[Editor’s note:] After this article was published, developers at FULLSET have confirmed effort is underway to convert the existing Joengine libraries that contain SEGA code to use the open source libyaul, which is free from any copyrighted code by SEGA:
FULLSET put up pre-orders today for their two indie titles, shoot-em-up Project Neon and multiplayer game Overserved, for not only Neo Geo but also SEGA Saturn and Dreamcast!
SHIRO! covered both Project Neon and Overserved getting Saturn ports earlier this year.
With this release, it will be the first set of games that were exclusively on cartridge, with Overserved having a WI-FI module in it to allow online play with not only Saturn users, but with Neo Geo, Saturn, Dreamcast, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, tvOS and Android users as well!
With all this coming on a cartridge that includes a WI-FI module for updates and online play, one of the major concerns brought up is the cost. Each game is AU $249.00, which equates to around $178.33 USD. Shipping was originally AU $100, or $71.62 USD, but they eventually offered a lower shipping cost options, and an announcement they will be working with Stone Age Gamer and other partners around the world to provide cheaper distribution options:
They did hint in one of their press releases that the physical cartridges themselves might have features that would give you more value for that $180:
“We also might have one more exciting trick up the sleeves that’ll get everyone even more bang for their buck when grabbing one of our Saturn cartridges.”
It’s not currently known if a cheaper disc or digital Saturn disc image will be released by FULLSET.
Another valid concern brought up is the longevity of the Saturn cartridge slots when constantly inserting and removing these titles from the system. It’s a commonly known issue that Saturn cartridge port pins can be flimsy and unreliable, especially using third-party cartridges without a beveled edge that could damage or stretch the pins on the port.
Back in March of this year, Bob from RetroRGB did ask about the beveled edges, and they indicated that they would be and the correct voltages would be used.
Todd Gill, from Todd’s Nerd Cave and a writer on RetroRGB, also queried developer Sascha to verify in his article on RetroRGB, and Sascha responded saying the PCB would be properly beveled, and will include gold plating with the proper power levels.
In the same press release above, they did mention working alongside Professor Abrasive on said physical release, so hopefully both of these will address the concerns about the Saturn cartridge build quality and will prevent any damage to the Saturn cartridge slot:
Something to also keep in mind is that Project Neon, and possibly by extension Overserved, is using JoEngine for the development of these titles. This would normally be OK in development of smaller indie titles or demos released for free, but SEGA could take issue with titles developed with it being sold, as TrekkiesUnite118, who has worked on several projects in the SEGA Saturn scene, describes here:
JoEngine is built around SGL and SBL. Both of those are official Sega libraries that require a license to use. That is clearly stated in the documentation. So if you make anything using them without a license you’re technically in violation and Sega can sue you. While they most likely won’t for fun little hombrew demos, if you try to publish and sell something built with them now you might get their attention.
It’s the same reason the Dreamcast scene doesn’t use Katana and Windows CE for anything, especially if they intend to publish and sell it. They instead created KOS.
Same reason the Genesis scene made and use SGDK.
Same reason N64 has libdragon and doesn’t use libultra.
It’s a legal risk basically, and most scenes don’t want to take it.
— TrekkiesUnite118
While more than likely SEGA wouldn’t go after FULLSET legally, it’s always something to be aware of when developing using any proprietary code or licensed libraries.
Let us know if you will be picking up either Overserved or Project Neon when it drops in November!
I am absolutely the audience for this type of thing, specifically the STG. Even I have to wince at those prices though, I mean really. It might seem crazy when I’ve laid down cash for stuff like “Psychic Killer Taromaru” but then again, I knew that that game was fantastic. I’m also concerned about any potential wear and tear to the cartridge slot. All of my various Saturn’s slots are in excellent shape and I’d like to keep them that way.
I’d definitely prefer a disc release, similar to what was done for “Red Moon Lost Days”.
I’m a Saturn whore though, probably still get ’em anyway 😅
I can’t help but echo your comments. It’s a really exciting project but the price does give me pause.
In my opinion, given the known unreliability at times of the cart lot, people buying the Saturn version should also be given a Steam key. That way if you run into problems as a user, you still have a playable version of the game. A disc image wouldn’t be possible I imagine, as there’s little to stop people distributing.
Lastly, regarding potential legal issues, I suppose customers do take on some risk. Though you’d hope refunds would make their way out, should legal trouble arise before November.