merz
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Post by merz on Nov 19, 2009 21:56:32 GMT
What are some of the better Japan only games that are playable and enjoyable to non-Japanese speakers? I've been looking around but can't find much information aside from shmups and RPGs.
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sych
"Living for the fantasy" -NIGHTS INTO DREAMS- The Classic Saturn Gem!!!
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Post by sych on Nov 20, 2009 7:49:34 GMT
In some ways there is no such thing as an "essential import" as it depends on what type of games you enjoy. Its all very subjective as lot of people on this board have different tastes and will tell u different things based on what they like. So its really up to u to find that out for yourself. However, From my experience on all the imports games I have collected over the years I will give you my ESSENTIAL 10 Saturn imports.
Number 1: Streetfighter Zero 3
I cannot praise this game enough on how much of a step forward it is from alpha 2 and indeed all the other 2d fighters. Street fighter zero 3 is the best 2d fighter on the Sega Saturn bar NONE!. It is more than just a fighting game, its a work of art and a beauty to play. What makes this game so special? I'll tell you. Along with the familiar Streetfighter style gameplay Capcom made a very deliberate attempt to offer the gamers something more than just the standard Arcade vs mode bore fest we have come to know in most fighters and offer these extra incredible options like dramatic battles, world tours e.t.c which extend the longevity of the gaming experience gives by forcing you to really think differently about your opponents. A top game for very serious fighters but also can be a lot of fun for novices to learn. EVERY SINGLE character from Streetfighter 2 history is fully playable in this game. A very complete games and one of the best Saturn games period! If not the best! If you only ever plan to buy ONE streetfighter game then get this one. EVERY SINGLE SATURN OWNER SHOULD OWN THIS!
Number 2: Bulk Slash
Is a game is a mission-based shooter with you playing as a mech(virtual on style not mech-warrior) that runs around huge 3D levels fighting off tons of fighter jets, tanks, and other forms of machinery trying to destroy you. A very solid game and probably one of the most enjoyable 1 player games you can ever experience on the Saturn. A very decent challenge too. There's not a single bad thing I can say about this game. Its all good. Grab it when you get the chance
Number 3: Cotton 2
I have to admit I was not to fond of this game when I first played it but now it has seriously grown on me and can't imagine my Saturn collection without it. It a very different kind of 2d shooter which sets a very unique tone and always goes down well when you wanna lock yourself in your room and forget about the world. Playing Cotton 2 is like drinking a cup of Hot Chocolate before bedtime LOL A totally relaxing and enjoyable experience. Great game and quite hard too.
Number 4: Metal Slug
Another great game that is always overlooked. My Favorite SNK game on the Saturn too. This ones a 2d scrolling shooting plat-former with gorgeous 2d art and action packed gameplay. Never a dull moment in this game. Fab in one player mode but comes into its on two player mode. Some minor slowdown on boss levels but nothing major that will upset your game playing. Ace game
Number 5: Dungeons And Dragons Collection
Of all my imports I'm playing this game more than any other game. 2d beat 'em' up similar to the like of Guardian Heroes e.t.c but better looking with elves and dragons and wizardry and dungeons. Fantastic game and great value for money as you get TWO games for the price of one. This game is so much fun you'll love it.
Number 6: X-Men vs Street fighter
Tag team fighting! Different enough from all Saturn fighters which would be a worthy part of any ones collection. I don't play it as often as I used to but when I do its always fun. Especially with a mate. One criticism is the one player mode. The CPU is far to easy to warrant any sort of challenge even on level eight. MSH VS Streetfighter has a much tougher CPU but the character rooster is not good as the X-Men one. Both great games along with Vampire Savior.
Number 7: Assualt Suit leynos 2
This is a very very good Saturn game which is similar to mech and slug in some ways. Very unique and challenging. I've played this so many times now and still haven't gotten round to completing it. A very overlooked game which has plenty to offer. So so detailed with lots of different weapons, mechs and so on, that makes Assualt Suit Leynos 2 definitely worth a look in. And it goes for relatively cheap nowadays too.
Number 8 Fire Pro Wrestling Six Man Scramble
I have never liked wrestling games much but I'm loving this one. The graphics are slightly dated but it is the best wrestling game you'll ever play for the Saturn. A insanely addictive with lots to play for. Bring a mate round he/she will love it. I also have japan all pro which is decent game but once I found Fire Pro it just completely took over. 8 out 10. Solid but not to everyone's tastes
Number 9: Radiant Silvergun-
People may bitch and moan about the price and so on but the fact still remains that Radiant Silvergun is one solid shooter and the very BEST of the shmups. This game will last you for absolute ages and ages. Gorgeous graphics, solid gameplay and great longevity unlike most shmups which are over in a couple of hours. I still can't complete this game but enjoy the challenge every time I try to. Great game and definitely an essential in my book. However, the high price it demands these days means I wouldn't make it a top 5 priority. Easy to live without and experience other shooters but if you want the best. I'd save up for this one.
Number 10-Princess Crown
Personally I don't care if you don't wanna learn Japanese. You should! LOL This is a great game and even though its all in Japanese its worth sitting through gamefaqs translation scripts and playing through this game. I'm a non-jap speakers and its been no hassle for me to play this game at all. Princess Crown is the best import RPG I've played on the Saturn so far and could easily turn out to be my strongest Saturn purchase and I haven't even finished the game yet. The game is absolutely georgous! Great graphics and great gameplay.Definetly worthy of a Saturn Import Essential. The game goes for around 30 quid nowadays too so its not too pricy. Grab a copy, get one of those online fan translations and see what your missing. I'm loving this game.
So that's my top 10 Import Sat purchases
Honorable mention to: Vampire Savior, Bomberman Fight, MSH VS SF, Samuri Showdown 4, Astra Superstars, Wachenroder, Grandia and Tenchi o Kurau 2:
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merz
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Post by merz on Nov 20, 2009 11:19:25 GMT
Exactly the kind of thing I was looking for. Thanks for taking the time to write that up. Does X-men vs SF and SFA3 require the RAM cart?
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Post by superdeadite on Nov 20, 2009 11:51:13 GMT
Exactly the kind of thing I was looking for. Thanks for taking the time to write that up. Does X-men vs SF and SFA3 require the RAM cart? Yes they require the 4mb cart. Personally, I don't care for Radiant Silvergun, the gameplay isn't too my liking. Metal Slug s a good port for its time, but not up to par with the Neo original. What genres do you like? I could reccomend many a game, but what are you looking for?
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merz
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Tell me, what is the bane of your life?
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Post by merz on Nov 20, 2009 13:03:54 GMT
So far I have been enjoying Nights, Castlevania, Burning Rangers, Sonic Jam, Virtual On, and Panzer Dragoon the most. If you can recommend games of any genre that has simplicity like these but has nice visuals, cool music, and its own style I would give it a shot.
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sych
"Living for the fantasy" -NIGHTS INTO DREAMS- The Classic Saturn Gem!!!
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Post by sych on Nov 20, 2009 18:11:43 GMT
No probs. Always a pleasure to help out a new Saturn fan.
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Mr Needlemouse
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セ?ガ?
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Post by Mr Needlemouse on Dec 22, 2009 17:48:37 GMT
No probs. Always a pleasure to help out a new Saturn fan. That helps out old Saturn fans as well. Cheers mate.
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cj_iwakura
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Post by cj_iwakura on Dec 25, 2009 17:54:08 GMT
If you like RPGs, check out the SMT games, like Devil Summoner, Soul Hackers, and the Langrisser games. Dragon Force II is okay, but not half as good as the original. Sailor Moon Super S is a decent fighting game. Mostly guilty pleasure.
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sych
"Living for the fantasy" -NIGHTS INTO DREAMS- The Classic Saturn Gem!!!
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Post by sych on Dec 25, 2009 22:47:33 GMT
No probs. Always a pleasure to help out a new Saturn fan. That helps out old Saturn fans as well. Cheers mate. Again. No probs. And Merry X-mas to u and everyone on the boards.
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Post by tempest on Jan 15, 2010 2:45:26 GMT
That's a good list Sych, but I'd add Elevator Action Returns. An awesome shooter.
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martiniii
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Post by martiniii on Jan 19, 2010 23:45:28 GMT
I wholeheartedly second the recommendation of Grandia. The battle system is unique, brilliant, and keeps you re-thinking your strategies. Spectacular fun even if you don't bother reading the story translation.
Allow me to add a couple recommendations:
Blue Seed Hands down one of my favorite games, even without being able to read the story. Basically, it's a unique cross between a card game and adventure game. Few points in the actual gameplay use Japanese text, and there's a well-written FAQ that explains the gameplay mechanics and where you're supposed to go next. The card battles are quite challenging and (in my experience) ridiculously addictive. And there's a classic why-doesn't-every-video-game-have-this feature: A "battle simulator" which lets you replay any battle, boss or non-boss. Even after having played through the whole game twice, I still regularly pop the disc back in to use the battle simulator.
Body Special 264 Yes, as you can guess by the cover art, this is a game with cheesecake galore. But it's done in (relative) good taste, and if you can ignore the cheap sexual appeal, you'll find an enjoyable timed jigsaw puzzle game with 30 FMV puzzles and 150 regular puzzles, plus a competitive mode. Quite fun if you love jigsaw puzzles and trying to beat your best time. Oh, and aside from most of the voice acting, it's all in English!
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sych
"Living for the fantasy" -NIGHTS INTO DREAMS- The Classic Saturn Gem!!!
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Post by sych on Jan 21, 2010 10:38:25 GMT
I'm glad you agree with me on Grandia. I'll have to check out Blue Seed. Have always been curious about that game. Oh yes and Elevator Action too.
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mrvengeance
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Post by mrvengeance on Jan 22, 2010 23:31:46 GMT
Real Bout Fatal Fury Special on the Neo is one of the best 2D fighters I've ever played - not sure what the port on the Saturn is like, sure its very good and if it is, I'd HIGHLY recommend it!
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sych
"Living for the fantasy" -NIGHTS INTO DREAMS- The Classic Saturn Gem!!!
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Post by sych on Jan 24, 2010 3:56:02 GMT
I have the Saturn version of that game. Its okay and has its own sort of appeal but it just doesn't measure to the Capcom heavy hitters in my book. Good game nonetheless especially as there is an option for English text. I've never played the Neo Geo port but from what Superdeadite said in another thread, the Saturn port kinda falls short.
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mrvengeance
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Post by mrvengeance on Jan 24, 2010 23:48:50 GMT
I have the Saturn version of that game. Its okay and has its own sort of appeal but it just doesn't measure to the Capcom heavy hitters in my book. Good game nonetheless especially as there is an option for English text. I've never played the Neo Geo port but from what Superdeadite said in another thread, the Saturn port kinda falls short. The game design is spectacular - the graphics are excellent too, very satisfying game once you get into it. I might pick up the Saturn port out of curiosity.... Its funny though that you are either in SNK or Capcom "mode" at any given time - I don't know anyone who plays both game styles at the same time. Right now I'm playing a lot of Capcom fighters and haven't played an SNK game in a while. But before, I spent about 6 months without playing anything by Capcom, and it was just SNK all the way. I love the output of both companies, but I still feel that a lot of fighting game fans don't give SNK the chance they deserve as their games are easily the match of Capcom's given the chance, though they are hard to get into initially.
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