GAF educate me on the Japanese Sega Saturn!

C

Chiaroscuro

Member
Although I play games since my youth (since Odyssey 2 actually) the early 32-bit is my lost generation. I temporary lost my interesting on consoles and I was playing PC games at the time of PS1/Saturn release, thus I never had those systems.

That is something I want to correct, specially considering that I am a long Sega fan, I decided to start my Saturn collection. And since the most games came only in Japan, I decided to go for a Japanese unit.

So I would like to get some help on:

- Hardware: I may go for a used unit. What I have to look for/take care about? Battery?

- Acessories: what I need to play games besides a controller? Memory units? RAM expansions?

- Games: I want a list o Japan-only games (I may get a US machine later) that were never released on US. I like shmups, action games, racing games, side scrollings (specially 2D games, I love 2D and Saturn is such a 2D beast), classic compilations, maybe some fighting games (I know Saturn is the house of the fighting games, but I am not very good at them), and maybe some great looking RPGs that do not have a strong language barrier (i.e. can be played with minimum knowledge/guessing).

Help me GAF! Thanks a lot!
 
Y

Yes Boss!

Member
I need some education too, as a new owner. I've got the shmups covered...looking for other must-have (non-RPG games). Japanese-only.
 
D

Dave Long

Banned
Not sure why you'd buy a Japanese unit when a Pro Action Replay allows you to play every JPN game on a US unit and provides you access to the North American library too.
 
B

British Monsoon

Member
If you get an Action Replay 4-in-1 cart you can play any region games on any region Saturn.

As for games, here's some JP only games i'd reccomend from my collection;

AJPW featuring Virtua - dunno if you like wrestling games, but if you do you should check this out. It's the predecesor to the Giant Gram games and for it's era is a very impressive 3d wrestling game that bizarrely features Wolf & Jeffrey from Virtua Fighter :lol
Assault Suit Leynos 2 - side scrolling action game, looks like a serious Metal Slug but has a punishing difficulty
Astra Superstars - really amazing Sunsoft 2d fighter that is unfourtunatly quite rare and expensive. While it's predecessor WakuWaku 7 is more readily available, it lacks the fun factor or the visual pop of Astra, well worth it if you're in the market for a quirky and highly playable 2d fighter.
Battle Garegga - needs little explanation, one of the best shmups available on the Saturn.
Blast Wind - often overlooked Technosoft shmup that unfourtunatly is rather rare nowadays.
Chaos Seed - quirky remake of a SNES RPG that blends a weird mix of action RPG, resource management, town sim and real-time dungeon building suprisingly well.
Cotton 2 & Cotton Boomerang - pretty much the pinacle of the Cotton series, both these games are well worth your time if you like horizontal cute'em up's, Boomerang is usually a bit more expensive but it has a wealth of additions over standard Cotton 2.
Detana Twinbee Deluxe - great compilation of the Twinbee arcade games.
Dragonball Z Shinbutoden - really awesome Dragon Ball Z 2d fighter, ignore the awful DBZ Legends.
Game Paridise/Tengoku - odd shmup thats set in a video game arcade.
Gekirindan - nice shmup with a time traveling twist.
Hyper Duel - kick ass Technosoft horizontal shooter, unfourtunatly it's rather expensive.
Langrisser Complete - awesome SRPG collection of every Langrisser game that matters.
Nanatsu Kaze no Shima Monogatari - beautiful 2d point & click adventure from Enix
Princess Crown - vanillaware's beautiful action RPG, well worth the price despite the games length.
Psychic Killer Taromaru - really fun Shinobi style action game, unfourtunatly an extremely low print run makes this one of the rarest games on the Saturn.
Sengoku Blade - great port of the awesome arcade Japanese fuedal themed horizontal shooter.
Soukyugurentai - aka Terra Driver, easily one of the best shooters available on the Saturn.
Stellar Assault SS - amazing remake of the SEGA-CD 3d space shooter, unfourtunatly it's rather expensive.
Terra Phantastica - seemingly overlooked SRPG with a 80's western dark fantasy feel to it and really epic & challenging battles, seriousley one of my all-time favourite SRPGs.
Tryrush Deppy - beautiful 2d platformer.
 
Y

Yes Boss!

Member
Dave Long said:
Not sure why you'd buy a Japanese unit when a Pro Action Replay allows you to play every JPN game on a US unit and provides you access to the North American library too.
Click to expand...

The Japanese Saturn is just a more beautiful looking system. Personally, I went for that one since I've already owned an american system (for the sole reason of playing Enemy Zero for Nyman's score).
 
R

Red Blaster

Member
If you're into racers, import Daytona USA Circuit Edition which is without a doubt the definite version of the game on Saturn. It has all the graphical improvements of the NA's Championship Circuit Edition but has the option to switch back to the original release's handling and has all the original music.

Die Hard Arcade/Dynamite Deka is also cheaper when imported versus buying an NA copy and is in full English I believe. Nights is also cheaper when imported and is in English as well.

Also some people insist that the Saturn version of Street Fighter Alpha 3 is the best port the game ever got. X-Men vs. Street Fighter is also great.

Others:
Bulk Slash (sick 3D mech action game)
Metal Slug
GunGriffon II
 
L

Litflynt912

Member
<3saturn threads!!!

the saturn was the first system where I really got into imports ( SNES convertor notwithstanding)...


You can get the ST KEY from NCSX for like $10 to play import games but that limits your cart rom usage and some better games utilize the cart so the action replay is the better choice...

some games I have had and have: the Saturn is renowned for fighting games...

X-men children of the atom ( the JP version has the most beautiful artwork I have seen)
X-men vs. Streetfighter
the Metal slug collection
Street fighter collection <---do you see where I am going with this
Christmas Nights (since the holidays are around the corner)
any of the KOF games
Dragonball
Pretty Fighter X (The first real 32bit loli fighting game...lol)
Sega Rally/Daytona USA...you can't beat the nostalgia
Virtua fighter kids


as for hardware...I just picked up a used US system off ebay for $28 shipped (I'm calling you out again Boss! you and your incesant pic postings making me all nostalgic!!!!):D

the games on ebay can be SUPER cheap!!!! Try hit-japan as he is a great ebay seller...has best offers on all his games and has the cheapest shipping on ebay

outside of that, japangamestock has the absolute best selection but their shipping prices are insane...lol


edited for burning rangers and virtual on....silly me to forget
 
C

Chiaroscuro

Member
Thanks! (specially Bootaaay)

A few more questions:

- what kind of a/v cables Saturn offers? Only S-video or component is available?
- can I use action replay with the memory expansion?
 
Y

Yes Boss!

Member
That is two recommendations for Tryrush Deppy (including Chiaroscuro's recent pick-up). Gonna go for that one.

Thinking of going for the Japanese Policenauts and working through it with a guide for fun...worth it?
 
S

SmokyDave

Member
The Japanese Saturn has an additional jingle over the PAL version when booting or opening the disc tray.

Educated?

Edit: It sort of goes dingly-dingly-dingly ding.
 
I

InsanezX2

Member
If you like racers, there aren't a whole lot on Saturn. I think the best one though is Code R. I wasn't too sure what to expect from the box art, but it turned out to be my favorite racer for Saturn. The physics are the best I've seen on the system, and the only racer I haven't played yet is GT24.

Another one to look at is Over Drivin' GT-R. Basically, it's the original Need For Speed, but all of he supercars were replaced with classic and new (at the time) Nissan sports cars. If you enjoyed the original need for speed games, you'll obviously like this one too.
 
M

Mattlikewhoa

Member
This thread makes me want to take out my Import SS and game when I get home!

As for me, I would tell you to look at all the great fighting games that are available. I've personally picked up a bunch of Capcom and SNK games.
 
Y

Yes Boss!

Member
Mattlikewhoa said:
As for me, I would tell you to look at all the great fighting games that are available. I've personally picked up a bunch of Capcom and SNK games.
Click to expand...

How are the loading times on them? I've not really considered the fighters yet because I'm expecting wretched loading times.
 
I

InsanezX2

Member
Something you may also consider getting is the VCD card. There are a few different versions, but I'm pretty sure most of them function the same. Obviously it lets you play VCD movies which most people wouldn't bother with, but it can actually drastically improve the quality of the FMVs in some games. I was actually surprised at how much better some videos looked after I put mine in. I don't think a whole lot of games support it, but it's really nice for those that do.
 
P

PepsimanVsJoe

Member
Red Blaster said:
If you're into racers, import Daytona USA Circuit Edition which is without a doubt the definite version of the game on Saturn. It has all the graphical improvements of the NA's Championship Circuit Edition but has the option to switch back to the original release's handling and has all the original music.
Click to expand...

I have never heard of this before.
This is cool.
 
Danny Dudekisser

Danny Dudekisser

I paid good money for this Dynex!
Honestly, I think you're doing yourself a major disservice if you don't pick up any US releases. It's nice to play Guardian Heroes and know what branching paths you're taking, for example. And all you have to do to make US titles work is get the 4-in-1 cart from NCSX, which you're probably gonna need anyway to back up your saves. The Saturn has internal memory for saving games, but it's backed up by a CR2032 battery that has a nasty tendency to die quickly, so trust me, you definitely will want to back your shit up.

Other than that... get Soukyugurentai.
 
Y

Yes Boss!

Member
Chacranajxy said:
Honestly, I think you're doing yourself a major disservice if you don't pick up any US releases. It's nice to play Guardian Heroes and know what branching paths you're taking, for example. And all you have to do to make US titles work is get the 4-in-1 cart from NCSX, which you're probably gonna need anyway to back up your saves. The Saturn has internal memory for saving games, but it's backed up by a CR2032 battery that has a nasty tendency to die quickly, so trust me, you definitely will want to back your shit up.

Other than that... get Soukyugurentai.
Click to expand...

So, I can play american games on my japanese system with a 4-in-1 cart? I'd like to get the american versions of Enemy Zero, Guardian Heroes and Panzer Dragoon Saga.
 
L

Litflynt912

Member
Yes Boss! said:
That is two recommendations for Tryrush Deppy (including Chiaroscuro's recent pick-up). Gonna go for that one.

Thinking of going for the Japanese Policenauts and working through it with a guide for fun...worth it?
Click to expand...


I know they just dropped that english patch two weeks ago but not sure if the saturn was included...think it might have been a psx for now...
but the policenauts is a great addition if your willing do deal with the cut scenes and Japanese....
 
Danny Dudekisser

Danny Dudekisser

I paid good money for this Dynex!
Yes Boss! said:
How are the loading times on them? I've not really considered the fighters yet because I'm expecting wretched loading times.
Click to expand...

General rule: if it uses the 4MB ram cart and is from Capcom, it's probably fine. The only Capcom fighters I actually own now are Vampire Savior and SFA3 (I intend to get the Vs games, though), and of those, only SFA3 has load times. It loads for like 10-20 seconds when you start the game up, and then there's no loading after that. The Saturn versions also have much better sound quality for the music than the arcade versions, so I actually prefer them to the originals.

The system's SNK ports are pretty mangy. I don't think any of them turned out quite right.


And yeah, the 4-in-1 cart lets you play US games. That's how I do it on my Jap Saturn.


Hmm... are there any good sidescrollers on the Saturn I'm overlooking? Most of them seem kinda bullshit-ish... I have Mega Man 8 and X4, and Silhouette Mirage, but that's it...
 
Danny Dudekisser

Danny Dudekisser

I paid good money for this Dynex!
Yep, that's the one. Price went up about 13 dollars since I bought mine last year though.

Oh well, it's always nice to be able to buy obscure shit from a store I trust.

It's nice that the Saturn doesn't make you do any swap-trick bullshit either. Just put the game in and you're set.
 
D

Drkirby

Corporate Apologist
While we are on the topic, is there any place to get a Japanese Saturn Pad for a decent price?
 
C

Chiaroscuro

Member
Chacranajxy said:
Honestly, I think you're doing yourself a major disservice if you don't pick up any US releases.
Click to expand...

Oh, you got the wrong impression. I did not ask for US releases because I can find this information pretty much everywhere. I will go also for US titles in time. Specially tht now I know about the 4in1 card.
 
Y

Yes Boss!

Member
Yes,

Just bought a mint Enemy Zero (US). Can't wait to revisit it.

Yikes, Guardian Heroes and Panzer Dragoon Saga US versions aren't cheap. I'll have to pick those up in time.

Chacranajxy said:
It's nice that the Saturn doesn't make you do any swap-trick bullshit either. Just put the game in and you're set.
Click to expand...

Very cool. Honestly, I've no interest in swapping discs to play imports...I'll buy a whole other system before doing that, so the 4-1 cart is cool, if ugly. I'm loving my Saturn. I was living in Berkeley when it came out and poor as hell and could not buy it back then...reliving the dream. Awesome week to jump in too!
 
L

Litflynt912

Member
just ordered an ST key to have a back up as I worry about them selling out and that be it..

seriously GAF, this needs to stop...you guys keep talking about ish I want and then I spend all my vacation money...lol j/k

NCSX is going to see a slew of saturn orders today and wonder why
since its supposed to be dreamcast day
 
D

djtiesto

is beloved, despite what anyone might say
I can't recommend Tengai Makyo: The Apocalypse IV enough, for what you are looking for...

It's an RPG, without an extremely strong language barrier and a comprehensive walkthrough available on Gamefaqs, the game is a lot of fun and has a great sense of humor about it, not to mention it's cheap to purchase.

Tryrush Deppy looks great, graphically but I wasn't terribly into some of the gameplay mechanics... boss fights are extremely frustrating and the loading sucks.

Shienryu is a fairly decent shmup, Linkle Liver Story is a fun ARPG romp, and Bootaaay is awesome for mentioning Chaos Seed. I've heard Keio Yugekitai is awesome too but haven't played it yet...
 
K

kazuo

Member
Component didn't exist back in the Saturn days.

Saturn outputs composite, S-Video and RGB without modifications.

You can get official or 3rd party cables.

The 4-in-1 Cart has a 1/4Mb RAM expansion, backup memory, the ability to allow you to play import titles and a Pro Action Replay. It works on any region unit.

No reason whatsoever to get a Japanese saturn unless you prefer the look as the 4-in-1 removes all restrictions.

You can get the 4-in-1 from NCS, as others have pointed out.

Have fun! Saturn is badass!

Chiaroscuro said:
Thanks! (specially Bootaaay)

A few more questions:

- what kind of a/v cables Saturn offers? Only S-video or component is available?
- can I use action replay with the memory expansion?
Click to expand...
 
L

Lambtron

Unconfirmed Member
This thread needs more In the Hunt!

My Saturn collection has some gems in it, but I really, really need to tear into the Japanese library. I already have XM vs. SF, M vs. SF, and Vampire Savior, but I crave MOAR.
 
F

FortNinety

Member
Is there any places online that still sell mod chips? I have the 4 in 1 cart, but I'd rather use my much cooler looking 4 meg cart from X-Men vs Street Fighter!
 
Y

Yes Boss!

Member
Bumping because I've question about Silhouette Mirage. I'm trying to finish my Treasure games for the system but see this one is also on the PS1. Is there a preferable version?

Also, I'm just going by Wiki but does anybody know all the Treasure games made for the Saturn? So far I've got a list comprised of Psychic Assasin Taromaru, Radiant Silvergun and Silhouette Mirage. Any others?
 
N

Nuclear Muffin

Banned
Yes Boss! said:
Bumping because I've question about Silhouette Mirage. I'm trying to finish my Treasure games for the system but see this one is also on the PS1. Is there a preferable version?

Also, I'm just going by Wiki but does anybody know all the Treasure games made for the Saturn? So far I've got a list comprised of Psychic Assasin Taromaru, Radiant Silvergun and Silhouette Mirage. Any others?
Click to expand...

Saturn version has slightly better graphics (Mainly just more background/foreground detail) but the PS1 version is in English.

However, the PS1 version's gameplay was slightly modified to be made more difficult by Working Designs. Some like the changes and some don't.
 
S

Sixfortyfive

He who pursues two rabbits gets two rabbits.
Yes Boss! said:
Bumping because I've question about Silhouette Mirage. I'm trying to finish my Treasure games for the system but see this one is also on the PS1. Is there a preferable version?

Also, I'm just going by Wiki but does anybody know all the Treasure games made for the Saturn? So far I've got a list comprised of Psychic Assasin Taromaru, Radiant Silvergun and Silhouette Mirage. Any others?
Click to expand...
wrt Silhouette Mirage

Your list is missing Guardian Heroes. Taromaru isn't a Treasure game. Iuchi worked on it while he was at Time Warner.
 
Y

Yes Boss!

Member
Thanks Nuclear Muffin and Sixfortyfive. Exactly what I was looking for. I'll go for the Saturn version.

Forgot Guardian Heroes. Slaps forehead. Good info on Assassin...for some reason I thought it was Treasure. Explains why it is not in wiki.
 
DCharlie

DCharlie

And even i am moderately surprised
Hardware: I may go for a used unit. What I have to look for/take care about? Battery?
Click to expand...

one thing to note is that some skeleton and white saturns have trouble running a handful of games (Space Harrier and Outrun are two of the games), but anyways - most are golden.

Games wise :

if you like shooters you are in for a treat!

Radiant Silvergun - screw the haters, it's a great game albeit a bit "boss-y" , expensive but great.
Game Paradise - parody style upscreen shooter, lots of humour and great fun. Cheap too!
Battle Garaga - the KING! great conversion too.

Puzzle
Baku Baku Animal - columns style but with a twist - really fun.

Adventure
Nanatsu Kaze no shima monogatari - gorgeous 2d adventure game.

Action
Assault Suit Leynos 2 -
Segata san shirou - Kick playstations into a dustbin
Saturn bomberman 10 players of AWESOME
Burning Rangers - dirt cheap, especially compared to the US version. And GOOD!

Fighting
Waku Waku 7 - really fun fighter, nice characters.

what kind of a/v cables Saturn offers? Only S-video or component is available?
Click to expand...
JPN RGB 21-pin is available - NOT SCART despite it being the same connector. The image quality out of my set up is fantastic, though i hear that some units have poor RGB output (don't recall the full details)

Edit: It sort of goes dingly-dingly-dingly ding.
Click to expand...

really? i could have sworn my UK saturn had that - i guess not :)
 
J

JEKKI

Member
Yes Boss! said:
Bumping because I've question about Silhouette Mirage. I'm trying to finish my Treasure games for the system but see this one is also on the PS1. Is there a preferable version?
Click to expand...
psx version of silhouette mirage that came out in US is terrible coz of how they upped the difficulty.

you will seriously be in like a gauntlet screen with one enemy left to kill that you jus cannot kill coz u ran out of magic, which is your only means of offensive damage.

the only option u would have is to reset the game -_-
 
S

simtmb

Member
Instead of making a new thread, i thought i may as well bump this one, hoping someone can help me out.

I left my Saturn overseas a long time ago to relatives, now I'm looking at buying another and stumbled across this:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-SEGA-SAT...378?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27b8636d7a

Upon closer look of the box, it appears to be an Asian region Saturn, as it shows NTSC 200-240V. So i was wondering if someone knows, is there any differences between this and the actual Japanese model Saturn? Build quality etc, as I'm looking to make a purchase real soon.

Any input would be much appreciated :D
 
I

isny

napkin dispenser
Litflynt912 said:
<3saturn threads!!!

the saturn was the first system where I really got into imports ( SNES convertor notwithstanding)...


You can get the ST KEY from NCSX for like $10 to play import games but that limits your cart rom usage and some better games utilize the cart so the action replay is the better choice...

some games I have had and have: the Saturn is renowned for fighting games...

X-men children of the atom ( the JP version has the most beautiful artwork I have seen)
X-men vs. Streetfighter
the Metal slug collection
Street fighter collection <---do you see where I am going with this
Christmas Nights (since the holidays are around the corner)
any of the KOF games
Dragonball
Pretty Fighter X (The first real 32bit loli fighting game...lol)
Sega Rally/Daytona USA...you can't beat the nostalgia
Virtua fighter kids


as for hardware...I just picked up a used US system off ebay for $28 shipped (I'm calling you out again Boss! you and your incesant pic postings making me all nostalgic!!!!):D

the games on ebay can be SUPER cheap!!!! Try hit-japan as he is a great ebay seller...has best offers on all his games and has the cheapest shipping on ebay

outside of that, japangamestock has the absolute best selection but their shipping prices are insane...lol


edited for burning rangers and virtual on....silly me to forget
Click to expand...

You missed one.

Marvel-Super-Heroes-Vs--Street-Fighter-Saturn-JAP.jpg
 
M

Mistwalker

Member
JEKKI said:
Dungeons n Dragons!
Click to expand...
Making sure this one doesn't get lost in all the (awesome) lists!

The arcade games (Dungeons and Dragons: Tower of Doom, and the bigger badder sequel Shadow Over Mystara) were ported to the Saturn only AFAIK, require a RAM cart, have long loading times even with the RAM, and are still awesome!
 
S

simtmb

Member
xD This is a very old thread guys. I bumped it because i had a question and also liked some of the game listings as I'm getting back into this wonderful console.

simtmb said:
Instead of making a new thread, i thought i may as well bump this one, hoping someone can help me out.

I left my Saturn overseas a long time ago to relatives, now I'm looking at buying another and stumbled across this:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-SEGA-SAT...378?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27b8636d7a

Upon closer look of the box, it appears to be an Asian region Saturn, as it shows NTSC 200-240V. So i was wondering if someone knows, is there any differences between this and the actual Japanese model Saturn? Build quality etc, as I'm looking to make a purchase real soon.

Any input would be much appreciated :D
Click to expand...
 
S

simtmb

Member
Yeah true, it's nice and new though, so I'm extremely keen. After some more googling, turns out it could very well be "Made in Indonesia". Dunno what to think about that xD.

Can't really find much about it other than it basically being a Saturn model for South East Asia. Just really curious if there might be differences in overall build quality.

EDIT: Bought it. Can't wait to play Fighters Megamix again.
 
L

luka

Loves Robotech S1
One day I shall own an actual Saturn. Until then having a pile of games and playing them on SSF will suffice. :)
 
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