Hey ho, Just wondering - and I reckon you guys can provide me with answers - is it better to import a JP or US Sega Saturn (I'm in the UK.) Are there many region exclusive games that I need to check out? Would you say it's easier/cheaper to get hold of games from a certain region? Would it be worth buying JP even though the language will be somewhat of a barrier? What do you think? Cheers for any help!
its easier to get ahold of panzer dragoon saga or deep fear japanese versions, and cheaper too! but why not just buy an action replay?
Would it still run in full screen, 60hz NTSC? I'm never sure with these region-free cartridges- I shy away from them because I've never had a difinte answer as to whether they force an imported game into 50hz/borders on a PAL console..
Eh, after I cocked up a Mega Drive trying to do that I don't have the confidence to try it on a beloved Saturn!
For 60Hz you'd need a modded PAL Saturn or a US/JP one. If you play US/JP games on a PAL console, they will play in 50Hz. The only right decision for a gamer is a modded Saturn. A modded one for the few brilliant US RPG's. If you don't like to play RPG's (like me), then you won't need anything but a Japanese machine for all the shooters, fighters, action games and arcade-ports around. Most of the mentioned games were released only in Japan and there are plenty worth checking out. As for the language barrier, most "interesting" games are easily playable for everyone as their language content consists mainly out of "Press Start" and "Option". But again, what region might be the best for you depends really on what you like to play. If you hate arcade games at all and would like to enjoy some RPG's or adventure games, get a US Saturn (or a modded PAL one).
From what I remember its pretty hard to mod a saturn wrong... basically all you do is solder four wires.
I would also warn against using an Action Replay or any other third-party cartridge. If you look at a first party RAM or save cart, you'll see that the cartridge contact edge is tapered, so it slides into the slot very easily. Third-party carts have a squared-off edge that you have to jam into the slot and can deform it over time. If you can't have one of each, a region switch mod is the best option and is most reliable.
it's a none brainer really. go for a Japanese system. It looks nicerthan the UK and US black consoles plus you get that lovely controller that Uk players got later on in the saturn's life. All the best games are available in japanese format while an awful lot of the great exclusives are Japanese only. Of course there are US only titles as well but most of them are turd to avarage. That's not to say all Japanese exclusives are also fantastic but there are many many games you must have. So if you don't want to mod or use action replays I say go Japanese. The only thing you'll really be missing out on are the RPG games that were translated in to English. Yakumo
Yakumo... ... ... ... I'm speechless! Its the first time i read that somebody thinks the "Model-2-Controller" is better than the Model-1-Version. For me, the Model-1-Controller is one of the best Controller of all time because its very stable, very good steering-cross and way better looking than the cheap Model-2-Version. I cant believe YOU wrote that.;-) "MK-80301" (Model 1) MK-80313 (Model 2)
what? the clumsy model 1 should be better than the sleek model 2? its a question of taste, but i think most prefer model 2 over model 1.
I ve never had a model 1, so I can't opine on it. Nevertheless, although I love the D-pad on the model 2, everything else is cheap and plastic-y; The body of the controller feels hollow, the buttons feel cheap, the shoulder buttons click "dry" and its lack of weight makes it feel weird. with that said, it's the ideal controller for some games, no doubt - the A, B and C buttons have a nice feeling to them - although cheap- when pressed; shame I can't say the same about the XYZ buttons on top =/
way to go offtopic :-] i made a poll to discuss the matter http://assemblergames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20337
On-topic: I'd go for a lovely-looking Japanese system. They're cheap to import (especially unboxed), believe me I know, I own 4 Japanese systems. And as Yakumo stated, it's a no-brainer, you NEED the awesome amount of great and quirky Japanese games to enjoy and get the most out of the Saturn. US versions of the games (although running at a much needed 60hz) simply look awful in their ridiculous cd cases and with their dreadful artwork. But that's coming from a Saturn purist though And while you're at it, get an equally cheap (unboxed at least) European Saturn to play European Saturn games, forget about converter cartridges. Install a 60hz switch (dead easy, especially on the round buttoned model) and you're all set :nod: Off-topic: I find the model 1 joypads adequate (well, certainly a lot better than PS joypads) but model 2 ones are just the best joypads in existence, on par with snes joypads.
Way to stay on topic If you don't want to mod a saturn yourself, here are two reliable sites that sell pre-chipped japanese saturns: http://www.consolepassion.co.uk/index.htm http://www.robwebb.clara.co.uk/shop/index.htm
