PCE vs. MD

[Tatsujin]

This thread doesn't compare any hardware issues, only the soft counts, which was released on both systems. here's my rating:

Shooter/3D Shooter:

Air Buster/Aero Blaster – MD>PCE
After Burner II - PCE>MD
Atomic Robo Kid – PCE~MD (different)
Daisenpuu - MD>PCE
Darius II - MD~PCE (different)
Forgotten Worlds - PCE>MD
Heavy Unit - PCE>MD
Hellfire - MD>PCE
Kyuukyoku Tiger (Twin Cobra) - PCE>MD
Raiden - PCE>MD
Tatsujin - PCE>MD
Winds of Thunder/Lords of Thunder - PCE>MCD
Zero Wing - PCE~MD

Adventure:

Snatcher CDROMantic - PCE~MCD

Beat 'Em Up:

Street Fighter II' Champions Edition - PCE>MD
Fatal Fury 2 - PCE>MD
Fatal Fury Special - PCE>MCD
Art of Fighting - PCE>MD


Action/Jump 'N Run:

Bonanza Bros – PCE>MD
Cadash - PCE>MD
Chiki Chiki Boys - PCE>MD
Daimakaimura (Ghouls 'N Ghosts) - SGFX>MD
Gain Ground – PCE>MD
Golden Axe - MD>PCE
Juuohki (Altered Beast) - MD>PCE
New Zealand Story - MD>PCE
Ninja Warriors - MCD>PCE
Prince of Persia – MCD>PCE
Rainbow Islands – PCE>MD
Rastan Saga II - PCE~MD (same shitty)
Shadow of the Beast – PCE~MD (Music only: PCE >>>>> MD)
Strider - MD>PCE
Turrican – PCE~MD (same shitty)
Valis III – PCE>MD
Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair - PCE>MD
Wonder Boy in Monster World/Dynastic Hero - PCE>MD

RPG/Action-Adventure/Strategie:

Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes – MD>PCE
Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes II – MD>PCE
Dungeon Explorer – MCD>PCE
Exile – PCE>MD
Langrisser – PCE~MD
Popful Mail – MCD>PCE
Populous – PCE>MD
Shin Megami Tensei – MCD>PCE
Sorcerian – PCE>MD
Ys III – MD>PCE

Geschicklichkeit/Puzzle:

Bomberman '94/Mega Bomberman - PCE>MD
Columns – PCE>MD
Devil Crush – MD>PCE
Lemmings – PCE>MD
Puyo Puyo – MD>PCE
Puyo Puyo Tsuu – MD>PCE
Volfied - MD>PCE

Sport/Racing:

Dodge Danpei – PCE>MD
Hit The Ice – MD>PCE
Outrun – PCE>MD


result:

PCE: 28
MD: 19
Draw: 8


any other games to compare are welcome (if there're some others)

also everybodys own rating would be interessing

[PCEngineHell]

Shooter/3D Shooter:

Air Buster/Aero Blaster – MD~PCE,each one has a slight edge in certain areas.
After Burner II - PCE>MD
Atomic Robo Kid – PCE~MD (different)
Daisenpuu - MD>PCE
Darius II - MD~PCE (different)
Forgotten Worlds - PCE>MD
Heavy Unit - PCE>MD
Hellfire - MD<PCE  Im a Hellfire nutt,there is no way Id say the Mega Drive version is better. It looks great and plays/sounds fine,but the PCE CD version has better music,real storyline,and better color usage.
Kyuukyoku Tiger (Twin Cobra) - PCE>MD
Raiden - PCE>MD
Tatsujin - PCE>MD
Winds of Thunder/Lords of Thunder - PCE>MCD
Zero Wing - PCE>MD for same reasons as HellFire

Adventure:

Snatcher CDROMantic - PCE~MCD

Beat 'Em Up:

Street Fighter II' Champions Edition - PCE>MD
Fatal Fury 2 - PCE>MD
Fatal Fury Special - PCE>MCD
Art of Fighting - PCE>MD


Action/Jump 'N Run:

Bonanza Bros – PCE>MD
Cadash - PCE>MD
Chiki Chiki Boys - PCE>MD
Daimakaimura (Ghouls 'N Ghosts) - SGFX>MD
Gain Ground – PCE~MD each one has slight edge in diff areas over the other.
Golden Axe - MD>PCE
Juuohki (Altered Beast) - MD~PCE
New Zealand Story - MD>PCE
Ninja Warriors - MCD>PCE
Prince of Persia – MCD~PCE
Rainbow Islands – PCE>MD
Rastan Saga II - PCE~MD (I like Rastan 2)
Shadow of the Beast – PCE~MD (Music only: PCE >>>>> MD)
Strider - MD<PCE  The extras on PCE make up for other minor flaws to me. I will only own the PCE and PS1 versions.
Turrican – PCE~MD (same shitty)
Valis III – PCE~MD I had more fun on MD version since I can beat it,but other aspects keep the PCE and MD equal to me.
Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair - PCE>MD
Wonder Boy in Monster World/Dynastic Hero - PCE~MD

RPG/Action-Adventure/Strategie:

Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes – MD>PCE
Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes II – MD>PCE
Dungeon Explorer – MCD<PCE Didn't enjoy it on Sega Cd as much.
Exile – PCE>MD
Langrisser – PCE~MD
Popful Mail – MCD>PCE
Populous – PCE>MD
Shin Megami Tensei – MCD>PCE
Sorcerian – PCE>MD
Ys III – MD>PCE

Geschicklichkeit/Puzzle:

Bomberman '94/Mega Bomberman - PCE>MD
Columns – PCE>MD
Devil Crush – MD>PCE MD version is def the better one,not by far,but in enough ways to notice.
Lemmings – PCE>MD
Puyo Puyo – MD>PCE
Puyo Puyo Tsuu – MD>PCE
Volfied - MD>PCE

Sport/Racing:

Dodge Danpei – PCE>MD
Hit The Ice – MD>PCE
Outrun – PCE~MD Each has different things to offer,neither blows the other away.

[OldRover]

No love for Turrican? For shame!

[Tatsujin]

love a lot, but amiga only^^

[CrackTiger]

Here are games that I either disagree with Tatsukin or just have something to say about them-


Shooter/3D Shooter:


Air Buster/Aero Blaster – MD<PCE -I prefer the Turbo version

Darius II - MD<PCE -the only difference I was able to percieve is that the MD version isn't the best port while the PCE version is as close to perfect as possible.

Hellfire - MD/PCE -I haven't directly compared the two, but have always heard that the only advantage the MD version had was layered bgs.

Kyuukyoku Tiger - PCE/MD -I didn't realize there was a MD port.



Adventure:


Snatcher CDROMantic - PCE/MCD -although I really prefer the PCE version, most non-PCE fans love the terrible acting and extra content.



Action/Jump 'N Run:


Juuohki (Altered Beast) - MD/PCE -this is another one thats not so cut and dry. From what I've seen so far, the cart & card versions are more or less even.


Ninja Warriors - MCD/PCE -from what I've seen, the Mega-CD version looks WAY better.


Prince of Persia – MCD/PCE -from what I've seen, the MD cart version looks WAY better. The Mega-CD version however doesn't look so hot, just as the PCE version doesn't.


Wonder Boy in Monster World/Dynastic Hero - PCE~MD -again, the give and take between each version is more of a draw.



RPG/Action-Adventure/Strategie:


Dungeon Explorer – MCD/PCE -these aren't even remotely the same game and cannot be compared. If someone were to do a general game VS game comparison, it should be done with DEII, which is a CD game like the Sega version and was released much closer to the Sega-CD release.


Langrisser – PCE/MD -from what I've seen and heard, the PCE version is supposed to be better over all and is the version that the Saturn and PSX ported.


Popful Mail – MCD/PCE -I'd have to play through both japanese versions again. I'd definitely rate the PCE version over the ruined Sega-CD version, but the original Mega-CD may be better overall as a game. After recently trying both, I found the Sega-CD visuals much more impressive than I had remembered.


Ys III – MD>PCE -although I also prefer the PCE version and probably even the Famicom version over the MD port, many people would give the upperhand to the MD game.

[RuninRuder]

On Darius II - The PCE version has excellent graphics, but its gameplay suffers a bit because everything is cramped.  The MD version is less impressive visually with everything shrunken down, but plays Thunder-Force-style smooth.  They feel very different.  But I've played the crud out of both of them, and they're both very good. 

On Hellfire - I've played only the PCE version, but it has an excellent soundtrack by T's Music that I'm pretty sure the MD one can't match, and it doesn't send you back to dumb/unfair checkpoints, which I've heard the MD one does.  Sounds like a clear PCE victory. 

On Altered Beast - I definitely prefer the HuCard for its colors, music, and (especially) challenge.

On New Zealand Story - I like the PCE version, but I have issues with its music, colors, and gameplay.  I haven't tried the MD version, but I bet it's better.

On Cadash - I've played only the PCE version, but the MD one has fewer characters, correct?  And I haven't been too impressed with screens I've seen from the MD one, while I like the PCE version's visuals.  Sounds like an easy PCE win. 

On Valis III - Again, I've played only the PCE one, but from what I hear, the MD one left out some of the best stages.  And I assume the MD one has inferior music. 

On Langrisser - Once again, I've played only the PCE one.  But I don't like this game; the only thing I really dug was the CD soundtrack, so unless the MD version miraculously has better audio, I'd probably prefer the PCE game. 

On Ys III - Yet again, played only the PCE one.  Everything else being equal, I care more about music than I do about scrolling in an Ys game, so I'd probably prefer the PCE game.

[SignOfZeta]

I don't see how you can say the PCE version of SFII' is better than the MD one when they are such massively different games. On MD the game is only called Champion Edition because of some bullshit contractual stuff with Nintendo and Capcom, its actually SFII'Turbo, a separate release in the arcades, and because of this I'd rather play it on MD because SFII'Turbo is much better than SFII', even if the sound and color are a bit dull.

Of course I'd much rather just play the SNES version, or at this point one of several since released ports on newer systems, or more than likely the CPS board witch is probably about $20 on eBay.

[nat]

Air Buster/Aero Blasters - PCE>MD - How could you think otherwise?

Altered Beast - PCE>MD - See runinruder's comments.

Dungeon Explorer - PCE>MD - Black Tiger got it right when he said it's tough to compare these since they're different games. But the Turbo/PCE version is a downright classic. Can't be beat. End of story.

Ys III - PCE>MD - Despite horrific scrolling, this game just rules. And is still better than Genny version.

Zero Wing - MD>PCE - One word: Intro.

[CrackTiger]

On Valis III - Again, I've played only the PCE one, but from what I hear, the MD one left out some of the best stages.  And I assume the MD one has inferior music. 

Its been a while since I played through either, but from what I remember, each version has only one unique stage. The graveyard on the PCE version and a completely out of place Megaman X'ish computer level on Genesis. I remember the Genesis version being easier to play through and the PCE version having some cheap spots.

Also, the in-game graphics might be better overall on Genesis and it retains most of the cinemas, using very cool tones for the 'voices'.

[Ceti Alpha]

I was thinking of getting another Valis game. I have Valis II, but I'd like a SuperCD version of Valis. Is Valis IV CDROM2 or SuperCDROM2? 

[awack]

These are all pc engine cd games, i might do hucards later.

lords of thunder pce>gen: better sound, color, and detail.

Valis III pce>gen: better sound, cutscenes, color, more detail (water level pce has good detail) and more levels but allot of people will like the parallax in the gen version.

super darius II/sagaia (darius II) pce>gen: same game except the pce looks and sounds a lot better.

shadow of the beast pce>gen: this is the biggest beat down in favor of the pce, it plays a hell of allot better, it has more colorful, detailed graphics, better animation and awesome cutscenes, it also has better music and sound fx, from an artistic stand point the gen version stays truer to the original, some people might prefer that, it also uses duel bg screens for two areas where the pce does not.

golden axe gen>pce: this is the biggest beat down in favor of the genesis, the hit detection is off on the pce, it has better animated as well as better looking sprites, the special attacks also look better from what i remember, the one thing i like about the pce version are the backgrounds.

valis 1 pce>gen: this game is not exactly the same but close enough.

forgotten worlds pce>gen: i think most know the differences between these games.

fatal fury2 pce>gen
fatal fury special pce>gen
art of fighting pce>gen

strider gen>pce: the gameplay for the gen feels tighter to me, there are some parts of the game that look better and there are some that look worst, the pce has better music and cool cutscenes.

chiki chiki boys pce>gen: this is one of the best arcade ports on the pce, every thing is bigger and more colorful in the pce version, i like the music and sound fx better too, there are some things i like about the gen version as well such as purchasing weapons and armor.

gain ground this one i don't know because while i own the pce game i have only played a little of the gen version through emulation, from what i have read the genesis game has more levels but the does look and sound better.

double dragon II pce>gen: i believe the genesis game is based on arcade and the the pce on the nes DD II but are close enough to compare.

exile pce>gen

monster lair pce>gen

monster world/dynastic hero This one is close, the gensis has parallax, the pce has slightly more colors but, since the pce in my opinion has far better music, i have to go with the pce version.

super raiden/raiden pce>gen

[awack]

I have Valis II, but I'd like a SuperCD version of Valis. Is Valis IV CDROM2 or SuperCDROM2? 

Yea, Valis IV is a CDROM2 game, but Valis I is a super CD game.

[CrackTiger]

I have Valis II, but I'd like a SuperCD version of Valis. Is Valis IV CDROM2 or SuperCDROM2? 

Yea, Valis IV is a CDROM2 game, but Valis I is a super CD game.

Valis I may be a Super CD game, but its nothing that couldn't have been done on CD2 and is pretty mediocre.

[Ceti Alpha]

Valis I may be a Super CD game, but its nothing that couldn't have been done on CD2 and is pretty mediocre.

Yeah, I actually find that graphically the Valis series, for the most part, could have been done on HuCARD format. Though obviously the music and cutscenes would not have been as good.

[awack]

I find that Valis I has more colorful and lush graphics as well as better sound fx and animation than the other valis games but i also agree that it looks like a cd rom2 game.

[nat]

One thing I've always wondered: does Valis I have parallax scrolling like Valis IV?

[awack]

One thing I've always wondered: does Valis I have parallax scrolling like Valis IV?

No, but it does have different types of background animations like the sky in first level or lava in one of the later levels.

[Kitsunexus]

SNES > everything.

[nat]

The troll of the year is at it again!

[termis]

I just played through Valis I.  It's not bad IMO -- I'm going back on my words how others besides part III left me underwhelmed.  I thought the balance issue was a bit off (I spent probably 2x time on the last stage than the rest of the game combined), it's not a terrible way to spend an afternoon.

Part II, however, really isn't all that good no matter how many times I try it.

I still haven't given IV a fair chance yet.  We'll see.

I think the general consensus is that part III is the best of the lot, but I dunno if that's really accurate.

[CrackTiger]

Valis I may be a Super CD game, but its nothing that couldn't have been done on CD2 and is pretty mediocre.

Yeah, I actually find that graphically the Valis series, for the most part, could have been done on HuCARD format. Though obviously the music and cutscenes would not have been as good.

Although in theory most CD games could be done on HuCard, the quality of the MD Valis III shows just how well the Valis series could've faired.

[Keranu]

Phew, and I thought this was going to be another hardware vs thread like we've had so many times in the past. This is better .

Air Buster/Aero Blaster – Not sure, really about equal to me. I'd probably prefer the PCE one though if I went back to compare.
After Burner II - PCE
Atomic Robo Kid – Are Atomic Robo Kid (MD) and Atomic Robo Kid Special (PCE) different games or what? I haven't played both enough to see if they have the same levels and stuff, but they always seemed different to me. I'd probably give Genesis the upper hand on this since I remember really liking that version, but I like Special too.
Forgotten Worlds - Another tough call since I've barely played the PCE one. Graphics and sound are no doubt better in the PCE one, but it's lack of true two-player support hurts it in my opinion. I'll give it equals for now.
Raiden - PCE easily.
Winds of Thunder/Lords of Thunder - PCE easily.

Snatcher CDROMantic - Well I think the PCE one is a better game overall, but since I don't know Japanese, it brings it down some notches (though I was still able to understand it pretty well since I beat the Sega CD one before). I'll give the hand to Sega CD since understanding the story is more important, but PCE would win if it was A. ) In English, B. ) If I knew Japanese .

Street Fighter II' Champions Edition - There's just some really appealing about that thick HuCard for the PCE one   . I prefer the PCE one overall for it's sharper graphics and sound (for the most part). To give the Genesis one credit, it did have that extra "KoF-style" mode, but I never use that mode anyways since it's not true three-on-three gameplay. It also had that cooler opening with the street fight.
Fatal Fury 2 - PCE easily. All SNK fighter ports are better on PCE .
Fatal Fury Special - PCE.
Art of Fighting - PCE.

Cadash - PCE easily.
Daimakaimura (Ghouls 'N Ghosts) - Super Grafx. Never really found anything better about the Genesis version, except the fact that it made the console more appealing for it's time.
Golden Axe - Never played the PCE one, but I think it goes without saying that the Genesis one is better!
Juuohki (Altered Beast) - Genesis easily. Graphically I do prefer the PCE one, but the sound effects and better controls make the Genesis version an easy win ;) .
Shadow of the Beast – PCE easily, for the music reason Tat stated.
Valis III – PCE. Music wise is up for debate, but the lack of levels in the Genesis version is the killer. PCE also had tigher graphics and cinemas.

Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair - PCE easily. Genesis verson was a dithered mess and the sound just couldn't compare to futuristic CD technology!
Wonder Boy in Monster World/Dynastic Hero - Very close, but I do prefer the PCE overall for the little better color and music (plus opening cinema).

Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes – I'm not sure why Tat preferred the MD version, but I definitely prefer the Turbo version much more. Way better music and graphics (I prefer the cutesy colorful graphics, over bigger darker graphics), plus it had, albeit few, awesome cinemas.
Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes II – I never really played much of either, but it seems to be the same case scenario as the first DS game.
Exile – PCE definitely.
Popful Mail – A true ball buster decision! I vote them equally because they both have their own qualities.
Ys III – PCE in my opinion. The crappy parallax does hurt the PCE pretty significantly, but overall I prefer the PCE version much more. Check out my comparison here for more info (SNES verson included too).

Bomberman '94/Mega Bomberman - PCE easily.
Columns – Ehh, haven't really compared. I'll just say equal.
Devil Crush – PCE overall for me.

Dodge Danpei – I don't really think this is a fair comparison as they are different games from what I remember. Either way, the PCE game was way cooler and more fun.
Outrun – PCE overall, I liked the graphics more.

I've always thought that PCE had better ports in general.

[guyjin]

Just listened to the music for PCE columns, and I must pick it up.

I cannot stand the Genesis version. Gameplay and graphics wise, it's awesome (though I wish you could pick block types like in the Game Gear version) but the music literally gives me headaches. I don't know why; I can't hear anything obviously wrong with it, but there it is. the Game Gear version never had that effect on me.

[PCEngineHell]

SNES > everything.

Only pedos would think thoughts like this.Change your thinking ways fast Kits before you too also become  a pedo.

[Kitsunexus]

SNES > everything.

Only pedos would think thoughts like this.Change your thinking ways fast Kits before you too also become  a pedo.

CHIBI USAGI IS HOT, IT IS TOO LATE FOR ME..... J/K

[Joe Redifer]

Yeah, I actually find that graphically the Valis series, for the most part, could have been done on HuCARD format.

Any graphics that can be done in any PCE CD-ROM game can be done on HuCard.  The CD-ROM does not add any graphics capabilities.

Anyway:

Air Buster/Aero Blaster – PCE > MD - The controls feel slightly better and stage 2 has better music.  However the graphics are smaller since the PCE is such a pussy system and doesn't have the raw power needed to create giant awe-inspiring sprites drawn by the one tr00 God Hisself (rumor has it that God farmed out the graphics in the Turbo version to His tr00 son Jesus).

After Burner II - PCE>MD, but 32X >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> PCE

Forgotten Worlds - PCE>MD - Done very well for the most part, but this was created late in the PCE's life and we are comparing it to a game created extremely early in the MD's life.  Not tremendously fair, but oh well.

Lords of Thunder - PCE>MCD - Yeah, the Sega CD version is an extremely sloppy port. 

Zero Wing - PCE~MD - To be honest I actually prefer the music in the MD version, but the PCE version has great music as well.

Snatcher - MCD > PCE - What's with all of this ultra-gay "CDROMantic" gibberish?  That is extremely retarded and that right there brings the PCE version down a notch.  Anyway the SCD version is in English and that makes it 100x better than the Japanese version which relies on a clearly inferior language.  I don't like the shooting scenes, they should be removed from both versions because they are super gay... but at least the SCD version has the power to let you use the light gun.  PCE was not powerful enough for a light gun.

Street Fighter II' Champions Edition - PCE~MD - I like the MD controller a hell of a lot better than the PCE controller, but the PCE does have better graphics and voices (but shittier scrolling).

Altered Beast - MD>PCE - At least the MD version is playable.

Rastan Saga II - MD>PCE - They both suck, but at least the MD version offers layered scrolling which gives it the edge.

Shadow of the Beast – PCE>>>>>>>>>>>>>MD - The Genesis version just doesn't compare!

Strider - MD>PCE - Sloppy, loose controls and ugly graphics that will make your eyeballs bleed hurt the PCE version.

Valis III – MD>PCE - The MD version is more playable.  The PCE version has super shitty music so I don't think you can give the music advantage to one or the other.  Also the TG-16 has a really ugly guy on the cover... I think it's supposed to be Yuko!

Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair - PCE>MD - Not a great game by any means on any platform... only OK.

Wonder Boy in Monster World/Dynastic Hero - MD>PCE - The MD may have a few less colors, but it does offer layered scrolling which looks cool.  Also I'd rather play as Wonder Boy instead of some generic no-name fuck.

Exile – PCE>MD - PCE wins, though not by a landslide.

Popful Mail – MCD>PCE - See the English argument about Snatcher.  Plus the MCD is just better all around.

Ys III – MD~PCE - This is really tough because the Genesis version is smoother and plays so much better, but it has a bitch of a final boss and inferior music.

Devil Crush – PCE>MD - While the Genesis version clearly has waaaaaaaaay better bonus stages due to the extreme unlimited power of the system (which still has never been matched even by the PS3), the main board looks like ass compared to the Turbo version.  The higher resolution actually hurts the Genesis version as it squeezes the board instead of having it full screen.  Also the music sounds better on the Turbo.  The Genesis version is definitely Technosoft's worst sound driver/library (ie: it is their worst sounding game EVAR).

[Ceti Alpha]

As for YsIII, I have to say, judging from Keranu's site, say that the PCE version is better.

Any graphics that can be done in any PCE CD-ROM game can be done on HuCard.  The CD-ROM does not add any graphics capabilities.

Yeah, I think I already answered myself in my previous post.  What the CD does allow is more memory, which in turn, allows for additional space for graphics. At least that's what makes sense to me. So really my comment was pointless. lol 

[Tatsujin]

it's very funny to see, how the opinions differ..hehe
but it clearly seems, the pce is the superior system when it comes to the soft line up comparison.

when i have time at night, i will re-answer to some valuations.

[Keranu]

After Burner II - PCE>MD, but 32X >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> PCE

This sparks the question: If CD and Super Grafx games are allowed for PCE, then are CD and 32X games allowed for Genesis for this thread? Personally I think so since ports aren't just based on graphics.

Lords of Thunder - PCE>MCD - Yeah, the Sega CD version is an extremely sloppy port.

Actually I think as a port in terms of being indentical, it put a lot of effort in trying to, but they should've probably focused on trying to make it better than identicle, if you know what I mean. CrackTiger can fill in more on this.

Snatcher - MCD > PCE - What's with all of this ultra-gay "CDROMantic" gibberish?  That is extremely retarded and that right there brings the PCE version down a notch.  Anyway the SCD version is in English and that makes it 100x better than the Japanese version which relies on a clearly inferior language.  I don't like the shooting scenes, they should be removed from both versions because they are super gay... but at least the SCD version has the power to let you use the light gun.  PCE was not powerful enough for a light gun.

As much as I agree with your other points, I just have to ask regarding the bolded section above: Have you ever played Sega CD Snatcher with the Justifier?  If anything that feature should bring the Sega CD version down a notch!

Street Fighter II' Champions Edition - PCE~MD - I like the MD controller a hell of a lot better than the PCE controller, but the PCE does have better graphics and voices (but shittier scrolling).

This sparks yet another topic: should controllers count in situations like these? When you say MD controller, I assume you're referring to the six button controller released later, which is essential for playing SF2 with! Don't forget that PCE had six button controllers and joysticks too though, so it's a matter of preference of what six button set up you prefer.

Valis III – MD>PCE - The MD version is more playable.  The PCE version has super shitty music so I don't think you can give the music advantage to one or the other.  Also the TG-16 has a really ugly guy on the cover... I think it's supposed to be Yuko!

. I think maybe she/he was supposed to be on the John Madden DUO CD FOOTBALL cover instead!

Ys III – MD~PCE - This is really tough because the Genesis version is smoother and plays so much better, but it has a bitch of a final boss and inferior music.

What makes the Genesis version play better? I haven't played far into it, but I didn't see any difference really control wise.

[ParanoiaDragon]

All I have to say, is that Heavy Unit is terrible on the Turbo, but excellent on the Genesis!

[CrackTiger]

After Burner II - PCE>MD, but 32X >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> PCE

This sparks the question: If CD and Super Grafx games are allowed for PCE, then are CD and 32X games allowed for Genesis for this thread? Personally I think so since ports aren't just based on graphics.

Lords of Thunder - PCE>MCD - Yeah, the Sega CD version is an extremely sloppy port.

Actually I think as a port in terms of being indentical, it put a lot of effort in trying to, but they should've probably focused on trying to make it better than identicle, if you know what I mean. Black_Tiger can fill in more on this.

Sega-CD games have already been included in this thread. Aside from technical reasons why we shouldn't be including the 32X, being the 'retro gaming' fans we are I'm assuming that most people here appreciate ports to inferior hardware more than reproductions.

I think that Lords of Thunder for Sega-CD is one of the very best ports to Genesis. Its amazing that they managed to translate the graphics so well since they play off the Turbo's strengths. I like having a second version of the soundtrack, it may not be as good but its still great video game music. They even added some extra bg layers. Other than some minor slowdown(who cares?), how could this port have been made any better? Lords of Thunder looks better than most arcade games from the time.

[Joe Redifer]

If we include SuperGrafx, we can include the 32X.

Lord of Thunder for Sega CD fails miserably on the sound effects.  I have rarely heard worse.

Keranu:  Re: Snatcher... time to take your sarcasm meter in for a checkup! ;)
Re: SF2 - Yes I like the Sega 6 button controller worlds better than the NEC one.
Re: Ys 3 - It is just easier to control on the Sega version since it runs faster than 12 frames per second.

[Keranu]

Keranu:  Re: Snatcher... time to take your sarcasm meter in for a checkup! ;)

No seriously, playing Snatcher with the light gun is absolutely useless! There is just no accuracy of shooting what so ever! I think I even tried putting the Justifier directly on the screen and it didn't even work.

Re: SF2 - Yes I like the Sega 6 button controller worlds better than the NEC one.

Well the thing is that there are more than one 6 button controllers and joysticks for each system, not to mention the fact that you could convert controllers from other systems or make your own joystick.

Re: Ys 3 - It is just easier to control on the Sega version since it runs faster than 12 frames per second.

I think the foreground in the Turbo version runs the same as the Genesis version, but the choppy parallax gives the illusion that it's running a lot less.

EDIT: Post fixed for Joe .

[awack]

About lords of thunder, i will try to go through the differences between them.

Sound effects for the sega version are either missing such as some of the sounds the bosses make, downgraded like the larger explosions or are ear splitting like some of the weapons after being fully powered up.

No need to talk about colors since thats probably the most obvious difference.

The sega version is missing a few things or details.

the dragon in 1st level does not kick up dust

rocks and torches explode into small piece's,

little dude in the water level cracks the floor open causing all the water to poor out,

fade in and fade out,

lightning in the forest level,

missing background layer/tiles in two areas,

The sega cd version does add a few things though, slow down and more parallax/line scrolling, the way they extended the line scroll all the way back for the water boss fight is realy cool.

[Joe Redifer]

Keranu, I recommend actually looking at your posts after you press the "POST" button.  You really screwed up the quote tags in that one!

Anyway:

I think the foreground in the Turbo version runs the same as the Genesis version, but the choppy parallax gives the illusion that it's running a lot less.

Nope.  There are a couple of screens here and there in the Turbo version which run as smooth as the Genesis version.  It is very odd.  If I weren't so lazy I'd make a video comparing frame rates.  Actually that's a damn good idea.  I think I'll pay myself $5 just for thinking that up!  Expect a video soon.   EDIT:  Can't be Youtube since Youtube can't do 60fps.

[Keranu]

That's ok, I'll just take your word for it .

[Ceti Alpha]

EDIT:  Can't be Youtube since Youtube can't do 60fps.

On some of the Armagetron forums people say that anything above 30fps is pointless since the human eye can't distinguish anything higher than that. What a bunch of bull. All these people have to do is play Armagetron and see for themselves that anything under 60fps and the game starts to get choppy.

Anyway, just had to vent that out. 60fps is ideal. heh

[GUTS]

They can't tell the dif between 30fps and 60fps?  I feel sorry for them.

[Tatsujin]

i would agree, that anything above the 60fps is hard to see (except of the flicker), but between 30fps and 60fps lying in minium 364 galaxies.

[Joe Redifer]

I still want to do a short video.  60fps will make it a bit of a large download, but it will be short so hopefully it won't be too bad.  If anything it will allow me to finally put a number on Turbo Ys 3 frames per second (I am guessing 15).

The difference between 30fps and 60fps is night and day!  Armagetron forums are full of fools.  Tell them to play Sega Rally 2 on the Dreamcast.   Can they tell the difference?  The game constantly flips back and forth between 60fps and 30fps and it is annoying.

[OldRover]

The average human eye can see 60fps with ease. Many can see more. 70fps seems to be the upper threshold for most, though some studies have suggested that some people can see as much as 90fps. Seems to be a matter of genetics. I'd post some references but I'm too worn out at the moment to go hunting for them again.

[Joe Redifer]

OK here's the video comparing Ys 3 framerates.  It's short, only 10 seconds and it has no audio.

Quicktime format - 1.33 MB

WMV format - 1.53 MB

The TurboGrafx-CD version doesn't have a steady framerate.  It can be anywhere between 15 and 25 in most of the game.  A few screens scroll at 60fps.

The Genesis version moves at 60fps all the time.

[Keranu]

OK here's the video comparing Ys 3 framerates.  It's short, only 10 seconds and it has no audio.

Quicktime format - 1.33 MB

WMV format - 1.53 MB

The TurboGrafx-CD version doesn't have a steady framerate.  It can be anywhere between 15 and 25 in most of the game.  A few screens scroll at 60fps.

The Genesis version moves at 60fps all the time.

Thanks! It really helps that you showed the sprite falling off the mountain, that's where I was really able to see the difference.

[esteban]

OK here's the video comparing Ys 3 framerates.  It's short, only 10 seconds and it has no audio.

Quicktime format - 1.33 MB

WMV format - 1.53 MB

The TurboGrafx-CD version doesn't have a steady framerate.  It can be anywhere between 15 and 25 in most of the game.  A few screens scroll at 60fps.

The Genesis version moves at 60fps all the time.

Nice! Make an extended comparison, if you feel inspired!

[Joe Redifer]

Well I could do an extra wide version with both of them at the same time for 30 seconds and a giant 100 MB download.   

Doing this comparison I noticed the Genesis version fades out more and goes to a new screen, at least in the snowy mountains.  The Turbo version only fades out once before you get to the first cave, and the Genesis fades out at least 3 times, maybe four.

[CrackTiger]

A video showing the same clip at 60 fps and then at 30 fps would drive home the difference to those who don't already know.

[Joe Redifer]

Done.

Same clip twice.  Can you tell which is 60fps and which is 30fps?

Quicktime format - 1.86 MB

WMV format - 2.16 MB (I am not happy with WMV).

[SNKNostalgia]

Keranu No seriously, playing Snatcher with the light gun is absolutely useless! There is just no accuracy of shooting what so ever! I think I even tried putting the Justifier directly on the screen and it didn't even work.

I never really had bad problems with the Justifier for this game or Lethal Enforcers. The type and size of the TV you are using does make a difference for this though. My old RCA 20" from 1993 worked really well with the Justifier. As for my flat 27" Sony WEGA, I had turn up the contrast a little, sit a foot or two further away and also had to aim 1" under the bullseye for the calibration. Also, I personally like how there are more scenes and stuff in the Sega CD version. I especially like it when you type in KONAMI on the Jordan computer for the unedited mode.

As for SF2 CE' for the PCE. I find this version to have the best control ever. The 6 button Avenue pad gives me no problems with control at all. One of my favorite controllers to be honest. I got my controller used and it is broken in just right.

With LOT, I played the Sega CD version 4 years before I even touched the Super CD version. So I was adjusted to the music of the Sega CD version even though the Super CD version sounded cleaner. Of course after owning the Super CD version for a while and playing it more I now look both remixes a lot. I still like the rougher Sega CD music a slight bit more since it sounds like a band just jamming to a live recording. As for the graphics, I have to admit the Genesis version can make you go "yuck!!" here and there.

[Tatsujin]

Same clip twice.  Can you tell which is 60fps and which is 30fps?

i would say it's nearly the same. but i only watched the wmv-file, which i think is the reason why there isn't a big difference between.

but in realtime, it isn't that hard to judge! i'm sure!

[CrackTiger]

Done.

Same clip twice.  Can you tell which is 60fps and which is 30fps?

Quicktime format - 1.86 MB

WMV format - 2.16 MB (I am not happy with WMV).

What difference?

I never really had bad problems with the Justifier for this game or Lethal Enforcers. The type and size of the TV you are using does make a difference for this though. My old RCA 20" from 1993 worked really well with the Justifier. As for my flat 27" Sony WEGA, I had turn up the contrast a little, sit a foot or two further away and also had to aim 1" under the bullseye for the calibration. Also, I personally like how there are more scenes and stuff in the Sega CD version. I especially like it when you type in KONAMI on the Jordan computer for the unedited mode.

As for SF2 CE' for the PCE. I find this version to have the best control ever. The 6 button Avenue pad gives me no problems with control at all. One of my favorite controllers to be honest. I got my controller used and it is broken in just right.

Even after calibration, I had to sit in front of my 27" Sony and hold the Justifier about an inch from the screen to beat the shooting scenes in Snatcher. But Leathal Enforcers played fine.

SFII is still easiest for my to control using a 2 button Turbo/Duo/PCE pad.