to buy or not to buy: sega saturn

[turbogrfxfan]

wow guys you really got me interested in a saturn.  I gotta check this out

[oldskool]

I picked up a model 1 on Craigslist recently for $25 with 4 games, a hardshell carrying case, two controllers, and the hookups - I thought it was a pretty good deal.

Have already replaced the battery (every console should have a save battery this easy to replace!), and I've also recently picked up Nights into Dreams and Panzer Dragoon 1.  I recommend both of those games, they are really great.  Also I got Virtua Fighter 2 with the console and I must say, it's QUITE beautiful, and TONS better than the first.

I am thinking about region switching it too - I cannot believe how easy it is to do.  The Japanese games are to die for! 

Only major gripe I have is that I cannot save no more than 2 or 3 games on the internal battery, that is just weak.  I am gonna have to pick me up a RAM cart.

[SignOfZeta]

The internal space of the Saturn is pretty big, really. If you are having space issues then its probably because of the abnormally large A Life file in nights, and the AI learning file in VF2. These aren't needed for normal play and are, IMO, Borderline uselsss. Just delete them. IIRC, Sega Rally had another of those huge files. 200 blocks or something like that.

Most games have save files 1/10 the size of those, so, for example, if you play a lot of fighters and shooters you could store saves for a few dozen games, easily.

[Gogan]

I got Galactic Attack over the weekend, and all I gotta say is...damn. this game kicks a$$! Great f'n shoot-em-up.

I guess my only problem with it would b the crosshairs that sit in front of you that you use to lock onto enemies "below". I"ll get used to it, as its very innovative, but it gets in the way as the BG's are pretty busy too. Lots of fun

[geise]

Galactic Attack/Layer Section is one of my favorites.  If you're into shooters it's kind of sad to say that they go for a decent amount.  If you're looking for some good shooters though ones that I'd recommend are:

Gekirindan
Darius Gaidan
Blast Wind
Thunder Force V
Battle Garegga  (very pricey but great)
Shippū Mahō Daisakusen Kingdom-Grandprix
Batsugun
Donpachi
DoDonpachi
Soukyugurentai 
Gunbird
Sengoku Blade
Strikers 1945 I & II
Game Tengoku
Detanna Twinbee Yahho Deluxe Pack
Hyper Duel
Shienryu (also one of my personal faves) great Raiden clone
Bokan to Ippatsu! Doronbo Kanpekiban

Sorry to say though that quite a few of these games can get fairly pricey, especially lately.

[Gogan]

Tell me bout it! I was happy to snag GA for $15,...but.. gonna have to wait for some others though...the PCE trumps saturn and there are a few games I'm lookin to pickup for it. AlwaysObey.

[geise]

Yeah Saturn is pretty much my favorite system if the PC-Engine didn't exist.  There's so many amazing games on the Saturn just like the pc-engine that never saw light of day over here.  So it's nice having so many other games to find and play.  Real gems.  One game I loved was Steam Gear Mash.  It's a nice isometric action platform kind of game.  Here's a place that's great for reference if you're into finding some good Saturn games.  http://www.segagagadomain.com/welcome-news.htm

[Digi.k]

Played Virtua Fighter 1 and almost vomited.

Word.. VF2 is the way to go.  Get REMIX if you have to have VF1.. way better than the initial offering.

VF2 was what sold me on the saturn back around december 95... think I paid about the equivalent to $900 usd for importing the console and game back then  :O

[Opethian]

Blastwind is friggin legendary!! A must get! also Garegga. D&D collection is pretty much arcade perfect sans the loading times.

[_joshuaTurbo]

Played Virtua Fighter 1 and almost vomited.

Word.. VF2 is the way to go.  Get REMIX if you have to have VF1.. way better than the initial offering.

VF2 was what sold me on the saturn back around december 95... think I paid about the equivalent to $900 usd for importing the console and game back then  :O

Holy shit dude,  I picked up my Saturn in March 1997 with Virtua Cop, VF2, and Daytona with 3 games out of the bargain bin (Street Fighter Alpha, Gex, and Robotica) all for $230 at a local K-Mart!!  I chose Saturn over the N64 and PS one.