Path: news.mira.net.au!lazar.apana.org.au!zikzak.apana.org.au!not-for-mail
From: pred@zikzak.apana.org.au (Gordon Craick)
Newsgroups: rec.games.video.sega,rec.games.video.misc
Subject: SATURN/32X FAQ revision 2.00
Date: 15 Dec 1994 14:39:58 +1100
Organization: Zikzak public access UNIX, Melbourne Australia
Lines: 608
Message-ID: <3codqe$hhf@zikzak.apana.org.au>
NNTP-Posting-Host: zikzak.apana.org.au
X-Newsreader: NN version 6.5.0 #3 (NOV)
Xref: news.mira.net.au rec.games.video.sega:30908 rec.games.video.misc:14396

This FAQ is also now available on WWW on my home page at 
http://zikzak.apana.org.au/~pred  along with WillMcBee's Playstation FAQ 
plus a few other links. For the FAQ's, check under "other"
---

Finally that the Saturn is actually released i can add lots more
information to this FAQ! It came as a bit of a surprise, as i, and quite
a few others expected it to be at least early next year at the earliest.
At least one video game company can live up their promises....

+--------  -         -
||        ______   ____  ________  __  __  _____    ___   __
||       /      ) /    \|        ||  ||  ||     \  |   \ |  |             |
|       (   (__/ /   \  \__    __||  ||  ||   \  \ |    \|  |
         \___  \ |      |  |  |   |  ||  ||      / |  \  \  |
|        /   )  )|  ||  |  |  |   |      ||  |\  \ |  |\    |             |
        (______/ |__||__|  |__|   \______/|__| \__\|__| \___|  & 32X

                                                                          |
|                       Frequently Asked Questions                       ||
                               Version 2.oo                              ||
                                 o6/12/94        -         -  -  ---------+

     * Maintained by Gordon Craick <-> pred@zikzak.apana.org.au) *

  Since all other 32 bit machines now have their own FAQ's -- why not
        cover one of the hottest of them all? the Sega Saturn...

. What the heck is the Saturn?
. So what is this Jupiter I have heard of?
. Okay then, so what is the 32X?
. So what is this MegaDrive32 being talked about?
. What about lockout chips/compatability?
. Who is supporting the Saturn/32X?
. How does Sega Channel fit into this?
. What titles will be released for the Saturn?
. What titles will be released for the 32X?
. What titles are currently available on the 32X?
. What titles are currently available on the Saturn?
. How is development for Saturn software done?
. Where/when was/will it be available?
. How much does it cost?
. Will the Saturn be compatible with the Genesis/SegaCD?
. What are the specifications for the Saturn?
. What are the specifications for the 32X?
. So which 32bit+ system is the most powerful?
. How does that Saturn compare to the PS-X?
. So how does the Saturn stack up to Sega's Model 1 arcade board?
. So which 32bit+ system should I choose?

. Acknowledgements
. Other


Q: What the heck is the Saturn?

A: The Saturn is the latest video game console that has been released by
   Sega Enterprises. Development on the Saturn has been occuring heavily
   for approximately the last 18 months, and was released in Japan on
   November 22nd, 1994 with massive success. It will be released in
   other countries hopefully in the latter part of 1995.

   Sega has provided the Saturn as the next step up in its range of
   highly popular games consoles that began with the 8 bit Master
   System, and most recently the 16 bit Genesis and Sega-CD. The Saturn
   also provides a 'step-up' from the newly released 32 bit 32X addon
   machine. Each of these systems has sold many millions of games and
   units across the world, making Sega the largest video game
   manufacturer world-wide in the last couple of years.
      Saturn has been aimed to provide a direct competition with new
   higher end consoles such as the 3DO, Atari Jaguar, and Commodore
   CD32. It also aims to compete against other upcoming consoles such as
   the Sony Playstation-X (or PS-X, released on the 3/12/94 in Japan),
   and eventually against Sega's main rival, Nintendo. Nintendo, who in
   cooperation with Silicon Graphics are to produce a 64 bit games
   console (the Ultra64) containing much of the technology now
   implemented in SGI's Onyx workstations and seen in the arcade hit
   Crusin' USA and Killer Instinct, for release in the 2nd half of 1995
   (or what they are aiming for). Speculation still rages over whether
   this machine will ever be released at all.

   In technical terms, the Saturn is a full 32 bit console containing
   many custom-built processors and co-processors which work together to
   provide a specialised multimedia games machine many times more
   powerful than most computer systems and arcade units at a much
   cheaper price. Sprite, polygon, and pre-rendered graphic manipulation
   is a natural function of the hardware, and handled with ease.
   Software that will be available ranges from sports to highly frantic
   arcade games, or anything else your imagination can dream up. Sega
   also aims for the Saturn to be easily adaptable into multiplayer,
   multinetwork environments in around a years time, in the form of
   games on demand from cable TV, etc.


Q: So what is the Jupiter I have head of?

A: In April it was announced by many magazines that Sega would be
   releasing a Jupiter console, a cartridge only, and slightly lesser
   version of the Saturn. Plans for the Jupiter were shelved quite a
   while back. This was probably due to production costs which would
   have pushed the machine past Sega's target price range. In order to
   be able to release a cheaper system, they released the
   32X/MegaDrive32 machine instead.


Q: Okay then, so what is the 32X?

A: The 32X was released in late November in the United States, with
   release in other countries following in the coming months. What the
   32X is an addon for existing Genesis/Megadrive owners, which, when
   plugged into the cartridge port of the machine, provides extra
   processing power, graphical enhancement and other improvements over
   your old machine. If you can't quite afford the more expensive
   machines, and are looking for something more than just your Genesis,
   the 32X is what you're looking for.
      32X is cartridge only, and is not be upgradeable to the Saturn
   (which was first planned with the Jupiter). The 32X will also include
   less of the specially designed processors than the Saturn, allowing
   it to be released at a very much cheaper price.

   For those who own a SegaCD the 32X will take advantage of this to
   provide 32X CD games. If you have a SegaCD it will use the extra
   capabilities of the machine, in addition to that of the Genesis and
   itself. Several of these 32X/CD games are already in production. The
   reason for this seems to be so that Sega can boost sales of the
   SegaCD, while also cutting prices on the 32X by not having to include
   a CD-drive. It is expected that prices for the SegaCD will drop to
   increase sales for the 32X/CD combination.

   How did this come about? Most believe that Sega initially was at work
   on a cartridge only machine, however due to the market pressure of CD
   becoming standard, Sega was persuaded to integrate CD storage into
   their machine. Rather than waste this technology, they opted to use
   some of the technology in a cheaper, less powerful console that could
   remain competitive for several years.


Q: So what is the Megadrive32 also mentioned?

A: The Megadrive32 will be simply a PAL version of the 32X for release
   in places such as Australia, some parts of Asia, and Europe. Take the
   Genesis and Megadrive as a similar situation, pretty much the same
   system, but with a different name. The PAL version of the 32X is expected
   to be released in about January 1995.


Q: What about lockout chips/compatability?

A: The European, North American, and Asian machines will all remain
   incompatible with each other respectively. These machines will
   contain hardware and software lockout mechanisms to to prevent
   uncontrolled 'grey' importing. These may eventually be
   circumnavigated through the use of converters, as used in the past by
   some companies - this has yet to be seen.

                                                  
Q: Who is supporting the Saturn/32X?

A: The Saturn is essentially a product of Sega's own ingenuity, and
   most of the machine as in fact designed and built by Sega singularly.
   Apparently a British firm was involved in one or more of the chip
   design, however most dedicated components such as main processor,
   co-processor, etc were designed by Japanese firms (such as Hitachi).
   These companies have nothing more to do with the Saturn than actual
   chip design and production.
      The other big news is that Microsoft have made a commitment to
   Saturn by developing the software for the machine (** I need more
   info on this one! **). It is expected that this revolves around
   Microsoft's GUI Windows operating system, though how active this
   becomes part of the system to the end-user is unsure. Microsoft is
   also interesting in extending its market interests by helping to
   develop the Sega Channel and its ultimate aim of becoming the main
   player in a future global interactive network.
      Major software developers keen on producing Saturn titles include
   Sony, Koei, Bandai, Konami, ID software (not as big, but everybody
   will still be interested!), Namco, plus too many more to mention
   here.


Q: How does the Sega channel fit into this?

A: Sega Channel is a venture undertaken by Sega to provide an expansive
   and large online network for game players of Saturn, and possibly
   other machines. Games on demand will be available via standard cable
   for $14 a month (in the US). The 32X will also be able to access the
   SegaChannel.
      The Sega Channel which operate much like your standard cable
   television provider, except rather than offering programs it offers
   games and other services. Some of these proposed services include the
   possibility of online shopping, playing against other players locally
   or internationally, a gamers database, game related message
   facilities, and probably more to be announced.
      The main aim of the Sega Channel, however, is to provide games on
   demand. For a monthly base access fee, (plus the possibility of
   online charges), subscribers are provided access to the channel.
   Players then choose which game they wish to play through an online
   menu, and are then continuously sent game data for that game to their
   Saturn, 32X, or Genesis. Playing a Sega Channel game would mean that
   the game would be stored temporarily in the system's memory during
   play, except the you would not formally 'own' the software in
   cartridge form (a 'Virtua Purchase' :-) bad I know!). Sega is still
   planning on releasing games through normal retail channels, so
   players will be able to choose either method to access games. Such a
   network also allows the exciting possibility of country-wide (or even
   worldwide) games with many different players.

   The 32X and Saturn will have Sega Channel Support approximately one
   year after they have been released. This means around November 1995
   for Japanese consumers, and September 1996 (or maybe earlier) for
   United States consumers.


Q: What titles will be released on the Saturn?

A: Here is a list of the more popular known titles that are in
   production at the present time FOR THE SATURN. Many thanks to Paul
   Strong for both of these release lists. Note: many of the titles
   listed as "Sega" will in fact just be _published_ by Sega by the
   looks of things (eg: SimCity was never written by Sega). Also note:
   from some of the silly sounding titles(!), many of these will be
   Japanese only releases.

   Virtua Racing           | Sega         | Arcade conversion
   Daytona USA             | Sega         | Arcade conversion
   Battle Monsters         | Sega         | Action
   Dynamic Fantasy         | Sega         | Action
   Clockwork Knight        | Sega         | Action
   Ecco the Dolphin        | Sega         | Action
   Sonic 4                 | Sega         | Action
   Waves of Pebble Beach   | Sega         | Golf
   Greatest 9              | Sega         | Golf
   Masters                 | Sega         | Golf
   Saturn Basketball       | Sega         | Basketball
   Victory Goal            | Sega         | Soccer
   Virtua Tennis           | Sega         | Tennis
   Ice Hockey              | Sega         | Ice Hockey
   Shinobi EX              | Sega         | Action/shooter
   Panzer Dragoon          | Sega         | Action/shooter
   Deadlus                 | Sega         | Action/shooter
   Doom                    | Sega         | Action/shooter
   Tomcat Alley            | Sega         | Action/shooter
   Guile Racer             | Sega         | Driving
   CyberRace               | Sega         | Driving
   SimCity 2000            | Sega         | Strategy
   Okushimitama Blue Seed  | Sega         | Role Playing
   Magic Night, RayEarth   | Sega         | Role Playing
   Fantasy Earth           | Sega         | Role Playing
   Rigroad Saga            | Sega         | Role Playing
   The New Dream Mansion   | Sega         | Adventure/interactive
   Chinese Detective       | Sega         | Adventure/interactive
   Rampo                   | Sega         | Adventure/interactive
   Super Street Fighter 2  | Capcom       | Arcade conversion
   ???                     | Taito        | Fighting
   Suiji Martial Arts      | Data East    | Fighting
   Keio Karate Squad 2     | Victor Ent.  | Fighting
   Cotton 2                | Success      | Action/shooter
   Musashi                 | Bell         | Action/shooter
   ???                     | Capcom       | Action
   Overdrive               | Zoom         | Action
   Armoured Troops Race 2  | Nihon        | Action
   Fist of the North Star  | Banpresto    | Action
   ???                     | Bell         | Action
   Soccer                  | EA Victor    | Soccer
   4D Boxing               | Victor Ent.  | Boxing
   Fire Pro Wrestling      | Human        | Wrestling
   Virtua GP               | Atlas        | Driving
   Race Drivin'            | Tengen       | Driving
   US Drag Champ           | Nihon Bussan | Driving
   ???                     | Bell         | Driving
   A.IV                    | Artdink      | Simulation
   Derby Stallion          | Ascii        | Simulation
   War Baddies             | Grams        | Simulation
   Sankokushi TV           | Koei         | Simulation
   Hyperderby              | CRI          | Simulation
   ???                     | Taito        | Simulation
   Super 301 SQ            | Nihon Bussan | Simulation
   Hard Core               | Virgin Games | Simulation
   Bermuda Triangle        | Ask Kodansha | Role Playing
   Zork 1                  | Intercom     | Sorry, couldn't resist!
   Space Invaders          | Atari        | as above :)
   Myst                    | Sun Elctrncs | Adventure/interactive
   D-Game                  | Media Ent.   | Adventure/interactive
   Fantasy Gallery         | Media Ent.   | Adventure/interactive
   Fantasy Labyrinth       | Sun Elctrncs | Adventure/interactive

   100 titles are already in development, so this is only a small part
   of the games that will be released in the coming year.


Q: What titles will be released on the 32X?

A: Here is a list of the more popular known titles that are in
   production at the present time FOR THE 32X/MEGADRIVE32:

   Cartridge
   ~~~~~~~~~
   Super Afterburner       | Sega         | Action/flying
   Sonic 4                 | Sega         | Action
   Super MotorCross        | ???          | Driving
   Tempo                   | ???          | Action/platform
   Stellar Assault         | ???          | Action/shooter
   Golf mag-36 Great Holes | ???          | Golf
   College Basketball      | ???          | Basketball
   Metal Head              | ???          | ???
   Cyber Brawl             | ???          | ???

   CD (requires SegaCD)
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Fahrenheit              | ???          | ???
   Midnight Raiders        | ???          | ???
   Surgical Strike         | ???          | ???
   Wirehead                | ???          | ???


Q: What titles are currently available for the 32X?

A: These are the games that I am currently aware of being available.
   Please let me know if you see a game released that is not listed
   here. I want to try and keep it relatively up to date before things
   get out of control:

   Super Space Harrier     | Sega         | Action/shooter
   Star Wars               | Sega         | Arcade conversion
   Doom                    | Id Software  | Action/shooter
   Virtua Racing Deluxe    | Sega         | Driving

   Sega is developing 30 in-house titles for the 32X at present, and
   expects another 70+ third party developers by Christmas 1995


Q: What titles are currently available on the Saturn?

A:  As with the 32X released games, please let me know of any game not
    listed that has in fact been released.

    Virtua Fighter          | Sega         | Arcade conversion (pack in)


Q: How much will it cost?

A: While overseas costs of these machines have yet to be exactly
   formalised, estimates put the Saturn at approximately $450US, while
   the 32X at a more definite $150US. Software is in the region of
   $60-$80US with little difference between Saturn and 32X game prices.

   Renaud Lerouvreur reports that in France, imported Saturn machines
   are selling for $900USD with Virtua Fighter. This is of course with
   heavy mark-up, so expect prices to be about half this.


Q: When/Where will it be available?

A: The Saturn was released in Japan on the 22nd November 1994, which was
   quite correct with Sega's promised schedule. During the first 30
   minutes of availability, over 150,000 (!!) machines were sold. Sega
   expects to sell a further two million units by the end of 1995, with
   Japanese retailers already placing stock orders for up to 1.5 million
   units. If this is anything to go by, all console companies have
   something to worry about.

   Release to the North America (which includes the United States),
   Europe, and some other places will ship in late September 1995.
   Wisely, this will be well in time for the 1995 Christmas season, with
   many titles for the player to choose from.

   The US release of the 32X was in mid-November, actually on time which
   was, by some, unexpected. The 32X will also be released in Japan some
   time in future, even despite the Genesis' relative lack of popularity
   -- evidenced recently when a prototype was shown at a Japanese video
   games show. European, Australian, Canadian, and elsewhere release of
   32X is likely to be in the January 1995 period.


Q: Will the Saturn be compatible with the Genesis or SegaCD?

A: Not "out of the box". Sega is working on a convertor that will allow
   gamers to play Genesis, SegaCD, or 32X software through an optional
   plug-in convertor. When this is available, and how much it will cost
   is still being decided.


Q: Will the Saturn be compatible with the 32X?

A: Sega is trying to provide some type of upgrade path to the Saturn so
   that it can play existing 32X games, however there is a definite
   technological difference that makes this difficult. When implemented,
   this will be through an optional plug-in cartridge that will allow
   you to play not only 32X games, but also Genesis, and SegaCD games on
   your Saturn.


Q: What are the specifications of the Saturn?

A: These are believed to be quite accurate
 
   PROCESSOR: Twin Hitachi SH2 32 bit RISC Chip
                      - Clock speed of 27Mhz

   CO-PROCESSORS: Hitachi SH1 CISC
                  24 bit DSP
                  Motorola 68000
                  Video processor
                      - 90,000-100,000 texture mapped polygons/sec
                      - approximately 260,000 flat polygons/sec
                      - Gouraud shading
                      - texture mapping
                      - five levels of hardware scrolling
                      - sprite rotation, scaling, etc
                      - four hardware sprite planes
                      - two sprite manipulation planes

   VIDEO: - 16.8 million colours
          - 720x576 (?) resolution
          - MPEG decompression/playback
          - 16:9 (wide screen) compatible

   MEMORY: 2 megabytes (16 mbit) main RAM
           1.54 megabytes (12 mbit) VRAM
           540 kilobytes (4mbit) audio RAM
           540 kilobytes (4mbit) CD-ROM cache

   AUDIO: 16 bit 68000
             - 32 PCM channels (pulse-code modulation)
             - 8 FM channels
             - 44.1khz sampling rate

   I/O: High speed transfer port
           - Sega Channel compatible
           - Multi-link compatible (link two or more Saturn machines)
        PAL or NTSC RF signal (depending on location)
        SVHS output
        HDTV output
        RGB output
        Analog control pad input/output

   STORAGE: CD-ROM
              - 320kb/sec
              - Audio CD, CD&G, Karokee CD, MPEG-1 compatible

            Cartridge
              - System upgradable to 32X
              - For save game information/scores


Q: What are the specifications of the 32X?

A: These are believed to be _quite_ accurate

   PROCESSOR: Twin Hitachi (SH1) 32 bit RISC processors
                      - clock speed of 23 MHZ
                      - 40 MIPS

   CO-PROCESSOR(s): Genesis 68000, Z80, Genesis 32X VDP
                    Video processor
                      - 50,000 texture-mapped polygons/sec
                      - texture mapping
                      - hardware scaling and rotation

   VIDEO: - 32,768 simultaneous colours on screen
          - Genesis resolution
          - Overlaying over existing Genesis/SegaCD video

   MEMORY: 512k (4 MBit) additional RAM to Genesis/SegaCD memory

   AUDIO: Stereo PCM chip
              - audio mixing with Genesis sound
              - additional 2 channels (therefore 14 all together?)

   I/O: Same as Genesis
           - 32X upgradable; can upgrade the 32X

   STORAGE: CD-ROM if you have a SegaCD
               - speed same as SegaCD
               - compatible with audio CD, CD&G, SegaCD

            Cartridge
               - compatible with Genesis
               - can store save game/score information (as with many
                 Genesis games)


Q: How is development for Saturn software done?

A: Saturn software is developed on a propreitary development station
   that simulates the production Saturn that is available. Sega provides
   this with many development tools and libraries, as well as technical
   support for third party developers. These development stations have
   been in the hands of some third party developers for up to six
   months, meaning many third party software is just around the corner.
  

Q: So which 32 bit system is the more powerful?

A: It is hard to compare any two machines due to their wide differences
   in architecture and the way in which they operate. Generally, the
   player will have to make their own decision on which system they see
   as offering the more technically superior games (I have my own ideas,
   but I will try and remain as unbiased as possible). Depending on the
   type of software and complexity, this will vary between systems.
   Choose whichever system you believe provides, and will continue to
   provide the best software, at an affordable price.


Q: How does the Saturn compare to the PS-X?

A: Purely specification wise, the Saturn in some respects does not quite
   appear as powerful at the PSX. The Saturn can only produce a
   theoretically posed maxiumum of 100k or so texture-mapped polygons on
   screen, whereas the PSX can do an _estimated_ 350k. No matter what
   the limits are, if developers stray near them, they are going to
   start slowing the processor(s) down.
      The main advantage of the Saturn will probably be the larger
   selection of software, due to its large existing base of video game
   users. Game wise, they will be pretty much equal systems; games on
   one will probably not appear any more advanced than on the other.
   When you're throwing around so many objects on screen, it is a truly
   diserning player that can tell the difference.


Q: So how does the Saturn stack up the 'Model 1' arcade board?; how
   accurate will be conversions of these games?

A: Although Sega first made out that the Saturn would be many times more
   powerful than it's Model 1 arcade board, they have now stated that
   this will not in fact be the case. While the Saturn can throw around
   100k texture mapped polygons, the Model 1 board can throw around
   180k. While in raw graphical processing power the Saturn may be
   slightly inferior, many other features of the Saturn are in fact on
   par, or better than the Model 1 board.
      Sega believes that conversions of their arcade games such as
   Virtua Fighter, Virtua Racing, Daytona USA (a Model 2 arcade board),
   or others should appear "almost identical" to the player. While this
   probably means that you will maybe notice a tiny difference in
   detail, the conversion will essentially feel and play the same as the
   original.

   Just a short side note: compared to most _other_ arcade boards, the
   Saturn is still much more powerful. It is just that the Model 1 board
   used by Sega is relatively advanced for a current arcade machine. The
   obvious example - it should easily be able to develop near-perfect
   conversions of say SSF2T or MK2 on the Saturn.


Q: So 32 bit+ system should I choose?

A: That is a question which ultimately has to be left up to the
   individual player. However, the Saturn/32X offers a system which is
   supported by one the biggest video game companies, that being Sega --
   meaning a wealth of software and retail support.
      With regard to the Saturn vs 32X debate, the 32X offers a cheap
   upgrade path to latest 32bit games, and is the choice for existing
   Genesis/lower budget consumers. The Saturn is quite a bit more
   powerful, and you are going to have to pay quite a bit more for this
   priviledge - but offers the longer lasting console and probably
   greater number of games in the long run. If you have the money, it
   may be better off waiting for the Saturn, as the extra $200 or so may
   be well worth it for several extra years of use. The general advice
   is: if you are always after the latest in technology, and can afford
   it, definitely go for the Saturn.


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

* Myself :) (pred@zikzak.apana.org.au)
* Paul K. Strong (pauls@dcs.rhbnc.ac.uk) -- big thanks!
* Will McBee (mcbeew@ucsuc.Colorado.EDU)
* Kelly Bradley (hbradley@ponder.csci.unt.edu)
* David Aldride (as440@freenet.carleton.ca)
* Enrique Conty (conty@cig.mot.com)
* Renaud Lerouvreur (lerouvre@isty-info.uvsq.fr)
* Others who have help add information to this FAQ
* YOUR name could be here if you can provide some more/updated information!


OTHER

.: Please do not ask for me to send you a personal copy via email --
this FAQ will be posted _once_ monthly, and probably in between for
updates. Permission is granted to post this FAQ freely by other users as
long as it remains in its original form and without modification.

.: Just a short plug for my console magazine - The fifth issue of
Frontier magazine, a relatively new magazine that aims to provide a more
complete and more intellectual coverage of only consoles is now
available. If you liked this FAQ, you will probably find Frontier
equally as interesting, check out issue 5 and back issues of the
magazine at:

ftp.digex.net in pub/access/spatton/frontier_magazine/

The December issue will be coming within the next week or so!

.: Another short plug - This time for Will McBee's excellent Playstation
FAQ. If you are interested in the PSX, or interesting in weighing up
whether you should go for one over the other, Will's FAQ makes an
excellent source of information on Sony's answer to the Saturn. Email
him for further details.

                            <-- end FAQ -->

+-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-/ Gordon Craick \-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+
|   **  | FRONTiER MAGAZiNE editor | Never take food from a clown |
:  \Oo/ :   Melbourne, Australia   :  .....it tastes funny.       :
:   --  : pred@zikzak.apana.org.au : *************/\************* :
+-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+

-- 
Gordon Craick -> pred@zikzak.apana.org.au - my short boring tag (tm)
