**BACKGROUND ON POLICENAUTS**
POLICENAUTS was first released on the PC-9821 in Japan in '94. After moderate success, the decision was made to translate Policenauts to the only "32-bit CD" home platform at the time and that was the 3DO. In late '95, Policenauts was released and sold very well. As other systems came out, Policenauts was then translated onto them. First to the Playstation in early '96, then to the Saturn in late '96. Each systems' version sold very well; the Playstation version sold so well, it was repackaged and sold under the "Playstation The Best" series and was, yet again, recently re-re-released under the "PSOne Book" series.....
Policenauts' situation is even sadder than that of Snatchers'. Policenauts never even saw a stateside release, although they were planned. The 3DO version was shown at an E3 show and was stated as "in suggestion (!?!?)" but was scrapped. The Playstation version was rejected, as Sony had their reasons for not allowing it (some say they said too much violence,also said was Sony had a problem with the main character, Jonathan, as he always has a cigarette in his mouth. Many lame excuses were given and heard.), but worst of all is the Saturn version. Konami actually DID begin translation on the Saturn version ( I even remember buying a Konami Saturn game and saw an advertisement for it.) but it was scrapped and no reason was given (yet again, speculation flew as to the real reason they scrapped it). Even worse, it was rumored they were about 75% complete with the translation when it was canned...A real shame...
As sad as the Policenauts translation fiasco was, I still enjoy Policenauts even in Japanese. I have all the versions of the game and miscellaneous merchandise (see pics page for more). To any fan of Snatcher, I say you must at least try this game, just because it is as complex and wonderful a game as Snatcher is. From the beautiful graphics, to the awesome soundtrack, everything is top-notch.
Since there are hardly any Policenauts sites on the web, I will make mine THE comprehensive site for info. and pics on the game..I will try and show to everyone how great of a masterpiece Policenauts really is......
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