Sega Saturn

I just picked up a Saturn from the Game Crazy around the block. $20. Looks to be in good shape, aside from some dust, and it runs pretty well. Also picked up Panzer Dragoon and Virtua Fighter 2, which both play even though there are some scratches on both CDs. I think the pad is a later model, as I remember the original launch Saturn pad being a bit bigger. No box, no manual.

Can you people tell me what I need to know about this thing?

Basic Info
- Model: MK-80000A
- Manufactured date: September 1996

Questions
- The system keeps asking for my language and the current date/time each time I turn it on. That's because the watch battery in the back expansion port is dead, right? Is it a standard battery?
- What else goes into that port? All I see is a big hole with a connector in the back.
- What model is this? 2nd? 3rd?
- What do I need to play imports?
- What's that 4-in-one cart stuff about?
- Doesn't the system have an internal save game storage space? Is this dependant upon the battery?
- What games are good for it?

Thanks for any answers you can give.

i'll take care of this one everyone.

the 4 in 1 cart is easily the best peripheral for the system. converter (for your imports), RAM cart, and memory card all in one. and a gameshark if you're into that kind of thing.

the internal battery does save games, but the battery dies fast, so you're better off just putting all your saves on on the 4 in 1.

this is pretty much essential if you plan to have a good Saturn Collection.

must have games for me are...
Sega Rally
King of Fighters 97
Marvel Vs. Street Fighter
oh, and im gonna go out of my way to tell you to stay away from NiGHTS. everyone here will tell you otherwise, but the game is jokingly over rated. just not fun.

um, those are really the last games i touched on my saturn, and even then it's been a long while since i've played them.

there are a lot of good games on the system though, tons of shumps too.

anyways, any one who owns a saturn will not be able to stress enough how important it is to own a 4 in 1 cart.

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Originally posted by Lhadatt
- The system keeps asking for my language and the current date/time each time I turn it on. That's because the watch battery in the back expansion port is dead, right? Is it a standard battery?

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CR2032, most commonly used for car key alarms, and also used in the VMU. Should be fairly easily found at a local drugstore.

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- What else goes into that port? All I see is a big hole with a connector in the back.

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Nothing else, just the battery.

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- What do I need to play imports?

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A 4-in-1.

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- What's that 4-in-one cart stuff about?

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It's a cart that removes territorial lockout and has the 4-meg upgrade, required for various import fighting games.

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- Doesn't the system have an internal save game storage space? Is this dependant upon the battery?

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Yes and yes. A backup memory cartridge will keep the games forever, and can hold more save games than you will ever make.

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- What games are good for it?

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Far too many. Guardian Heroes and Vampire Savior are high on my list.

[edit] When you say "back expansion port," are you refering to the cartridge slot on top or the "hole" in the back?

Questions
- The system keeps asking for my language and the current date/time each time I turn it on. That's because the watch battery in the back expansion port is dead, right?

Yes.

Is it a standard battery?

It's a lithium battery, as far as I can remember. This same kind you'd use in a DC VMU.

- What else goes into that port? All I see is a big hole with a connector in the back.

Nothing. It's a big damned waste of space.

- What do I need to play imports?

A 4-in-one cart.

- What's that 4-in-one cart stuff about?

It's an import converter, 4-meg extension, memory cart...and one other thing. It makes it so you can import without swaping which will damage your cart slot. It also backs up game save files, and makes it so you can play games like Vampier Savior without swaping the import cart for the 4-meg expansion cart.

You can get one at www.ncsx.com

- Doesn't the system have an internal save game storage space?

Yes.

Is this dependant upon the battery?

Yes.

- What games are good for it?
NiGHTS, Clockwork Knight 1&2, Virtua Cop, Buning Rangers, Radiant Silvergun, and several others that I'm sure someone will mention.

yeah it's a standard battery. i forget the model number, but it's about the size a nickel, and you can pick one up at radio shack.

for imports, you'll need to install a region switch. a very easy mod, but i had mine installed when i bought the system. you can send your saturn to ncs and they'll install it for you.

the 4-in-one cart is a 4 meg ram cartridge combined with a memory card. most people have no trouble with them, but i managed to lose my save games a few months ago. now i use the official sega memory cartridge and a seperate 4 meg ram cart.

the saturn does have internal save game storage space, but the space is extremely limited and is entirely dependant on the battery.

i'll save the recommended games for another post.

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Originally posted by Lucas Barton
i'll take care of this one everyone.

the internal battery does save games, but the battery dies fast, so you're better off just putting all your saves on on the 4 in 1.

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Actually, the battery lasts for well over a year. The Saturn's owners manual recommends you replace the Cr2032 battery once every year, but I've had my Saturn since May 1995 and I've only replaced the battery 3 times.

some other great games on it that no one has listed

the Street Fighter Alpha's
Street Fighter COllection
Darius Gaiden
Galactic Attack
Sonic Jam

hmmm

Recommended games:
VF
VF Remix
VF 2
VF Kids
Fighters Megamix
Manx TT
Daytona USA
Nights
Clockwork Knights
Bug!
High Velocity
Worldwide Soccer 97
Pandemonium (I prefer the control in this version to the PSX version)
Robo Pit (same as above, plus the changes between the versions are striking)
Burning Rangers
Dragon Force
Dark Saviir
Street Fighter Collection


I've forgotten a ton of games there. Ah well, decent list to get you started (hopefully.)

If you want to play a truely unique RPG, I highly suggest Shining:The Holy Ark. If you like Golden Sun, then you would more than likely enjoy STHA, as it was developed by Camelot as well.

I second Shining the Holy Ark, I just finished this game about 1 month ago and it is a great fun dungeon romp! If you can afford it, Panzer Dragoon Saga is an awesome RPG, my favorite in the 32bit era.

Galactic Attack (aka Layer Section/Gun-Lock/Rayforce)
Darius Gaiden
Shienryu
Dodonpachi
Metal Black
Darius II
Gun Frontier
Sega Rally (IMO better than the Dreamcast sequel, since it holds its framerate)
Daytona CCE (Japanese version preferably)
any Capcom Generations pack
Super SFII Collection
Soukyugurentai
Battle Garegga

There are others, but it'd take me all night to list 'em ;)

Off the top of my head...

Virtual On - Asstastic port, but still kinda-sorta fun.

Virtua Cop series - I've been playing these lately. Good stuff.

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Originally posted by Lhadatt
- What games are good for it?

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http://millartime.com/videogames/segasaturn.htm

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Originally posted by Lhadatt
- What model is this? 2nd? 3rd?

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It's probably the 2nd model since there's that "A" tacked onto the model number. I never bothered to look before now, but upon inspection mine appears to be a launch system (June 1995, MK-80000). Are the Power/Reset buttons circular or oval-shaped? If they're oval-shaped like mine, it's a model 1. If they're round, it's a later model.

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- What do I need to play imports?
- What's that 4-in-one cart stuff about?

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From what I've heard, the 4-in-1 works great as an import/RAM upgrade cart, but the save feature isn't known for its reliability. If you're not interested in the fighting games (which would pretty much negate the need for a 4MB RAM cart), save yourself a few bucks and get an ST-Key cartridge. NCS sells them for $10. It allows you to play imports, but that's all it does.

As for saving games, a fresh battery for the system backup will do fine if you don't want to get the 4-in-1. I think the capacity is 400 or 500 blocks. The biggest save file I have is Radiant Silvergun, which is 60-something. All the rest are no more than half that (Parodius Deluxe Pack takes only 3 :)).

If you can find a local place that will install a region switch (or if you're willing to ship your Saturn to NCS), I'd highly reccomend doing that. Then, you can get official Sega 4MB RAM and Save carts, and you'll be all set.

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- What games are good for it?

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All sorts. If you like shooters, you've picked one of the best systems for the genre. Same with fighting and other arcade games. Just poke around on the web a bit - there's plenty of info on Saturn games.

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Originally posted by Lucas Barton

oh, and im gonna go out of my way to tell you to stay away from NiGHTS. everyone here will tell you otherwise, but the game is jokingly over rated. just not fun.

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Dude, April Fool's Day is long over.

Greatest game of all time = NiGHTS.

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Originally posted by Lhadatt
- What else goes into that port? All I see is a big hole with a connector in the back.

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Originally posted by MechDeus
Nothing else, just the battery.

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Wrong

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Originally posted by Captain Vegetable
Nothing. It's a big damned waste of space.

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Not true, and your wrong too...

I'm I the only one who actually has a VCD card in my Sega Saturn here... that is what goes in the port/slot where the battery is :bang:

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Originally posted by OmegaFlareX
It's probably the 2nd model since there's that "A" tacked onto the model number. I never bothered to look before now, but upon inspection mine appears to be a launch system (June 1995, MK-80000). Are the Power/Reset buttons circular or oval-shaped? If they're oval-shaped like mine, it's a model 1. If they're round, it's a later model.

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They are circular. I was guessing it's a 2nd model due to the "A" as well.

You've all been very helpful. Thanks!

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Originally posted by Werewolf
I'm I the only one who actually has a VCD card in my Sega Saturn here... that is what goes in the port/slot where the battery is :bang:

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Just because you could stash money or weed bags in there doesn't mean they're supposed to go there. :p

The saturn is home to SEGA's best game and SEGA's most overated. They are Panzer Dragoon Saga and NiGHTS, respectively.

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Originally posted by MechDeus
Just because you could stash money or weed bags in there doesn't mean they're supposed to go there. :p

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No the weed goes in the PS2, I stuff the cash in the... damn I don't have any cash left, who took the 3DO! :sweat:

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Originally posted by Werewolf
No the weed goes in the PS2, I stuff the cash in the... damn I don't have any cash left, who took the 3DO! :sweat:

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so thats why there was that wad of cash in my 3DO


errr i mean i dont know where it went and its not in my room with your wad of cash :sweat:

A word to the wise:

If you want most of the quality Saturn imports around, be ready to spend some cash.

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Originally posted by Lucas Barton

oh, and im gonna go out of my way to tell you to stay away from NiGHTS. everyone here will tell you otherwise, but the game is jokingly over rated. just not fun.

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Personally, I found it to be the only worthwhile game the miserable system had to offer.

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Originally posted by Regus
Personally, I found it to be the only worthwhile game the miserable system had to offer.

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provocative!

if you're into puzzle games at all, make sure you check out magical drop 3 (import). quite possibly my favorite puzzle game ever.

Of course I would say if you want imports work on your PSX collection first, however...

Assault Suit Leynos 2 (Best mecha platformer eva)
Darius Gaiden
Virtual On (amazing)
Bomberman Hi-Ten

I can't recommend much as I really don't play much on the saturn, there are tons of quality imports but prices are stupid thanks to ebay shitfuckers. For domestic shit, if you're a RPG nerd you'll be in dork heaven with all the WD releases.

....PSX is betta...

Shooters and more shooters. Nude pachinko. Neo geo ports. Sega, um yeah, enjoy!!! My third in line console, after the PS2 and DC.

I can't believe that Saturn Bomberman was only mentioned once--to me this is last word in Bomberman games (10 players anyone?). Bonk and Master Higgins are playable characters for chrissakes! I don't believe anyone has mentioned Shining Force III (all three paryts are good but only the first was released in the US), Dark Savior and Dragon Force.

I'd recommend
Bubble Symphony
Galactic Attack
Elevator Action returns
Liquid Kids-never played the saturn version
Fantazy Zone Collection
NIGHTS
Strikers 1945

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Originally posted by 680x0
....PSX is betta...

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I already have one of those. I didn't get the Saturn specifically for imports -- I got it because it was there and it was $20. I imagine that I'll be able to find something worthwhile on it.

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Originally posted by xS
Bubble Symphony

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Bubble Bobble series?

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Elevator Action returns
Fantazy Zone Collection

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!!

Where can I get these?

Yay, another vote for Dragon Force and Dark Savior!! Those games rock.

Bubble Symphony is part of the Bubble Bobble series. The arcade version came out in 1994.

There is no Fantasy Zone Collection on Saturn but there is Fantasy Zone 1.

Damn, so theres no decent home port of FZ2? I was basing my judgement off the MAME version of the game.
Sega Rally 95 is also very good.

Sega Rally and Touring Car are fantastic, as is Virtual On. Three Dirty Dwarves and the Lost Vikings are nice as well. Scud: the Disposable Assassim rules as well.

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Originally posted by NeoZeedeater
There is no Fantasy Zone Collection on Saturn but there is Fantasy Zone 1.

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I found mention of it on some UK site. Trying to track it down.

Touring Car is awful. I remember that it was extremely choppy.

xS, Fantasy Zone 2 originated on the Master System so yes there's a decent home version. :) The arcade FZ2 is on SMS-based System E hardware.

Bubble bobble featuring rainbow islands, pandemonium, wipeout, and megaman x4 are pretty decent if you can find cheaper than their psx revs.

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Originally posted by Jeremy
Yay, another vote for Dragon Force and Dark Savior!! Those games rock.

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I'll vote for those, too. Dragon Force is a masterpiece. If you have any love for light strategy games and you see DF for sale, buy it.

Also count me in with the group warning you against third-party memory carts. Buy an ST key and an official Sega RAM cart if you don't want to take a significant risk of losing data.

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Originally posted by Nick
I'll vote for those, too. Dragon Force is a masterpiece. If you have any love for light strategy games and you see DF for sale, buy it.

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I vote Dragon Force as well, I bought a Sega Saturn just for this game :)

Dark Savior is HIGHLY under rated...

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Originally posted by JMET
Dark Savior is HIGHLY under rated...

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I think it's only average.

Yes Dark Saviour is doo.

Tryrush Deppy
Super Tempo
Keio (the platformer)
Bomberman Fight (something different)

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Originally posted by gamevet
I think it's only average.

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So is,

RS
Bruning Rangers

and

Most of the imported crap..

The Sega Saturn is a quality system but the one HUGE downside is most of the games are too d@mn expensive. I sold mine soon after coming to conclusion that I'd have to spend more than I'm willing to spend to get the most out of the system.

Radiant Silvergun goes for well over $100 on Ebay, same with Panzer Dragoon Orta. Guardian Heroes is not cheap, especially when you consider the game is more than seven years old. Sega Ages. The 5-in-1 cart will set you back a good $35-$40+ dollars.

If you're loaded or if you just don't mind spending the money, the Saturn is a great system, otherwise.....

ORTA WAS ON DA SATERN????????

It's rated just fine.:) And Dragon Force is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy over rated, in my opinion.

I guess the thing I like the most about DS was its whole look and feel, I just really like its atmosphere and art style..

I meant Panzer Dragoon Saga.

My mistake.

Dark Savior was garbage. That is all.

That's funny, LOL. I had a Saturn and so did a friend. We both thought that the systems came with internal batteries that were difficult or impossible to replace. So, when the date/time screen kept coming up, we thought that we bought some bum Saturns. I guess we were just a couple watch batteries away from perfection.

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Originally posted by RoleTroll
That's funny, LOL. I had a Saturn and so did a friend. We both thought that the systems came with internal batteries that were difficult or impossible to replace. So, when the date/time screen kept coming up, we thought that we bought some bum Saturns. I guess we were just a couple watch batteries away from perfection.

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WORST STORY EVAR

Radiant Silvergun is only over-hyped if it is called the Best Game Ever. It's actually just one of the best games ever. Unless you don't like shooters... I doubt this (or any) game will convert you.

PDS is very, very good, but way too easy and (since it is Saturn 3D) ass ugly. But recommended if you like the other Panzer games.

Burning Rangers is interesting, but ass-ugly and has some slightly awkward controls. Similar to GunValkyrie, if you played that. Kinda.

Sonic R sucks ass, but the level design is interesting. It's cheap enough to get, too.

Guardian Heroes is an excellent multiplayer game, well worth the $30.00 it could cost you.

Get Clockwork Knight 1 and 2, Panzer Dragoon all, Mega Man 8 for 2 extra bosses and then get some way to get imports. Get X-men vs SF, MSH vs SF, RS, a better version of Pocket Fighter, Silhouette Mirage, etc.

Lord, I'm tired of this drivel.

Sega Ages is a must-have, got it for $15 complete a year and a half ago, love the control options for it. Also, it is humanly possible to get a copy of Dragon Force for under a billion dollars, I got mine for under $10.

Sega Ages does rock although I think After Burner 2 in Shenmue 2 is better because of the Dreamcast controller.

I used to use the Mission Stick when I played Space Harrier and After Burner 2 on Sega Ages. The only way to play. :)

I use the 3D control pad for AB II, it makes the game THAT much more fun.

Is anyone going to hype Radiant Silvergun?

/me runs.