Taking My First Step Into a Larger World (Bought a Sega Saturn)

[Namakubi]

So after years of putting it off, I finally went and did it: I bought myself one of those new-fangled 32-bit Sega machines (Pay no attention to the Namco gun and Elemental Gearbolt!)
6301
Starting games I've gotten so far are:
NiGHTS
Bug!
Virtua Fighter 2
Daytona
Virtua Cop
Virtual On
Metal Slug (JP)
Konami Antiques MSX Collection (JP)

Games I know I'm going to eventually dig into my coffers and get are:
Bulk Slash (JP)
D & D Arcade Collection (JP)
Astal
Burning Rangers (Probably the JP version since it's so much cheaper)
Sengoku Blade (JP)
Assault Suits Leynos 2 (JP)

Now I want suggestions, but to keep it from spiraling off into "OMG PANZER DRAGOON SAGA" madness, I want suggestions for 2D games, preferably the cheaper editions (so if the Japanese version is 50-100 less than the US edition, please let me know) and arcade ports and collections are awesome, too. About the only really expensive game I'm willing to plunk down the cash for atm is the Capcom D&D games because they're so good and there the only way to own them other than buying the arcade cabinets.

So, whaddya guys got?

[retroguy]

If you like fighting games, the first 2D game that comes to mind is X-Men: Children Of The Atom. Never played the Saturn version, but I had tons of fun with the arcade version the few times I played it.

Aside from that, I highly recommend Robotica. It's an FPS where the levels and enemy placement are randomly generated each time you play, giving it loads of replay value.

[Edmond Dantes]

I'm gonna try to stick to (what I think are) less obvious suggestions

Layer Section (known as Galactic Attack in the US) -- home port of Taito's RayForce
Capcom Generations 1-5 (particularly the second one, the Ghosts n' Goblins trilogy)
Street Fighter Alpha 1 and 2 (maybe 3 as well?) -- you can get the "Gold" version of Alpha 2 with the Street Fighter Collection (JP version is cheaper)

and I know opinions on it are mixed, but I liked Galaxy Fight

[IHatedSega]

The Japanese version of Guardian Heroes I heard was cheaper than the american version. Im not sure though. Battle Garrega is a great shooter. SF Alpha 3 is supposed to be a great port with the ram cart, maybe the best edition for a home console. The Japanese version of Castlevania SoTN is cool, but really tough.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcDAHVvDLuA

[Jack7]

Ive said this in another thread but i can not say enough good things abour shinobi legions

[Daltone]

Clockwork Knight?

[IHatedSega]

Also

http://www.racketboy.com/retro/sega/saturn/sega-saturn-shmups-2d-shooters

http://www.racketboy.com/retro/games-that-defined-sega-saturn

http://www.racketboy.com/retro/best-undiscovered-sega-saturn-games

[Sundowner]

I don't know what you like but my favorites are platformers and if you like those I would pick up Astal, both clockwork knights, sonic 3d blast and Pandemonium. There's also a lot of Japanese exclusives in that genre but I'm too lazy to dig through my stuff right now.

[GhostDog]

Not a bad start for your Saturn collection. I found it bitter sweet playing Saturn because it was such a great system that totally went unnoticed by many outside of Japan. If you can somehow make your way to Japan you'll be able to find Saturn games for decent prices compared to what you'll have to pay on eBay. Anyway check out this pretty good list:

http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/916393-saturn/24314964

[BricatSegaFan]

Congrats!! The Saturn by far imho is the most fun to collect for.

My faves would be Darius Gaiden, Galactic attack, Saturn bomberman, Megaman X4 and Megaman 8. If you played megaman x4 on PlayStation this one is a nice change, with better animation and clearer sound.

[buzz_n64]

For 2d games I would recommend-

Bug Too!
Gex
Street Fighter Alpha series
WWF: The Arcade Game


3D

Christmas Nights
Die Hard Arcade
Resident Evil
House of the Dead

[bb_hood]

I think the Japanese Burning Rangers has Japanese text and voice, which would explain the cheaper price tag.
Same thing with Guardian Heroes, so you might wanna do some homework before buying the 'cheaper' japanese version.
Guardian Heroes is very playable, you would just need to look up a walkthrough with stage select translations.

Asuka 120%, Marvel vs Street Fighter and X-Men vs Street Fighter and Vampire Savior are Superb games, way better than the PS1 Versions.
Just make sure you have the extra 4mb ram.

[Tron 2.0]

Congrats one of the most underrated console that sega put out.

The most i can suggest are these games.

Cyberbots
Princess Crown
Darius Gaiden
Vampire Savior aka darkstalkers 3
Dark Savior
Shining Force 3

Since i see you have a par you are set far as converters go.

[dukenukem]

if you have a crt i suggest buying the japanese house of the dead,it's cheap as hell and in english.

[recorderdude]

Sadly, a lot of 2D saturn platformers are
A. JP-exclusive
and
B. expensive as fuck.

If you ever find a way to get your mitts on them, though, try Super Tempo (sequel to tempo on the 32x!) and Tryrush deppy (platformer where you play as a bipedal car...like the daytona car in fighters megamix but cuter)

There's also a sequel to Keio Flying Squadron (SEGA CD) that turned into a 2D platformer. Came out pretty much everywhere...except america :(

And Mr. Bones. My god, mr bones. It's like if Earthworm Jim and Skullmonkeys had a lovechild. Also, probably the cheapest of those I listed.

[Leo_A]

Konami Antiques MSX Collection (JP)


Nice choice for some classic gaming goodness that can't be found in a half dozen or more American compilations. :)

I think Sega Ages should be a must have. 60fps Outrun and two other of the best 2D sprite scaling Sega arcade games of the 1980's. For imports, I think you might also find the two Sega Ages Memorial Selections to possibly have some interesting material since each have several rarely seen Sega arcade gems from the 80's. And if you enjoy classic arcade games, the already mentioned Die Hard Arcade has a nice port of Deep Scan from 1979 by Sega for a obscure classic arcade game not seen since it was poorly ported over to the Atari 2600 over 30 years ago.

And you asked for 2D suggestions, but since you have several of Sega's home ports of their contemporary arcade games, make sure you check out Sega Rally eventually. Very nice port that is still fun to play today and isn't harsh on the eyes.


Capcom Generations 1-5 (particularly the second one, the Ghosts n' Goblins trilogy)

With all of those being ported over by Digital Eclipse on Capcom Classics Collection Volume 1 on the Xbox and Playstation 2, I thought it wouldn't hurt mentioning that since it's going to be cheaper even though I think they're good suggestions. And with that trilogy in particular having had the brightness turned on too low drowning out some of the details on that later collection during the porting process and the excellent Saturn d-pad putting to shame Sony's and the disaster that Microsoft called a d-pad, it's even more reason to consider it. But since price was a factor it seemed appropriate to mention that release since it's going to be much cheaper to acquire.

Some of these other choices also have cheaper or superior versions available elsewhere on more recent console's. Something to keep in mind for the Saturn owner that is buying games to play and enjoy them rather than just to stick on a shelf.

[Koa Zo]

I recommend against wasting money/time on Astal.
That game may look nice, but it is boringly tedious to play.

[IHatedSega]

I recommend against wasting money/time on Astal.
That game may look nice, but it is boringly tedious to play.
Darn, I cant play it, but if you say so. The graphics are so cool, what a waste. :(

[Koa Zo]

re: Astal

Darn, I cant play it, but if you say so. The graphics are so cool, what a waste. :(

I might be too hard on it. It's just one of those things where I heard continual praise for Astal over the years, and then when I finally purchased it, I just was just like "WTF this is sluggish and boring".

As for an off the wall recommendation for the OP:
Hansha de Spark is a very unique puzzle/action game. I find it very challenging and unlike any other game I've ever played. On a gameboard like Bomberman the player shoots sparks at the enemies. Mirrors are placed throughout the maze, and the spark shot will rebound and grow in strength with each mirror it reflects off. The player and the enemies are also able to change the angle of the mirrors by standing over them and using the shoulder buttons. That's the basics, but there are also a number of power-ups and other features. There are a number of different play modes, including 4-player, and the 1-player game features some imaginative bosses.
Hansha de Spark is also one of the few games which operates in Saturn's hi-res mode.

[Bloodreign]

I say this to a lot of Saturn buyers:

Darius II
Darius Gaiden
Gradius Deluxe Pack
Salamander Deluxe Pack
Gokujyou Parodius Da! Deluxe Pack
Jikkyou Oshaberi Parodius
Sexy Parodius
Detana Twinbee Yahho Deluxe Pack
Puyo Puyo Sun
Puyo Puyo Tsuu
Layer Section
Bubble Symphony
Saturn Bomberman (JP version preferably as it goes for less, same with Sonic Jam)

You're welcome. I would recommend Game Tengokou, but that one is far from cheap even though it's awesome.

[Namakubi]

Have you looked at some of the prices for those games lately? Yeah I want to get some good shooters on the Saturn, but you can't find a copy of Sexy Parodius without paying upwards of $70 for it now.

[dukenukem]

Just be vigialant and keep checking daily,eventually some lesser priced copies start to float around on ebay.As long as you stay patient good games will eventually be yours.

[recorderdude]

it actually might be a good idea for the OP to check out that "japanese import game sellers" thread from a while back, now. Could save him a shiton for games he really wants.

[PreZZ]

Playing backups is easy with the swap trick, no mod necessary, thats how i play PDS! check out youtube and pm me if you need help ... I almost bought burning rangers for a crazy price, and im glad i didnt because it sucks, thanks to the swap trick!

[Namakubi]

it actually might be a good idea for the OP to check out that "japanese import game sellers" thread from a while back, now. Could save him a shiton for games he really wants.
Will check it out, thanks for the heads up!

[Namakubi]

Playing backups is easy with the swap trick, no mod necessary, thats how i play PDS! check out youtube and pm me if you need help ... I almost bought burning rangers for a crazy price, and im glad i didnt because it sucks, thanks to the swap trick!
I might try it, but I'll probably still end up buying games I actually want, like I own a burned copy of Last Blade 2 on Dreamcast and still want an actual release copy. I'll look into this for trying out games I'm not sure of, though.

[IHatedSega]

Will check it out, thanks for the heads up!

You can also mod chip it if that doesnt work out. Racketboy sells one for the saturn.

[M.Buster2184]

If you're into RPGs, specifically SNES era RPGs, I'd recommend Albert Odyssey. I picked it up years back not knowing much about it and now am glad to have it. The voice acting is a little corny but I love the gameplay, animation and story.

[Bloodreign]

Have you looked at some of the prices for those games lately? Yeah I want to get some good shooters on the Saturn, but you can't find a copy of Sexy Parodius without paying upwards of $70 for it now.

Mine was bought a couple years ago for $35 off ebay, the PS1 versions always been far higher. Gradius Deluxe Pack on PS1 can go for over a hundred, but I kept vigilant and snagged a copy for $54 with shipping, with spinecard. It's all about patience grasshoppah.

[Greg2600]

Can't you just play backups and imports using one of those Action Replay Plus memory carts?

http://www.robwebb1.plus.com/saturn/ar4mplus2.jpg

[gameofyou]

Can't you just play backups and imports using one of those Action Replay Plus memory carts?

http://www.robwebb1.plus.com/saturn/ar4mplus2.jpg


Not backups, only imports.

[Edmond Dantes]

There's also some concern that the AR can damage the cartridge slot, though I don't know how much truth there is to that.

[Koa Zo]

Yeah the cart slots on Saturns become finicky. Never experienced on entirely fail, just takes a couple tries to get the cart seated just right.

10 or more years ago there was a Final Fantasy (IV?) parody animation going around where someone made the party from classic consoles. It was super clever, cute, and hilarious. In one of the battles, the Saturn tries to cast a spell, but instead it has a cartridge slot error. This was a Japanese video, so that was when I first got the impression that cart problems must be pretty universal.
I so wish that little cartoon would surface again.