Panzer Dragoon Saga Question(s)

[cptfishstick]

1. With a Walkthrough/Guide, is the Japanese Version easy to play?

It is extremly Easy to play, I beat the Japanese version of the game without a guide or walkthough. All it took was a little patience. The story is hard to follow in Japanese, If you like it I highly recommend tracking down the English version, or at least a translation document for each of the story segments. Its worth your time, as The story is quite good.

2. Why exactly is the Japanese Version cheaper than the US Version?

The US and UK versions had VERY VERY low production runs as it was one of the final Saturn games released. It even had a second production run, but still couldn't meet the demand it would develop in the years that followed.

3. How do it's RPG Elements work? Do you level up like in most RPGs? Or perhaps buy equipment to get stronger? Something else?

Your dragon levels up via XP. The battles are time to attack style, but you can change your position relative to the enemy. Since you are flying you can either be in front, on the sides, or behind enemies. This is because enemies have weak points and strong points. Each move takes some of your action points which regenerate over time. Enemies can also move. During the game you encounter random battles.

Warning, the japanese version of it will NOT play on a US console, even with an action replay.

Although this is true this does NOT mean all hope is lost. The action replay, although the best converter is not the ONLY converter. I recommend getting the ST KEY cart for your Saturn. Several Japanese games do NOT work on the Action replay, and I have found that all of these do work on the St Key converter. Thats how I Played the Japanese version without modding my Saturn. Hope this helps.

[Hobie-wan]

Although this is true this does NOT mean all hope is lost. The action replay, although the best converter is not the ONLY converter. I recommend getting the ST KEY cart for your Saturn. Several Japanese games do NOT work on the Action replay, and I have found that all of these do work on the St Key converter. Thats how I Played the Japanese version without modding my Saturn. Hope this helps.

Interesting. I'm lucky enough to have both as well, but all of my Japanese games games work fine with the AR. Do you know of a compatibility list, just for curiosity 's sake?

[Reprise]

It's worth noting however, that apparently Panzer Dragoon Saga CAN be played via the Action Replay, as long as you input a certain code in order to play it. That's what I read someone a couple of years back anyways. It may be worth looking into to see if it is indeed true (and if so, what the code is). Anyone else heard about this?

Unfortunately, I can't comment on this myself as I own a PAL copy and a PAL Saturn.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Just how good is this game? Is it as good as, say, Earthbound, Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, Skies of Arcadia, or Tales of Symphonia?

I never go out of my way to buy rare/expensive games, but I think I'm going to have to splurge and get this. It's just too legendary to not be in my collection. Part of me thinks that I'd never even end up playing it, as I would be so disappointed if it didn't turn out to be as good as everyone says.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

Just how good is this game? Is it as good as, say, Earthbound, Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, Skies of Arcadia, or Tales of Symphonia?

I never go out of my way to buy rare/expensive games, but I think I'm going to have to splurge and get this. It's just too legendary to not be in my collection. Part of me thinks that I'd never even end up playing it, as I would be so disappointed if it didn't turn out to be as good as everyone says.

I think it's a wonderful game. It bridges the line between action and turn based rpgs. It may not be for you though.

If you don't mind spoiling the first boss fight, the combat starts at 2:25

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiG-b9JFixw

[Reprise]

Just how good is this game? Is it as good as, say, Earthbound, Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, Skies of Arcadia, or Tales of Symphonia?

I never go out of my way to buy rare/expensive games, but I think I'm going to have to splurge and get this. It's just too legendary to not be in my collection. Part of me thinks that I'd never even end up playing it, as I would be so disappointed if it didn't turn out to be as good as everyone says.

Is it better than those games? Probably not (and it comes down to taste). However it's different, and it's its differences that make me believe it's worth owning. I've never quite played an RPG/Action Adventurer like Panzer Dragoon Saga. It really is quite a unique game, in my opinion, and is without a doubt, definitely worth playing.

The battle system is phenomenally good, too. I'm surprised it's never been mimicked.

[nightrnr]

It's worth noting however, that apparently Panzer Dragoon Saga CAN be played via the Action Replay, as long as you input a certain code in order to play it. That's what I read someone a couple of years back anyways. It may be worth looking into to see if it is indeed true (and if so, what the code is). Anyone else heard about this?

I found a post on another forum claiming to have an AR code that works for PDS Azel (Jpn version).

Post by doubled64 on Jul 5, 2011, 12:15am

The search is finally over.

I picked around and found a code that will boot the game

Master:

F6000914 C305
B6002800 0000

Code:

06002ED0 0009

Don't let the Code fool you, it may look similar to the one that works on the US & PAL versions but their code is:

06002EB0 0009

And here's a link for that:
http://segasaturngroup.proboards.com/in ... 969&page=1

I can't confirm whether it actually works or not, as I have a US/English copy. But if anyone else can try it, I'm sure others would appreciate it.

[Ivo]

I really enjoyed the game and I thought it was quite worth playing. For an RPG it is quite unique, little to no grinding. It may be short but at least it is not artificially long as many RPGs are.

If you have a powerful enough PC I suggest trying a Saturn emulator and trying the game out in English. If you like it, then as someone suggested above you can buy it and re-sell without losing much (if any) money. Heck you may even be lucky enough to sell it slightly higher and make up the postage cost.

Ivo.

[abeaver]

You really can't compare it to traditional JRPGs like you mentioned. Like people said, a lot of the enjoyment comes from the combat and design. I enjoyed what I played of it so far.

[MulishaSoldier929]

"Rise From Your Grave!"

sry I just had to bump.

As someone who has started more RPG's then has finished it is by far the best RPG I have ever played and by far the best game on the Saturn(IMO). I usually have a hard time with RPG's keeping my attention but I never had that with PDS. Like stated above, it all comes down to the battle system. Part RPG - part action. Its never gets boring like some jrpgs where you just have to grind.

My only gripes are that it is kinda easy. Especially the second time around when you already know what to do. Be nice if they added a normal-hard mode to the game after you were to finish. The other thing I found was that most of the magic you learned was useless. Sure it would looked pretty, but 98% of the time you could get by just using your gun/lasers and heal.

The game is short for an RPG but if you do play it, you will not be disappointed.