The more I learn, the less I know...

[MX7]

For me, PS2 is clearly the winner. I've got a Dreamcast and a stack of games, but I never really use it other than for Mars Matrix, which is sublime and god-like. Games like Mushi and ESPGaluda really show you how far things have come since the snes days, and you can actually buy new games, which gives money directly to the publishers/developers (though there are new copies of Karous on Play Asia at the mo, might have to invest).

But yeah, I'm sure you'll enjoy your Saturn

[doodude]

OK, so I am now a JAP Saturn owner. Thanks for all the great advice, too!

What about beefing my lil' Saturn up with lotsa RAM & other peripherals?

What can/should I do, short of soldering or rewiring, to make it a lean, mean shmupin' machine?

What is the equivalent of the 4N1 (?) memory booster, game importer for the US console?

[The Coop]

If your system is going to primarily be a shmupping rig, then something like the Sega Satellite will do the trick quite well for US imports like Galactic Attack. However, since you're going to need more save space eventually, there are number of 4 in 1 carts to choose from... like Pro Action Replay Plus, and Ultra Madness Replay Pro. A good number of shmups require very little space for game saves (10 blocks or less), but some of the games that do use a good amount of blocks are...

Strikers 1945- 39
Soukyugurentai- 95
Thunder Force V- 34
Donpachi- 39
Kyokyuku Tiger II Plus- 19
Radiant Silvergun- 33

That can add up pretty quick. But, since you get 510 blocks, it should last you a while for your shmups as you save up for a 4-in-1 cart.

[doodude]

So then, this unit:

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-k8- ... 0-1b2.html

is compatible with JAP consoles for playing US & JAP games?

I dont mean to oversimplify, but I can play US &/or JAP games on my JAP console & adjust the RAM & save games with this Pro Action Replay Plus?

As a side note, Im interested in a Salamander Plus Pack. Ive seen a lot of prices. Whats a good, "grab it while you can" price & whats a "wait for another one" price?

Is there a site ( a free one ) that has average ( blue book ) game price listings...?

...

[grovsnus]

Congrats on your Saturn purchase, doodude!

I would advice you to get a few of the cheaper shmups for a start. That way you'll have lots of variety without having spent lots of money.

Cheapies include:

Layer section
Soukyugurentai
Darius gaiden

You really don't need to beef up your Saturn in any way at the moment. RAM-carts won't make a difference in performance if the games don't support it. They are only required for a few games, and none of them are shmups. My advice would be to stick to buying japanese games for now, and blow money on a good joystick.

[Shatterhand]

Yeah, congrats

Layer Section is cheap and extremely recommended, awesome shmup.

[doodude]

Thanks for the congrats & advice.

Ive already gotten a mid range Sega brand stick. Nothing major, just a starter.

Darius Gaiden is in the works along with Gunbird.
Im looking for Soukyugurentai & Ive never heard of Layer Section but will definately check it out too.

Ive got Salamander 2 on ROM & I really think its the bomb. But I also think that about Mars Matrix, Gunbird 2, Gig Wing 2, RSG etc etc etc.
But I also have those on ROMs too so Ill stay with them in that form for now as these are wise words about less inexpensive shmups & lots of variety & I think that will be the route Ill take.

Thanks!

...

[it290]

Layer Section was renamed "Galactic Attack" for its US Saturn release, just FYI.

[doodude]

Ive snatvhed up Darius Gaiden, Gunbird, Layer Section & Daytona USA & Nights N2 Dreams for grins. All at an acceptable low price.
I saw this game: Sega Saturn Japanese Import "Gotha" Original Release.
It looked kinda cool so I picked it up cheap also for what looks like a 3D flying thrill. Anyone know it?

And thanks again for the suggestions...

...

[beam]

Gotha is strategy game which had a us release. It's not that great.