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Sega Saturn Appreciation and Emulation Thread

L

low-G

Member
AmyS said:
Yeah I know about Detana Twin Bee having the title Bells & Whistles because in the version of MAME I played it on years ago, the parent ROM is exactly that.

While I'm on the subject, one of the holy grails of Konami vertical shmups is probably Tobe! Polystars, an arcade game used the Konami M2 board (M2 as in the 3DO designed Panasonic M2 unreleased console).

LUkrO4y.png
GCSiDQs.png


http://nfggames.com/games/polystars/
http://www.shmups.com/reviews/polystars/index.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_ZavafxqVU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seV_Z97P6BY

I'd really love to play that some day.
Click to expand...

WOW! I never knew they actually made games that ran on M2 hardware. That's all new to me!
 
A

AmyS

Member
low-G said:
WOW! I never knew they actually made games that ran on M2 hardware. That's all new to me!
Click to expand...

They made 5 games on the M2 arcade hardware.

KNOWN KONAMI M2 GAME LIST

Battle Tryst
Evil Night / Hell Night
Heat Of Eleven '98
Polystars
Total Vice
Click to expand...

http://system16.com/hardware.php?id=575

Unfortunately none of them were all that impressive from a graphical standpoint - kinda like a PS1 + N64 on steroids, or pretty similar to Namco System 12 games like Tekken 3 and Ehrgeiz with better image quality.

60fps footage Battle Tryst (a fighting game)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGxaaqw7Bkk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv-T-4SCLJo

That said, I don't like to judge M2 hardware's real world capabilities only on the Konami M2 arcade games. Who knows how complete the dev kits were, or how much effort Konami put into them. I would imagine if Sega AM2 had programmed some games for M2 they could've surpass Model 2 quality, but nowhere near Model 3 performance or quality (much less Dreamcast level).
 
A

Armoured Priest

Member
MikeMyers said:
Saturn finally got its killer app.

EDIT: Makes me wonder. To anyone who did own a Saturn in the 90s, what did you buy it for?
Click to expand...

I bought a Saturn on the expectation that Sega would make games for the thing.

A Sonic game would have been nice, though at the time I was on platformer burn out. So not something I necessarily missed at the time. Definitely wanted more Phantasy Star and Shining Force. Got one of those...
 
P

piggychan

Member
Armoured Priest said:
I bought a Saturn on the expectation that Sega would make games for the thing.

A Sonic game would have been nice, though at the time I was on platformer burn out. So not something I necessarily missed at the time. Definitely wanted more Phantasy Star and Shining Force. Got one of those...
Click to expand...

Shame this never got translated... Seriously SEGA of America!!!

Sega%20Ages%20-%20Phantasy%20Star%20Collection%20%28J%29%20Front.jpg


That Polystars looks awesome. I was wondering why Konami never ported that onto the psx or saturn but then even though the game has simple polys those transparency effects might be a bit hard for the saturn to do...
 
IrishNinja

IrishNinja

Member
oh man, what'd you pay for Radiant? buddy of mine at a con last weekend went in on a $210 copy, that was way too rich for my blood but it's a cool game

RedHoodedOwl said:
Back in the nineties, it was such a difficult task to find games on the Sega Saturn.
Click to expand...

yeah i remember EB & a few places having em, then a while later id go to say best buy for PSX games and think it was weird they didn't seem to have saturn stuff. KB i knew about, but others just a few years in felt weird.
 
R

RedHoodedOwl

Member
IrishNinja said:
oh man, what'd you pay for Radiant? buddy of mine at a con last weekend went in on a $210 copy, that was way too rich for my blood but it's a cool game



yeah i remember EB & a few places having em, then a while later id go to say best buy for PSX games and think it was weird they didn't seem to have saturn stuff. KB i knew about, but others just a few years in felt weird.
Click to expand...

Try finding a Sega Saturn title at a place similar to Wal Mart.
 
S

sixteen-bit

Member
piggychan said:
Shame this never got translated... Seriously SEGA of America!!!

Sega%20Ages%20-%20Phantasy%20Star%20Collection%20%28J%29%20Front.jpg


That Polystars looks awesome. I was wondering why Konami never ported that onto the psx or saturn but then even though the game has simple polys those transparency effects might be a bit hard for the saturn to do...
Click to expand...

If you have a PS2, check out Phantasy Star Complete collection. JP only release but PS 1-4 with English text options... and M2 quality!
 
eXistor

eXistor

Member
IrishNinja said:
oh man, what'd you pay for Radiant? buddy of mine at a con last weekend went in on a $210 copy, that was way too rich for my blood but it's a cool game
Click to expand...

€150,- (about the same in dollars) in great condition and with spine card (assuming you meant my copy?)

I played it for a while yesterday and I think I'm in love actually. I was a bit afraid I wouldn't care for it so much because I don't care for Ikaruga much, but this is waaaaay cooler imo. Who knows, maybe RS will make me try Ikaruga again and I'll end up liking that one too (I have it on GC).
 
P

piggychan

Member
eXistor said:
€150,- (about the same in dollars) in great condition and with spine card (assuming you meant my copy?)

I played it for a while yesterday and I think I'm in love actually. I was a bit afraid I wouldn't care for it so much because I don't care for Ikaruga much, but this is waaaaay cooler imo. Who knows, maybe RS will make me try Ikaruga again and I'll end up liking that one too (I have it on GC).
Click to expand...

got mine when it was quite a bit cheaper minus spine card though. Also the XBLA version too.

2QE4kuH.gif
 
B

bjork

Member
RedHoodedOwl said:
Try finding a Sega Saturn title at a place similar to Wal Mart.
Click to expand...

You just had to kinda live in the sticks, the Wal-Mart in my town and the one I worked at a town or two over, both had pretty decent Saturn sections for awhile there. I feel like late 97 or so it took a turn and dried up, but until then, stuff was available. But I used to make the rounds weekly of local big stores like that as well as TRUs and mom & pops, so I'd find anything eventually.
 
L

Laevateinn

Member
I'm pretty sure Dark Phallus isn't. I think it includes less artwork. Actually, I rarely use my PS2 so I could be completely wrong. I feel like there was less when I checked last.

PS2 version does include QoL enhancements though which is nice.

Edit: when I was getting my tattoo, I used the Saturn version more as a reference instead of the PS2. I think I remember it being better then.
 
M

MikeMyers

Member
How many JPN-exclusive games do you think would have helped sell the Saturn here in the US?

I was thinking maybe X-men vs. Street Fighter, but even then Mortal Kombat is the more popular series in the US.
 
P

piggychan

Member
MikeMyers said:
How many JPN-exclusive games do you think would have helped sell the Saturn here in the US?

I was thinking maybe X-men vs. Street Fighter, but even then Mortal Kombat is the more popular series in the US.
Click to expand...

certainly after FF7 being released on the sony platform RPGs became big business right ?

I certainly have a memory of reading Shining in the Holy Ark hitting the USA game sales chart at number 3.

Would any of the Lunar games have helped with the saturn?
GZrk5J.gif


Princess Crown ?
reposting this gif
pY6x81.gif


Slayers Royale
nZLox4.gif


even Gundam side story trilogy
DRG2qY.gif
 
P

piggychan

Member
EDIT
I copied this list while searching for list of PSone RPGs released in the west.

1995-12-31 King's Field II
1996-08-31 Beyond the Beyond
1996-11-01 Legacy of Kain, Blood Omen
1996-11-01 Suikoden
1996-11-?? Persona
1997-03-27 Vandal Hearts
1997-04-30 Wild Arms
1997-07-31 Ogre Battle
1997-09-07 Final Fantasy VII
1997-10-02 Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
1997-12-31 Alundra
1998-01-28 Final Fantasy Tactics
1998-03-?? Diablo
1998-03-31 Saga Frontier
1998-04-30 Breath of Fire III
1998-06-01 Blaze & Blade: Eternal Quest (PAL)
1998-06-30 Azure Dreams
1998-06-30 Granstream Saga
1998-08-07 Kartia: Word of Fate
1998-09-09 Parasite Eve
1998-09-30 Dragon Seeds
1998-09-30 Tales of Destiny
1998-10-20 Xenogears
1998-10-31 Brave Fencer Musashi
1998-10-31 Brigandine
1998-11-30 Jade Cocoon
1998-??-?? Tactics Ogre
1999-01-31 Guardian's Crusade
1999-03-17 Legend of Legaia
1999-03-31 Monster Seed
1999-04-30 Shadow Madness
1999-05-28 Lunar Silver Star Story Complete
1999-05-31 Star Ocean: Second Story
1999-09-09 Final Fantasy VIII
1999-09-29 Suikoden II
1999-09-30 Final Fantasy Anthology
1999-09-30 Grandia
1999-09-30 Thousand Arms
1999-10-31 Shadow Tower
1999-11-30 Chocobo's Dungeon 2
1999-11-30 Koudelka
1999-11-30 Vandal Hearts II
2000-01-31 Saga Frontier 2
2000-02-29 Alundra 2
2000-02-29 Front Mission 3
2000-03-30 Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure
2000-04-29 Vanguard Bandits
2000-04-30 Wild Arms 2
2000-05-15 Vagrant Story
2000-05-23 Digimon World
2000-06-06 Legend of Mana
2000-06-11 Legend of Dragoon
2000-07-18 Threads of Fate
2000-08-15 Chrono Cross
2000-08-29 Valkyrie Profile
2000-09-02 Parasite Eve 2
2000-10-02 RPG Maker
2000-10-16 Dragon Valor
2000-10-31 Eternal Eyes
2000-11-13 Final Fantasy IX
2000-11-15 Torneko: The Last Hope
2000-11-22 Harvest Moon: Back to Nature
2000-11-28 Breath of Fire IV
2000-12-15 Lunar II: Eternal Blue Complete
2000-12-22 Persona II: Eternal Punishment
2001-01-28 Darkstone
2001-05-19 Digimon World 2
2001-06-01 Battle Hunter
2001-06-29 Final Fantasy Chronicles
2001-06-29 Technomage (PAL)
2001-08-13 Saiyuki: Journey West
2001-09-10 Tales of Destiny II (Eternia)
2001-10-31 Dragon Warrior VII
2001-12-20 Hoshigami: Ruining Blue Earth
2002-04-18 Arc the Lad Collection
2002-06-05 Digimon World 3
2003-04-08 Final Fantasy Origins


http://ocremix.org/community/topic/...rpg-by-release-date-i-have-questions-for-you/
 
Genesis Knight

Genesis Knight

Member
Galdelico said:
This looks surprisingly good... Is it the gif making the game look better than it is, or is this trilogy worth playing? I always assumed all Gundam games were pretty much pants on the Saturn.
Click to expand...

Gundam Side Story can get quite intense. I've played through all three (they're short). Totally recommended.
 
L

Laevateinn

Member
RedHoodedOwl said:
Where do you guys get your info about this console and their titles from?
Click to expand...

About the Saturn? I have 102 Saturn games so at this point I am mostly just buying things based on the cover and price. Otherwise, if it's something I want to know more about I check Hardcore Gaming 101, here, and youtube.
 
P

piggychan

Member
Galdelico said:
This looks surprisingly good... Is it the gif making the game look better than it is, or is this trilogy worth playing? I always assumed all Gundam games were pretty much pants on the Saturn.
Click to expand...

Give it a go. They are pretty cheap and the 3rd and final game is the best. It's pretty easy to get into and controls are fairly simple.

DRG2xK.gif


Z4kog5.gif



EDIT

I think there was like 8 gundam titles released for the Saturn. I've no idea how the others are but the side story trilogy I recommend.
 
M

Man God

Non-Canon Member
There's absolutely nothing left in Japan that would have improved Saturn's fate one iota. You think 2D fighters would do anything in the era where even the best of them failed because people wanted 3D?
 
L

Laevateinn

Member
Man God said:
There's absolutely nothing left in Japan that would have improved Saturn's fate one iota. You think 2D fighters would do anything in the era where even the best of them failed because people wanted 3D?
Click to expand...

The only things that would have saved the Saturn are a functioning management and a public that didn't have shit taste and realized that 3D, especially back then, shouls just be a gimmick and 2D is supreme.
 
T

tomwhite2004

Member
RedHoodedOwl said:
Where do you guys get your info about this console and their titles from?
Click to expand...

When I was building my collection Yakumo's site Segagaga Domain was my go to resource, has nice reviews for pretty much a complete Japanese set of games. I'm not sure why he took the site down earlier this year but luckily it's archived.

https://web.archive.org/web/20170202032320/http://segagagadomain.com/saturn-no.htm

Also Satakore is a really definitive database with a nice search function to help filter by genres or region.

https://www.satakore.com/
 
R

RedHoodedOwl

Member
tomwhite2004 said:
When I was building my collection Yakumo's site Segagaga Domain was my go to resource, has nice reviews for pretty much a complete Japanese set of games. I'm not sure why he took the site down earlier this year but luckily it's archived.

https://web.archive.org/web/20170202032320/http://segagagadomain.com/saturn-no.htm

Also Satakore is a really definitive database with a nice search function to help filter by genres or region.

https://www.satakore.com/
Click to expand...

Thanks
 
M

MikeMyers

Member
Man God said:
There's absolutely nothing left in Japan that would have improved Saturn's fate one iota. You think 2D fighters would do anything in the era where even the best of them failed because people wanted 3D?
Click to expand...
MK3/Trilogy was actually a big selling point for PS1 early on, but overall I agree.

Crazy how Sony walked in and stole the MK/Sports game market from Sega straight away.
 
M

Man God

Non-Canon Member
MikeMyers said:
MK3/Trilogy was actually a big selling point for PS1 early on, but overall I agree.

Crazy how Sony walked in and stole the MK/Sports game market from Sega straight away.
Click to expand...

Midway saw the writing on the wall and made MK4 a 3D game. Then they made each and every MK fighting game until 8 3D as well.

They've basically been ahead of the curve on fighting games the entire time.
 
the androgyne

the androgyne

Member
tomwhite2004 said:
When I was building my collection Yakumo's site Segagaga Domain was my go to resource, has nice reviews for pretty much a complete Japanese set of games. I'm not sure why he took the site down earlier this year but luckily it's archived.

https://web.archive.org/web/20170202032320/http://segagagadomain.com/saturn-no.htm
Click to expand...

Second this, exact same story for me. He's very down to earth and knowledgeable of the era. He also mentioned in the comments of one of his youtube vids a few weeks ago, that he has a backup and plans for the site, not sure what though.
 
R

RoryDropkick

Member
piggychan said:
Shame this never got translated... Seriously SEGA of America!!!

Sega%20Ages%20-%20Phantasy%20Star%20Collection%20%28J%29%20Front.jpg


That Polystars looks awesome. I was wondering why Konami never ported that onto the psx or saturn but then even though the game has simple polys those transparency effects might be a bit hard for the saturn to do...
Click to expand...


Ey, I still have my copy of PS Collection. It was good for its time until the PS2 version wwas released. I seriously wish Sega had done a version for 3DS based off of that version. But this isn't a 3DS thread...
 
G

Galdelico

Member
Genesis Knight said:
Gundam Side Story can get quite intense. I've played through all three (they're short). Totally recommended.
Click to expand...

piggychan said:
Give it a go. They are pretty cheap and the 3rd and final game is the best. It's pretty easy to get into and controls are fairly simple.

DRG2xK.gif


Z4kog5.gif



EDIT

I think there was like 8 gundam titles released for the Saturn. I've no idea how the others are but the side story trilogy I recommend.
Click to expand...

Awesome, thanks. I'll check those out. :)

sixteen-bit said:
If you have a PS2, check out Phantasy Star Complete collection. JP only release but PS 1-4 with English text options... and M2 quality!
Click to expand...

As in, all 4 games have English text options, or 1 and 4 only?
 
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