27 replies to this topic

[Tempest]

After playing some Sega Saturn this weekend I got to thinking, what are the best imports for the system?  There are literally over 600+ games for the system, so my knowledge of non-US released games is far from complete so I'm hoping some import buffs can help.  My biggest problem is that I'm not sure which games can be played with no knowledge of Japanese.  Since I have a modded Saturn I can download the TOSEC rom set and play any game, so price and rarity really don't matter.

I mostly like 2-D SHMUPS and RPGs, but puzzle games and side scrollers also capture my fancy.  I'm not against fighting games (the VS series), but that's why I own a Neo Geo.  I also tend to stay away from most 3-D Saturn games because they tend to suck, but there may be a few good ones out there.


So what are the best Saturn imports?  

Tempest

[Gabsters89]

The Saturn probably has the best shmup of all time, that just so happens to be an import title as well. Goes by the name of Radiant Silvergun. As far as RPG imports, there's literally a king's bounty of them. Apparently Sega of America, in their infinite wisdom, didn't think RPG's would sell in the US, and some really great RPGs never saw a US release. There's an article on this I read somewhere before, lemme see if I can find it for you. Also, Policenauts is a good import title.

[Gabsters89]

Couldn't find it, but off the top of my head I can think of two. Devil Summoner and Devil Summoner 2. I was able to find an article about it's import shmups though...
http://www.racketboy...d-shooters.html

[Reaperman]

I'm a big fan of the Dracula X game on the system.  it's basically castlevania symphony of the night, but with 3 playable characters right from the start.  Colors are a little poorer than saturn could handle though.

Since you mentioned the VS series, X-men Vs Streetfighter is probably the best 2d fighter on the system.

A few of the other imports I enjoy I couldn't guess what their name is.  Casino titles mostly, and the usual batch of 'idol photo studio happy time' games.  I had a nice goodwill find of a cd-holder full of imported pirate saturn games.  They all nave a number, almost like they were part of some kind of subscription service.

Edited by Reaperman, Sun Feb 21, 2010 10:58 PM.

[STICH666]

I agree with the Japanese SHMUPS. There's not really one I would recommend seeing as there are VERY few bad SHMUPS to begin with. However IMO the Turbografx/PC Engine have the best SHMUP lineup so if you have one and you are fortunate enough to have the CD addon, go with that. And as for RPGS, there's no shortage of that on the Saturn. Well at least not in Japan. Thanks Bernie 2D games are sooo last gen pfft.

Edited by STICH666, Sun Feb 21, 2010 11:25 PM.

[Jibbajaba]

MSX Antiques Collection (gives you a chance to check out some MSX games)
Strikers 1945 I and II
Cotton 2
Gradius Deluxe Pack
Salamander Deluxe Pack
All 5 Capcom Generations discs, but particularly 1 and 2
Donpachi and Dodonpachi

There are many more, but those are some good ones.

Chris

[STICH666]

If I can add one, Sol Divide is a great one. It's the sequel of Sol Feace on the Sega CD. It also happens to be Japan exclusive.

[jboypacman]

Jibbajaba, on Mon Feb 22, 2010 12:17 AM, said:

MSX Antiques Collection (gives you a chance to check out some MSX games)
Strikers 1945 I and II
Cotton 2
Gradius Deluxe Pack
Salamander Deluxe Pack
All 5 Capcom Generations discs, but particularly 1 and 2
Donpachi and Dodonpachi

There are many more, but those are some good ones.

Chris

I think Jibba list most of what i would of posted but here are a few Saturn games you might like...

Kingdom Grand Prix
SkullFang
Chatting Parodius
Sexy Parodius
Sonic Wings Special
Thunderforce Gold Packs
Kyuukoku Tiger 2 Plus
Bokan to Ippattsu
Batsugun
Cotton Boomerang
Fantasy Zone
Gunbird
Darius 2
Battle Garegga
Gun Frontier
Soukyugurententail Otokuyo

As far as non shumps go....

Dungeon & Dragons Collection
Elevator Action Returns

Edited by jboypacman, Mon Feb 22, 2010 10:53 AM.

[Tempest]

Yeah I have most of those.  What I really need is a list of English friendly Saturn games so I can weed out the non-playable games (so many digital comics).  Then I need to sort them by genre and start checking them out.  Dating Simulations and the like I don't need even if they're English friendly.

Tempest

[Reaperman]

Tempest, on Mon Feb 22, 2010 10:58 AM, said:

Dating Simulations and the like I don't need even if they're English friendly.

Tempest

lol
odd you should the girly/pervy games.
I just ordered this about 3 hours ago.

and no, I don't have any explaination for my actions.  I guess the 'best' justification is that it's a helluva tech demo.

Edited by Reaperman, Mon Feb 22, 2010 1:07 PM.

[Frizo]

One of my only two imports (and they costed a lot) is for the Saturn.
NiGHTS into Dreams: Christmas edition.
First, its a heck of a lot cheaper than the US version, and it has a few extra unlockables (Karoeke anyone?)

[BrianC]

STICH666, on Mon Feb 22, 2010 7:51 AM, said:

If I can add one, Sol Divide is a great one. It's the sequel of Sol Feace on the Sega CD. It also happens to be Japan exclusive.

Sol Divide is not the sequel to Sol Feace. It's a fighter/shmup combo designed by Psyiko (and their developers had nothing to do with Sol Feace) and is generally poorly received. The Saturn one is Japan exclusive, but the PSX port got a US release. It was one of XS Games budget releases with removed cutscenes, though.  

Here are some Saturn import games I recommend:
Vampire Savior (if you have the Action Reply with the 4m built in. A 2D fighter, known as Darkstalkers 3 on the US PSX (but this version has extra frames of animation), but one of the best on the system and makes good use of the extra memory for some slick graphics and gameplay. Last I checked, it's fairly cheap to get a hold of too)
Batsugun (excellent shmup from Toaplan and often referred to as proto cave. Has both the original and a special version with extra bullets and other remixed stuff)
Parodius Deluxe Pack (includes two great shmups, Parodius Da!! and Gokujo Parodius. Worth it for Gokujo alone)
Gradius Deluxe Pack (includes the arcade versions of Gradius 1 and 2. Good stuff)

I also heard good things about the SEGA Ages packs with games like Space Harrier, Outrun, Fantasy Zone, and After Burner II available, though a few of those are available elsewhere, as well. There are the SEGA Ages Memorial packs with older SEGA games. The first one has Flicky, Head On (original game Dodge 'em on the 2600 is based on), Up 'n Down, and Pengo and the second one has SEGA Samurai (70s arcade game), Ninja Princess (also known as SEGA Ninja. Game The Ninja for SMS is based on), Star Jacker (80s shmup), Penguin Land SG-1000, and Monaco GP.

As far as games that can be played with no knowledge of Japanese, shmups, arcade games, fighting games, action games (aside from a few with RPG elements), and most puzzle games (stay away from word based ones, though) are generally safe. RPGs and strategy games usually require more Japanese knowledge and it's best to avoid visual novels, quiz games, etc. since these are pretty much unplayable without knowledge of Japanese.

Quote

As far as RPG imports, there's literally a king's bounty of them. Apparently Sega of America, in their infinite wisdom, didn't think RPG's would sell in the US, and some really great RPGs never saw a US release. There's an article on this I read somewhere before, lemme see if I can find it for you. Also, Policenauts is a good import title.

Most of those RPGs have a heavy amount of Japanese text. Policenauts requires knowledge of Japanese to play.

Edited by BrianC, Mon Feb 22, 2010 5:58 PM.

[Taskmaster99]

Radiant Silvergun
Street Fighter Zero series(Alpha in the US)
Dracula X
Pocket Fighter
Final Fight Revenge(actually a crappy game...but cool to have )

[zylon]

Jibbajaba, on Mon Feb 22, 2010 12:17 AM, said:

MSX Antiques Collection (gives you a chance to check out some MSX games)
Strikers 1945 I and II
Cotton 2
Gradius Deluxe Pack
Salamander Deluxe Pack
All 5 Capcom Generations discs, but particularly 1 and 2
Donpachi and Dodonpachi

There are many more, but those are some good ones.

Chris

In addition to these, I must add:
Thunderforce Gold Pack
Thunderforce V
Layer Section 1 & 2
Shienryu

Edited by zylon, Mon Feb 22, 2010 7:31 PM.

[BrianC]

zylon, on Mon Feb 22, 2010 7:29 PM, said:

Layer Section 1 & 2

Layer Section 1 (aka Rayforce) has a US release under the name "Galactic Attack". Despite the cheesy name change, everything else is intact. Either version is recommended, since it's an awesome game and goes for cheap. Layer Section 2 (aka Raystorm) is 3D, and I heard it's inferior to the ports available on PS1 and PS2.

[Tempest]

I didn't know that.  Cool.  I think I may actually own Galactic Attack (need to check).

Tempest

[STICH666]

BrianC, on Mon Feb 22, 2010 5:40 PM, said:

STICH666, on Mon Feb 22, 2010 7:51 AM, said:

If I can add one, Sol Divide is a great one. It's the sequel of Sol Feace on the Sega CD. It also happens to be Japan exclusive.

Sol Divide is not the sequel to Sol Feace. It's a fighter/shmup combo designed by Psyiko (and their developers had nothing to do with Sol Feace) and is generally poorly received. The Saturn one is Japan exclusive, but the PSX port got a US release. It was one of XS Games budget releases with removed cutscenes, though.  

Here are some Saturn import games I recommend:
Vampire Savior (if you have the Action Reply with the 4m built in. A 2D fighter, known as Darkstalkers 3 on the US PSX (but this version has extra frames of animation), but one of the best on the system and makes good use of the extra memory for some slick graphics and gameplay. Last I checked, it's fairly cheap to get a hold of too)
Batsugun (excellent shmup from Toaplan and often referred to as proto cave. Has both the original and a special version with extra bullets and other remixed stuff)
Parodius Deluxe Pack (includes two great shmups, Parodius Da!! and Gokujo Parodius. Worth it for Gokujo alone)
Gradius Deluxe Pack (includes the arcade versions of Gradius 1 and 2. Good stuff)

I also heard good things about the SEGA Ages packs with games like Space Harrier, Outrun, Fantasy Zone, and After Burner II available, though a few of those are available elsewhere, as well. There are the SEGA Ages Memorial packs with older SEGA games. The first one has Flicky, Head On (original game Dodge 'em on the 2600 is based on), Up 'n Down, and Pengo and the second one has SEGA Samurai (70s arcade game), Ninja Princess (also known as SEGA Ninja. Game The Ninja for SMS is based on), Star Jacker (80s shmup), Penguin Land SG-1000, and Monaco GP.

As far as games that can be played with no knowledge of Japanese, shmups, arcade games, fighting games, action games (aside from a few with RPG elements), and most puzzle games (stay away from word based ones, though) are generally safe. RPGs and strategy games usually require more Japanese knowledge and it's best to avoid visual novels, quiz games, etc. since these are pretty much unplayable without knowledge of Japanese.

Quote

As far as RPG imports, there's literally a king's bounty of them. Apparently Sega of America, in their infinite wisdom, didn't think RPG's would sell in the US, and some really great RPGs never saw a US release. There's an article on this I read somewhere before, lemme see if I can find it for you. Also, Policenauts is a good import title.

Most of those RPGs have a heavy amount of Japanese text. Policenauts requires knowledge of Japanese to play.

Wow was I off. I think I was thinking of Sylpheed on the PS2 being a sequel to the one on the Sega CD.

[Jibbajaba]

jboypacman, on Mon Feb 22, 2010 10:52 AM, said:

Jibbajaba, on Mon Feb 22, 2010 12:17 AM, said:

MSX Antiques Collection (gives you a chance to check out some MSX games)
Strikers 1945 I and II
Cotton 2
Gradius Deluxe Pack
Salamander Deluxe Pack
All 5 Capcom Generations discs, but particularly 1 and 2
Donpachi and Dodonpachi

There are many more, but those are some good ones.

Chris

I think Jibba list most of what i would of posted but here are a few Saturn games you might like...

Kingdom Grand Prix
SkullFang
Chatting Parodius
Sexy Parodius
Sonic Wings Special
Thunderforce Gold Packs
Kyuukoku Tiger 2 Plus
Bokan to Ippattsu
Batsugun
Cotton Boomerang
Fantasy Zone
Gunbird
Darius 2
Battle Garegga
Gun Frontier
Soukyugurententail Otokuyo

As far as non shumps go....

Dungeon & Dragons Collection
Elevator Action Returns

I hadn't heard of Elevator Action Returns until jboy recommended it, but it is a lot of fun!  I'm going to have to review this one soon.

So add that one to my list of recommendations, as well.

Can the D&D collection be played in English?

Chris

[Cafeman]

also the excellent Marvel vs SF , but you already sold me that one.

[Tempest]

Well here are the ones I've downloaded so far, I need to find a few that I used to own and have sold (such as Radiant Silvergun).  Has anyone patched Policenauts into English yet?  I know they did the PSX version.

3 Wonders Arcade Games
Afterburner II
Batsugun
Battle Garegga
Blast Winder
Bokan To Ippatsu
Bubble Symphony
Bulk Slash
Capcom Generations (1-5)
Chase HQ
Cotton 2
Cube Battler
Cyberbots
DJ Wars
Do Don Pachi
Don Pachi
Dragon Force 2
Elevator ACtion Returns
Falcom Classics 2
Final Fight Revenge
Gals Panic SS
Genkirindan
Gradius Deluxe Pack
Gun Griffon 2
Gunbird
G-Vector
Liquid Kids
Lode Runner Extra
Mobile Suit Gundam
Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story 2
Necronomicon
Noon
Out Run
Planet Joker
Pocket Fighter
Policenauts
Princess Crown
Puyo Puyo 2
Puzzle Bobble 3
Sexy Parodius
Slayers Royale
Sonic Wings Special
Space Invaders
Steam Hearts
Super Puzzle fighter 2
Thuderforce Gold Pack 2
Tunderforce V

[akirahedgehog]

Super Tempo is an awesome 2D platformer.  

[Tempest]

akirahedgehog, on Tue Feb 23, 2010 11:21 PM, said:

Super Tempo is an awesome 2D platformer.  

Yeah and incredibly rare too (I think one on ebay went for $150+).  I keep meaning to play Tempo on my 32X, it's one of the few 32X games worth playing.

Tempest

[Austin]

BrianC, on Mon Feb 22, 2010 5:40 PM, said:

STICH666, on Mon Feb 22, 2010 7:51 AM, said:

If I can add one, Sol Divide is a great one. It's the sequel of Sol Feace on the Sega CD. It also happens to be Japan exclusive.

Sol Divide is not the sequel to Sol Feace. It's a fighter/shmup combo designed by Psyiko (and their developers had nothing to do with Sol Feace) and is generally poorly received. The Saturn one is Japan exclusive, but the PSX port got a US release. It was one of XS Games budget releases with removed cutscenes, though.  

I personally recommend Sol Divide. As far as the PSX version released in the US, they left the game in Japanese (what??), and they for some reason chopped out the ability to save your progress in the Story/Adventure mode (or whatever they call it). Of course, the Japanese versions (including the Saturn one) have this save system fully intact.

Some others I may recommend (That I don't think have been stated yet): DonPachi, DoDonPachi, Guardian Force, and Batsugun.

I saw someone mentioned the Capcom Generations.. If you have a US PS2 or XBOX, just buy the Capcom Classics Collections.. It's going to be a helluva lot cheaper, and you're going to get a lot more games in the end.. The Saturn/PSX collections were great when they came out, but there isn't much reason to search for them now unless you are really dying to collect them or play a handful of those games on your Saturn. Again, though, for the price of one, you can buy one of the US compilations that have 15+ plus games each.

Edited by Austin, Wed Feb 24, 2010 10:37 PM.

[BrianC]

Austin, on Wed Feb 24, 2010 10:35 PM, said:

I personally recommend Sol Divide. As far as the PSX version released in the US, they left the game in Japanese (what??), and they for some reason chopped out the ability to save your progress in the Story/Adventure mode (or whatever they call it). Of course, the Japanese versions (including the Saturn one) have this save system fully intact.

Some others I may recommend (That I don't think have been stated yet): DonPachi, DoDonPachi, Guardian Force, and Batsugun.

Sol Divide is generally considered a crappy game (and how much you like it doesn't change the fact that it has no relation to the Wolfteam designed Sol Feace/Deace). I haven't played it myself, but this is going by what I heard on the shmups forum. I'm aware that the XS one is butchered, but the Saturn one is 35-50 dollars, a bit much to risk on a generally disliked game if you haven't played it. There's also a JPS2 game that has both Sol Divide, and a game that has been much better received, Dragon Blaze.

I heard DonPachi is better on JPSX and the Saturn one has some framerate issues or something along those lines. DoDonPachi I heard looks better on PSX, but plays well on both. I mentioned Batsugun in the very post you quoted from.

Quote

I saw someone mentioned the Capcom Generations.. If you have a US PS2 or XBOX, just buy the Capcom Classics Collections.. It's going to be a helluva lot cheaper, and you're going to get a lot more games in the end.. The Saturn/PSX collections were great when they came out, but there isn't much reason to search for them now unless you are really dying to collect them or play a handful of those games on your Saturn. Again, though, for the price of one, you can buy one of the US compilations that have 15+ plus games each.

The first PS2 Capcom Classics Collection may be a better value, but the graphics are inferior than their PSX counterparts due to a blurry filter and upscaled graphics. Neither the PSX nor Saturn versions have upscaled graphics, though the Saturn collections don't have the same aspect ratios as the arcade. I heard the Saturn collections may be closer to the arcade in speed, though.

doh. I should have read the first post better. I didn't know it was about playing non-originals.

Edited by BrianC, Thu Feb 25, 2010 4:32 PM.

[wccw mark]

fire pro wrestling six man scramble