SATURN IMPORT REFERENCE GUIDE
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* this game has an initial loading time of about thirty seconds
OUR REVIEW TEAM
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LEGEND
Most of this guide is self-explanatory... the first three columns list the games reviewed, the companies that released them, and the genres that best describe them. However, there is additional information in the guide which may leave you confused without an adequate description of its use.
The fourth column, labelled "access", uses a one word description to inform you of the access time in each game. Due to the Saturn's dated hardware and limited CD-ROM speed, many of its games require the player to wait before each stage can be loaded into memory. This delay varies from two to fifteen seconds. In some cases, the access time description has been marked with an asterisk. This indicates that there will be an additional delay of about thirty seconds after the game is booted. This is to store data in the RAM cartridge, allowing the Saturn to access it instantly. This is generally why games which require RAM enhancement load much faster than those which do not.
To the right of the "access" column is a fifth column, simply marked "req". This is a list of requirements and recommendations for each game. Most of the time, this column will be left blank, as most Saturn games will run on an unexpanded system. However, the system's most ambitious games require additional RAM... these include Metal Slug, Groove on Fight, and the Saturn's most popular Japanese import X-Men vs. Street Fighter.
All games marked with "1M" require at least a one meg RAM cartridge in order for them to run properly. Any game marked with "4M" require the larger four meg RAM cartridge. In the rare instances where both 1M and 4M are listed, the game requires a one meg cartridge but can be further enhanced with a four meg cart. Luckily, the Pro Action Replay commonly used to run import Saturn games on an American Saturn unit supports all games which require additional RAM.
Recommended peripherals are also listed in the "req" column. These are not required but will often enhance the player's experience. For instance, the game design utility Dezaemon 2 supports the Saturn mouse, making it much easier to draw graphics and select options. Groove On Fight supports the Saturn's multi-tap peripheral, allowing up to four players to enjoy the game at once. Finally, Mighty Hits is compatible with the Stunner, the Saturn's light gun. Playing with the Stunner gives the player faster response and helps make the game's western setting more authentic.
The final three columns contain ratings for each game. Three different reviewers have supplied their opinions of each game listed in the guide. When all three reviewers agree that a game is exceptional, it is highlighted in blue. The games that all three reviewers just couldn't stand are marked in red, a warning to anyone who may consider purchasing them.
