Saturn gaming summer '11

[+Cafeman]

Classic Game Room HD had a recent review of Sega Saturn Virtua Racing. Mark the reviewer found it lots of fun and was very positive about it.

 

But SEGA Virtua Racing fans like me pretty much have loathed the game, programmed by Time Warner. I had to hook up the Saturn and play it through again - I've been playing lots of VR over the past half year on the Genesis and the PS2 version which runs at 60fps. I played it over the weekend and went through the entire Grand Prix until I beat the game (which I don't think I ever did back in the day). Here are my thoughts:

 

I remember now that the problem with TW's Saturn port of VR is that it in no way has the exciting fast arcade feel - that "feel" is lost. So initially the game is disappointing when playing the arcade mode. The sound options are poor -- you can't really tweak the volume of game sounds. The music that plays after checkpoints is loud, clear and pretty good stuff, but I can barely hear my own engine and even passing cars is a muted unimpressive sound effect. The frame rate could be better and the game has various clipping issues at times but you learn to ignore those.

 

But the game is still quite fun for what it is. For one thing, the tracks - even the new ones - are excellently designed. The colors are nice and the tracks have bumps and little jumps - depending on the weight of your vehicle, you'll catch air at times and cause the virtua graphics to wobble a bit when you hit the non-flat racing tracks - interesting! The Grand Prix mode forces you to race 10 laps as a go-cart, then a series of 4 or 5 other vehicles until you finally reach the F1 and then you can win the game if you achieve enough win points as you go. The Metropolis and Alpine tracks took me a while to beat with the F1 but I finally did place high enough to earn win points. That's one of the nice things about how this game is set up - you have ALL the tracks available, but you don't necessarily need to race the harder ones if you place 1st on all the easy and medium tracks and earn enough win points on those. You can abuse the save system if you don't place high enough and just re-load and race again.

 

I always thought the go-carts were pretty darn fun, but because they are the slowest vehicles - max speed is around 90 MPH - each of the 10 laps takes too long. Fortunately as you move up into the faster vehicles, the laps start taking only 30 to 40 seconds each and I really can't complain about the 10 laps any more. But still it would have been nice to have had an option to only race 5-lap races. To be honest, I needed all 10 laps to get familiar with some courses with each new vehicle and to catch up to #1.

 

Well, the game was quite enjoyable. racing the tracks with a new vehicle completely changes the dynamics. At first you may wonder if its possible to place 1st. But they you start to learn that you can make those tight corners while still going quite fast, you just have to learn the game's technique of turning hard with no gas and then carefully applying acceleration as you go around the curve.

 

So thanks to CGR HD, I did enjoy Saturn VR, which I had many times previously lambasted! Load times aren't as bad as I'd remembered, although it has the stupidest loading screen I've ever seen. AND ... its win-animation is hilariously bad. Virtua people on a winning stage with hula hoops around their necks as 'awards', then the one vr person takes off his virtua hat (blue ball cap in polygons) and whips it into the air ... it doesn't drop but proceeds out of the earth, into outer space and past a virtua astronaut! game ovah! I thought this bizarro ending was the icing on the cake for this initially unimpressive yet surprisingly fun and addictive game.

 

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[sheath]

I always enjoyed Saturn Virtua Racing, though I didn't think the core gameplay was better than Virtua Racing Deluxe back in the day. It is one of the few early 3D racers with a ton of tracks and vehicle types to play with. I also think the Arcade mode is closer to the Arcade than the PS2 game, and the gameplay is way more precise. The PS2 game feels like the car wants to spin out all the time.

[+Cafeman]

I always enjoyed Saturn Virtua Racing, though I didn't think the core gameplay was better than Virtua Racing Deluxe back in the day. It is one of the few early 3D racers with a ton of tracks and vehicle types to play with. I also think the Arcade mode is closer to the Arcade than the PS2 game, and the gameplay is way more precise. The PS2 game feels like the car wants to spin out all the time.

 

That is an interesting observation. I'm going to compare the PS2 version with the Saturn later tonight.

 

My problem with the Saturn version (back in the day) was that I had played so much of the excellent 32X version. I no longer own a 32X so I can't compare the 2 directly anymore but, as you stated, the core gameplay of 32X VR Deluxe was better than really all other versions.

[+remowilliams]

I still feel the terrible disappointment of VR on the Saturn. <sigh>

[Reaperman]

Saturn Virtua Racing is my favorite, though I only recently started playing it, as it arrived last week (I'm also on a Saturn kick ATM).

I never really noticed that it wasn't a 'Sega' game, but sure enough--it isn't.

 

I really like the career mode, and I find the handling model considerably more rewarding than the genesis or 32x versions, which I also have. The races are also long enough for me, which is an itch that virtua racing never scratched before. I'll go out and say that it's my favorite racer on the system. Above Manx TT, Sega Rally, and either Daytona USA. (and surely above touring car, which

, briefly mentioning VR)

 

To be honest, I didn't care much for the earlier VR games, except as tech demos for their hardware. I do understand that those games have fans, and can certainly see why they wouldn't like the saturn version. It's a totally different experience.

Edited July 25, 2011 by Reaperman

[Animan]

Did you say Summer of nothing but Saturn gaming?

 

AWWWWWWW YYYEEEAAAHHHH!!!!

[sheath]

That is an interesting observation. I'm going to compare the PS2 version with the Saturn later tonight.

 

My problem with the Saturn version (back in the day) was that I had played so much of the excellent 32X version. I no longer own a 32X so I can't compare the 2 directly anymore but, as you stated, the core gameplay of 32X VR Deluxe was better than really all other versions.

 

Let me know what you think. It has been a number of years since I have owned the Sega Classics Collection with Saturn VR. I always come up with something new with a direct comparison. I have been meaning to re-collect the Classics Collection for a while now.

[GKC]

That is an interesting observation. I'm going to compare the PS2 version with the Saturn later tonight.

 

My problem with the Saturn version (back in the day) was that I had played so much of the excellent 32X version. I no longer own a 32X so I can't compare the 2 directly anymore but, as you stated, the core gameplay of 32X VR Deluxe was better than really all other versions.

 

Let me know what you think. It has been a number of years since I have owned the Sega Classics Collection with Saturn VR. I always come up with something new with a direct comparison. I have been meaning to re-collect the Classics Collection for a while now.

 

So it's the Saturn version that is included with the Sega Classic collection? I just got done playing that, yea I find the 32x version much better. It just didn't have the VR feel. Quite honestly, it played a lot like Checkered Flag for the Jaguar. Yea I just said that

Edited July 26, 2011 by GKC

[+Cafeman]

I played a few races first on the Sega Collection on PS2,then on Saturn Virtua Racing, to compare.

 

Of course the PS2 on is just so nice looking - clean lines and fast 60fps refresh rate.

 

But I have to say, the Saturn one seems faster (due to the slower frame rate, which increases the illusion of speed) and is really more fun in a lot of ways, even though it is much uglier (choppier/lower resolution/some graphical glitches). I think the Saturn version offers more challenging racing too. The PS2 version looks and moves great but seems to be a shell of what VR really plays like.

 

The PS2 Sega collection version - the car seems like it is sitting on a stick and when you turn, it turns on the stick. there's something kind of wrong about the whole feel of the car. The Saturn version is also not the same as the 32X or coin-op original. But I have to say, it plays pretty well despite the crappier use of the Saturn's graphics - I know the Saturn could've pulled off a much more impressive version of VR (visually and audibly) than TW's version.

 

To GKC - the version on the PS2 Sega Classics Collection is *not* the Saturn version. Totally different versions. I still remember the 32X being the best port, even though it has far less content than the Saturn version.

 

EDIT - y'know, I just watched some footage of 32X and then Saturn VR on youtube. Saturn is pushing a LOT more detail.

Edited July 26, 2011 by Cafeman

[GKC]

 

 

To GKC - the version on the PS2 Sega Classics Collection is *not* the Saturn version. Totally different versions. I still remember the 32X being the best port, even though it has far less content than the Saturn version.

 

 

 

Thanks for the info. The 32x gets criticized for getting a lot of things wrong but it nailed VR.

Edited July 26, 2011 by GKC

[NinjaWarrior]

I love playing the Saturn Virtua Racing, but the 32X version is better

[+Cafeman]

I found a couple of rarities at The Exchange yesterday.

 

One was Saturn Street Fighter: The Movie (the game). I never see this in the wild so I scooped it up. It just had to be comedy/entertainment gold just like the so-bad-its-hilarious SF film. Well, it actually played better than I expected - most of the Super SF II Turbo moves seem to be faithfully in there, and they look hilariously REEEEE-DICULOUS using the digitized actors. That's part of the fun! Loading time wasn't all that bad either thankfully! There aren't any options to speed up the gameplay , I wish that was in there. I played against my teenager son about 10 rounds, and he stomped me with his Zangief just like in real SF. This is one of those 'products of the 90's' kind of like Virtua Racing that you just can't get anywhere else.

 

As info, the other 2 games I picked up were Hook for Sega CD (its actually a pretty well-made and unique platformer (although dated of course), awesome John Williams music from the movie too!) and Spider-Man for Sega Master system, which I did not play yet.

[sheath]

I agree with your observation of the PS2 version's physics, it just seems like they botched the gameplay horribly to me. That was the main reason I sold the Sega Classics Collection back when it was new. The PS2 translation made me appreciate the Saturn game a lot more than I did previously. Also, I haven't seen the actual Arcade VR since back in the day, but in MAME I am hard pressed to see anything better graphically than the Saturn game. That will make a great comparison video actually, if I could only find my motivation.

[+Cafeman]

The PS2 translation made me appreciate the Saturn game a lot more than I did previously.

 

I can now say the same thing.

[Rex Dart]

I found a couple of rarities at The Exchange yesterday.

 

One was Saturn Street Fighter: The Movie (the game). I never see this in the wild so I scooped it up. It just had to be comedy/entertainment gold just like the so-bad-its-hilarious SF film. Well, it actually played better than I expected - most of the Super SF II Turbo moves seem to be faithfully in there, and they look hilariously REEEEE-DICULOUS using the digitized actors. That's part of the fun! Loading time wasn't all that bad either thankfully! There aren't any options to speed up the gameplay , I wish that was in there. I played against my teenager son about 10 rounds, and he stomped me with his Zangief just like in real SF.

 

Yeah, this one is actually good, and a totally different game than the PS1 version. It's basically a re-skinned Super Turbo with some extra fools thrown in. Runs slow, like you mentioned, but pretty darn authentic gameplay which is nice.

[+Cafeman]

Yeah, this one is actually good, and a totally different game than the PS1 version. It's basically a re-skinned Super Turbo with some extra fools thrown in. Runs slow, like you mentioned, but pretty darn authentic gameplay which is nice.

 

I didn't know the PS1 version was different. I'll google around later and read reviews.

 

There are still some Saturn games I had rented in the past but never bought and will pick up if I find them. Scorcher, Wipeout come to mind. I like playing these odd ducks instead of the more famous Saturn titles I mostly have been consumed with over the years such as NiGHTS, Daytona, Sega Rally, SFAlpha2, etc.

[TheGameCollector]

I finally found an official Sega Memory Cartridge for $10 so I can finally play and back up longer games. I have learned the hard way that it is safer to save directly to the system battery, then copy the saves to the backup cartridge later. Less chance of corrupting the thing. If your game freezes up loading when it's supposed to be saving data, you're screwed. This happened to me when playing Sonic 3 via Sonic Jam and I was getting to Carnival Night zone from Marble Garden zone.

 

So far this year on Saturn I have played Sonic 3D Blast, Sonic Jam, Sonic R, Dark Legend, and Fighters Megamix. I'll be doing Bust-A-Move 3 pretty soon here as well.

[Mendon]

Reading this thread makes me want to dig the game out (I haven't played it in a looooooong time) and give it a spin.

 

I found a 4min video of the game in action HERE.

 

 

Mendon

[Austin]

So, I went to the local game store today to pick up some Saturn games, but I walked out with Last Hope on the Dreamcast instead. Damnit.

[PSony]

I found a couple of rarities at The Exchange yesterday.

 

One was Saturn Street Fighter: The Movie (the game). I never see this in the wild so I scooped it up. It just had to be comedy/entertainment gold just like the so-bad-its-hilarious SF film. Well, it actually played better than I expected - most of the Super SF II Turbo moves seem to be faithfully in there, and they look hilariously REEEEE-DICULOUS using the digitized actors. That's part of the fun! Loading time wasn't all that bad either thankfully! There aren't any options to speed up the gameplay , I wish that was in there. I played against my teenager son about 10 rounds, and he stomped me with his Zangief just like in real SF.

 

Yeah, this one is actually good, and a totally different game than the PS1 version. It's basically a re-skinned Super Turbo with some extra fools thrown in. Runs slow, like you mentioned, but pretty darn authentic gameplay which is nice.

 

You're thinking of the arcade version. The PS1 version is pretty much the same as the Saturn version.

[+Cafeman]

It's still summer '11!

 

I bought a 32x from a fellow AA'er here and I've had the past week to play Virtua Racing Deluxe 32X. Following up on the above VR comments , Saturn vs PS2 version vs 32x etc.....

 

On first play, the 32x version wasn't quite as awesome graphically as I remembered. So I put in the Genesis version with its SVP chip, played it ... again at first it didn't seem too different! But then I popped the 32x version back in. The frame rate is clearly smoother and there are more poly's everywhere, resulting in a noticeably richer driving experience. The sounds and music and 'polish' are extremely well-done on the 32x version.

 

The thing about VRD 32x is that it offers a fantastic racing experience, better than any other version. It's challenging!!! I still haven't come in 1st place on 2 of the tracks. You really must earn your 1st place in this game. Even 1 major mistake and you probably won't catch the 1st place car. I like how the cars have different colors .. reds, blue ... then the white cars are the leaders in each race. Trying to pass those last 3 white cars in any race requires skills, baby!

 

I played the Saturn version , the first arcade course, to compare. Now I remember why the Saturn one originally put me off so much, coming from playing the 32x version .. the control is completely different, more floatier if that makes sense. It is certainly possible to adjust to it, but at first I was all over the road. Saturn's visuals are very more advanced with more complexity and colors, but I can't say the sound is better. I like the 32x chip-tune music samples better than the Saturn's re-recorded CD ones!

[+Curious Sofa]

I'm going to go with the 32x crowd on this one, having had the PS2 and Saturn versions of the game as well.

There's something about 32X VR Deluxe that makes it more fun; partially the lack of floaty control, partially the sound and music, seems like it ought to be somehow. Runs decently fast, is a good challenge, just somehow right all around.

If only the Saturn / PS2 games had taken that game and simply spruced up the graphic detail and framerate... But alas, they're different games in lots of ways and stumbled.

 

Plus it's nice to have at least ONE 32x game that can be reasonably argued to be the best of anything.

[+Cafeman]

Last night I sat down around 10PM for an hour-long session of VR Deluxe on 32x. I got 1st place on all 5 tracks using the stock car. It wasn't really that hard now that I'm familiar with the tracks. The hardest track for me is actually the 2nd one, I think its called Bay Bridge. I guess I mess up around the curves too frequently.

 

So I unlocked the mirror mode, but at first could not figure out how to activate it. Then I finally went to the main selection screen and pressed right one time passed the "Options" selection, and I saw the new mirror mode selection.

 

I had a blast racing all these tracks in mirror mode, which really makes them seem unfamiliar and fresh all over again.

 

Also, on the desert track (the 5th one), the easiest way to win is to simply choose the right path when the road splits. The computer cars always go left. As long as you don't wreck around the sharp elbow curve , you'll progress a number of positions by the time the 2 paths join again.

 

Its too bad you have to beat all 5 tracks in 1st place to unlock mirror mode. I thought there was a code, but searching I found none.

[+Cafeman]

Figured I'd keep playing Saturn until Autumn is officially here on Friday.

 

Over the past few days I've found time to compare 32X Virtua Fighter with the Saturn fighters. 32X VF is a good port, but its easy to see the superiority of the Saturn VF and especially VF Remix with its snazzy texture mapping. I *love* the sound of the music and FX in Saturn VF/VFRemix. Awesome presence to the music and effects.

 

VF2 of course is at 60fps and has fast fluid gameplay superior to the prior versions, but its voices, sounds and music are more quiet and muffled - a trade off. I played this a while and marveled at the improvement of the prior versions. I've read this game's resolution is higher than any other Saturn game. I'd believe it.

 

I also played Last Bronx a bit 2 days ago - but I never really liked the gameplay or characters so I won't waste time talking much about it. Even with the weapons, its nowhere near as fun as VF.

 

So, finally, last night I played an hours worth of Fighter's Megamix. I dug out my old save file from cart where all the characters are unlocked (not the palm tree or deku, I found...). I had a BLAST playing it. Played as the Daytona Car again and re-learned its small move-set. P+K+G is effective against bigger characters, but it'll miss others, so I was doing Down+Kick sweeps and mid-range "kicks" - the lower wheel flies up like a fist at hits the opponent mid-level. I found it satisyingly balanced, I was winning but needed different strategies for each opponent. I'm sure a good VF fighter would immediately destroy a Daytona Car chooser however.

 

It got me thinking how awesome it would be to see a new FMM on 360/PS3. We got Sonic Racing which was a big racing kart remix of various characters and properties, and it was very well done. Capcom struck gold with its Marvel vs Capcom series. Sega should take its VF5 engine and make a remix. Make it online and zany! I can wish!

[+Curious Sofa]

Got to love Fighter's MegaMix, it's so completely insane!

Memories of the first time I got to give someone a "burnout noogie" with the Daytona Car. And being able to play as Janet from Virtua Cop, very nice. At the time it was extra-special because she had Aoi's moves from Virtua Fighter 3 (and if I recall, some of the other VF characters had some of their VF3 moves integrated).

 

I've got to agree, a new edition of this could be really good. Though I'd prefer a better, less "floaty" engine than what they used for the original MegaMix.