Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?

[PukeSter]

It sort of interests me, but I don't know enough about the system. 

[Arkhan Asylum]

Go buy a Saturn.  Now.

You can get sweet shit like:

Dragon Force!
Magic Knight Rayearth
ELEVATOR ACTION RETURNS!!!112
both D&D beat em ups!
tons of fighters
moar arcade shooters

I mean, Elevator Action Returns alone is worth owning a saturn, man!

Sega Saturn Longplay [014] Elevator Action Returns

[bob]

Not for any US games. Saturn got shafted here.

[futureman2000]

Yeah lots of great games, especially imports.

[Arkhan Asylum]

Not for any US games. Saturn got shafted here.

We got MKR, Panzer Dragoon, and Dragon Force.   

and Shining the Hory Ark, Shining Force 3, Shining Wisdom, Albert Odyssey...

BUG!

VIRTUA COP!!123450y6juhtm.htyhmy,jikil.
yijmm
yk,luo

jh

[PukeSter]

I mean, Elevator Action Returns alone is worth owning a saturn, man!

Sega Saturn Longplay [014] Elevator Action Returns

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.

[Nando]

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.

[PCEngineHell]

Not for any US games. Saturn got shafted here.

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.

[Arkhan Asylum]

I mean, Elevator Action Returns alone is worth owning a saturn, man!

Sega Saturn Longplay [014] Elevator Action Returns

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.

There are some fun 3D games.  I like Bug, Panzer Dragoon, Nights, Tomb Raider! 

I dunno it's worth it to me.   It isn't even expensive.

[bob]

Yeah, I know I'm in the major minority on the Saturn. But it just never did it for me.

[Arkhan Asylum]

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.

[jeffhlewis]

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.

[SuperDeadite]

For 3D games get Bulk Slash.  Same team as Sapphire on the PCE.

[VenomMacbeth]

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.

[TheClash603]

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.

[Mzo]

The Saturn is fantastic, especially if you like shooters.

[jlued686]

I'd like to add myself to the votes of: FUCK 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.

[Tatsujin]

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?

[PukeSter]

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...

[Tatsujin]

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.

[DragonmasterDan]

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.

[jeffhlewis]

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.

[PikachuWarrior]

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.

[TheClash603]

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.

[jeffhlewis]

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):

Burning Rangers:
US = $80 - $120
JP = $10 - $20

Galactic Attack / Layer Section:
US = $15-$20
JP = $10 - $20

House of the Dead:
US = $75 - $180 (good god)
JP = $5 - $15

Panzer Dragoon 2:
US = $15 - $45
JP = $7 - $15

[WingZeroKai]

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.

[TR0N]

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.

Princess Crown
Radiant Silvergun
Sexy Parodius
Steamgear Mash
Salamander Deluxe Pack
Cyberbots
Vampire Savior

[CrackTiger]

Saturn has one of the best libraries that will ever be made and so many worthwhile exclusives.

It is only pricey if you are a set collector. Games are priced very similar to PCE and there are so many great games that go for next to nothing.

[SuperDeadite]

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?

No Bulk Slash?  You failed Hudson!

[MrFlutterPie]

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*



Fuck yeah!

[TheClash603]

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.

[Tatsujin]

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?

No Bulk Slash?  You failed Hudson!

might grab  that maybe one day.

[jeffhlewis]

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/

[munchiaz]

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.

[TR0N]

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*


Fuck yeah!

Let's say we didn't and instead went with darius gaiden the only published game by akklaim that is worth playing 
[Sega Saturn] Darius Gaiden

[Tatsujin]

proco tiat

[xcrement5x]

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.

[bob]

What are some the pricier US games for Saturn?

[CrackTiger]

What are some the pricier US games for Saturn?

Panzer Dragoon Saga
Working Designs games
Shining Force III
Mystaria/Blazing Heroes

[bob]

I do have to say, I thought radiant silvergun was a masterpiece.

[xcrement5x]

What are some the pricier US games for Saturn?

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

[TheClash603]

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.

[PukeSter]

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). 

[jeffhlewis]

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). 

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.

[PukeSter]

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.

[CrackTiger]

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.

[jeffhlewis]

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.

[Tatsujin]

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.

[Digi.k]

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.

[CrackTiger]

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.