Eric Barcellos

To all the people who think that a simple RAM cart will do the job. I checked R3D's web page, and all I can do is drool. Look on into NG issue #8, and More drool concerning the R3D/100. But more importantly, check out issue #11. This is where the walls should come down. I've had my doubts concerning Sega's use of the R3D chipset, but after reading the article on page twelve, anything else couldn't be tolerated. Let me paraphrase. The Saturn was originally to be developed by LMC, who has had ties to Sega since Model 1. But due to the budy system, Sega executives with ties to Hitachi contracted the Saturn board to them. The Saturn was pathetically underpowered. Holding just one SH-2 on its board. It wasn't till Sega saw the PSX, that the second chip was added. Which offered more power to the system along with more coding headaches. Since that period. The big-wigs at Sega 'internally' admitted their errors. And here is where LMC steps in. LMC was commissioned by Sega to start work on the 'Saturn 2' even before the Saturn was officially released. NG goes on describing that, "The current understanding is that the system will be a standalone console, but it's possible that Sega could save money by using the existing Saturn as an I/O device, CD drive, and power supply." So already back in 1995, the R3D/100 upgrade was a possibility. So to all the pessimists out there, TAKE THAT. BTW, in 1995 the R3D/100 chipset ran for $180. Tell me it's not possible. On another note. I was in a software store discussing the Saturn with an employee. After awhile, this person chimes in with, "No, No, No,...the Saturn is junk." To which I replied, "Oh! What makes the Playstation so good!" And he brainstormed to retort with, "It has cool games!" Way to go Sony! You 've got winners on your side. BTW, did you know that with the purchase of the PSX, you now get a free watch. WOW!!! DID I READ THAT RIGHT....A FREE WATCH! Thanks Sony. I needed a good laugh. I'm finally out. Sorry but I could have wrote all night.