Sega Saturn Newbie here

[IIICCCPIII]

So I just bought a Saturn, and I have so many questions. Tru Sega nerds only, lol.

1. Should I get the Action replay, the mod chip. Or both. because what's a saturn without imports? My main thing is I don't know if you can play burned roms with the Action Replay like I've heard you can with the mod chip. I'd like to see a head to head of the AR and the chip.

2. If I do get the mod chip, is there a really good step by step guide on how to put it in. I've literally never soldered before, and If I had my way, I would take it to a shop and get it done, but I can't think of a place that'd do something so obscure. I'm serious about how afraid I am of screwing up my saturn due to my lack of dexterity.

3. Who can donate me a copy of Panzer Dragoon Saga? (I kid)

Now the fun part:

4. If you can. Recommend me 5-10 of the best/your favorite Saturn games found in north america (Keeping in mind, I bought Nights into dreams) If you're feeling really adventurous, recommend me a few of the best titles by genre.

5. Also, can you recommend me 5-10 Import games? I'm weary about getting an RPG import game for the obvious reason of me speaking english only.

Any advice would be immensely appreciated.

[emwearz]

1. Get a mod chip if you want to play backups, you can play backups from other regions by patching the image. If you want to play imports then you will either need to hard mod your console or use a 4 in 1 (Which also have RAM expansions for games by SNK and Capcom) as well as a memory card, so even without the importing ability, it is a worthwhile venture.

2. Installation guides can be found here.
http://www.segastyle.com/saturnmod.html
If you have never soldered I also suggest going on youtube and looking at a few tutorials as well as practicing on an old video card or something.

3. I can (I kid), your better off finding a nice image of it online.

4. We have guides here which should help you.
http://www.racketboy.com/guide/sega-saturn

5. Again check out those guides, the really cover everything, I will say however it is generally much cheaper, at least for me, to import arcade / fighting games from Japan other than buying them local and 90% of the game is in english (even though you dont need to read much in them).

The Saturn is an amazing console, I am sure you will utterly love its games, other than the Dreamcast, there are no other games like them.

If you want to try out some backups with your Saturn now you can try using the swap trick, I have two video tuts up, click my banner it will take you there. (Two plugs in one day, nice)

Hope it helps, if you need to know anything else, just ask.

[the7k]

I never modded my Saturn. The first things I got with my Saturn included the 4-in-1 Action Replay, an S-Video Cable, Die Hard Arcade and Vampire Savior.

4-in-1 Action Replay lets you save games and play imports. 'Nuff said.
S-Video Cable makes stuff look super sexy, even on a modern TV.
Die Hard Arcade (USA) was the biggest reason I wanted a Saturn.
Vampire Savior (Japan) is my favorite fighting game of all time. I never got Darkstalkers 3 (What they called Vampire Savior when they brought it to America) on the PSX (or any other Capcom fighter, for that matter) specifically because I knew they were far superior on the Saturn.

I'd recommend you not even look at a Sega Saturn unless you plan to import, and import a lot. At least 3 out of 4 games I have on the Sega Saturn are imports. It just died way to quickly in America, meaning there isn't much domestic to choose from... and a lot of the stuff that did come out in America got a low print run, meaning the Japanese versions are much cheaper.

[Upsidedown Fuji]

1. If you can't wait to get your hand on physical copies of the games we will recomend to you, a modchip may be your best bet. If you are worried about soldering or aren't confident in your solder skills, the swap trick coupled with a pro action reply is a good bet.

2. I never modded but from what I've seen the installation doesn't seem too advanced. I've always used the swap trip and Pro Action Replay. They work just fine once you figure out. I think somebody on these boards posted a really good video about the swap trick to play backups.

3. I have a Japanese version of PDS but I think you'd prefer one in English. I don't have one XD

I just picked my overall favorites. I doubt I covered all genres.:

4.
Guardian Heroes
Die Hard Arcade
Shining Force III
Magic Knight Rayearth
Burning Rangers

5.
Imports depend on your taste. I wouldn't have any suggestions there. Most of the games I like are puzzle games like:
Puzzle Bobble 2
Puyo Puyo Tsuu
Saturn Bomberman

I'd take a look at the hidden gems Faq on the main page. You might get most of your inspiration there.

[Ziggy]

Even if you've never soldered before, the Saturn mod chip is extremely easy to install (on a model 2). Especially if you're doing the A+B method. All you really need is steady hands.

So what model Saturn do you have? Does it have round (model 2) or oval (model 1) buttons? If you have a model 1, you would have to modify the mod chip in order to install it which is not something I'd recommend if you've never soldered before.

[lisalover1]

Top 5 non-imports:
5. Saturn Bomberman
4. Virtual-On
3. Daytona USA
2. NiGHTS into Dreams
1. Magic Knight Rayearth

Top 5 imports:
5. Metal Slug
4. DoDonPachi
3. Samurai Spirits IV
2. Radiant Silvergun
1. Bulk Slash

[IIICCCPIII]

Well it wont get here until monday, but I know it's a model 2. It comes with 2 very worn out looking controllers.

So far I bought:

4In1 Cart (Allegedly new in the box)
3D Controller (also allegedly new and in box)
Mortal Kombat 2
Nights Into Dreams
UMK3
Panzer Dragoon (Maybe if I write saga on it with a sharpie, it'll optimize my experience)
Vampire Savior
Vampire Hunter
Fighters Megamix


Bidding on:

Quake (Heard it sucks on saturn, willing to take the risk.)
Street Fighter ALPHA 2
Mr. Bones
Myst
Albert Odyssey
Guardian Heroes
Astal

Considering:

D
Sonic Jam (Feel like I can find a good deal if I'm patient)
Alone In The Dark
Die Hard Arcade
Samurai Spirits IV
Puyo Puyo

I want many other games, but I have to make my budget work for now. Thanks for all the insight so far.

[Ack]

Whoa, whoa, whoa...what is this lack of Cyberbots? It's only one of the greatest fighting games on the console.

[Gamerforlife]

Good choice with Astal. It's such a great game for showing off how gorgeous 2-d gaming on the Saturn is. And the printing error on the spine is a nice conversation piece. I'd recommend Three Dirty Dwarves. Another great 2-d beat'em up to keep your copy of Guardian Heroes company. Elevator Action Returns is also great if you're looking for great imports.

I'm adding in another vote for Bulk Slash as well. Great mech game. Saturn really does have some incredible important. You might want to consider Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara is you can afford. It's yet another fantastic beat'em up on the Saturn

[IIICCCPIII]

Just got it today!!!

So far:

MK isn't superb on Saturn, but it's a necessity for me.

I do not get how to play nights into dreams yet, or Panzer Dragoon. I need time to dick about with those 2.

Quake isn't as shitty on the saturn as everyone says it is

I'm glad that I got a brand spanking new 3d controller, the ones that came with the used system were worn out.

Haven't gotten any imports yet, but my 4in1 came. Haven't used the 4in1 for anything yet. maybe i should.. And I already got a verbal commitment from someone that doesn't suck at soldering that they'll put in the chip if I buy it.

Most importantly tho, every time I start up a game on the saturn, it prompts me for the time and date? What's up with that?

Anyways thanks to everyone, this thread and site have been super helpful thus far.