Prototype Saturn

[dj898]

[Note: Pictures has been removed from Yahoo server after the auction closed it seems...]

The seller said it's one of early Saturn prototype that sent out to development houses prior Saturn's launch.

it looks virtually same as M1 Gray Saturn except there is no Saturn silk printing on the CD door nor the SN label on the bottom as well as the model # label at the back of the machine.

Would be interesting what it looks like inside though...

thought it's interesting...
wish I could bid for Yahoo Japan...

Also saw another Toys R Us Sonic Saturn went for 13450 yen last night on YahooJapan...
seeing someone paid over $400 for the same one on eBay and this one on Yahoo Japan even included FDD unit the deal was sweet... I could have made nice profit out of it by breaking them into Sonic saturn and FDD... :)

oh well....

[Blur2040]

Haha, dj898, I saw your post on GameFAQs...I hoped you would post it here...

Thanks for the Link...though it was kinda hard to figure out how to make the Yahoo Japan ID...I got it from trial and error.

I wouldn't mind seeing whats going on in there myself, but I guess what we'd see is either the same as a standard M1 saturn...or a slightly less refined version of it...It's definately neat stuff though...

[Calpis]

Damn Rinkya, soon there wont be anything good left in Japan. There used to be an advantage of having Japanese friends :)

[CHAZumaru]

could someone provide a bogus YahooID for the forum so that we can see those pics without struggling with inscriptions ? That would be really nice, thanks.

[dj898]

ok

here are the pictures of Saturn prototype.
and you are welcome! :p

[Note: Pictures are now gone~]

cheers

[dj898]

and in case someone is wondering here's that Sonic Saturn auction pictures.

[Note: Pictures are now gone~]

cheers

[abionic]

Atheistically it's virtually same as M1 Gray Saturn except there is no Saturn silk printing on the CD door nor the SN label on the bottom as well as the model # label at the back of the machine.




godless japs!

perhaps you mean 'aesthetically' ... normally im not one to correct folks, but that one's too funny to pass up :smt033

[GaijinPunch]

just saw another Toys R Us Sonic Saturn went for 13450 yen last night...
seeing someone paid over $400 for the same one on eBay and this one on Yahoo Japan even included FDD unit the deal was sweet...

Yeah, I saw that too.


Damn Rinkya, soon there wont be anything good left in Japan. There used to be an advantage of having Japanese friends :)

Try living here. Getting all the cool shit was one way to cope w/ the stupidly ridiculous prices of apples.

[dj898]

ooops!
looks like the sepll chekcer didn't pick that one up. :)

cheers

[CHAZumaru]

thanks for the pics, dj.

[PrOfUnD Darkness]

So, what everybody think about this one? is it really a proto?


PD


ok

here are the pictures of Saturn prototype.

and you are welcome! :p


cheers

[Calpis]

Apples are cheap, its the oranges and mellons!

[retro]

Umm Yakumo, I want that!!!!!

[Blur2040]

Ya know...that reminds me...it might be really easy to make a few Saturn prototyepes...remove a label here...a logo there...write on a number....blammo.

[SilverBolt]

Ya know...that reminds me...it might be really easy to make a few Saturn prototyepes...remove a label here...a logo there...write on a number....blammo.

But thats the thing with prototype stuff, you never know if it's actually the real thing or just someone making a buck off the back of a collector :smt009
It's just a risk you have to be willing to take.

[retro]

I'd know... give me the machine and I could tell you if its a proto saturn

[Yakumo]

Retro, I was going to help you out but the link has gone now :smt017 I'm off to Australia tomorrow anyway so maybe it wouldn't have been such a good idea for me to bid on it.

By the way, does anyone know of any cool game shops in Sydney that stock Dreamcast goods?

Yakumo

[dj898]

there aren't any apart from Burn station but they charge arm and leg...and the list of title they carry isn't that great either...
still good and reliable service though...

cheers

[retro]

oh it finished :(

damn!!

[retro]

Yakumo how long are you there for? I might be able to find out 4 ya

[Yakumo]

Yakumo how long are you there for? I might be able to find out 4 ya

I'm there until May 5th I'll be visiting this board though via an internet cafe or something.

Yakumo

[dj898]

If you will be in Sydney there are few recent retro shops selling console stuff. Never been there myself but heard there is one at Broadway street near Sydney University.

cheers

[Yakumo]

Thanks for the info dj898 :smt023

Yakumo

[dj898]

so you come and visit Australia during Golden Holiday(?) in Japan? :)

Guys I manage in Tokyo also have long break starting from today till Wednesday next week... lucky bastard... :p

cheers

[A. Snow]

If you're going to be in Melbourne I read about this a while back. Not sure how good it would be or if it's open yet though. Heck I bet there are people here that have this beat.

A Collection Down Under

By Dennis Day, News Editor
Published April 5, 2004 -- 06:27 pm CDT

The Melbourne Museum has announced plans to display one of the largest collections of videogames. The exhibit will be part of the museum's new Community Collections department. Part of the videogame exhibit will include more than 1200 games provided by Steven Larkins, a resident of Glen Huntly, Australia. The Community Collections department will also highlight unique private collections including tomato cans and miniature objects hoarded by Australians. The collection will be on display at Melbourne Museum in the Australia Gallery, Nicholson St, Carlton Gardens, until August 24, 2004.


From http://www.polygonmag.com

[dj898]

well it looks like I'm finally getting Prototype Saturn.
It's in my garage as I haven't had time to play with it at the moment - too much workload as well as looking after our baby at home to give my wife a break...

anyway quick run down of the unit I have...
like mentioned in this thread the unit I have also does not have SATURN silk screened on CD door. also there's no label or any sort...

the funny thing is the plastic used in the shell feels and looks different from retail Saturn. It feels and looks like cheap nasty plastic I used to see in some cheapo plastic model kit in my high school years. It almost feels like if I put little bit of pressure the plastic will be shattered. Also it's quite shiny unlike other Saturn I have... :smt017

I'm going to open the thing up for cleaning as well as some photo shots... will be interesting what it looks like inside - will be as messy as very first retail grey Saturn? :)

stay tuned... ;-)
cheers

[retro]

hey, send me the pics and i'll take a look at the board and see if it tallies up.

And remember, should you ever wanna sell it..... ;)

[cahaz]

ey!
i didn't see any of these pics why remove them?

:(

can you repost them?

thx.

[dj898]

pictures were from YJ and the picture server I used went belly up and I couldn't arsed to track the end YJ auction and load pictures again... so I removed them from the original post.

cheers

[cahaz]

sh*t !

:smt022

if someone have it , plz post it. :prayer:

[dj898]

no worries mate
when I get around will post picture of my prototype here...

stay tuned

cheers

[AntiPasta]

Can't wait! That would be very interesting to see.

[dj898]

alright as promised here are the pictures of Saturn prototype. Just quick photo of exterior and hopefully I will have time to take photo inside this week...

http://members.optushome.com.au/currypuff1/protptype/saturn_proto3.jpg
http://members.optushome.com.au/currypuff1/protptype/saturn_proto2.jpg
http://members.optushome.com.au/currypuff1/protptype/saturn_proto1.jpg

So what do you think? Is it fake? or is it legit? ^ ^;

cheers

[retro]

I already know the number, its hand written ;)

Well, it looks like its not a production unit with the logos taken off... too clean. Plus it doesn't have any writing on the bottom actually in the mould (do normal Japanese Saturns? can't remember). It probably is real, but I'd have to look at the insides to be able to tell you really.

Well, when you get fed up of this one too, give me a shout ;) hehe

[NFG]

I've seen systems with different letters and wording printed on the system, which were pre-release images and (hence) prototypes. I'd say it's not beyond the realm of possibility that this one's merely had the stickers removed (or perhaps they were never put on, I have a dev neo with no stickers) and the logo scrubbed off with plastic friendly paint remover or something.

[dj898]

was told that she paid xxxx yen for this unit. think that's too much of trouble for not much? ;)
it's not easy to see in photo, but the whole plastic has shiny flimsy feel to it...
stay tuned for its internal as well as the startup screen shot...


by the way anyone up for the challenge turning normal grey Saturn into the prototype wannabe? :p There have been few suggestions so why not put that into the test and see how it comes out... and others can supply the label with kanji/kana. :)

cheers

[NFG]

I'll go buy some sandpaper, I'll have your flimsy smooth Saturn by the weekend. ;)

Or not - I'm lazy.

[dj898]

my point really. Unless you can make out few hundreds on unsuspecting collectors why go for all the trouble for what is not much more than normal retail Saturn.
Maybe this is fake or it is real but who knows really! :smt023

maybe I should dip my retail grey Saturn shell into an acid and slap a photo copy of the label and sell it on eBay as Saturn Prototype-look console. Some poor soul bound to snap this one up as we all know what happened to that Xbox box eBay listing... :p

cheers

[dj898]

and here are couple of quick internal shots of prototype as promised...

http://members.optushome.com.au/currypuff1/protptype/saturn_proto5.jpg
http://members.optushome.com.au/currypuff1/protptype/saturn_proto6.jpg
http://members.optushome.com.au/currypuff1/protptype/saturn_proto7.jpg

cheers

[NFG]

Socketed BIOS roms aren't uncommon in first-gen Saturns, but that metal-topped chip and the paper-labelled one are new by me.

[retro]

The labelled chip looks just like one I have in my Sophia - an EPROM with a label covering the window. I'll take a look through my manuals at home, and I'll need to ask you some questions about board revisions... also what is the date written on that label? April 94?

[dj898]

yes.
every time I tried w/ flash the label got washed out.
if have chance will try to take another photo during daytime - means have to wait till weekend...

cheers

[AntiPasta]

hmm, isnt that silver chip one of the VDP chips? (dont know for sure)
Perhaps that's got some connection with an empty chip socket marked "VDP1" on the Saturn Sound box :smt017


Socketed BIOS roms aren't uncommon in first-gen Saturns

Interesting... by first-gen, do you mean only the 1994 Saturn batch or also the first-gen US/PAL Saturns? The markings on one of my PAL Saturn claim it to be made in may 1995, but the BIOS is not socketed, however it is a normal DIL (I think thats what its called) chip soldered on the board.

[dj898]

ok I will open one of my grey Saturn and see whether that one has socked PROM. It has the model# HST-00001(?) or something...

cheers

[dj898]

if I recall correctly Edge ran special feature of Saturn before its launch years ago. I remember they had the picture of Saturn M/B in there as well.

Does anyone has that Edge issue and don't mind to scan and post the picture? that will be greatly appreciated.

I will have to search thru my garage to see whether I have that issue of Edge but it's unlikely I will have time for that...

cheers

[Calpis]

Do you guys know if there are differences between the different BIOS ROMs? Does the regional jumper on the PCB just switch A19 (of the BIOS) hi/lo to change region via different banks? That would be interesting.

Would you with socketted BIOS mind dumping them if possible for comparison? Thnx :D

[NFG]

The region jumper is not connected to the BIOS ROM.

[AntiPasta]

if I recall correctly Edge ran special feature of Saturn before its launch years ago. I remember they had the picture of Saturn M/B in there as well.

Does anyone has that Edge issue and don't mind to scan and post the picture? that will be greatly appreciated.

I will have to search thru my garage to see whether I have that issue of Edge but it's unlikely I will have time for that...

cheers

Hmm, I do remember the Edge Saturn issue had a pic of the Saturn mobo as its front cover :smt033
Also, I have scans of a few Edge articles on Saturn somewhere, but they are buried into the murky bowels of my download directories... and I cant find em right away.

[Anthaemia.]

Here's a list of only a few cancelled Saturn games that I've been able to find information on:

Sonic X-Treme (BUG! engine version)
This was the version shown at the 1996 E3 (with special stages from another unknown build), and following its poor reception the game was carried over to the NiGHTS engine.

Sonic X-Treme (NiGHTS engine version)
STi had to move engine AGAIN when Yuji Naka demanded that Sonic Team's code be taken from the US developers, possibly in retalliation of their work on previous Sonic games (many of the American-designed stages, such as Hidden Palace and Wood Zone were removed in favour of Japanese concepts) or because Naka's group had their own Sonic title in development - Project Sonic, perhaps?

Sonic X-Treme (Sphere Renderer engine version)
The planned Winter 1996 release date was impossible to achieve, so STi cancelled their project. A small core team of key designers from the Saturn title completed a four-level demo in the hope of selling the idea to SEGA PC for release, but this division was only interested in ports of existing console or arcade games. Various prototypes definitely DO exist, but due to some resistance from some programmers and for "sentimental reasons" they are unlikely to surface.

Shenmue Saturn Version
At least the first three chapters were completed (as seen on the only video available), and it's likely that later parts have not been shown to prevent spoliers for the as-yet-unreleased conclusion of this series. Supposedly to have come on eight discs with two chapters on each, which means that we've only seen the first disc so far. Were the other discs remotely close in terms of quality or quantity? We'll probably never know, as AM2 are definitely keeping tight security on this one! The prototypes are stored on tapes at Sega's Japanese HQ building, though Yu Suzuki has mentioned in the past that the footage released of Shenmue Saturn Version comes from a stock console - a contradiction if there ever was one! Finally, the name "Shenmue" only appeared closer to the Dreamcast game's release - the working title back in its Saturn guise was probably either "Akira's Quest" or "Project Berkeley" as "Virtua Fighter RPG" has only recently been revealed to be related with a completely different project (Cyber Generation).

Saturn Virtua Fighter 3 (Revision 1)
Supposedly very similar in appearance to the VF3 elements of Fighters Megamix, this version was rejected on quality issues and because a "superior" Dreamcast edition was already in the early stages of development. AM2 then went back to enhance their code in the hope that a release may still be possible...

Saturn Virtua Fighter 3 (Revision 2)
Produced using SGL OS 3.02 and a significant improvement on the earlier AM2 attempt at this game, with new 3D (albeit basic) backgrounds plus varied levels of detail for close (winning pose) and long distance (fighting) character models to incease in-game speed. Discs sent out to Japanese pressing plants for September 5th release, with possible simultaneous PAL version also rumoured. A final "exclusive VF3 review" issue of the UK official Sega Saturn Magazine (SSM) was mentioned, though this has now been denied by former staff members.

Sonic The Fighters
Another game completed, advertised on SOJ website release lists (May 5th 1998) and then cancelled. Master discs were supposedly sent to pressing plants in Japan, yet the game has still not surfaced - this suggests that information may be incorrect.

Scud Race/Supercar
If the port of VF3 was successful enough, this would have been the follow-up Model 3 conversion. Cancelled in its early R&D stages, a DC tech demo was later made by Core Design. No information regarding the use of any hardware upgrades, but since the arcade version was powered by the Model 3 Step 1.5 board it's likely that some form of 3D accelerator was necessary.

Biohazard 2
Cancelled in April 1997 at roughly 15% complete "alpha" stage, remade as a PSone game in Feb. '98 when Capcom realised that the Saturn was no longer a financially viable platform

Marvel VS Capcom
Did not pass research stage in late 1998, though it later appeared for Dreamcast

Street Fighter 3
Cancelled at a very early stage, possibly no more advanced that R&D in early '97

Fighting Force (provisional working title: Bare Knuckle 4)
Originally produced as a sequel to the "Bare Knuckle" series by Core, this game was passed onto Sega for completion then cancelled due to quality issues. An executive at SOA apparently did not recognise the Bare Knuckle/Streets Of Rage franchise and subsequent builds were designed with the new title.


Other games with no information (other than their existence):

Red Earth (Capcom CPSIII title, possibly requiring 4Mb RAM cart?)

Metal Gear Solid (Lost when Konami stopped support of the Saturn)

Destruction Derby 2 (Cancelled because of Sony-Psygnosis deal?)

Formula One (Developed by Sony Studio Liverpool? Excusivity?)

DeathTank 3D (Cancelled after the split of Lobotomy Software)

WarZard (Another Capcom 4Mb title, lost due to production costs?)

Bad Mojo (Point-and-click adventure labelled "too adult" by Sega)

Rattlesnake Red (Platformer, lost for both Saturn and PlayStation)

Grand Theft Auto ("Technical problems" led to PSOne/PC exclusivity)

[Tachikoma]

Nice list, thanks!

*waits for the knowitalls to start picking holes in the list*

[AntiPasta]

nice list indeed! To kick the knowitall thing off, I'm not doubting the authenticity of this list, but I do think it is a bit strange that Sega cancelled numerous games that undoubtedly would've sold pretty good :toimonster:

And I'm curious what those 'technical problems' with GTA would've been, I think it would've ran fine on the Saturn (its not like the PS is better at that sort of games)

[wombat]

its such an shame that al those games on the list are (almost all) potential super games.... what would have happen if MGS was saturn only :prayer:

[Yceman]

Nice list!
What I wouldn't give to have an alpha/beta/whatever of Shenmue, VF3 and Scud Race on my Saturn

[Yakumo]

Formula One (Developed by Sony Studio Liverpool? Excusivity?)


This game was by Bizzare Creations who I knew at the time. I did some testing at their HQ for the PSX version (My name is on the PAL version on the game). At the time they were looking at different Saturn racing games to see if it was possible to port the game to the saturn. I have no idea if work had begun or not. I do know that atthis time they were planning Fur balls or what ever it was called plus a secret game that turned out to by MSR.

Yakumo

[AntiPasta]

By the way, this blew my socks off, I read in the official UK Saturn magazine that they used to give away beta silver discs as contest prizes! :smt104 :smt103 :-D :smt119 :smt120 :smt118

[Zeta-Gouki]

Atheistically it's virtually same as M1 Gray Saturn except there is no Saturn silk printing on the CD door nor the SN label on the bottom as well as the model # label at the back of the machine.




godless japs!

perhaps you mean 'aesthetically' ... normally im not one to correct folks, but that one's too funny to pass up :smt033

hahahhaha

[dj898]

blema seplling chceker maet! :p

cheers

[VitAmen]

anthaemia....you are crossing the borderlines of paranoia...

-How the hell is the Saturn scud race connected to the "dc tech demo",i cannot see it.Who told you it was developed by Core design?.That demo was included in the first devkit available to developers...Makes any sense?"but since the arcade version was powered by the Model 3 Step 1.5 board it's likely that some form of 3D accelerator was necessary.".I like the way you assume things....

-SGL "OS"?

-Sonic Xtreme on BUG! engine?Sonic xtreme was to be a Genesis game,then 32X,then Saturn and it started on the Nights engine.A Demo on E3 using the BUG! engine using levels from another build?What the...?Please do yourself a favour and read the producer's inteview at sonc-cult.org and stop raving.

-Saturn Virtua Fighter 3 (Revision 2)
"Produced using SGL OS 3.02 and a significant improvement on the earlier AM2 attempt at this game, with new 3D (albeit basic) backgrounds plus varied levels of detail for close (winning pose) and long distance (fighting) character models to incease in-game speed."

Mind you,level of detail is nothing exceptional,even Virtua Fighter 32X had this feature like countless other games...


Some posts and their ignorance are just too stupid.I am sorry i write like that but some time ago the board was NOT like that and i am pissed off about it.I ve said that again,and the same people keep on posting the same shit and everyone just applauds.When someone steps in and critisizes everyone goes like "what's your problem"...IGNORANCE is my fucking problem and the fact that moderators will delete this post cause of retarted censorship...

[Yakumo]

-How the hell is the Saturn scud race connected to the "dc tech demo",i cannot see it.Who told you it was developed by Core design?.

Because the Official Sega Saturn magazine in the UK said it was by Core Design. I remember seeing that too. They said that it wasn't as powerful as the arcade and did have some sighns of pop up that the arcade didn't have.

Yakumo

[Aero-X]

Red Earth (Capcom CPSIII title, possibly requiring 4Mb RAM cart?) that would be awesome its CPS-3 though so the 4MB RAM cart would be the only way, Crapcom didn´t even release it on DC :smt022

[Anthaemia.]

As confirmed by Yakumo, it was the UK's official Sega Saturn Magazine that mentioned Core Design in relation to the Scud Race tech demo. Sorry that I didn't include a reference to my source before, but after ten years of following the Saturn you tend to read a lot (and I do mean a lot!) of articles - I've noticed too that there tend to be a lot of "crossed wires" and long-standing myths. Someone should really make an effort to filter out all the genuine facts from what has grown out of rumours, as there is still no single place (not Sonic Cult, and don't even bother with SegaBase) that has 100% actual information. I have my own plans, but this definitely won't be a one-man mission as there are far too many angles to look at without reaching a great old age (yeah, right).

I'm hopeful that one day many unsolved mysteries will either be laid to rest with the release of some prototypes or new interviews with developers, as those interviews at Sonic Cult reveal several contradictions. Then again, it has been over eight years since Sonic X-Treme was cancelled so I can appreciate that some people may have different recollections than others. However, I get the general impression - and for once I am speculating - that the development of this game was a painful experience for many of the production team, and I don't really believe that anyone would deliberately want to go back and revist a part of their life that is associated with such bad memories.

Also, I must add that while I respect Sonic Cult's obvious "insider" access and multiple exclusives on Sonic X-Treme among other titles (even if Sonic Heroes did turn out to be quite a disappointment), the interviews conducted there only asked the predictable questions (such as the possibility of code being leaked, which we all know is highly unlikely now). It would have been great to find out more technical aspects, including which engines were shown in the various screenshots available to those interested in this most unfulfilled of Sega's high profile 32-bit titles. Has anyone else noticed that there are so many contradictions in those interviews? They may be our closest to the truth, but those guys are only human after all. You can't expect to get a complete picture of this or any game without fully assessing everything that remains, and until we see some prototype builds or further development material (such as engine code or even comprehensive design documentation) we have little background to work with.

I really hope that the moderators DON'T remove VitAmen's last comment, though I can't say either that I enjoy being accused of ignorance or paranoia - there are plenty of gaming enthusiasts that would sell their nearest and dearest to play some of these unreleased games for even a few minutes. I wasn't trying to describe the varied detail feature in Saturn Virtua Fighter 3 Revision 2 (now that's a mouthful!) as something new, and perhaps I could have compared this to the 32X version of Virtua Fighter myself - regrets, 'eh? Even the much-hyped Killzone includes such a technique, so at least it doesn't need much explaining on my behalf... or anyone else's for that matter. Well, there's nothing like a good long-winded and self-righteous rant to start off the morning (I love the smell of a melting keyboard, you know)!

P.S. Sega Saturn Magazine (UK) had a deal with HMV to give away free games in various competitions, but for most of the time they just used contests as a way of getting rid of their old review discs - some might even call them "silver beta" copies. I was under that impression that SSM wanted this keeping quiet, but have you ever noticed that they didn't print a single letter from winners complaining about their prizes? I think that I've just uncovered another Sega "gagging order" conspiracy. Uh oh...

[SilverBolt]

Some posts and their ignorance are just too stupid.I am sorry i write like that but some time ago the board was NOT like that and i am pissed off about it.I ve said that again,and the same people keep on posting the same shit and everyone just applauds.When someone steps in and critisizes everyone goes like "what's your problem"...IGNORANCE is my fucking problem and the fact that moderators will delete this post cause of retarted censorship...

Ehm i'm sorry but what the hell did we moderators ever do to you, i think your being paranoid right now.
There is no censorship here but we will step in if people get out of line that's all.

[Yakumo]

P.S. Sega Saturn Magazine (UK) had a deal with HMV to give away free games in various competitions, but for most of the time they just used contests as a way of getting rid of their old review discs - some might even call them "silver beta" copies. I was under that impression that SSM wanted this keeping quiet, but have you ever noticed that they didn't print a single letter from winners complaining about their prizes? I think that I've just uncovered another Sega "gagging order" conspiracy. Uh oh...

Yes the Official sega Saturn magazine did have a thing going with HMV but they didn't give away store Silver Discs. Not from the store where I was in charge anyway :P because I took them all.

Yakumo

[Anthaemia.]

Well, I don't really blame you - a collector should take advantage of every opportunity available. I recently "acquired" several copies of the Killzone beta, simply because the staff at a local store couldn't find anywhere safer to keep the discs than on the counter for all to see!

[Ex Sega Dev]

Some posts and their ignorance are just too stupid.I am sorry i write like that but some time ago the board was NOT like that and i am pissed off about it.I ve said that again,and the same people keep on posting the same shit and everyone just applauds.When someone steps in and critisizes everyone goes like "what's your problem"...IGNORANCE is my fucking problem and the fact that moderators will delete this post cause of retarted censorship...

Ehm i'm sorry but what the hell did we moderators ever do to you, i think your being paranoid right now.
There is no censorship here but we will step in if people get out of line that's all.

Anthaemia. is the same poster as Sega Santashiro and dispite being quite negative about this forum on other forums he can't stay away.

Anyway;

Silver Discs are not Betas but test pressings from the CD replicator to check that the discs have been mastered correctly. The code remains the same as the release version

Review discs were provided to SSM on branded Saturn CDR's and not silver discs.

The trouble with Anthaemia (AKA Sega Sanshiro) is that he takes great leaps of faith with his knowlege and invents a way to get from Virtua Fighter 3 was to be released on the Staurn to Virtua Fighter 3 was to be 60FPS High Rez and have full 3d backgrounds and spreads this about as an all knowing authority.

Passion about subject matter is one thing but this guy sure can make a little info go a long way. :smt009

[AntiPasta]

Anthaemia. is the same poster as Sega Santashiro and dispite being quite negative about this forum on other forums he can't stay away.


I knew it! Anyhow, welcome to this board, I hope you will be as contributing but do back your facts up ;-)

[Alien Workshop]

Anthaemia. is the same poster as Sega Santashiro and dispite being quite negative about this forum on other forums he can't stay away.


I knew it! Anyhow, welcome to this board, I hope you will be as contributing but do back your facts up ;-)

Who is Sega Santashiro?

[Purge]

Anthaemia. is the same poster as Sega Santashiro and dispite being quite negative about this forum on other forums he can't stay away.


I knew it! Anyhow, welcome to this board, I hope you will be as contributing but do back your facts up ;-)

Who is Sega Santashiro?

The guy who jumped off the sega building while sega announced the dreamcast and pushed the missle aimed that was aimed at it back into space where it exploded.... may god rest his soul

(-__-)
/\

[Tachikoma]

That was Segata Sanshiro, the person they are on about is an ex board member.

[AntiPasta]

Who is Sega Santashiro?

Come on! Even the clubsters in Roppongi (still) know who he is!
As one guy said "Segata Sanshiro is very famous Japanese" :smt043

(believe me, I speak from experience :smt030 )

[Yakumo]

Segata Sanshiro, Segata Sashiro, SEGA SATAN SHIRO !. (SATAN is SATURN by the way :-D )

I saw him on TV yesterday. I started to Sing the Segata Sanshiro song and amazingly my wife knew what I was singing and why. See wasn't too impressed though. just looked at me and said "you're sad" Oh well, maybe she's right.

Yakumo

[SilverBolt]

Segata Sanshiro, Segata Sashiro, SEGA SATAN SHIRO !. (SATAN is SATURN by the way :-D )

I saw him on TV yesterday. I started to Sing the Segata Sanshiro song and amazingly my wife knew what I was singing and why. See wasn't too impressed though. just looked at me and said "you're sad" Oh well, maybe she's right.

Yakumo

*gets out white dojo suit and takes dangerous pose while screaming Segata Sanshiro, Segata Sashiro, SEGA SATAN SHIRO !. *

That just has got to be the best pile of gameing adds in history :prayer:

[retro]

Segata Sanshiro, Segata Sashiro, SEGA SATAN SHIRO !. (SATAN is SATURN by the way :-D )

I saw him on TV yesterday. I started to Sing the Segata Sanshiro song and amazingly my wife knew what I was singing and why. See wasn't too impressed though. just looked at me and said "you're sad" Oh well, maybe she's right.

Yakumo

You must play Sega Saturn! Play... until your fingers break! Lol, crazy Japanese, it even told you Sega Saturn was better than sex, apparently!

[Yakumo]

it even told you Sega Saturn was better than sex, apparently!

Well it can be at times :-D

Yakumo

[dj898]

it even told you Sega Saturn was better than sex, apparently!

umm... maybe when playing VCD S** Position 48 :p... for study reference of coz...

[Anthaemia.]

I saw him on TV yesterday. I started to Sing the Segata Sanshiro song and amazingly my wife knew what I was singing and why. See wasn't too impressed though. just looked at me and said "you're sad" Oh well, maybe she's right.

So, he's still on TV? I'm amazed, though I personally have to point out his - well, actor Hiroshi Fujioka's - appearance on the box art for Kengo every time I see it when I'm looking around in the bargain bins! Seriously, whether it be his cameo in Shenmue or the more popular commercials, this guy is more "Sega" than the idiots currently running the company. If he was real, I'd ask Segata just why he saved that Sega building in the first place. After all, he's a great reminder of their past greatness, and it's good to see that he is still making his presence known... even if the Saturn campaign that spawned him has since long gone!

[Quakester2000]

It had been reported on some sites as well as others that sega actually planned to bring him back during the dreamcast era but due to premature ending of that i guess they didnt. From what i understand due to his popularity hi will be back advertising sega games on japenese tv.

[dj898]

bit OT...
doesn't he look just like the actor who did first kamenrider? :-D

[Yakumo]

without the mask, yes. Here he is.
http://tokyoshadow.com/shop/images/Segata_s.jpg
http://membres.lycos.fr/frenchl/japan/photosk/kk6-sega.jpg

Yakumo

[dj898]

Aha!
I was watching some old episode on VHS and thought he looks just like Segatan Shiro much yonger... :p

has original Kamenrider TV series out on DVD?
Thought I saw one on my recent trip to Tokyo?
Didn't have any spare time as I was flat out on two day visit... ;(

cheers

[Yakumo]

Do you guys remember when I said that I had a video of the Panzer Dragoon extremely early CG mock up that Sega used to promote the saturn? Well sadly I never did find that video but I did find a picture !!! OK, the picture is site quality but still, better than nothing.
http://img87.exs.cx/img87/8391/panzer-cgbeta.jpg

Yakumo

[PrOfUnD Darkness]

I saw this pic on a Brazilian magazine. I need to check out my old magazines...there're some nice stuff in there...


PD

[link343]

Hiroshi Fujioka Was the voice of Ryo's Father in the japanese version of shenmue.

[ASSEMbler]

Bump. Anyone care if these are sticky or not?

[dj898]

it shouldn't be sticky since it served its purpose... besides towards the end the topic went big OT...

[retro]

Yeah, I said that a month or more ago ;)

In fact, the stickies seem to take up more room here! So selectiveness is the key, I guess.

The "Introduce yourself!" thread was never re-stickied in the member intro forum, though ;)

[CHAZumaru]

bit OT...
doesn't he look just like the actor who did first kamenrider? :-D

Same guy.

Fujioka first got known as Kamen Rider. He was already a popular actor way before the Segata Sanshirou extravaganza (which by the way won a commercial of the year award in Japan).

[Yakumo]

Same guy.

Fujioka first got known as Kamen Rider. He was already a popular actor way before the Segata Sanshirou extravaganza (which by the way won a commercial of the year award in Japan).

Ah, so that's how my wife and her friends knew who he was.

Yakumo

[CHAZumaru]

He was famous for doing his stunts himself.

His sidekick Kamen Rider 2 actually came to exist when he wrecked his bike in an accident and had to stay in the hospital for a few episodes. The producers panickly brought up the storyline of Kamen Rider 2, then kept him alongside the returning Kamen Rider 1. The success of the formula encouraged the producers to create Kamen Rider V3, then numerous sequels.

The Kamen Rider V3 game on PS is quite a pleasant beat'em up.

[dj898]

well back to the topic after long months of hiatu...

I wonder whether I should stick the dual slot chip into the prototype saturn...
or should leave it as it is... it's just that I never got to use it apart from occasional boot up for testing... ???

[Yakumo]

Hmm, best leave it as it is I'd say. You don't want to be messing about with a proto.

Yakumo

[dj898]

but it's sitting here and doing nothin...
besides I used to like poking thing with perfecting working machines... :p

in any case will have to wait till I get back from holiday...

[GigaDrive]

early proto of the Saturn from 1993 that SoA showed at Winter CES 1994
http://www.kikizo.com/clients/gaf/kikizo_gaf_saturn_prototype_soa_ces94.jpg

skinny looking Saturn huh? I like it.

the picture is from the March 1994 issue of Official Sega Magazine (UK)

credit KyotoMecca for finding it.

[dj898]

hmm..
more like old NAtional CD player... :p

[Szczepaniak]

What happened to the images on the first page? I haven't read the whole topic, why were they removed?

Also, a better image of the Panzer Dragoon prototype is this one:
http://www.panzerdragoon.net/articles/images/the_mystery_of_the_emerald_dragon_07.jpg

From this rather excellent article on it, by Mr Frazer I believe:
http://www.panzerdragoon.net/articles/the_mystery_of_the_emerald_dragon.php

[Anthaemia.]

Panzer Dragoon was the only one of the three CS team titles not to have been included in its original prototype video form as part of the Saturn promotional video in America, so is there any chance I could use that screenshot you posted as it's the only way I can get a decent quality image from this game as it was during early development?

[Szczepaniak]

You'd have to ask www.panzerdragoon.net

They are a friendly bunch, and if you credit them, then I am sure they will assist you. They were very helpful regarding my PD article recently.

Anyway, the pic I posted was a magazine scan.

As for this video, which was apparently shown in 1994 at the Las Vegas show, I would LOVE to get a copy of it and view. Check out the URL I linked to, they have scans from magazines that took screenshots, and the screens from the vid are quite interesting.

[Anthaemia.]

That article seems to have some conflicting information to what I've managed to find out regarding the E3 prototypes, as they claim that at least two of the sequences had generic titles such as "3D Action Game" and "3D Shooting Game" while other sources claim that the early version of Clockwork Knight was known back then as just "Knights." Victory Goal is referred as "Soccer" and Panzer Dragoon was also given the name of "Dragon" in some articles from the period. I really don't know which - if any - titles are official, but since these were just tech demos I hardly think that it matters too much. Besides, if the developers had plans for what the final games would look like (sort of) as far back as that show in '94 then it's likely they also had working titles in mind as well... and I doubt that GameArts had any intention of releasing Gungriffon with its original codename of 3D Polygon, either!

[dj898]

What happened to the images on the first page? I haven't read the whole topic, why were they removed?


go to here (http://members.optushome.com.au/currypuff1/protptype)for the low res pictures... if you are after prototype picture...

the original pictures were removed as they were high res and couldn't fit into the small server space I got...

[PrOfUnD Darkness]

Nice pics. The US patents site has a lot of interesting info, like this:

Filled on 8/March/1994
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4126/8mar948jd.th.jpg (http://img232.imageshack.us/my.php?image=8mar948jd.jpg)



PD