Just got a Japanese Saturn. Which game should I focus on?

[iatneH]

Another one for the Shienryu camp. I quite like this game, and it gets mean when you're zooming around collecting every item for points. I don't understand the bashing of the game - it's not groundbreaking but it doesn't have any major faults either - a solid and enjoyable game as far as I'm concerned.

Also while you are exploring... Panzer Dragoon Zwei is lovely.

[Herr Schatten]

Another one for the Shienryu camp. I quite like this game, and it gets mean when you're zooming around collecting every item for points. I don't understand the bashing of the game - it's not groundbreaking but it doesn't have any major faults either - a solid and enjoyable game as far as I'm concerned.

Exactly. I actually like it a lot more than the early Raidens it takes so much inspiration from.

[E. Randy Dupre]

What are your opinions on mod chips and back ups?

They are FANTASTIC. Apparently on a properly modded Saturn you can even play PAL games at full speed.

As long as the PAL versions weren't already optimised for 50Hz, that is. Otherwise, all the 50/60Hz switch is going to do is make the game run *too* fast, while also stretching the image past the outer edges of the screen.

Not an issue on most PAL releases, I realise, but it does affect a number of the Sega-published titles.

All the Parodius games have been mentioned in this thread, except Jikkyou Oshaberi Parodius, which is possibly the best of them.

[Van_Artic]

The first two being Thunderforce V and Sengoku Blaede? Salamander Deluxe Pack, Sexy Parodius, Thunderforce Gold 1+2, Cotton 2, and Cotton Boomerang all get thumbs up too. I sadly don't own any of these games, my hori collection is pathetic.

for me the first two are TFV and Metal Black

don't get me wrong, i LOVE Parodius, and i'm going to play Cotton 2 soon, i just got the saturn ram cartridge

Any Shienryu fans out there? I've always been tempted to pick up a copy but it rarely gets talked about.

like above, it's much like Raiden, but i've heard the PSX version has more crazy modes

[Zeether]

Saturn Shienryu has TATE though.

[chempop]

Your right, Shienryu on PSX does have some weirdo modes. Definitely gets novelty points.
This video shows regular mode, pocket mode, ancient mode, and a very bizarre one at the end that sounds like it is a TV gameshow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5yY9mDoVm4

Still though, Tate is more important than any of that by miles. I wonder if the JNP region PSX Shienryu has it all...

[kitkit.com]

Soukyugerentai, Strikers 1945 and Darius Gaiden are pretty decent and affordable.

[BIL]

Still though, Tate is more important than any of that by miles. I wonder if the JNP region PSX Shienryu has it all...

Nope. PS1 Shienryu is also known to have added slowdown.

The PS2 release (Simple 1500 - The Double Shienryu, or something...) has TATE, 240p display, no slowdown probems and includes the sequel Shienryu Explosion. Doesn't have button config, though.

[Fudoh]

The PS2 release (Simple 1500 - The Double Shienryu, or something...) has TATE, 240p display, no slowdown probems

are you sure about this ? I have the game (actually on my PS2 right now) and there are no signs of ANY options, let alone a proper Tate mode. If there're, they're very well hidden. Do have any infos ?

EDIT: nevermind, found it (press down, then start on the title screen). Looks impressive indeed in 240p!

[Zweihander]

Radiant Silvergun, Battle Garegga, and Souky. If you want something great and super-affordable, get Layer Sect--I MEAN, GALACTIC ATTACK.

(seriously though, it includes tate mode, plus a button to make the HUDs disappear/reappear on the fly when you need to concentrate on dodging shit.)

[system11]

I really like Soukygurentai, and especially the first boss when the whole thing rocks as parts are destroyed. It's possible to find this one cheap btw as it had a budget re-release which is less liked by collectors (and contains a 1 level demo of Garegga too)

[chempop]

The revision of the Saturn port is called Soukyugurentai Otokuyou. I have no idea what that second word means. I think it also contains a sound test option with music from Battle Garegga, Sippu Mahou Daisakusen, and of course Soukyugurentai. I've heard that the first release has some bugs when played via action replay on a US Saturn though, sounds like it won't matter though if you're console is JPN region.

Remember that it plays in yoko orientation, not many verts that I know of are like this. Only others I can think of are Gigawing1+2, Radiant Silvergun, and Choas Field. Kinda nice if you are focussing on a hori but still want to get a fix of some vert without having a dedicated setup.

[Fudoh]

Only others I can think of are Gigawing1+2, Radiant Silvergun, and Choas Field

There are many. Just think of all the 16-bit titles, like Musha and Super Aleste for example. Also newer console-exclusive titles like Zanac X.