I mean, Elevator Action Returns alone is worth owning a saturn, man!
Sega Saturn Longplay [014] Elevator Action Returns (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLKELQePPsA#)
Oh snap...
I used to have an SG-1000. Elevator Action was great! This seems cool too.
But, like how are the 3D games? Is it worth buying when I have a PS2 (has bc) already?
Moar please.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Nando on December 13, 2013, 08:34:33 AM
Luke,
here's what I found out.
TOTALLY WORTH IT! but you have to be careful with its expansion slot. They can break rather easily and if that's not working, you do miss out on some fun games. But then again, said games may not be what you are looking to play on the console anyway.
Anyway, I'm with Arkface. Worth your time and money.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: ProfessorProfessorson on December 13, 2013, 08:36:01 AM
Not completely, but mostly it seemed like, yeah. We did get some nice titles released over here though, but yeah I would never mess with Saturn stuff with the only intention to be playing the US titles. Things would get boring fast if that were the case.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Arkhan on December 13, 2013, 08:36:13 AM
Yeah, I know I'm in the major minority on the Saturn. But it just never did it for me.
You should play Elevator Action Returns and let me know how you feel afterwards.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: jeffhlewis on December 13, 2013, 09:01:24 AM
Absolutely worth every penny - I got a Saturn late in the game when they were being sold new at Electronics Boutique for like $20, along with a bunch of clearance games (MKR for $15, heh. Should have bought more).
Get yourself a Pro Action Replay 4MB cart and pick up imports - U.S. Saturn releases weren't terrible - lots of good stuff came over here but a lot of the epically good Japanese 2D stuff never made it over (Keio 2, Pychic Killer Taromaru, a million RPGs, Capcom fighters, etc).
Unfortunately, U.S. prices have been going up a bit recently...stuff like Shinobi Legions is selling for 3-4x what it was a few years ago. Imports can still be had cheap for the most part if you have a good source.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: SuperDeadite on December 13, 2013, 09:07:14 AM
For 3D games get Bulk Slash. Same team as Sapphire on the PCE.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: VenomMacbeth on December 13, 2013, 09:12:27 AM
If you can appreciate early 3D games from a historical standpoint, you may enjoy:
Duke Nukem 3D Quake Cyber Trooper Virtual On Sega Rally Championship Resident Evil Gungriffon Daytona USA
It's a pretty affordable system to collect for & while it really excels in 2D games, there are also decent 3D games (all of the above are 3D). Lots of good imports, too.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: TheClash603 on December 13, 2013, 11:20:23 AM
Sega Saturn is a top 5 system of all-time and not owning one is a huge disservice to your gaming time.
I have a complete U.S. set I pieced together very cheaply over a 15+ year period, and it is one of my go to machines.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Mzo on December 13, 2013, 12:08:40 PM
The Saturn is fantastic, especially if you like shooters.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: KingDrool on December 13, 2013, 12:36:57 PM
I'd like to add myself to the votes of: f*ck YES. The Saturn was an amazing system, and playing imports is a snap. You just need an Action Replay or AR Plus. I agree that it's in the Top 5 consoles ever. So many great shmups, too. Probably the best library of them, actually.
And they're super cheap. Hell, I just sold a Saturn with an AR+, four controllers and an arcade stick for $60.
Bottom line: get one and be happy.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Tatsujin on December 13, 2013, 01:44:00 PM
I own it solely for 2D arcade ports 'n stuff and the sega ages.
so is it worth it? hell, isn't it worth to own the console that holds the best port of outrun, even double the good as the arcade already was?
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: lukester on December 13, 2013, 01:47:35 PM
the best port of outrun, even double the good as the arcade already was?
Huh? Explain please, this is confusing.
I'll definitely get this system eventually. Still, I may or may not want to get a Genesis instead...
1. you can switch the game into "smooth mode", which allows you to experience full 60fps speed, compared to the arcade which was "only" 30fps. it REALLY makes a huge difference.
2. it allows you to play both, the japanese and oversea stage order.
3. and last but not least, but only if you own the japanese copy of sega age outrun, you can switch between original and arranged musics, which are a some quite fine extra tunez. altough I still prefere the original FM tunes for the flairs sake.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: DragonmasterDan on December 13, 2013, 02:45:24 PM
I really like the Saturn's library when I look at it from an international perspective. Lots of great games that are right up my alley.
Even the domestic lineup isn't that bad. Some of my all time favorite games were domestic Saturn releases. Overall I highly recommend the system though as Nando warned you be careful about the cartridge slots. They're not reliable and the pins on the inside bend very easily and cannot really be repaired.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: jeffhlewis on December 13, 2013, 02:52:39 PM
the best port of outrun, even double the good as the arcade already was?
Huh? Explain please, this is confusing.
I'll definitely get this system eventually. Still, I may or may not want to get a Genesis instead...
Dear god man, get both. If you troll eBay long enough you can get some solid package deals for cheap.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: storino03 on December 13, 2013, 04:56:42 PM
It's expensive to get into the Sega Saturn library nowadays, especially the US prices for games. 3D is weaker than PS1, but the SS has its charm not only for being a doomed console, but the games the majority of people haven't played because they skipped over it.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: TheClash603 on December 13, 2013, 05:16:05 PM
I just looked and US gems like Galactic Attack can still be found for under $20.
I think the Saturn is the value collector's dream. Even if prices are going up, so are all the other systems, so in the end Saturn is still the cheapest.
Honestly if Genesis is your other alternative, you can get both systems and a handful of games for each for probably a little over $100 total. Unless you REALLY are on a shoestring budget, get both.
Hell, you can hardly get 2-3 TG16 games for the price of both systems and a few gems on each.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: jeffhlewis on December 13, 2013, 05:28:16 PM
It's expensive to get into the Sega Saturn library nowadays, especially the US prices for games. 3D is weaker than PS1, but the SS has its charm not only for being a doomed console, but the games the majority of people haven't played because they skipped over it.
Imports are cheaper in almost every case. A couple price examples from a quick look at eBay completed listings (of games that don't require a ton of language skills to play):
House of the Dead: US = $75 - $180 (good god) JP = $5 - $15
Panzer Dragoon 2: US = $15 - $45 JP = $7 - $15
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: WingZeroKai on December 13, 2013, 05:51:26 PM
Saturn is my favorite console of all time. Either grab a JP model (I love my white one), or a US model with a Action Replay 4in1 and get to importing. So many kick ass games. You will not be disappointed.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: TR0N on December 13, 2013, 07:10:46 PM
Sega Saturn most underrated console in the u.s.Yes it's very worth it to own one if you are importing of course.The u.s did get those hidden gems such as dragon force,shining force 3,mkr,panzer dragoon saga and saturn bomberman but allot more was released in japan.such as these games.Not to mention for a converter all you really need is a pro action replay.
Only TWO TEAMS? One of the teams is AWESOME and the other team SUCKS!
Space Jam was played quite a few times in my house for reasons I can't explain, it is not a good game.
Space Jam also inexplicably still has its 1990's-era website active: http://www2.warnerbros.com/spacejam/
They're promoting the DVD release so they must have updated it at some point in the mid 2000's/
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: munchiaz on December 14, 2013, 04:54:18 PM
I think its worth it. I actually found 2 of them at local goodwills, and my girlfriends father sent me his (still in box) Its super easy to play imports, and its super easy to played burned games. Some of the US games are pricey, so playing a burned copy is always an option, and with the saturn all you have to do is open it up, and tape down a flap, then use a swap trick with a real game.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: TR0N on December 14, 2013, 10:35:50 PM
Is the system worth owning? Let me just say this. It has Space Jam on it. Space Jam. Just think about that for a second. SPACE JAM. Hell yeah! *disclaimer I bought my Saturn because of this game and I am not being sarcastic. I freaking love me some Space Jam*
(http://i.imgur.com/RECqTSi.jpg) f*ck yeah! :D
Let's say we didn't and instead went with darius gaiden the only published game by akklaim that is worth playing :wink: :roll:
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Tatsujin on December 15, 2013, 12:53:12 AM
proco tiat :)
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: xelement5x on December 15, 2013, 04:55:51 AM
Add me as another Saturn lover (but I love Sega in general too). The US library is still pretty solid, and if you are patient you can find units rather cheaply. I'm on a gradual quest to amass a US set (probably except for Daytona Netlink) and have most of the now pricey games from back when it was a discount system so it's just patience now.
Like others have said though, to own a Saturn and not look at the JP library is a disservice. The US lineup is good, but the breadth of games when you include the JP library is phenomenal. And JP prices are still super duper reasonable.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: bob on December 15, 2013, 05:19:32 AM
What are some the pricier US games for Saturn?
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Black Tiger on December 15, 2013, 05:23:07 AM
Panzer Dragoon Saga Working Designs games Shining Force III Mystaria/Blazing Heroes
Also: The MegaMan games 8 & X4 (8 especially, that's one I'm still missing) House of the Dead Saturn Bomberman
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: TheClash603 on December 15, 2013, 01:25:06 PM
I sold two copies of X4 in the $20-30 range maybe 18-24 months ago. I thought you were lying about the game being pricy until I looked at completed auctions on ebay.
Maybe I should do some research before I say everything is "cheap" going forward. This stuff is nuts.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: lukester on December 16, 2013, 09:42:47 AM
Did some "research", really interested in so far.
NIGHTS (with 3D Controller) Konami MSX Antiques Collection Saturn Bomberman Die Hard Arcade Astal (Maybe?) Sonic R Castlevania SOTN with translation patch (Honestly have never played this game, Saturn version interests me more)
Certainly a more diverse library than what my N64 offers (still love Mario 64 though). :shock:
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: jeffhlewis on December 16, 2013, 09:53:27 AM
NIGHTS (with 3D Controller) Konami MSX Antiques Collection Saturn Bomberman Die Hard Arcade Astal (Maybe?) Sonic R Castlevania SOTN with translation patch (Honestly have never played this game, Saturn version interests me more) Certainly a more diverse library than what my N64 offers (still love Mario 64 though). :shock:
Yes! NIGHTS (with 3D Controller) Yes! Konami MSX Antiques Collection Yes! Saturn Bomberman Yes! Die Hard Arcade Yes! Astal Yes! (Maybe?) Sonic R HELL NO! Castlevania SOTN with translation patch (Honestly have never played this game, Saturn version interests me more)
Don't taint your first SOTN experience by playing the Saturn version. PS1 version is far superior and actually cheaper. SOTN is a goddamn masterpiece, easily in my top 3 games of all time.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: lukester on December 16, 2013, 10:36:03 AM
Don't taint your first SOTN experience by playing the Saturn version. PS1 version is far superior and actually cheaper. SOTN is a goddamn masterpiece, easily in my top 3 games of all time.
I'm not quite sure though. Saturn version has some extra areas, better music, more items and two extra characters available from the start. I understand the graphics are a little worse, but is it a big deal? Or is there more that I am missing.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Black Tiger on December 16, 2013, 11:01:05 AM
Don't taint your first SOTN experience by playing the Saturn version. PS1 version is far superior and actually cheaper. SOTN is a goddamn masterpiece, easily in my top 3 games of all time.
I'm not quite sure though. Saturn version has some extra areas, better music, more items and two extra characters available from the start. I understand the graphics are a little worse, but is it a big deal? Or is there more that I am missing.
Saturn version has better gameplay.
Graphics aren't fully intact, but if the Saturn version looks bad, then the Playstation version always did as well.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: jeffhlewis on December 16, 2013, 11:53:33 AM
Don't taint your first SOTN experience by playing the Saturn version. PS1 version is far superior and actually cheaper. SOTN is a goddamn masterpiece, easily in my top 3 games of all time.
I'm not quite sure though. Saturn version has some extra areas, better music, more items and two extra characters available from the start. I understand the graphics are a little worse, but is it a big deal? Or is there more that I am missing.
It does have some bonus stuff, but I played through both versions and it's really not worth the downgrade on the graphical side (the transparencies on the Saturn version are all dithered pixels vs. a true alpha channel), plus the sound effects sample rate seems to be worse on the Saturn.
The Saturn does have my favorite game pad of all time but the ps1 version controls just fine with the stock pad.
To each they're own - you'll love the game either way.
Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Tatsujin on December 16, 2013, 12:01:00 PM
Don't taint your first SOTN experience by playing the Saturn version. PS1 version is far superior and actually cheaper. SOTN is a goddamn masterpiece, easily in my top 3 games of all time.
I'm not quite sure though. Saturn version has some extra areas, better music, more items and two extra characters available from the start. I understand the graphics are a little worse, but is it a big deal? Or is there more that I am missing.
Saturn version has better gameplay.
Graphics aren't fully intact, but if the Saturn version looks bad, then the Playstation version always did as well.
???
it's general knowledge that the saturn was a cheap take over from the original playstation version with a lots of downgrades involved.
it's has no transparencies at all -> makes many thing look far worse (mist, waterfall, aura stuff etc.) looots of annyoing slowdwons, where there shouldn't be any -> better gameplay where? more often and longer loading times sometimes using different resolutions which make look things strange and blurry entirely missing back grounds less animations of certain enemies downsampled fx totally crappy done running horse at the beginning (don't even know of why they changed that completely from the PS version?)
the only good thing the saturn has are few added stages, which were all unfinished take out from the PS, which KCEN decided to add. while they're nice to have them (especially the cave one one for its music), they look unfinished and don't live up to the rest of the game.
also that you can choose different characters from the beginning, doesn't really make anything better. you're just spoiled for choice.
it's kind of a similar situation like with the PCE WoT -> MegaCD LoT port.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Digi.k on December 16, 2013, 02:04:07 PM
I quite like the Saturn version of SoTN. Yes it is rough around the edges and yes some of the effects are a big downgrade but also there are transparency effects and some of the enemies have death animations not seen in the psx version (making use of the saturn's sprite rotations etc) and others some effects were removed etc..
You also get to use a 3rd slot in the equipment screen where Alucard can equip a weapon, shield and food/potion iirc... and also later on in the game you can obtain godspeed shoes that allow Alucard to run..
Also quite like Maria character which you can use straight from the start and Ricter.
It's also a port by Konami Nagoya team which I have no idea who they are except they did most of the PSX ports to saturn and expect the port to suffer quite a bit..
But anyway if you got some spare cash and time and like importing. The Saturn will offer you a collection of eclectic and dulcet library of games.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Black Tiger on December 17, 2013, 05:43:10 AM
Don't taint your first SOTN experience by playing the Saturn version. PS1 version is far superior and actually cheaper. SOTN is a goddamn masterpiece, easily in my top 3 games of all time.
I'm not quite sure though. Saturn version has some extra areas, better music, more items and two extra characters available from the start. I understand the graphics are a little worse, but is it a big deal? Or is there more that I am missing.
Saturn version has better gameplay.
Graphics aren't fully intact, but if the Saturn version looks bad, then the Playstation version always did as well.
???
it's general knowledge that the saturn was a cheap take over from the original playstation version with a lots of downgrades involved.
it's has no transparencies at all -> makes many thing look far worse (mist, waterfall, aura stuff etc.) looots of annyoing slowdwons, where there shouldn't be any -> better gameplay where? more often and longer loading times sometimes using different resolutions which make look things strange and blurry entirely missing back grounds less animations of certain enemies
downsampled fx totally crappy done running horse at the beginning (don't even know of why they changed that completely from the PS version?)
the only good thing the saturn has are few added stages, which were all unfinished take out from the PS, which KCEN decided to add. while they're nice to have them (especially the cave one one for its music), they look unfinished and don't live up to the rest of the game.
also that you can choose different characters from the beginning, doesn't really make anything better. you're just spoiled for choice.
it's kind of a similar situation like with the PCE WoT -> MegaCD LoT port.
The Saturn version has an item that allows you to run as soon as you clear the first castle, so it's much faster all the time, even if it slows down in places. It also has a third hand to equip items to. So in order to use an item to say heal your self, you simply tap a button as you continue playing. On PSX you have to go into the menu screen, unequip your weapon and equip an item, exit to in-game gameplay, use the item, go back to the menu screen, equip your weapon, then finally return to gameplay.
I believe that there are some "real" transparencies as well, but some are missing altogether.
It's one of the many cases where "everybody" knows something based on what they heard from someone else, instead of experiencing multiple versions of a game themselves. Just like the myth that Sega-CD Lords of Thunder is a bad port and inferior in every way without any improvements.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: jeffhlewis on December 17, 2013, 06:32:48 AM
Don't taint your first SOTN experience by playing the Saturn version. PS1 version is far superior and actually cheaper. SOTN is a goddamn masterpiece, easily in my top 3 games of all time.
I'm not quite sure though. Saturn version has some extra areas, better music, more items and two extra characters available from the start. I understand the graphics are a little worse, but is it a big deal? Or is there more that I am missing.
Saturn version has better gameplay.
Graphics aren't fully intact, but if the Saturn version looks bad, then the Playstation version always did as well.
???
it's general knowledge that the saturn was a cheap take over from the original playstation version with a lots of downgrades involved.
it's has no transparencies at all -> makes many thing look far worse (mist, waterfall, aura stuff etc.) looots of annyoing slowdwons, where there shouldn't be any -> better gameplay where? more often and longer loading times sometimes using different resolutions which make look things strange and blurry entirely missing back grounds less animations of certain enemies
downsampled fx totally crappy done running horse at the beginning (don't even know of why they changed that completely from the PS version?)
the only good thing the saturn has are few added stages, which were all unfinished take out from the PS, which KCEN decided to add. while they're nice to have them (especially the cave one one for its music), they look unfinished and don't live up to the rest of the game.
also that you can choose different characters from the beginning, doesn't really make anything better. you're just spoiled for choice.
it's kind of a similar situation like with the PCE WoT -> MegaCD LoT port.
The Saturn version has an item that allows you to run as soon as you clear the first castle, so it's much faster all the time, even if it slows down in places. It also has a third hand to equip items to. So in order to use an item to say heal your self, you simply tap a button as you continue playing. On PSX you have to go into the menu screen, unequip your weapon and equip an item, exit to in-game gameplay, use the item, go back to the menu screen, equip your weapon, then finally return to gameplay.
I believe that there are some "real" transparencies as well, but some are missing altogether.
It's one of the many cases where "everybody" knows something based on what they heard from someone else, instead of experiencing multiple versions of a game themselves. Just like the myth that Sega-CD Lords of Thunder is a bad port and inferior in every way without any improvements.
I do own and have beaten both versions...just sayin'
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Tatsujin on December 17, 2013, 12:36:07 PM
Don't taint your first SOTN experience by playing the Saturn version. PS1 version is far superior and actually cheaper. SOTN is a goddamn masterpiece, easily in my top 3 games of all time.
I'm not quite sure though. Saturn version has some extra areas, better music, more items and two extra characters available from the start. I understand the graphics are a little worse, but is it a big deal? Or is there more that I am missing.
Saturn version has better gameplay.
Graphics aren't fully intact, but if the Saturn version looks bad, then the Playstation version always did as well.
???
it's general knowledge that the saturn was a cheap take over from the original playstation version with a lots of downgrades involved.
it's has no transparencies at all -> makes many thing look far worse (mist, waterfall, aura stuff etc.) looots of annyoing slowdwons, where there shouldn't be any -> better gameplay where? more often and longer loading times sometimes using different resolutions which make look things strange and blurry entirely missing back grounds less animations of certain enemies
downsampled fx totally crappy done running horse at the beginning (don't even know of why they changed that completely from the PS version?)
the only good thing the saturn has are few added stages, which were all unfinished take out from the PS, which KCEN decided to add. while they're nice to have them (especially the cave one one for its music), they look unfinished and don't live up to the rest of the game.
also that you can choose different characters from the beginning, doesn't really make anything better. you're just spoiled for choice.
it's kind of a similar situation like with the PCE WoT -> MegaCD LoT port.
The Saturn version has an item that allows you to run as soon as you clear the first castle, so it's much faster all the time, even if it slows down in places. It also has a third hand to equip items to. So in order to use an item to say heal your self, you simply tap a button as you continue playing. On PSX you have to go into the menu screen, unequip your weapon and equip an item, exit to in-game gameplay, use the item, go back to the menu screen, equip your weapon, then finally return to gameplay.
I believe that there are some "real" transparencies as well, but some are missing altogether.
It's one of the many cases where "everybody" knows something based on what they heard from someone else, instead of experiencing multiple versions of a game themselves. Just like the myth that Sega-CD Lords of Thunder is a bad port and inferior in every way without any improvements.
I also own and have played both bitd when they came out and I was utterly disapointed with the saturn port. started already in the prologue with that crappy horse (WTHF?), and prior that when you beat the last boss from rondo and it turned into that burning sepia pic which was done in such an unspectacular way, very slow and unpeppy, distroyed the whole atmosphere right there which the PSX one had.. next running as the werewolf through the first stage and the game almost freezes completely from the massive slowdown attack. and it goes just on like that. as for me, no thanks.
Just like the myth that Sega-CD Lords of Thunder is a bad port and inferior in every way without any improvements.
but this is also true. it sure is no crappy game and if there wasn't a PCE WoT this would be the game of games. but that's not the case, so the way it is now it sure is 99% inferior to the PCE WoT in every way.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Gogan on December 17, 2013, 02:59:05 PM
I believe I asked this forum the same question about the Saturn. I bought one and an action replay. Needless to say I love it. Saturn is kickass.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: turbokon on December 17, 2013, 03:03:07 PM
Sadly I don't have a Saturn in my retro collection.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: gamefreak054 on December 17, 2013, 06:45:38 PM
I do have to say, I thought radiant silvergun was a masterpiece.
Agreed, I thought it was highly overrated the first day I received my copy. I was about to resell it. I put some more time into, and its absurd how much better the game gets.
I am absolutely horrendous at it though.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: TR0N on December 17, 2013, 07:13:27 PM
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: geise on December 18, 2013, 06:13:22 AM
Everyone needs to listen to Ark and buy a Saturn for Elevator Action Returns! I have had it since 97 and I still play it at least every other month. It will never get old. Having a Saturn for the other Taito F3 hardware games is reason enough for me to own a Saturn. Also mentioned earlier in this thread Steam Gear Mash is super fun and a $4 game.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: lukester on December 18, 2013, 07:28:16 AM
I think I killed 3 birds with one stone (needed Genesis and Sega CD as well, nice price).
All this stuff individually would have cost me much more, so I am fortunate.
No Saturn controller, so I would still need to get a Saturn 3D controller and NIGHTS, and some other games for the other systems.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: xelement5x on December 18, 2013, 07:38:19 AM
That's a nice deal! I'd get a regular Saturn pad before you got a 3D controller though, there are 2 versions and most people generally say the second revision (the same as a JP pad) is the better one.
The original version is a bit bulkier, but I really don't mind it personally. The bulkier one is the one that I used to play almost everything back when I originally got my system.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: jeffhlewis on December 18, 2013, 09:17:46 AM
The 2nd gen Saturn controller is my favorite 2D gamepad of all time - fits great in the hand, 6-button Capcom-style layout with two shoulders, and the d-pad is perfect. It's like the Genesis 6-button but way better.
The 3D pad is a cool novelty, but a bit clunky for games that aren't Nights. You can totally see how it influenced the design of the Dreamcast controller though. Get the Japanese one if you can - it's sexier than the U.S. black design.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: roflmao on December 18, 2013, 01:19:38 PM
I haven't been on the forums in a few days so missed out on this conversation, but I remember posing a similar question a couple (few?) years ago and was convinced to keep my Saturn. While I don't think it has nearly as many amazing titles as the obey family, there are enough to keep me from selling it. Luckily, I purchased most of my Saturn collection back when they were bargain bin items at Electronics Boutique, but here are some games I think are much fun on the system:
Mass Destruction (This game is sooo much mindless fun!) Bust a Move 2 Nights/Christmas Nights (I actually prefer Christmas Nights though it's probably not as long of a game) Darius Gaiden (Hard as nails, and can be found on the PS2 Taito Legends 2 disc for much less) Saturn Bomberman (TG/PCE versions honestly offer a better single player expericence, but if you can ever get 10 people together to play Bomberman, this it the way to go! And it has sweet cutscenes) Dragonforce (This is probably the singular reason I've held onto my system, though I wouldn't justify spending what it's going for these days)
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: DragonmasterDan on December 18, 2013, 01:39:26 PM
Dragonforce (This is probably the singular reason I've held onto my system, though I wouldn't justify spending what it's going for these days)
This is my favorite 32-bit game ever.
As far as the Saturn version of Symphony of the Night goes. It's definitely inferior to the Playstation port overall. There is a PSP version that has different added areas and a re-localization as well.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: KingDrool on December 19, 2013, 03:56:47 AM
Have we mentioned Last Gladiators Digital Pinball yet? No? Get it. It should be no more than $15. There's an iOS version if you want to try it out, too.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: VenomMacbeth on December 19, 2013, 05:45:31 AM
How does the 3D pad fare with other non-Nights 3D games? Like Virtual On, Quake, etc.?
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Nando on December 19, 2013, 06:16:35 AM
Have we mentioned Last Gladiators Digital Pinball yet? No? Get it. It should be no more than $15. There's an iOS version if you want to try it out, too.
I love digital pinball and this is one of the best offerings the genre ever saw.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: MrFlutterPie on December 19, 2013, 10:40:50 AM
No Saturn controller, so I would still need to get a Saturn 3D controller and NIGHTS, and some other games for the other systems.
Holy crap look at that feedback. Hope everything works out for you. --------------
I just bought Skeleton Warriors CIB for 5 bucks. I am having fun with it :)
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: TR0N on December 19, 2013, 06:33:15 PM
Obey the Segata Sanshiro !!
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: BigusSchmuck on December 20, 2013, 03:02:18 PM
Daytona! Get it at the very least for the soundtrack.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: SNKNostalgia on December 30, 2013, 12:02:03 PM
Games like Megaman 8, and all SNK and Capcom fighters are better on the Saturn than the PS1. Mostly they are improved in graphics and performance. I bought my Blue Derby Skeletal JP Saturn new for $200 back in 2000 with a ST Key cart. At the time I got it mainly for Dragon Force and Guardian Heroes. Worth owning it just for those two games. Later on I bought Assault Suit Leynos, both X-men/Marvel vs Street Fighter, Vampire Savior, and a few others.
When I got back into playing my Saturn again in 2006, the prices were too high for some games I wanted to play. So, I got a US black round button model Saturn and installed a mod chip to play CD-Rs, lol. Yeah, I know it looks bad, but I refuse to pay those prices for games like Panzer Dragoon Saga, Radiant Silvergun, Hyper Duel, etc....
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: DragonmasterDan on December 30, 2013, 09:57:23 PM
Games like Megaman 8, and all SNK and Capcom fighters are better on the Saturn than the PS1. Mostly they are improved in graphics and performance. I bought my Blue Derby Skeletal JP Saturn new for $200 back in 2000 with a ST Key cart. At the time I got it mainly for Dragon Force and Guardian Heroes. Worth owning it just for those two games. Later on I bought Assault Suit Leynos, both X-men/Marvel vs Street Fighter, Vampire Savior, and a few others.
When I got back into playing my Saturn again in 2006, the prices were too high for some games I wanted to play. So, I got a US black round button model Saturn and installed a mod chip to play CD-Rs, lol. Yeah, I know it looks bad, but I refuse to pay those prices for games like Panzer Dragoon Saga, Radiant Silvergun, Hyper Duel, etc....
And the mod chip is useful for English fanslated games like Dragon Force II, and the Shining Force III scenario 2 and 3 discs.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: geise on January 01, 2014, 11:49:00 AM
There's now a Dragon Force II translation? Complete? *goes to google*
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: DragonmasterDan on January 01, 2014, 11:16:36 PM
There's now a Dragon Force II translation? Complete? *goes to google*
Not complete.
Work in progress but playable. All of the key menus are in English. With a walkthrough to be used when you get stuck in a story section and the current state of the translation it's quite playable.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: munchiaz on January 02, 2014, 02:54:34 AM
I just use the swap trick when playing burned games on the Saturn. I really need to sit down and play through dragonforce
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Xak on January 02, 2014, 04:43:44 AM
^I heard the swap without any devices can damage your sytem in the long haul be careful. I had a gameshark or something like it that was supposed to boot the burned games for you but I could never get it to work. I gotta put my burned games on PC oh well, better output image.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: munchiaz on January 02, 2014, 05:19:48 AM
I do have a action replay 4MB cart now, i think that will allow me to play burned games, but i havent tried yet
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: SuperDeadite on January 02, 2014, 12:45:58 PM
I do have a action replay 4MB cart now, i think that will allow me to play burned games, but i havent tried yet
No. It just defeats the region lockout (software codes), the copy protection is hardware (the custom edge ring on Saturn discs), no cart beats it. Just get a modchip, installing a Saturn modchip is like the easiest install ever, you solder just one wire for power, otherwise it's plug and play.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: munchiaz on January 02, 2014, 01:13:40 PM
I do have a action replay 4MB cart now, i think that will allow me to play burned games, but i havent tried yet
I may have to do that.
No. It just defeats the region lockout (software codes), the copy protection is hardware (the custom edge ring on Saturn discs), no cart beats it. Just get a modchip, installing a Saturn modchip is like the easiest install ever, you solder just one wire for power, otherwise it's plug and play.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: SNKNostalgia on January 02, 2014, 06:34:05 PM
The main thing is to get the right modchip. The blue board ones you would get from Racketboy and JL Games back in the day are not reliable. I had to get one of the bigger one with the ribbon cable built into it from a UK seller back in 2006. I would assume it is even more of a pain now. Also, some Saturns won't work with some modchips or all mod chips. My Blue Skeletal Saturn wouldn't boot with any of them due to the latest bios from '97 since it was the last Saturn model produced that I know of.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: DragonmasterDan on January 02, 2014, 09:51:55 PM
My Blue Skeletal Saturn wouldn't boot with any of them due to the latest bios from '97 since it was the last Saturn model produced that I know of.
The Derby Stallion model?
From what I've heard it has issues with some of the SNK RAM cart games as well.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: lukester on January 03, 2014, 08:43:53 AM
Got my package today! Genesis, Sega CD, and Saturn! And a billion controllers.
Gotta get me some games now...
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: lukester on January 03, 2014, 10:13:03 AM
Just ordered Sega Rally and Street Fighter Alpha, with a controller for now. Will get that Action 4 in 1 cart at some point.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: roflmao on January 03, 2014, 10:32:41 AM
Gamesharks also allow you to play imports (though not the 4meg ones) and I think they can be found pretty cheap. I use mine to play Skull Fang, Christmas Nights, and Myst (Aw, yeah!). :D
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: SuperDeadite on January 03, 2014, 10:44:19 AM
The Gameshark's PCB was made too wide and is notorious for destroying the Saturn's cart port. Very much not recommended, hence the cheap. Plus no RAM expansion, don't bother.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: DragonmasterDan on January 04, 2014, 12:05:18 AM
The Gameshark's PCB was made too wide and is notorious for destroying the Saturn's cart port. Very much not recommended, hence the cheap. Plus no RAM expansion, don't bother.
Every third party cart I've ever seen lacks the tapered edges of the Sega made carts which contribute to bending the pins on the Saturn cart port. I've given up monkeying with cartridges and leave an official Sega memory card in my Saturns permanently.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: TheClash603 on January 04, 2014, 09:59:22 AM
The Gameshark's PCB was made too wide and is notorious for destroying the Saturn's cart port. Very much not recommended, hence the cheap. Plus no RAM expansion, don't bother.
Every third party cart I've ever seen lacks the tapered edges of the Sega made carts which contribute to bending the pins on the Saturn cart port. I've given up monkeying with cartridges and leave an official Sega memory card in my Saturns permanently.
Ditto.
My Game Shark lasted me the entirety of the Saturn's commercial lifespan. Then when I got back from college and tried to get it going, I could never get it to work again. My cartridge slot also never would read another cart, except for the genuine Sega memory cart. I do wish I could get my saves off that Game Shark somehow, as I have some good stuff on there... Romance of the Three Kingdoms epic games if I recall.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: DragonmasterDan on January 04, 2014, 10:23:53 AM
The Gameshark's PCB was made too wide and is notorious for destroying the Saturn's cart port. Very much not recommended, hence the cheap. Plus no RAM expansion, don't bother.
Every third party cart I've ever seen lacks the tapered edges of the Sega made carts which contribute to bending the pins on the Saturn cart port. I've given up monkeying with cartridges and leave an official Sega memory card in my Saturns permanently.
Ditto.
My Game Shark lasted me the entirety of the Saturn's commercial lifespan. Then when I got back from college and tried to get it going, I could never get it to work again. My cartridge slot also never would read another cart, except for the genuine Sega memory cart. I do wish I could get my saves off that Game Shark somehow, as I have some good stuff on there... Romance of the Three Kingdoms epic games if I recall.
I've gone through many many Saturns due to the cartridge slot. When the system was still contemporary I owned a netlink, official card, third party card, game shark, action replay, etc. I would buy used ones at Funcoland, they'd last a few months, then use the warranty plan to swap them out for one with a working cart slot. Over the years I've probably gone through a dozen or more Saturns. I've totally given up using anything with the RAM cart.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: roflmao on January 04, 2014, 04:52:16 PM
I've heard horror stories (like the ones posted above) of the ram cart slot, but surprisingly, my original Saturn has been going strong with my Gameshark for something like 15 years now. Every once in awhile I'll have to unplug it and plug it back in, but it's not frequent enough to be much of a bother. I don't have it plugged in all the time, so maybe that's a good thing. But it's gotten a fair amount of use over the years (back when I had a larger Saturn collection and used it for the cheats). Lately, I just use it to play imports.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: DragonmasterDan on January 05, 2014, 04:28:06 AM
I've heard horror stories (like the ones posted above) of the ram cart slot, but surprisingly, my original Saturn has been going strong with my Gameshark for something like 15 years now. Every once in awhile I'll have to unplug it and plug it back in, but it's not frequent enough to be much of a bother. I don't have it plugged in all the time, so maybe that's a good thing. But it's gotten a fair amount of use over the years (back when I had a larger Saturn collection and used it for the cheats). Lately, I just use it to play imports.
The number of times you can insert Saturn carts is fairly limited. The fact that the GameShark isn't reading every time tells me you're starting to get problems with pins bending and not making perfect contact. The GameShark is possibly the easiest cartridge to get a read from due to how thick the PCB is.
When I was swapping between cartridges constantly I was wearing out the cart slots in a matter of months. I've taken the approach of permanently leaving official Sega memory carts in my Saturns, not moving them and not attempting to use the RAM cart or any third party carts.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: KnightWarrior on January 05, 2014, 10:42:24 AM
Import Gaming is better on the Saturn
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Nando on January 06, 2014, 01:12:13 AM
Listen to DDAN!!!
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: lukester on January 06, 2014, 10:20:26 AM
Got my first Saturn game! :dance:
Street Fighter Alpha 1 CIB.
God that box-art is ugly.
Still need a controller to play though. :(
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Black Tiger on January 06, 2014, 12:23:09 PM
You should have bought the PSX version instead, it has BLUE SHADOWS. Since the Saturn hardware cannot handle transparency effects, the shadows in its version are normal sprites with a blue transparency layer over top. The PSX version has arcade-authentic non-translucency blue gradient shadows because it can do hardware transparencies.
The Saturn version also sucks because it has scratchy arcade-authentic voice samples. Hardcore gamers who will accept nothing short of arcade-perfection must have arcade-imperfect improved sound samples.
Worst of all, the Saturn version plays better and loads faster.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Tatsujin on January 06, 2014, 12:44:58 PM
if you want get the very best out of the 32-bit 2D era, there's no way that goes around of owning a Saturn and a PS1 together.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Punch on January 06, 2014, 12:47:51 PM
Oh no!!! The PS has lost a battle of ports epically because of missing effects and unfaithfulness to the arcade version!
Can we just all get along, and you know, play a little of Mario 64, some Metal Gear Solid... :P
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: jeffhlewis on January 06, 2014, 01:32:22 PM
Vampire Savior is a must-own import. Damn near arcade perfect and load times are almost imperceptible.
Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: BigusSchmuck on January 06, 2014, 04:22:09 PM
Gamesharks also allow you to play imports (though not the 4meg ones) and I think they can be found pretty cheap. I use mine to play Skull Fang, Christmas Nights, and Myst (Aw, yeah!). :D
Are you sure about that? http://www.amazon.com/Action-Replay-4M-Plus-enhancement-Sega/dp/B008FPMBNG According to amazon it claims the action-replay plus 4m has the ability to play imports...
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: roflmao on January 06, 2014, 05:09:06 PM
Gamesharks also allow you to play imports (though not the 4meg ones) and I think they can be found pretty cheap. I use mine to play Skull Fang, Christmas Nights, and Myst (Aw, yeah!). :D
Are you sure about that? http://www.amazon.com/Action-Replay-4M-Plus-enhancement-Sega/dp/B008FPMBNG According to amazon it claims the action-replay plus 4m has the ability to play imports...
I never said the action replay couldn't play imports, I was merely offering a cheaper alternative that I've been using for a long time. Apparently, my console is made of the stuff of gods and has withheld the absolute torture that gamsharks are capable of.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: MrBroadway on January 06, 2014, 05:25:32 PM
The problems with the Game Shark come from repeated insertion and removal. If you keep it in there all the time, then no problems will arise, especially if you don't put anything else in there.
Personally, I say go with the 4MB Action Replay.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: roflmao on January 06, 2014, 05:32:41 PM
Yeah.. my Gameshark has been in and out of my Saturn like a crooked politician at a cathouse.
But the internet knows all, so I must be a fluke. :p
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: MrBroadway on January 06, 2014, 07:54:08 PM
You should have bought the PSX version instead, it has BLUE SHADOWS. Since the Saturn hardware cannot handle transparency effects, the shadows in its version are normal sprites with a blue transparency layer over top. The PSX version has arcade-authentic non-translucency blue gradient shadows because it can do hardware transparencies.
The Saturn version also sucks because it has scratchy arcade-authentic voice samples. Hardcore gamers who will accept nothing short of arcade-perfection must have arcade-imperfect improved sound samples.
Worst of all, the Saturn version plays better and loads faster.
I liked that article on your site. :)
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Digi.k on January 07, 2014, 04:30:47 AM
You should have bought the PSX version instead, it has BLUE SHADOWS. Since the Saturn hardware cannot handle transparency effects, the shadows in its version are normal sprites with a blue transparency layer over top. The PSX version has arcade-authentic non-translucency blue gradient shadows because it can do hardware transparencies.
Worst of all, the Saturn version plays better and loads faster.
The samples in the saturn versions are quite scorchy. I think to get the original shadows you select "original" on the music option screen.
Vampire hunter and Alpha 2 on the other hand.... while samples still not as clear as the psx version, everything else.....
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: lukester on January 10, 2014, 01:02:19 PM
Finally was able to play my Saturn!
Have only played Sega Rally Championship. Seems fun, but odd. You respond to prompts on the screen.
Also, the d-pad may not be the best fit for the job. I need a 3D controller soon.
Haven't tried Street Fighter Alpha and Madden 97 yet.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Arkhan on January 10, 2014, 02:17:39 PM
Lukester, I saw an AR cart for Sega Saturn at a gameshop over here by 20$.
Do you need one for all the imports? 20$ is cheeps.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: lukester on January 10, 2014, 02:47:09 PM
Arkhan, is it a 4 in 1? I would be interested. :)
Played street fighter alpha. Is fun, but seems very easy. Not much better than super street fighter ii, but power level aging super bar is cool.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: KnightWarrior on January 11, 2014, 06:34:16 AM
I just keep my Action Replay in my Saturn
Is there a way you could bent the pin in the Saturn cart slot?
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Xak on January 11, 2014, 07:11:10 AM
Let me know how Madden 97 compares to Gameday 97.
Gameday 96 and 97 are still fun and playable today in 2013. Gameday 97 INVENTED "total control passing"
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Arkhan on January 11, 2014, 07:47:55 AM
I have tried many hours of getting it to work, but it didn't. Nor did a second Game Shark I had.
With a little wiggle, I can get my official cart to work nearly every time.
Having done this far more times than I'd like to admit over the years. sometimes you have to take a folded piece of paper, put it between the cartridge and the slot, this pushes the pins on the cartridge into making contact with some of the bent pins on the slot. You have to find a sweet spot. With that said, this isn't a perfect system as if you remove the paper, let alone the cart it will stop working.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: yoyo on January 16, 2014, 09:00:44 PM
Most DEFINITELY worth it, I need to start showing mine more love and I also need to make it import-friendly.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Ji-L87 on January 16, 2014, 10:59:08 PM
Q: Is Sega Saturn worth it? A: Of course, and ignore anyone who says otherwise.
+1
One of my favorite consoles - bonus points for best external memory card. Saving & loading is a breeze and it makes the PS 1 memory card feel slow and cramped.
As you'd expect, the most wanted titles is insanely expensive, but good games can be had for dirt cheap.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: yoyo on January 16, 2014, 11:34:56 PM
Q: Is Sega Saturn worth it? A: Of course, and ignore anyone who says otherwise.
+1
One of my favorite consoles - bonus points for best external memory card. Saving & loading is a breeze and it makes the PS 1 memory card feel slow and cramped.
As you'd expect, the most wanted titles is insanely expensive, but good games can be had for dirt cheap.
I remember trying to save games on a PSX memory card, it did seem pretty slow, esp compared to a Saturn memory card. Waited forever for the save menu to pop up, waited forever for the file to write, and waited forever for exiting the menu to go back to the game.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Tatsujin on January 17, 2014, 12:45:04 AM
that's quite a lot forevers you waited there.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: DragonmasterDan on January 17, 2014, 06:05:35 AM
I remember trying to save games on a PSX memory card, it did seem pretty slow, esp compared to a Saturn memory card. Waited forever for the save menu to pop up, waited forever for the file to write, and waited forever for exiting the menu to go back to the game.
The Saturn cartridge slot provides a lot more bandwidth to save than does the Playstation memory card slot. The downside is of course that a lot of Saturn memory card slots are jacked up and I've seen games freeze in attempting to save when good contact isn't being made.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: munchiaz on January 17, 2014, 06:26:58 AM
I remember trying to save games on a PSX memory card, it did seem pretty slow, esp compared to a Saturn memory card. Waited forever for the save menu to pop up, waited forever for the file to write, and waited forever for exiting the menu to go back to the game.
The Saturn cartridge slot provides a lot more bandwidth to save than does the Playstation memory card slot. The downside is of course that a lot of Saturn memory card slots are jacked up and I've seen games freeze in attempting to save when good contact isn't being made.
So would the best bet be, transfer files on the Saturn to a memory card, and keep the saturn on board memory clean to save what you are currently playing?
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: yoyo on January 17, 2014, 11:50:58 AM
So would the best bet be, transfer files on the Saturn to a memory card, and keep the saturn on board memory clean to save what you are currently playing?
Yep, that's a good bet. There also exists a floppy drive peripheral for the Japanese Saturn for saves.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Nando on January 21, 2014, 02:33:24 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ul_XLHRrpdM
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: jeffhlewis on January 21, 2014, 03:54:26 PM
From the comments: @nintendoman456 The Chinese weren't playing Sega Saturn in the old colonial days, Segata Sanshiro was sent in and the rape on Nanking happened. How Sega has fallen...
Oh Internet...
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: SNKNostalgia on January 22, 2014, 02:28:17 AM
I remember trying to save games on a PSX memory card, it did seem pretty slow, esp compared to a Saturn memory card. Waited forever for the save menu to pop up, waited forever for the file to write, and waited forever for exiting the menu to go back to the game.
The Saturn cartridge slot provides a lot more bandwidth to save than does the Playstation memory card slot. The downside is of course that a lot of Saturn memory card slots are jacked up and I've seen games freeze in attempting to save when good contact isn't being made.
So would the best bet be, transfer files on the Saturn to a memory card, and keep the saturn on board memory clean to save what you are currently playing?
This is why the 4-in-1 AR does everything needed. It works as a back memory cart, but not as a save memory cart. I just make sure to clear some space with the internal memory before firing up a big memory using game like Dragon Force or something. It works with all 1MB and 4MB games minus KOF '95. I never have to unplug the cart and it isn't thick and destructive like the Game Shark.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Nando on January 22, 2014, 03:42:26 AM
From the comments: @nintendoman456 The Chinese weren't playing Sega Saturn in the old colonial days, Segata Sanshiro was sent in and the rape on Nanking happened. How Sega has fallen...
Oh Internet...
UGh! why I rarely to never read the comments.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: DragonmasterDan on January 22, 2014, 10:30:56 AM
I remember trying to save games on a PSX memory card, it did seem pretty slow, esp compared to a Saturn memory card. Waited forever for the save menu to pop up, waited forever for the file to write, and waited forever for exiting the menu to go back to the game.
The Saturn cartridge slot provides a lot more bandwidth to save than does the Playstation memory card slot. The downside is of course that a lot of Saturn memory card slots are jacked up and I've seen games freeze in attempting to save when good contact isn't being made.
So would the best bet be, transfer files on the Saturn to a memory card, and keep the saturn on board memory clean to save what you are currently playing?
This is why the 4-in-1 AR does everything needed. It works as a back memory cart, but not as a save memory cart. I just make sure to clear some space with the internal memory before firing up a big memory using game like Dragon Force or something. It works with all 1MB and 4MB games minus KOF '95. I never have to unplug the cart and it isn't thick and destructive like the Game Shark.
The 4-in-1 and possibly Capcom's 4 meg cart are said to not run 1 meg cart games properly and at best only cause slowdown. Some early 4-in-1 carts have a 1 meg mode switch on them.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: SNKNostalgia on January 29, 2014, 12:10:38 PM
Depends on which model you have. I got one the better ones from NCSX back in 2001 or so. Some you even have to cut a trace and solder a wire I believe to get Vampire Savior working. I have no problems at all with my cart luckily. I have tested it out on a lot of games. Even if some games do cause problems, you rarely have to change out the cart.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Black Tiger on January 29, 2014, 12:12:51 PM
Saturns and Capcom 4-meg carts are cheap today anyways, so it's a non-issue.
X-Men VS Street Fighter with the cart cost me $230 bitd.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: IrishNinja on February 03, 2014, 07:00:56 PM
i love this thread. and in the Year of the Saturn (20th anniversary) no less!
prices are spiking, especially on US stuff - even common ones! much like the turbo scene, there's better deals on the import end except for the big name J-only ones. i can't recommend enough the idea of emulating, watching youtube etc about the big ticket items to see if they're really worth it to you, then patiently holding out for a deal - sometimes craigslist, mainly forums though. for me, a few japanese sellers on ebay were totally worth it for SHMUPs/fighters/run-n-guns etc, usually buying at least a few at cheap prices to balance out the shipping (which also isn't bad once combined). i got a model 2 with unibios + CD-r support mods for less than $100 about a year ago, and it's been the single most played console i have since then, including the PS4.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: TR0N on February 04, 2014, 06:03:24 PM
i love this thread. and in the Year of the Saturn (20th anniversary) no less!
prices are spiking, especially on US stuff - even common ones! much like the turbo scene, there's better deals on the import end except for the big name J-only ones. i can't recommend enough the idea of emulating, watching youtube etc about the big ticket items to see if they're really worth it to you, then patiently holding out for a deal - sometimes craigslist, mainly forums though. for me, a few japanese sellers on ebay were totally worth it for SHMUPs/fighters/run-n-guns etc, usually buying at least a few at cheap prices to balance out the shipping (which also isn't bad once combined). i got a model 2 with unibios + CD-r support mods for less than $100 about a year ago, and it's been the single most played console i have since then, including the PS4.
That's often why it's best to import for the saturn just like with TG16.When i was buying for the saturn,many years ago i had the common sense to keep what i bought for it.Good thing to given how games such as pds cost a fortune now.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Nando on February 05, 2014, 04:01:57 AM
That's often why it's best to import for the saturn just like with TG16.When i was buying for the saturn,many years ago i had the common sense to keep what i bought for it.Good thing to given how games such as pds cost a fortune now.
This is the best advice for the Saturn. Domestic (UK and US) games are expensive and really, you can get the same enjoyment out of most them with you can use translation guide etc to get just as much out of them with just a little more hassle. I'm glad I had a Saturn when they current and picked most of the games up when they were reduced in bargain bins. I remember picking up PDS for £30 on release and I still have that copy...I wouldn't like to go out and buy it now.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: BigusSchmuck on February 09, 2014, 12:37:38 PM
I did manage to snag a U.S copy of Panzeer Dragoon Saga for 150 dollars. For that gem alone is reason enough to own a Saturn.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: burn_654 on February 09, 2014, 03:26:39 PM
Saturn is totally worth it! I had psx that generation and while I certainly didn't regret that decision, Saturn has some great Sega exclusives and 2d powerhouses.
Anyone into saturn should do themselves a huge favor and get the Action Replay 4M cart - defeats region protection, gives you action replay codes, the expanded memory for fighting games, and an alternative means of backing up saves (while you can't save to it directly, you can backup selected saves from the built-in saturn ram, not unlike some of the tennoko cards). I've heard it's bad for the cartridge slot, but I'd imagine that'd have to be from inserting it repeatedly. As far as I'm concerned it's the permanent cartridge for me.
I'd recommend Saturn Bomberman (up to 10 players on one screen) and Bulk Slash, a very fun arcadey mecha title also from our Hudson overlords!
Nights is a must play as well!
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Ji-L87 on February 09, 2014, 11:00:55 PM
Actually, if you're in the process of hunting down a Saturn, get a PS1 while you're at it. It complements the Saturn so well. Or maybe it's the other way around. Anyway, I bought my import PS One dirt cheap and the Saturn & PS1 just makes for a great, enjoyable budget combo of awesomeness. :mrgreen:
I'd recommend Saturn Bomberman (up to 10 players on one screen) and Bulk Slash, a very fun arcadey mecha title also from our Hudson overlords!
Bulk Slash is great fun. If you can find it for a good price. #-o It seem to be a bit rare and personally I lucked out on Yahoo auctions. I've seen it on eBay a few times but prices were always a bit high, which really sucks, cause it's a real charming game and I want more people to experience it, dammit. :dance:
Edit: Bomberman & Nights are still on the list of things to get.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: IrishNinja on February 14, 2014, 08:34:34 PM
^i said goddamn. on one hand i had to pay $250 for PDS recently; on the other, X-Men vs SF was less than $30 shipped. i guess it almost balances out?
That's often why it's best to import for the saturn just like with TG16.When i was buying for the saturn,many years ago i had the common sense to keep what i bought for it.Good thing to given how games such as pds cost a fortune now.
seriously, it's such a better deal. and yeah, good on you to hold onto your stuff...my white whales are down to Shining Force III & Burning Rangers, and neither are looking to come cheap sadly.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: TR0N on February 14, 2014, 10:36:31 PM
That's often why it's best to import for the saturn just like with TG16.When i was buying for the saturn,many years ago i had the common sense to keep what i bought for it.Good thing to given how games such as pds cost a fortune now.
seriously, it's such a better deal. and yeah, good on you to hold onto your stuff...my white whales are down to Shining Force III & Burning Rangers, and neither are looking to come cheap sadly.
I was a early adopter of the saturn.Even after the console died in 98 i continue to buy for it,before long having plenty for it.For PDS i bought the game right after it's release through a babbages.Little did i know then how the game would be come very valuable.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: IrishNinja on February 16, 2014, 09:27:59 PM
^lucky dog!
my last few purchases added to be quite a bit:
Salamander Deluxe Pack - $40 DoDonPachi - $40 Elevator Action Returns - $40 Magic Knight Rayearth - $115 Marvel vs SF - $23 Akumajo Dracula X - $60
and those seriously took some looking, too. I'm wiped, god knows if and when i'll ever find deals on Shining III or Burning Rangers.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: esadajr on February 17, 2014, 05:04:42 AM
for sure get a backup cart, it is frustating losing your progress on games like MKR. That would be my only complain about the system, other than that I really like it, it has good games like Daytona, Sega Rally, Nights, MKR, Sonic R, Burning Rangers, the awesome Capcom arcade ports, etc etc
I say it's worth it, some games can be expensive but most of them are not too bad.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: DragonmasterDan on February 17, 2014, 06:45:40 AM
for sure get a backup cart, it is frustating losing your progress on games like MKR. That would be my only complain about the system, other than that I really like it, it has good games like Daytona, Sega Rally, Nights, MKR, Sonic R, Burning Rangers, the awesome Capcom arcade ports, etc etc
I say it's worth it, some games can be expensive but most of them are not too bad.
Get an official backup cart, once you get it working do not remove it from the cart slot.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Fidde_se on February 21, 2014, 02:35:33 AM
If you don't feel like buying a new Saturn you can buy a new BIOS and install that lets you play all regions (not CDR).
The Japanese SHMUP is all worth it.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: ClodBuster on March 22, 2014, 10:44:25 PM
I really like the look of the Saturn Hardware and played with the idea of getting either a dark grey or white Japanese one. However, there are simply no games of my interest that would have justified this purchase.
I can see the appeal for fans of 2D beat 'em ups. I can also see the appeal due to its good library of shooting games. But I don't care for the former genre, and all the Shmups I really want my hands on (e.g. Gradius, Parodius series and Salamander Series) are already in my collection for the PlayStation, and the rest of good shooters are covered by my Turbo Duo.
Back in the '90ies, I was in awe when standing in front of Sega Rally and Daytona - today they've lost much of their greatness to me and I really don't like the thought of playing a 3D racing game with a D-Pad. I'm not that big fan of the old Sega franchises, too, so there's little interest for compilation discs of the '80ies/early '90ies Sega Arcade games.
What I see is, a lot of Japanese Saturn games are way cheaper than their PlayStation counterparts. And damn, that console and controller are sexy.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: jtucci31 on April 07, 2014, 04:03:16 PM
I was just thinking about getting into the Saturn the other day and finding this thread is just what i need. How perfect!
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: synbiosfan on April 07, 2014, 04:34:32 PM
As a longtime Saturn collector, I say yes!
There are so many gems, covering every genre. It's still the system I've logged the most hours on because of games like Panzer Dragoon Saga, Dragon Force and the game that has the character my name comes from Shining Force III.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: IrishNinja on April 11, 2014, 08:34:09 AM
i just picked up Chase HQ a few weeks back for $30, between that & Elevator Action Returns i'm happy like a clam! such an amazing arcade box, even before you get into all the awesome SHMUPs & fighters.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: NessFreaK on April 23, 2014, 08:43:40 AM
It's definitely a money system, with most of the good games being at least 100 bucks a pop, but YES. I love my saturn <3
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Digi.k on April 23, 2014, 11:13:42 PM
That's often why it's best to import for the saturn just like with TG16.When i was buying for the saturn,many years ago i had the common sense to keep what i bought for it.Good thing to given how games such as pds cost a fortune now.
This is the best advice for the Saturn. Domestic (UK and US) games are expensive and really, you can get the same enjoyment out of most them with you can use translation guide etc to get just as much out of them with just a little more hassle. I'm glad I had a Saturn when they current and picked most of the games up when they were reduced in bargain bins. I remember picking up PDS for £30 on release and I still have that copy...I wouldn't like to go out and buy it now.
Well who knew back then the prices that these games would fetch today... Back then in 98 I paid roughly 37 quid for my PDS at Virgin Megastores brand new.
Salamander Deluxe Pack - $40 DoDonPachi - $40 Elevator Action Returns - $40 Magic Knight Rayearth - $115 Marvel vs SF - $23 Akumajo Dracula X - $60
and those seriously took some looking, too. I'm wiped, god knows if and when i'll ever find deals on Shining III or Burning Rangers.
Man if I knew the money people would pay for the Working Designs version of MKR I would have kept it till today. Mine had the original sticker sheet and also I had bought the original figures that were made by Sega during a trip to hong kong many years ago and I sold them together some time ago..
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Ninja Spirit on April 24, 2014, 02:56:49 AM
Made some really solid Saturn scores over the past year or so... (http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/a7369fcec1f811e391dc0002c9d6e4ae_8.jpg) (http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/667ce03eb67611e38b2812cb779e5d54_8.jpg) (http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/67353f548b0011e39b170ed80c6345d1_8.jpg) (http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/8d2eb3c2119611e382d422000a9e516a_7.jpg) (http://distilleryimage5.s3.amazonaws.com/6973176ecafd11e2a19522000a9f126b_7.jpg)
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: InfraMan on April 24, 2014, 06:09:42 AM
Man, this thread brings back some great memories. I remember walking into EB one day and seeing the Saturn just sitting there on the shelf... this was after I'd been reading all those previews and import reviews in GameFan for the last few months. I'd recently gotten my first seriously paying job, so I walked out of there with a brand new Saturn along with Clockwork Knight, Panzer Dragoon, and Daytona... this was obviously before I'd learned any kind of financial self-control, lol.
It's hard to explain now just how stunning this stuff was back then. After years of 16-bit graphics, this really was a whole new world... especially Panzer, which made my little mind asplode. The only other jump from one gen to the next that even came close to having that kind of impact on me was the Dreamcast and Soul Calibur.
Anyways, like so many other posters on here, I still love the Saturn. I wish it had performed better in North America, but Sega really did make a lot of unfortunate mistakes over here. Still, there are a ton of great games that you just aren't gonna find anywhere else, especially if you import.
And like several other posters on here, I cleaned up at the end of the Saturn's brief lifespan. I remember picking up a bunch of great games at EB when they were clearing out their stock for under $20... Rayearth, Albert Odyssey, Shining Force III, etc. I still have all my originals, too... if only I'd had the foresight to buy up all those extra copies back then, lol. #-o
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: xelement5x on April 24, 2014, 09:27:17 AM
And like several other posters on here, I cleaned up at the end of the Saturn's brief lifespan. I remember picking up a bunch of great games at EB when they were clearing out their stock for under $20... Rayearth, Albert Odyssey, Shining Force III, etc. I still have all my originals, too... if only I'd had the foresight to buy up all those extra copies back then, lol. #-o
You know I've thought the same thing as well several times for a lot of stuff I picked up back then, but I doubt it would have been worth it.
Say you spent like most of your fun money for the month on "stockpiling" games, how would you have known when to cash out? Even 5 years ago you probably would have made a profit off the initial investment, and if you waited until now it could be even more if you left them sealed, but at what cost?
Not having cash to go out and do stuff with friends for a month in HS would have been worse to me. Do I regret not grabbing more stuff back then, sure. But I think I spent the cash pretty wisely buying the games I wanted (thankfully not a lot of crappy games), and still having the funds to do other stuff too.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: InfraMan on April 24, 2014, 09:51:59 AM
And like several other posters on here, I cleaned up at the end of the Saturn's brief lifespan. I remember picking up a bunch of great games at EB when they were clearing out their stock for under $20... Rayearth, Albert Odyssey, Shining Force III, etc. I still have all my originals, too... if only I'd had the foresight to buy up all those extra copies back then, lol. #-o
You know I've thought the same thing as well several times for a lot of stuff I picked up back then, but I doubt it would have been worth it.
Say you spent like most of your fun money for the month on "stockpiling" games, how would you have known when to cash out? Even 5 years ago you probably would have made a profit off the initial investment, and if you waited until now it could be even more if you left them sealed, but at what cost?
Not having cash to go out and do stuff with friends for a month in HS would have been worse to me. Do I regret not grabbing more stuff back then, sure. But I think I spent the cash pretty wisely buying the games I wanted (thankfully not a lot of crappy games), and still having the funds to do other stuff too.
That's a good point. Anyway, I think it's more of a thing people just say wistfully, rather than a literal sentiment.
Plus, if I had bought those extras back then, I would have been depriving someone else the joy of experiencing them. Good games deserve better than being boxed up in a closet for years and years... heck, even bad games deserve better than that. Games are made for playin'! 8)
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: DragonmasterDan on April 24, 2014, 02:28:04 PM
And like several other posters on here, I cleaned up at the end of the Saturn's brief lifespan. I remember picking up a bunch of great games at EB when they were clearing out their stock for under $20... Rayearth, Albert Odyssey, Shining Force III, etc. I still have all my originals, too... if only I'd had the foresight to buy up all those extra copies back then, lol. #-o
You know I've thought the same thing as well several times for a lot of stuff I picked up back then, but I doubt it would have been worth it.
Say you spent like most of your fun money for the month on "stockpiling" games, how would you have known when to cash out? Even 5 years ago you probably would have made a profit off the initial investment, and if you waited until now it could be even more if you left them sealed, but at what cost?
Not having cash to go out and do stuff with friends for a month in HS would have been worse to me. Do I regret not grabbing more stuff back then, sure. But I think I spent the cash pretty wisely buying the games I wanted (thankfully not a lot of crappy games), and still having the funds to do other stuff too.
That's a good point. Anyway, I think it's more of a thing people just say wistfully, rather than a literal sentiment.
Plus, if I had bought those extras back then, I would have been depriving someone else the joy of experiencing them. Good games deserve better than being boxed up in a closet for years and years... heck, even bad games deserve better than that. Games are made for playin'! 8)
Well Rayearth was fairly inexpensive up until a few years ago. After Working Designs went under NOS copies were floating around for around 50.00 or so new for years. It's only recently that its value has skyrocketed.
I also remember going to EB and Toys R Us and a few stores and seeing those now very expensive Saturn titles discounted. I actually picked up Shining Force III for 29.99 at an EB as I waited until January or so of 1999 to pick it up.
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: Tatsujin on April 24, 2014, 02:43:58 PM
best lookin' saturn version ever is the Hi-Navi Saturn. unfortunatelly it's also the most uncommon and most expensive one.
dumb world!!!
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: esadajr on April 29, 2014, 07:57:35 AM
MKR is certainly a fun action rpg, but like many other "retro" titles, not worth the asking price.
Even with current economics, it is still a better "investment" just to break a few Saturns performing swap. Replacement parts like lenses seem to be in decent supply at decent prices (cool thing about "off the shelf" components).
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: VenomMacbeth on April 29, 2014, 10:04:49 AM
You know, with all the sega scaler ports on the Saturn (After Burner, Out Run, Galaxy Force, etc.) it just begs the question...
Saturn...Y u no Thunder Blade?
Title: Re: Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?
Post by: xelement5x on April 29, 2014, 10:45:54 AM
MKR is certainly a fun action rpg, but like many other "retro" titles, not worth the asking price.
Even with current economics, it is still a better "investment" just to break a few Saturns performing swap. Replacement parts like lenses seem to be in decent supply at decent prices (cool thing about "off the shelf" components).
Even the disc swapping isn't that bad as long as you're not built like a gorilla and have some delicacy. I disc swapped with my Saturn for a solid 3-4 years during college and that one still runs like a champ.