Snatcher

From Sega Retro

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  • Mega-CD
  • Saturn

Snatcher MCD Title.png

Snatcher title.png

Snatcher
System(s): Sega Mega-CD, Sega Saturn
Publisher: Konami
Developer:
Original system(s): PC-8801
Sound driver:
Sega Mega-CD
RSS
Sega Saturn
SCSP (1 track)
Peripherals supported:
Sega Mega-CD
The Justifier
Genre: Adventure[1][2]

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega-CD
US 		$59.9959.99[4] T-95035
ESRB: Teen
Sega Mega-CD
UK 		£39.9939.99[6] T-95035-05
ELSPA: 18+ OK
Sega Mega-CD
AU 		FSNA00SMR
OFLC: M15
Sega Saturn
JP 		¥5,8005,800 T-9508G
Non-Sega versions

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Snatcher (スナッチャー) is a graphic adventure game produced by Konami. It was originally released for the Japanese PC-8801 and MSX2 computers in 1988 and later remade for the Super CD-ROM² in 1992. In 1994, a Sega Mega-CD version was made specifically for the west and released in North America and Europe without any equivalent version on the Japanese Mega-CD. In 1996, the game was re-released in Japan once again, this time on the PlayStation and Sega Saturn.

It was written and directed by Hideo Kojima, who would go on to become famous thanks to the success of the Metal Gear Solid series, although he was not directly involved with the Mega-CD version or the later 32-bit console versions. It was followed by Policenauts, which Kojima also wrote and directed.

Story

The year is 2047. Earth is trying to recover from a disaster that occurred nearly 50 years ago.


In 1995, Lucifer Alpha, a deadly biological weapon that was developed by Russia at the time, accidentally released into the atmosphere, killing millions of people on the Eurasian continent. Panic, chaos, and lack of resources eventually resulted in a destructive war that engulfed the planet. Asia is no longer recognizable from the viewpoint of a person living in the 20th century. Japan, though not severely affected by this catastrophe, still suffered due to the disruption of the trade with its neighbors and the rest of the world. In order to fix this problem, the Japanese government eased the restrictions on immigration, accepting anyone who can contribute to society. No city in Japan is a more fitting result of this new policy than Neo-Kobe City. A truly heterogeneous city, in which many different nationalities are living together with their Japanese neighbors.


However, all is not well. The world is experiencing a threat that is even more grave than biological weapons or world wars: SNATCHERS. Named after their tendency of kidnapping and murdering their victims and taking their place, SNATCHERS are the newest menace terrorizing the already weary population. These androids, who have perfect human appearance over their metallic endoskeletons, have been active all around the globe, killing people and then replacing them. No one knows what their plan is. Are they infiltrators of some sort of an alien civilization that is trying to enslave humanity? Some rogue AI trying to subjugate or destroy us? Or some technologically advanced weapon used by some hostile government trying to rule the planet? Enter Gillian Seed; a former soldier who is suffering from amnesia, who seems to be obsessed with the Snatchers. Traveling to Neo-Kobe City, Seed enlists in the JUNKER, a Japanese government agency tasked with eliminating the Snatchers. Over the course of the story, Seed will eventually uncover a conspiracy that can seriously threaten human existence on Earth.

Characters

Notavailable.svg Gillian Seed
Age: 31 (estimate)

Gillian Seed is a former member of the Siberian Special Investigation Force, a multi-national unit from Asia. Suffering from amnesia, Seed cannot remember anything about his past, except the word Snatchers. (His identity was discovered thanks to his personal belongings.) Believing that they hold the mystery of his past, Seed travels to Neo-Kobe City and enlists in the JUNKER organization to discover his past. He is currently living apart from his wife, Jamie Seed, who was also discovered alongside him several years ago.

The main character of the story, Seed's personality is mostly dependent on the actions of the player but he is generally depicted as a likable knucklehead, with a tendency of grabbing anything that is not nailed down into his deep pockets and bit of a (failed) womanizer.

Notavailable.svg Metal Gear Mk.II
Age: 1

Metal Gear Mk.II is a sentient AI whose physical appearance is modeled after the famous walking battle tank from the late 20th century. Developed by Harry Benson. All JUNKER investigators are accompanied by a Navigator which acts as a mobile computer, telephone, and storage unit. "Metal" as his friends call him, has a nearly human personality and has a rather sarcastic personality. He especially seems to enjoy making fun of Gillian's antics whenever possible...

Notavailable.svg Jamie Seed
Age: 29 (Estimate)

Gillian Seed's estranged wife. She and Seed separated a few years ago they are unable to remember anything about their past together. A very caring and compassionate person, Jamie currently works as a researcher in Neo-Kobe Pharmaceuticals.

Notavailable.svg Random Hajile
Age: Unknown

A bounty hunter that is active in the Neo-Kobe Area, who has already eliminated a few snatchers on his own. His past is shrouded in mystery.

Notavailable.svg Katrina Gibson
Age: 18 (14 in the Saturn version)

The only child of Jean-Jack Gibson, Katrina is a model whose appearance can be seen around the city. A smart and strong-willed young woman, Katrina can be very vulnerable at times.

Notavailable.svg Jean-Jack Gibson
Age: 55

A former detective and crime scene investigator, Gibson joined the JUNKER after 30 years of service. Gibson's wife was killed during the Bioroid scare of '46 and as a result, he has a deep hatred for the Snatchers. With a degree in Psychology, Gibson is an excellent investigator who brings his considerable experience to the field and one of the best members of the JUNKER organization.

Notavailable.svg Mika Slayton
Age: 23

The operator of the JUNKER HQ, Mika is a very smart and empathetic woman who is coming from a mixed Jewish and Japanese household. Double majoring in both Criminal Psychology and Municipal Data Management, Mika briefly worked as a civilian contractor for the Special Criminal Research Center of the Neo-Kobe Police. Unfortunately, the emotional toll from dealing with both victims and criminals become too much for her, and she resigned from her position.

A very beautiful young lady, Mika will support Gillian during his mission in any way possible. (Assuming that she will not snap and break him in half after his repeated wooings.)

Notavailable.svg Benson Cunningham
Age: Unknown

Cunningham is the current commander of the JUNKER agency. Cunningham was special forces soldier in his younger days and even participated in Operation: Foxhound during the 20th century. Before becoming the head of the JUNKER, Cunnigham was the leader of an Anti-Snatcher task force of the Neo-Kobe Police.

Calm, rational, and a brilliant strategist, he is well-versed in Science, Law, and Linguistics. He also has a black belt in Judo.

Notavailable.svg Harry Benson
Age: 55

Benson is the chief engineer of the JUNKER, responsible for creating many technological devices that investigators use. He became orphaned during the catastrophe and taken in by the Japanese government who paid for his education. A brilliant scientist, Benson attained his Ph.D. at the age of 14 and won Nobel Prize three times.

Benson is a bit of a cultural throwback to the 20th century, often drinking and reminiscing about "good old days".

Notavailable.svg "Napoleon"
Age: Unknown

Gibson's informant, almost nothing is known about Napoleon's identity. He's believed to be a Chinese man who entered Japan illegally and has been living in Neo-Kobe since. The only proof of his identity is his tendency of sneezing.

Notavailable.svg Isabella Velvet
Age: 24

A famous hologram star, Velvet gained several awards in rapid succession. She was first discovered by director Ridley Scotty when she was dancing at the nightclub "Outer Heaven".

Production credits

Mega-CD version

  • Producer: Tomikazu Kirita, Yutaka Haruki
  • Creator: Hideo Kojima
  • Character Design: Tomiharu Kinoshita
  • Supervisor: Jeremy Blaustein
  • Director: Yoshinori Sasaki
  • Assistant Director: Mitsuhiro Togo
  • Staff:
    • Main Programmer: Masahiko Saito
    • Sub Programmer: Yoshinori Sasaki, Hidenari Inamura
    • Utility Program: Mitsuhiro Togo, Hidenari Inamura
    • Sound Programmer: Osamu Kasai, Akira Souji
    • Main Graphic Designer: Satoshi Kushibuchi
    • Graphic Designer: Keita Nose, Yuichi Kobayashi, Keiichirou Toyama, Sakura, Junko. K, Mihoko
    • Sound Design: Keizou Nakamura, Masanori Adachi, Kazuhito Imai, Masanori Ouchi, Akira Yamaoka
    • Scenario Command Compiler: Toshiya Adachi
    • Scenario Command Interpreter: Hidenari Inamura
    • Scenario Rewrite: Mitsuhiro Togo, Jeremy Blaustein
    • Package Design: Shogo Kumasaka, Satoshi Imaeda
    • Package Illustrator: Yuji Kaida
    • Translator: Scott T. Hards, Intac
  • Cast:
    • Gillian Seed: Jeff Lupetin
    • Metal Gear: Lucy Childs
    • Random Hajile: Jim Parks
    • Jamie Seed: Susan Mele
    • Mika Slayton: Kimberley Harne
    • Katrina Gibson: Lynn Foosaner
    • Snatcher: Jeff Lupetin
    • Napoleon: Jim Parks
    • Harry Benson: Ray Van Steen
    • Jean Jack Gibson: Jim Parks
    • Elijah Modnar: Ray Van Steen
    • Ivan Rodorigez: Jim Parks
    • Lisa Nielson: Lynn Foosaner
    • Chin Shu Oh: Ray Van Steen
    • Female Employee: Lucy Childs
    • Narrator: Ray Van Steen
    • Telephone Operator: Lynn Foosaner
    • Ramen Guy: Ray Van Steen
    • Fortune Teller: Susan Mele
  • Special Thanks: Michael Blaustein, Atsushi Fujio, Taeko Hayasaka, Kazuki Muraoka, Yoshihiko Oota, Motoaki Furukawa, Yoshikazu Matsuhana, Kenji Shinohara, Shinya Inoue
  • Produced By: Konami Co.,Ltd.
Source:
In-game credits
Snatcher MCD credits.pdf
[7]

Saturn version

Staff
  • Producer: Kazuhisa Hashimoto
  • Game Designer/Script Writer: Hideo Kojima
  • Scenario Command Compiler Programmer: Hiroki Honda
  • Main System Programmer: Tadaaki 'ぴょん' Tsunashima
  • Game Object Programmers: 〠Akinari Takaki〠, Takao 'ヤバ' Yamagishi, Kazuki 'Tails' Araki, Atsushi 'Pachi_Nakatani' Mizutani, Hiroyuki 'Gaglae' Asada
  • Adaptation: Kensuke Yoshitomi, Takao 'ヤバ' Yamagishi
  • Dot Graphics Drawers/Arrangers: Junko '❤' Koike, Mi '?' Kimura, Naoya '★' HATSUMI, Jun '6ゾロ' Asami, Takayuki '❄' Andou
  • 3D Graphics Modelers/Animaters: Masaya Shiraishi, Haggy, Tachan
  • Movie Data Editer: Yukito Komori, Akinari Takaki
  • Sound Programmer: Akiropito
  • Sound Mixer: Masanori Adachi
  • Music Composers/Arrangers/Performers: Kida Sun, Syouichirou Hirata
  • Sound Effects: Keizou Nakamura
  • Guest Composers: Akira Yamaoka, Hiroshi Tamawari
  • Guest Performer: Tappy
  • Original Score Composers: Kazuki Muraoka, Motoaki Furukawa, Akira Yamaoka, Hiroshi Tamawari, Kida Sun
  • Package&Manual Designer: Kazuhiro Iwasaki
  • Package Illustration: Tomiharu Kinoshita
  • Public Relations Officers: Nobuko Tsuboi, Hiroki Tabata, Taro Miyake
  • Special Thanks: H.'Spark'Ueda, Masayuki Aizawa, Mitsuhiro Togo, Hidenari Inamura, Makoto Toyama, Rieko Komatsubara, Youhei Kiyohara, Yumiko 'Arg' Takahashi
  • Executive Producer: Kazumi Kitaue
  • Developed by: Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo Co.,Ltd.
  • Presented by: Konami Co.,Ltd.
(C)1988 1996 Konami All Rights Reserved.
Source:
In-game credits[8]

Magazine articles

Main article: Snatcher/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in (US) #64: "November 1994" (1994-xx-xx)
also published in:
  • (US) #66: "January 1995" (199x-xx-xx)[9]
Logo-pdf.svg

Physical scans

Mega-CD version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
85
76 №16, p73
90 [10]
Sega Mega-CD
 84
Based on
3 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
(UK)
90
[11]
(US) NTSC-U
67
[12]
(US) NTSC-U
84
[13]
(IL)
85
[14]
(US) NTSC-U
93
[15]
(US) NTSC-U
80
[4]
(US) NTSC-U
83
[16]
(DE) PAL
87
[17]
(UK) PAL
92
[18]
(US) NTSC-U
83
[19]
(US) NTSC-U
92
[20]
(DE) PAL
83
[21]
(UK) PAL
84
[22]
(DE) PAL
87
[23]
(UK) PAL
91
[24]
(UK) PAL
85
[25]
(US) NTSC-U
50
[26]
(DE) PAL
77
[27]
(NL)
83
[28]
(UK) PAL
88
[5]
(UK) PAL
82
[29]
(UK) PAL
80
[30]
(ES)
94
[31]
(UK)
85
[32]
(DE) PAL
85
[33]
(US)
60
[34]
Sega Mega-CD
 83
Based on
26 reviews

Snatcher

Mega-CD, US
Snatcher MCD US Box Back.jpgSnatcher MCD US Box Front.jpg
Cover
Snatcher MCD US Disc.jpg
Disc
Snatcher mcd us manual.pdf
Manual
Mega-CD, UK
Snatcher MCD EU Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngSnatcher MCD EU Box Front.jpg
Cover
Snatcher MCD UK spinecard.jpg
Spinecard
Snatcher MCD UK Disc.jpg
Disc
Snatcher mcd EU Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega-CD, AU
Snatcher MCD AU front.jpg
Cover

Saturn version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
(JP) NTSC-J
70
[35]
(FR) NTSC-J
20
[36]
(JP) NTSC-J
75
[37]
(JP) NTSC-J
80
[38]
(JP) NTSC-J
83
[39]
Sega Saturn
 66
Based on
5 reviews

Snatcher

Saturn, JP
Snatcher Saturn JP Box Back.jpgSnatcher Saturn JP Box Front.jpg
Cover
Snatcher Saturn JP Spinecard.jpg
Spinecard
Snatcher Saturn JP Disc.jpg
Disc
Snatcher Saturn JP Manual.pdf
Manual
Error creating thumbnail: libgomp: Thread creation failed: Resource temporarily unavailable
Reg Card
Snatcher Sega Saturn JP Stickers.jpg
Stickers
Snatcher Saturn JP GetTheSoft.pdf
Get The Soft Card

Technical information

Main article: Snatcher/Technical information.

References

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  1. ↑ File:Snatcher Saturn JP Box Back.jpg
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://sega.jp/fb/segahard/ss/soft_licensee2.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-03-20 23:05)
  3. ↑ https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video.sega/c/xlh9-BiCx6s/m/Vi1W0qFQkz0J
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Game Players, "Vol. 8 No. 1 January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 70
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Sega Magazine, "January 1995" (UK; 1994-12-15), page 94
  6. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "March 1995" (UK; 1995-02-15), page 86
  7. ↑ File:Snatcher MCD credits.pdf
  8. ↑ File:Snatcher Saturn credits.pdf
  9. ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 58
  10. ↑ GamesMaster, "December 1994" (UK; 1994-11-17), page 82
  11. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "January 1995" (UK; 1994-12-15), page 54
  12. ↑ Electronic Games (1992-1995), "June 1995" (US; 1995-0x-xx), page 88
  13. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "December 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 46
  14. ↑ Freak, "3/95" (IL; 1995-xx-xx), page 1
  15. ↑ GameFan, "Volume 2, Issue 12: December 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 26
  16. ↑ GamePro, "February 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 120
  17. ↑ Gamers, "Januar 1995" (DE; 1995-01-08), page 40
  18. ↑ Games World: The Magazine, "January 1995" (UK; 1994-11-xx), page 20
  19. ↑ Game Informer, "February 1995" (US; 1995-0x-xx), page 40
  20. ↑ Game Informer, "June 2001" (US; 2001-0x-xx), page 112
  21. ↑ MAN!AC, "01/95" (DE; 1994-12-07), page 54
  22. ↑ Mega, "January 1995" (UK; 1994-12-30), page 56
  23. ↑ Mega Fun, "01/95" (DE; 1994-12-21), page 85
  24. ↑ MegaTech, "January 1995" (UK; 1994-12-xx), page 24
  25. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "January 1995" (UK; 1994-11-30), page 72
  26. ↑ Next Generation, "Premiere Issue 1995" (US; 1994-12-08), page 105
  27. ↑ Play Time, "2/95" (DE; 1995-01-04), page 111
  28. ↑ Power Unlimited, "Jaargang 3, Februari 1995" (NL; 1995-01-25), page 35
  29. ↑ Sega Power, "January 1995" (UK; 1994-11-17), page 84
  30. ↑ Sega Pro, "January 1995" (UK; 1994-12-01), page 58
  31. ↑ Todo Sega, "Febrero 1995" (ES; 1995-0x-xx), page 44
  32. ↑ Ultimate Future Games, "January 1995" (UK; 1994-12-01), page 90
  33. ↑ Video Games, "2/95" (DE; 1995-01-18), page 94
  34. ↑ VideoGames, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 69
  35. ↑ Famitsu, "1996-04-05" (JP; 1996-03-22), page 1
  36. ↑ Joypad, "Juillet/Août 1996" (FR; 1996-0x-xx), page 72
  37. ↑ Saturn Fan, "1996 No. 12" (JP; 1996-05-24), page 70
  38. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "1996-06 (1996-04-12)" (JP; 1996-03-22), page 233
  39. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "Readers rating final data" (JP; 2000-03), page 12


Snatcher

Snatcher MCD Title.png

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Sega Mega-CD
Prototypes: 1994-10-07
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