take note, you may need a moderately powerful pc for it to run properly.
Emulator Updates and Emulation Notes:
RetroArch Kronos core update: As of 12/26/2023 The RetroArch Saturn Kronos core has been fixed and is working properly. The black screen at the start and missing text have all been fixed. Make sure RetroArch is up-to-date (1.16.0) and if you already have the Kronos core installed be sure to update that as well so it works properly.
Panzer Dragoon Saga Emulation Notes: With the Kronos core and Yabause, there is only a small graphical texture glitch at the beginning of the game on the underside of the Excavation site and a minor graphical texture issue in the void of Sestren at the end of the game. There may also be some slight sound issues in the Garil Desert. Otherwise the emulation of Yabause and Kronos is great. I had one issue where the sound got very loud so I un-selected "Enable higher quality sound", found in settings/sound options and that fixed the issue. And make sure SDL Sound Interface is selected. With Panzer Dragoon Saga becoming ridiculously expensive over the past couple of years, I decided to make this emulation setup guide. Now you can experience the Panzer Dragoon Series without emptying your entire bank account!
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