Affordable Shmups on the Saturn?

[Jono]

All I know from these new posts is that i've gotta get my Slim PS2 FreeMcBoot'd so I could run some import games on it without a modchip! Or, at least I think the FMcB allows it...?

[Zorator]

I was gonna recommend you just get a modchip but I just checked and apparently the price has doubled since I got mine. Still much better than paying aftermarket prices for all the great imports the Saturn has to offer IMO.

Won't CD-R's ruin the console's laser?

I don't know about "ruin" but yeah CD-R's will wear down the laser faster. Mine hasn't died on me yet, although I haven't used mine on a daily basis for a while. Not a big problem because 3 of the 4 different Saturn models use a laser that is easy to find replacements for. Even if you went through 4+ lasers over a period of several years its still drastically cheaper. I would say its a better investment but honestly Saturn games are probaby only going to appreciate in value.

Unfortunately for me, my Saturn is the one model that uses a unique laser that is much harder to find replacements for online :(