Analog Games on the Sega Saturn

Episode 396 - The Sega "3D Control Pad" was introduced in the summer of 1996 midway into the console's life. This was an optional controller, so let's see what games take advantage of it.
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[@roberto1519]

Not the dumbest idea at all! These episodes focused on specific accessories, controllers, even genres and years are really interesting. For instance, PS1 games compatible with the PS Mouse, All Games released in 1998 for the Saturn, and so on. This is a really cool episode!

[@oviekpolugbo4227]

If it's dumb, it's the good kind of dumb.

[@Nordlicht05]

​@@oviekpolugbo4227yep old simpsons was good dumb or SpongeBob. Later these became dumb dumb 😊

[@josephmccarthy1725]

He knows what he's doing! 😂

[@syncmonism]

No idea why he'd think this was a dumb idea. I find it pretty interesting. I was actually very curious to know which games made use of this analogue control stick, especially because it was the first analogue control stick ever available on console (whereas the N64 was the first system to have an analogue stick included with the system and on all standard controllers).

[@FlarryFlats]

I love the obscure categories like this, but i much prefer he review less games in more detail. The shallow, 20 second descriptions are too adhd 😵‍💫!

[@Gamesackfan-bn6eg]

After all these years, Gamesack is still the best show on KZbin.

[@RabiesTheBeagle]

Nnnnnnnnnnnooooooooooooo

[@Marmite101]

Definitely better than some of its detractors channels that's for certain.

[@Bloodyshinta1]

@@Marmite101 who are these detractor channels or did you just make that up?

[@fenixlolnope361]

bot post?

[@Dorelaxen]

"The dumbest idea YET!" See, that's the kind of dedication to perfection we love, Joe!

[@The-Man-On-The-Mountain]

Christmas Nights was magical. It had tons of extras and an outstanding set of songs and covers for the main theme, which is already amazing. What a gift!

[@theharvardyard2356]

"Now you know that this one exists so let's move on" That's the enthusiasm that keeps me coming back to this channel!

[@WooMaster777]

🤣😂🤣😂

[@D.E._Sarcarean]

The 3D controller was built using the more expensive technology of Hall-effect sensors. So to this day, a controller made back in the 90s will still work just as good now as it did back then.

[@Banderpop]

I wonder, are they really more expensive, or are we just being told that so manufacturers today can charge a premium? They don't seem particularly complex. Equally puzzling is the micro-switched but similar-looking Neo Geo CD directional nub. Allegedly difficult to make now but didn't seem to be much of a problem in the mid '90s. SNK even managed to shrink it a bit and put it in every Neo Geo Pocket!

[@TheKayliedGamerChannel-YouTube]

​@@Banderpopthe neo clicky cd pad design was iheritantly flawed due to its lack of deadzone and as such would break over time, they increased this deadzone on the newer pad, unfortunately the increased dead zone makes that one useless for most fast action games, the magnetic approach Sega made with this type of control stick is much more durable.

[@Banderpop]

@@TheKayliedGamerChannel-KZbin Interesting. Yes, the big dead zone on the version released late last year is very noticeable and unfortunate, thank you for explaining why it likely happened. SNK must have been confident with what they could do with the micro-switched design if they thought it appropriate to shrink and put it into every NGP and NGPC though. Those things were wonderful and cheap! Just a shame the graphics were terrible, not even a match for the Atari Lynx from about ten years earlier.

[@airthrowDBT]

​@Banderpop If you have a clear NGPC you can see that the sticks constantly flake plastic off from rubbing, unfortunately. Still the best portable for fighting games, I can do combos on it and I suck at dpads.

[@TrashfordKent]

Great video Joe, the more I look at Saturn games (via your channel) the more I think the difference between Saturn and PS1 is more development tools than platform capabilities

[@rodrigomolinsky]

4AM Sunday in Brazil. Time for some sack, Game Sack!

[@littleterr0r]

I'm glad you clarified what type of sack it was time for.

[@tommylakindasorta3068]

Don't hit the sack until you've watched some Sack!

[@mdeutsc1]

I had no idea the 3D control pad supported so many games. Now I have a bunch of games to replay! Thanks Joe!

[@TheKayliedGamerChannel-YouTube]

Don't try Golden Axe The Duel with it ... Well the Japanese version anyway.

[@goat0451]

Saturday night, its raining outside, I have my coffee and Gamesack just uploaded. Everything is just right

[@dtester]

Raining for me too! What are the odds!

[@Ryfael]

You in Hawaii? Everyone else got it uploaded Sunday Morning

[@Jesse__H]

​@@Ryfael Game Sack uploads Saturday night at midnight for me. I'm in Utah so it's MT Mountain Time.

[@sozaj]

Nah, man, the dumbest idea for an episode would be "GAMES THAT USE THE SELECT BUTTON".

[@marcusaureliusf]

Upvoted not because it'd be dumb but because I want that episode now.

[@airthrowDBT]

I would watch

[@felix-ve8jk]

Great timing on this video for me. Just bought my first analog pad for the Saturn.

[@TheSwede321]

Always happy to see the Sega Saturn and it's games covered.

[@jaytecx5942]

Well done on 300K subscribers. You deserve double that amount.

[@TheHiddenFortress81]

Game Sack is still a great channel.

[@TheGalamoth]

Love that new intro

[@Banderpop]

The 3D controller was built like a tank too, and it was a 'Hall effect' controller, so no stick drift. Mine still works as well as it did in 1996. Plus it had the same digital directional button as the regular Saturn pad, and the 6 XYZABC buttons, so was still awesome for fighting games and a fair choice for 2-player games. If you don't need a second analogue stick, it's pretty much the best controller ever, and as a pack-in with NiGHTS it was super cheap at the time too. Bit of a shame that Sega dropped out of making peripherals when they went multi-format after the Dreamcast. They still made arcade machines and their Sega Toys products, so what made Sega think they couldn't make controllers for other systems? Oh yeah, they were allergic to making sensible decisions.

[@clarkegibson464]

There were some Sega branded PS2 controllers, they are quite nice.

[@RamuneRabbit]

@@clarkegibson464 Yep, Saturn-style controllers and one they included in the Special Edition of Sakura Wars V (even though it was a rebranding of an already existing controller) have to count for something ^_^ They later made Saturn Pads for the PC and Mac with their SLS line. Even did a Virtua Stick for PS2 and PC as well! European Sega fans could get a PC Saturn pad (blanking on the branding). And we know about their deal with Retro-Bit, which covers a variety of platforms. Lastly, we have the aforementioned Sega Toys with their Astro City Mini consoles, which had a complimentary Control Pad and Arcade Stick that can also be used on PCs! The only thing they seemed to be allergic to was the Xbox and Gamecube and the 7th and 8th generation of consoles till we got to the Switch (although the SLS Saturn Pads had no problem being recognized by the PS3 natively. You just needed another controller to do "Home" functions).

[@zeliardforty-two4692]

He keeps finding ways to talk about Sega for the whole episode! Definitely another one to add to my Sega Centric list

[@skywalkerranch]

Joe knocks it out of the park once again. Thanks, Joe, for keeping this channel alive as it is most appreciated.

[@mightyrobot42]

The Dempa XE-1 AP inspired the Sega 3D Control Pad, which inspired the Dreamcast controller, which inspired the XBox controller, which inspired the Xbox 360, One and Series controllers.

[@rustymixer2886]

Which inspired ipega hillbilly controller

[@TheKayliedGamerChannel-YouTube]

What disaster inspired the NES crosspad? lol​@@rustymixer2886

[@InsanityPrevails]

Congrats on 300K Joe :D

[@Orpheusftw]

Most of what I now know about Saturn probably comes from this channel. I used to assume it must have sucked (since it "failed" in North America) but you've showed off dozens of games that greatly appeal to me. Starting to think I missed out.

[@Marmite101]

We all picked a ship to sail on - now we get chance to see the fleet.

[@gamernaut8864]

When Joe says this might be "the dumbest idea for a Game Sack episode," I know I'm about to watch something amazing. Love this channel. Awesome episode Joe!

[@SvenElven]

@17:20 - Holding the stick up and moving it along the top axis is how I play any racing game on any analog pad. I find it so much easier to do fine adjustments this way!

[@thetechn1que518]

I’ve found this is a good solution for games where the steering is too sensitive. It’s the only way I can play the Dreamcast version of Daytona.

[@TheKayliedGamerChannel-YouTube]

​@@thetechn1que518🎯💯

[@mistkeyblade]

Joe is a true legacy in classic gaming!

[@videostash413]

oh?

[@newspooiechannel]

Never had a Saturn, so I only had the chance to check some of the (mostly) Playstation ports for the handful of games between both. That said, Congrats on the 300K subs!

[@afjkidd5]

Loved the video. I’ve been on a Saturn kick lately, so it’s neat to see which games I own that work with the 3D pad.

[@mcbaby]

Stayed up late for my bi-weekly Sack time, always worth it.

[@kidgruesome407]

Most of big boxing, MMA, and pro wrestling occurs on Saturday so essentially UFC is the main course to your dessert gamesack.

[@megamix5403]

​@@kidgruesome407Don't forget the main event, the Super Bowl lol

[@MatSpeedle]

Always love me some Saturn focused Sack. Spotted a few games I'll be looking up on sendico, thanks Joe!

[@KrunchyTheClown78]

One game, HELLSLAVE! A homebrew FPS game that brilliantly uses the 3D pad!

[@HedgehogY2K]

24:51 Game Apologist tried his best to discover everything there ever was to this game. Secrets locked behind setting your Sega Saturn in specific timelines. There's even one set for "Steak and B**W ***" day.

[@Sinn0100]

Absolutely outstanding intro Joe! That has to be your coolest one yet.

[@penguinreloaded7756]

I love the 3D control pad and am always impressed how it still feels like a new controller after nearly 30 years. Also, the intro for this episode was awesome!

[@jaredbaker1183]

The 3d analog control pad was hands down the best sega controller in its time as a hardware producing company. I used it with an adapter for PC gaming until PCs advanced too far for the adapter to keep up. I'd love a modern version of that pad!

[@inarieon8531]

Try a japanese mega arcade stick too, those are the bomb!

[@junothescarecrow]

Dude I'm excited for this episode. I appreciate you doing it 🙏

[@kidgruesome407]

Joe I love you and Dave and wish nothing but the best for you and his families! thank you for the fuckiing DECADES of content!

[@lasersnake]

Love me some Game Shack! We are so lucky to have these videos from John. ❤

[@ekuzo4]

I thought his name was Jacob

[@GamesforYouandBoo]

You officially hold the throne for my favorite intro! Those animations were so darn slick!

[@stephandolby]

Panzer Dragoon Saga makes a bit more use of the analogue pad than some might think, though as stated, generally more for comfort. The A-Pad lets you pan the camera in combat very gently without moving your dragon which is pretty useless if you consider how little time you have to do it, and the triggers let you speed up or slow down speech and cut scenes to various degrees, rather than slow/fast as per the digital triggers. The main benefit is the much smoother directional changes; whereas the digital controls are abrupt, the analogue controls are far more finessed and gameplay feels more natural as a result. The A-Pad does have another benefit however - it allows you to technically cheat on the morph screen to switch between different wings as you can change in steps of less than 3 if you're very careful, which means you don't use up a gauge (and you can leave the morphing menu, then return and do it again). Powerslave lacks analogue controls on its PAL version, Exhumed. I think the PAL version came first as we didn't get Death Tank either, so they must've made a few tweaks. Quake didn't have intro music either. It's rather odd that we received their games first, as it's not something we were used to. Sega Manx TT Superbike goes from horribly twitchy to okay with the analogue pad; I find that only bike #10 handled well enough for most situations with the digital pad, and superbikes were a joke.

[@negativelatency2306]

Joe, this episode was very useful to me. I appreciate that you're doing some of these comprehensive list episodes. And, of course, you know that the Saturn needs its eternal dues.

[@Tjoeb123]

Fun fact: Daytona USA Circuit Edition was updated once again and brought back to North America once again, with online support, as "Daytona USA CCE NetLink Edition", which, seeing as it was sold exclusively via SEGA's online shop, stands as the single rarest Saturn game, at least in NA.

[@Code7Unltd]

>premature Ecommerce >game sold via said premature shopping method is rare Sounds about right. I remember that happening with the last Adventures of Ronald McDonald video.

[@Jutrzen]

Nothing fun about that.

[@pixelpoppyproductions]

I got Sega Rally Netlink and Virtua On netlink through the online shop. I already had 2 copies of CCE (Japan and us), so unfortunately I didn’t order CCE netlink..

[@SA3Future]

Holy shit this channel is still going on? I haven’t watched in like almost 10 years, fucking amazing this was recommended to me

[@Eric-sj8rn]

I was always retro gaming fan and only discovered these KZbin channels in the last few years. Been watching many of the old episodes that pop up in my feed.

[@dwood78part23]

This isn't a bad subject for a Game Sack video. Heck in the future, you can do one for the PSOne.

[@PaperBanjo64]

That would be a looooong video.

[@GameSack]

@@PaperBanjo64Veeerrrryyy. Also there seems to be no good list out there I can cross-reference. But yeah it's a ton.

[@rufusray]

Lets do this!!!! Congrats on the 300k my brother, on the road to 400k!

[@GameFactsSpecial]

The Saturn didn't have BLAST PROCESSING.

[@Marmite101]

But it did have dual CPU processing

[@Lousan29]

Not a dumb episode at all it was very different it was actually a hell of an idea and interesting make more episodes similar to this one.

[@Dac_vak]

It’s like you read my mind, Joe. I just got an analog controller for my MiSTer and have been wanting to try it out on Saturn!

[@scrub_jay]

I look forward to Game Sack Saturday all week. You're like my football team, except you never let me down. Joe, just keep sticking to the game plan and giving 110%. Congrats again on 300K!

[@Ryuhei64]

Very interesting! The analog stick on the Saturn 3D Pad was amazing. I bought it bundled with Nights Into Dreams, and the controls were just perfect with it.

[@genocrisp6689]

I literally waited all night for this!! Then drank scotch…it was delightful… but I started creating music and then apparently 4 hours have passed and I’m now only getting the the greatest content on the TUBE… anyway Joe you’re the Weird AL of this video game jargon…meaning you’re so good at this and hopefully when you’re old-er you’ll win the lotto!

[@jonniefast]

as one of the 20 people on earth who actually has the 3-D control pad a Sega Saturn & a fenrir sd solution - I would like to thank you for this episode very much 💖🥰

[@rustymixer2886]

That goes in vcd slot?

[@jonniefast]

no the drive must be removed for fenrir satiator goes in the slot tho

[@jonniefast]

I still have unmodified Saturn laying about though 😇

[@rustymixer2886]

@@jonniefast oh ok thx

[@rustymixer2886]

Also 13:08 thats what dreamcast controller should have been imo

[@TheBeird]

Had this controller with NiGHTS all the way back in 96. Felt like a step up to use even then, and it became the standard.

[@XVa-uj8m]

I was VERY disappointed not to see Joe rave about the 3D Analog pad use on "Burning Rangers". I thought it worked perfectly to avoid fires for one. I even wish the Analog pad was kept around if only for no stick drift bs.

[@YourNewBuddy]

Genius! How smart to put a concise record together for history! Thank you for this gift, Joe!

[@arcadeages3917]

Wow! I had no idea Battle Garegga had analog. Good find Joe!

[@ProgSnob14]

Awesome idea for an episode! I love the Saturn and this precursor to the Dreamcast controller!

[@Cimone90]

That duke 3d port looks great! Makes me wanna get a Saturn just for that

[@newgameaaaa]

A minute into the intro and I already like the concept. Here is another concept that I have been looking for. I would like to see an episode on all the local/couch coop games for each system. I always see a top 10, but I don't want someones opinion on a top 10. I want to form my own opinion when I have all the possible games in front of me.

[@gamingquarterly6353]

CONGRATS on hitting 300K subscribers!! Well deserved.

[@blazeblue2348]

Congratutions on 300k subscribers!

[@SoftOtaku]

I think this was a great idea for an episode. Maybe I’m dumb. Thanks!

[@towermoss]

Congrats on 300k!

[@TheKayliedGamerChannel-YouTube]

The Super Scaler Sega Ages games play brilliantly with this imo.

[@Nelbroth]

Just got a 3D controller so this episode is extremely helpful for me. Thanks Joe!

[@yumewomiyou90]

Well deserved 300k. 🎉

[@moandaindesigns]

It is always funny to watch people try to play Golden Axe the Duel on the 3d pad.... The game just straight up crashes and kicks you to the system screen and says there is something wrong with the disc.

[@Marmite101]

It's a strange bug that

[@williamRE]

This topic was over 10 years in the making. Finally, I can sleep 😢

[@Kevinsyel]

Sonic R controls absolutely fine... It's all about your mindset. You have buttons to help you drift, so if you approach it like a platformer where you're running everywhere, you're going to have a bad time. Approach it as if you're playing a kart racer, and with that mentality, it plays a LOT better.

[@AnalogX64]

Loved the intro and appreciated all the work that went into producing this episode.💖💖💖😁👍

[@LynchRobinson]

Really helpful and timely video as I'd just got a 3D pad and the means to play a lot of Saturn games! Made a good list of things to check out based on this.

[@legbert123]

Gratz on 300k subs!

[@pureblueoctopus8345]

I want to see an episode of all the tate mode Nintendo switch games, just to hear Joe yell "tate mode" a record number of times in one episode.

[@smoothALOE]

I like the new intro.

[@daSEGAfanatic]

saw Darklight conflict and you unlocked a core childhood memory. I thought I had imagined that game!

[@hemangchauhan2864]

Advanced World War is a HELL of a name for a game

[@jeremywells7212]

Love me some early Sunday morning sack! Great work as always, Joe!

[@Majuular]

I've just recently started dipping my toes into the Saturn world. Picked up a console and installed the Fenrir, very excited to check out some games. This is a very helpful resource for a newbie like me. Truthfully, I didn't even know the Saturn HAD an analog controller, much less that it'd be supported by some of the RPGs I'm interested in. Thanks for the great video as usual!

[@foxybeatnik]

I had no idea Dark Savior supported the Analog pad. Hell I had no idea a lot of these games had analog support. Thanks for the vid! It entertained me, AND educated me!

[@RippahRooJizah]

I knew, then forgot, haha.

[@solidground4980]

Im amazed you didnt add the "Did you just say tits?" line in that Manx motorcycle game 🤣. Excellent episode as always!

[@Sevenifity]

yo man, im just happy to see you every week talking about game.

[@mjdf122]

Back to back Game Sacks thanks Game Sack and that guy named Joe 😂

[@MrJamesshipman]

Thunder force V with the analog controller was a godsend. Is the only way I could beat the game on Maniac mode with no continues.

[@lacriaturadekentucky]

That is the greatest intro I've seen from Game Sack. It reminds me of the music video for Take On Me.

[@fablefortitude5760]

Idea for the next dedicated accessory video: every game that really benefits from the Dreamcast VMU.

[@TheKayliedGamerChannel-YouTube]

As a Sega Dreamcast fan, I can say that would be a fun Short

[@G.G.___162]

Finally, i've been waiting 13 years for this topic!

[@apoplexiamusic]

I still can't beleive Trent Reznor made the music for Quake. Such a great soundtrack and iconic sound

[@StRoRo]

Do a video on bonus rounds in games. They just don't happen anymore.

[@TheKayliedGamerChannel-YouTube]

And or bonus / secondary games in games, like Tekken Force and Tekken Bowl etc...well if there are even enough hidden games to make a 30min episode?

[@chrisbent5734]

Damn, Joe always uploads on time to the very Minute. This man is pure quality!

[@naddydatty]

I agree that Joe is quality, but the video is uploaded prior and set to release at a particular time/date with a scheduler that makes it easier for content creators to do that very thing. In the words of Ron Popeil, “Set it and forget it.”

[@angryretrogamer7313]

Imagine the work that goes into these videos. The quality is top knotch. Joe is the man

[@Write-Stuff]

​@@naddydattyI never knew that, but thinking about it, that makes perfect sense. Learn something new every day. Thanks man.

[@Computerguy81]

Joe gets it DONE!

[@terencehill2320]

its called scheduled timed videos. Buzz killed.

[@Ashura96]

Definitely makes OutRun on the Saturn even more incredible :)

[@Write-Stuff]

I really appreciate the flashing lights warning, Joe. So many channels don't give a warning. It's a heads-up that I very much need. One more reason why I love Game Sack.

[@chanceallen3586]

I have to say, you can take a specific subject, pertinent to a small group of people, and typically not interesting, and make it a must watch! How do you do that? You're magic! Lol

[@HedgehogY2K]

Sonic 3D Blast Flickies Island on the Saturn is the best version by far just by the fact that the 3D Pad analog stick allowed me to master this game with 1.2 million points, not far from Matthew Felix. 3D Blast+3D Pad=CHAMPION!

[@ThoughtformsOfTheSubconsciousM]

Yes, ankther Saturn focused episode - loved this one Joe!! Please, more Saturn! Would love to see an episode on all the games that support the Saturn's shuttle mouse maybe in the future?

[@bl1gh7y]

Love the new intro ❤ Did you ever do a left in development?

[@CLRegan]

I have a Japanese 3D Control Pad (I mainly got it to replace my model 1 controller), and I can say without a doubt that it is awkward as hell to hold, but I think it works decently well as a regular controller. I've also found that in my personal experience, it works strangely well for fighting games XD And honestly, I kinda live for these episodes with weirdly specific topics lol

[@aaronmoore6275]

New to your content, love it. No shouting youtube nonsense, just dudes talkin games. Thanks!❤

[@ColonelSandurz]

27:25 Powerslave was also the name of an Iron Maiden album which was also Egyptian themed. Coincidence?

[@Marmite101]

That's my Name on Tinder 😂

[@humanice2]

The 3D control pad is my favorite controller of all time

[@ElGamerCosplayer]

Thank you for another awesome video< and Great New Intro!