blast processed
Member
Yes, yes it is.
-
Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.
Sega Saturn Appreciation and Emulation Thread
- Thread starter Seik
- Start date
Yes, yes it is.
It's an interesting adaptation if you love the console and want to see how it would handle such a game, but honestly? No. Not anymore.
Virtual On is much, much, much, better on PS2, Xbox 360, and PS3. Play any of those versions instead. The Saturn version is obviously held back visually (where the other ports I listed are Model 2 level or better), but it's also really mechanically inaccurate. The other ports also support superior gamepad control schemes if you don't want to go all-in on twinsticks.
cj_iwakura
Member
I played Virtual On at an arcade once, never the Saturn version though.
blast processed
Member
The only way to properly play though
HCG101 has a brief breakdown
http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/virtualon/virtualon.htm
The PS2 version has the most content if I remember correctly (just a few fun minor extras like big-head mode and a jank mode where you can play as the final boss), but none really have beefy original content. I think you'd just be missing an FMV intro by skipping the Saturn version.
SevenDevils said:
In all seriousness, as much as I love the old Saturn twinstick controller, if I had to choose between playing the Saturn original with that controller or the PS3/360/PS2 release with a standard pad, I'd go with the latter.
The Xbox 360 is the best console for Virtual On. Best versions of every game in the series (Marz doesn't exist), and this thing:
Saturn Memories
Neo Member
Get the later Japanese release (CE) which tweaks handling, among other minor improvements. Ideally though, you'd want the ultimate version of the game, Daytona Deluxe on PC. Problem is that it can be a major pain in the ass to get working correctly on a modern OS.
Seven Force
Banned
I'd just get Daytona USA HD on 360/PS3.
If you absolutely have to have a version of Daytona for Saturn, get the JP "Circuit Edition" release. Has the extra cars/tracks from Championship Circuit Edition, a Day/Night/Dusk/Dawn toggle for track skyboxes, controls more in-line with the AM2 original, and the music from the original Saturn release. I believe there was a PC port of that release as well? I remember having a demo for it a while back.
Saturn Memories
Neo Member
Not sure how big a role Jacques played since he's only one of several composers attached to it. The name most associated with CCE/CE in Eric Martin of Mr. Big.
If you're looking for an under-the-radar Saturn game that Jacques had a larger role in, check out F1 Challenge. The original Japanese version featured running commentary by F1 announcers but no in-race music. Sega Europe had Jacques compose a really nice soundtrack for the Western releases.
Seven Force
Banned
Didn't know that! Definitely going to put that on my radar.
Saturn Memories
Neo Member
I think most people who collect for the Saturn are familiar with the story behind that, so I didn't bother bringing it up.
Saturn Memories
Neo Member
Well, there's not all that much to it. A producer at Sega Europe (who I can't recall the name of) didn't like the game's music and decided to have Richard Jacques compose something more reminiscent of Yuzo Koshiro's Shinobi soundtracks. And that's the story!
I had (have?) the Japanese version of that. Can't remember if I sold it or not, but I remember loving the commentary. Shame the HUD was (from memory) littered with Japanese text.
Shadow Hog
Member
They might just be crediting him for the MIDI files they used to make that last-minute scrapped-together soundtrack.
Well, there's not all that much to it. A producer at Sega Europe (who I can't recall the name of) didn't like the game's music and decided to have Richard Jacques compose something more reminiscent of Yuzo Koshiro's Shinobi soundtracks. And that's the story!
BTW, speaking of behind-the-scene stuff, what was the story about Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3? It just seemed odd that Midway was offering UMK3 on 16-bit system and MKT on 5th gen systems, and the Saturn just got both? I've seen some people say Sega made some sort of deal with Midway, but never seen a legit source for it.
Saturn Memories
Neo Member
You're asking the wrong guy. My knowledge of fighters is pretty limited.
Movalpolos
Banned
It is absolutely crippling. No hyperbole.
Thanks.
I don't use emulators either, but in this instance I'm willing to try anything.
You probably know it already, but it's worth noting that XBLA/PSN Virtual On (just like Virtua Striker) has been released only in Japan, so you must have access to the Japanese PS Store/Live Marketplace - and buy the appropriate currency - in order to purchase the game.
Actually, I didn't know that.
Well is the game playable on a Saturn d-pad? I'm guessing from Tain's earlier posts it really isn't. Part of the reason I generally opt for Saturn versions of arcade ports because it's controller is amazing for arcade ports. PS360, not so much, IMO.
To be honest, I'm not a huge VO enthusiast, and I got the game for the reason Tain mentioned above, mainly for the novelty, the curiosity to see how the port was handled on the Saturn. For what I've played, I found the standard pad perfectly fine, but I realize I didn't go any deeper than just scraping the surface of the whole thing.
Dualshocks are a very good replacement for twin sticks. The Saturn controls are also good but if you're after the arcade experience, one of the later arcade port is better. I'd say the PS2 version because it comes on a disc and has a very good presentation, being from the SEGA Ages collection and all.
The Saturn version is still very good, it's an excellent port for the time and can still be played and enjoyed. But if you have a later console and only want one version of the game, I'd say skip it.
Wasnt PD1 an extra that could be unlocked in Orta?
Yes
That's how I experienced the 1st game, no lie!
Saturn Memories
Neo Member
Yeah, the Windows 95 port.
Oh, so that's what that version was...I need the Saturn version!
Shadow Hog
Member
Some work pretty well, actually, although you may need fanmade patches here and there.
Well, Windows 7, anyway. Haven't tried Windows 10.
Well, Windows 7, anyway. Haven't tried Windows 10.
That just burns even more >_< Damn postal service!
EDIT: If anyone sees a NA Shining Force 3 Case and / or Manual, please let me know. Ebay or wherever.
Sixfortyfive
He who pursues two rabbits gets two rabbits.
The PS2 version has a few noteworthy gameplay additions. The ones that stick out the most in my memory are VO:OT style dash cancels (press turbo to stop a dash instead of having to press back+turbo) and additional VO:OT style super moves. You could toggle these sorts of things on or off in the options. Some of them might have been unlockable. I don't remember.
There was also a secret, unlockable boss version of Fei-Yen that was based on some VO radio drama or something. Nothing that special imo but I was somewhat impressed that they were reaching that far into the lore for a budget priced remake.
Not sure if all of this stuff made it into the PS3/360 release or not.
Some VO enthusiasts will actually tell you that the standard Saturn pad has an advantage over the twinstick on the Saturn port. I can't remember why though.
I strongly disagree.
The twinstick control scheme is good for twinsticks. The standard pad control scheme is good for regular controllers. "Twinstick" controls on a dual shock just felt sloppy and killed my thumbs.
I think all 16-bit programs are broken in Win10 (and maybe Win8). I had to install a virtual machine to play some old Win95 games once.
Oh boy, I'm browsing eBay for some CIB/good conditions, NTSC-U Quake and Duke Nukem for the Saturn, and this Global Shipping Program really fucked things up big time, for us Europeans. No matter how expensive are the games to begin with - and they aren't as cheap as I thought they'd be - I'd end up paying insane money just for the postage, to the point I feel like it's not even worth bothering. Such a shame. :/
Sixfortyfive
He who pursues two rabbits gets two rabbits.
It's the worst.
But also the best for me though. I always get lots of international bids on my items because I do all the shipping myself.
I bet you do, that's usually the first thing I notice, along with a strong positive feedback.
Speaking of which: do we have any thread/list, here on GAF, with gaffers selling games worldwide on eBay, and respective links? This would be so convenient, especially in case of well-known people like you.
Sixfortyfive
He who pursues two rabbits gets two rabbits.
blast processed
Member
Once I buy some and have it in my possession, I almost never go back and look to see what the price is because, well, I don't care. I have no intention of reselling. The only case would be if there was a discussion based on an item that shot up that I own, but other than that I don't care.
Any who, congrats on what seems like a great deal back in 2013
Any who, congrats on what seems like a great deal back in 2013