Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?

[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.

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'

[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.

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.

[Gogan]

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.

[turbokon]

Sadly I don't have a Saturn in my retro collection.

[gamefreak054]

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.

[TR0N]

Sadly I don't have a Saturn in my retro collection.

You need to fix that other wise segata sanshiro will give you a beat down !! 
Segata Sanshiro Sega Saturn Commercials

[jeffhlewis]

Segata Sanshiro Sega Saturn Commercials

[Nando]

I haven't been able to get a JP Saturn yet, but this is my top list of JP games I want for the system. YMMV


Cotton Boomerang
Metal Slug
Bulk Slash 
Sengoku Blade　
Bomberman
Cyberbots
Vampire Savior
Keio Flying squadron

[geise]

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.

[PukeSter]

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.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sega-Cd-Sega-Saturn-8-Joysticks-With-Cords-/131039325779?pt=Video_Games&hash=item1e828d6e53

No Saturn controller, so I would still need to get a Saturn 3D controller and NIGHTS, and some other games for the other systems.

[xcrement5x]

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.

[jeffhlewis]

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.

[roflmao]

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)

[DragonmasterDan]

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.

[jlued686]

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.

[VenomMacbeth]

How does the 3D pad fare with other non-Nights 3D games?  Like Virtual On, Quake, etc.?

[Nando]

[TheClash603]

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.

[MrFlutterPie]

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.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sega-Cd-Sega-Saturn-8-Joysticks-With-Cords-/131039325779?pt=Video_Games&hash=item1e828d6e53

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

[TR0N]

Obey the Segata Sanshiro !!
Segata Sanshiro Music Video with lyrics

[BigusSchmuck]

Daytona! Get it at the very least for the soundtrack.

[SNKNostalgia]

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....

[DragonmasterDan]

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.

[geise]

There's now a Dragon Force II translation?  Complete?  *goes to google*

[DragonmasterDan]

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.

[munchiaz]

I just use the swap trick when playing burned games on the Saturn. I really need to sit down and play through dragonforce

[Xak]

^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.

[munchiaz]

I do have a action replay 4MB cart now, i think that will allow me to play burned games, but i havent tried yet

[SuperDeadite]

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.

[munchiaz]

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.

[SNKNostalgia]

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.

[DragonmasterDan]

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.

[PukeSter]

Got my package today! Genesis, Sega CD, and Saturn! And a billion controllers.

Gotta get me some games now...

[PukeSter]

Just ordered Sega Rally and Street Fighter Alpha, with a controller for now. Will get that Action 4 in 1 cart at some point.

[roflmao]

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!).

[SuperDeadite]

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.

[DragonmasterDan]

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.

[TheClash603]

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.

[DragonmasterDan]

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.

[roflmao]

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.

[DragonmasterDan]

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.

[KnightWarrior]

Import Gaming is better on the Saturn

[Nando]

Listen to DDAN!!!

[PukeSter]

Got my first Saturn game! 

Street Fighter Alpha 1 CIB.

God that box-art is ugly.

Still need a controller to play though. 

[CrackTiger]

Got my first Saturn game! 

Street Fighter Alpha 1 CIB.

God that box-art is ugly.

Still need a controller to play though. 

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.

[Tatsujin]

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.

[Psycho Punch]

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...

[jeffhlewis]

Vampire Savior is a must-own import. Damn near arcade perfect and load times are almost imperceptible.

[BigusSchmuck]

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!).

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...

[roflmao]

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!).

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.