Newbie Questions About Saturns!

[ph0rce]

Hi,

I am reasonably new to the world of retro gaming, although I do have a nicely growing collection of Sega Mega CD games ( PAL ) as I've always fancied owning a complete collection and ( bar the 32x ) the Mega CD seems to have one of the smallest.

Anyway, I am also interested in getting myself a Saturn, primarily for a spot of Virtua Cop / HOTD among others but I have no idea which one to get. Ideally I'd like a Jap one so I can play things like Radiant Silvergun, etc. Is it better to get a Jap Saturn and mod it to play PAL or vice versa, or am I better off getting a cheap one of each? If I end up going for a Jap Saturn which one would be a good balance between price and collectability / rarity?

Cheers,

James.

P.S.

Before I get flamed for not using the Search tool ( ), I already have and it came up with plenty about games but not so much about hardware!

[Yakumo]

Get a Japanese machine if you want an original system taht willplay all those sweet Capcom and SNK ram cartridge games without having to bother with special 4 in 1 cartridges or switches on yourt machine.

Yakumo

[mezzanine]

A white jpn Saturn is probably the one to go for. Sega arcade games like VC & HOTD are dead cheap on import and usually in English so I wouldn't bother with buying a switched PAL Saturn.

Some of the Sega Ages games (outrun & space harrier I think) won't work on the later Japanese Saturn models though. But that's not much of a problem.

[ph0rce]

Cheers for the advice, any ideas where is a good place to buy a Jap Saturn from? I'm quite taken with the 'This Is Cool' Saturn, would that be a good buy? What is a realistic price for one of these?

I've already read the many other posts / threads saying what games are good but does anyone have any recommendations for a couple of games to start me off, preferably ones that don't require an understanding of Japanese!

Are there any Japanese games out there which have English modes??

[Sketcz]

As you know, I'd say go for a modded Saturn. Purely for convenience. Since it also allows British PAL games to be run at full speed and full screen just like imports. The only downside is visible switches.

In case you're interested, this site has modding guides:

http://www.mmmonkey.co.uk/console/index.htm

Though the Saturn is one of the toughest to do. So its probably best to get a professional.

[mezzanine]

I think the 'this is cool' label is tacky The derby Saturn is much nicer but more expensive.

If I was buying a console and a few games on a limited budget I'd go for -

Nights & the analogue controller
Sega Rally
Panzer Dragoon 1&2

I think the opening and ending of Nights and PD are in Japanese, but the story is easy to follow and there should be info about that online somewhere. All the options and other text is in English.

Ebay and trading forums are your best bet for a cheap console and prices seem to have gone down a bit in the last year. Of course if you want one in mint condition you could always try the import retailers in the UK but that will cost you.

[ph0rce]

Any sites in particular which I should check out for import Saturns? I'm already looking at VideogameImports.com which have the 'TIC' Saturn on its own or bundled with a couple of games, are these prices reasonable, and more importantly, would you recommend the games?

'TIC' Saturn - ?130
'TIC' Saturn, Radiant Silvergun, Taromaru - ?425!
'TIC' Saturn, Layer Section, Soukyugurentai ( 2nd Release ) - ?180

All pretty much in mint condition.

[wheelaa]

no no and no.

option 1 - ?100 tops
option 2 - ?300 tops
option 3 - ?125 tops

games are all good though..but some would argue otherwise re silvergun and taromaru

[dj898]

get the Sonic Saturn!
if you are looking at that kind of money might as well get Sonic Saturn too - that is unless you're after Hi-Navi as well...

[mezzanine]

I'd wouldn't spend a lot of money on the Saturn and the rarer games to begin with.

'TIC' Saturn, Layer Section, Soukyugurentai ( 2nd Release ) - ?180

Have you got a TV or monitor that can go on its side? If you don't I'd avoid games like Layer Section, Battle Garegga, and other games designed for vertical monitors.

The only one I'd recommend from that lot is The Game Paradise, which won't cost you too much.

[chis]

Just a note about modding Saturns: it is NOT that hard if you use a version 2 mod where the only soldering required is one end of a wire onto the modchip board. No soldering the Saturn's sensitive internals!

[Method]

get the Sonic Saturn!

Any pictures of this? I have never heard of it before.

[mezzanine]

Any pictures of this? I have never heard of it before.

http://www.japan-games.com/CategoryPages/Sega/Sonic.htm

It's a just a white saturn with sonic on it. Yuck.

[buster_broon]

just so you know the rose tinted glasses have floundered slightly

VC still is fun to play and looks somewhat decent

HOTD is **** and **** and **** - overall ****

good luck getting a nice machine

a white machine is the best imo but there is some compatability issues with certain games, i dont think its alot but some dont work - same with the cool and derby stallion 'skeleton' systems

one of my favourite shooters is 'in the hunt' and to be honest i bought myself a saturn for it and obviously others but can i get it to work - can i feck

so maybe a grey saturn - generic stylee might be your best bet

[Jei]

I've got a mint Grey Saturn (Jap) for sale and also a full modded pal machine (Switched, Region and CDR) for sale too.

Pm me if ur interested