Versions of games you know aren't as good but you prefer anyway

[BassGuitari]

Like it says on the box! Some of mine:

 

Blue Max (Commodore 64): I played this a bit when I was very young (like, 4 or 5) on my parents' antique C64 ~1990. It had to have been one of the first games I ever played, period, and was one of the first titles I had to track down when I got a Commodore in the early 2000s. IIRC this game originally came out for the Atari 400/800, and I have to say that although it doesn't look as pretty, the Atari version really is the better version of the game overall--the gameplay just "feels" better (and it has enemy fighters that will dogfight you, which the Commodore version lacks). Now, I'm not ordinarily given to nostalgia...but this is a rare case for me where there's just no overcoming it. When my trusty 1541 drive finishes taking its sweet time loading the game and that title screen appears--in glorious red and blue PETSCII--and that SID rendition of "Rule Britannia" comes on...that's nirvana for me right there. And the game itself is still great, of course...just not as great as the Atari version.

 

River Raid (Atari 2600): The Atari 5200 version added updated graphics, new enemy elements, and fine-tuned analog control; the Intellivision version featured a more "realistic" forested riverbank landscape in which you can fly around and between trees, but not over them; the Coleco version boasted a total graphical overhaul and ramped up the speed a little bit. Other versions that appeared on various computer systems did similar things. Yet somehow, for me, as great as all of those games are, none of them really surpass the simple pleasure of the Atari 2600 original. There's just something about it, a perfectly distilled blend of gameplay and aesthetic that only Activision 2600 games could pull off.

 

Alien 3 (Genesis): The SNES version looks better, sounds way better, plays a little better (in that each weapon is mapped to its own controller button so you don't have to cycle through them), and is a much richer and varied gameplay experience.....on the surface. It sends you on all manner of missions in which you must weld pipes and doors, burn alien eggs, rescue the inhabitants of Fury 161 unfortunate enough to have gotten chained up by the aliens (correct--you find them hanging from manacles, not from cocoons), repair generators, locate batteries or some shit, and occasionally kill what this game tries to pass as a Queen Alien. For half the game, you're a maintenance worker, and for the other half, an exterminator. The EEV you crashed in might as well have "Ripley Heating/Cooling, Plumbing, and Pest Control" painted on the side of it. And all these things happen in the same areas, which means backtracking...and back-backtracking...and back-back-backtracking. And the next level--and every subsequent level--will have you doing all the same things. The Genesis version suffered no such pretenses, rather being a straightforward run-'n'-gun affair in which you locate and rescue convicts, seek and destroy aliens, waste some "Guardians," or simply escape with your life. While it, too, eventually devolves into tedium, I find it does so at a more gradual clip than the SNES version. Despite being technically inferior in most ways, it's more fun, and for longer. (IMO.)

 

Tecmo Super Bowl (NES): Yeah, the 16-bit versions had better graphics and music, and added a couple of bells and whistles such as dive plays and weather elements, but f@#$ all that. The NES version is the definitive version for me, and it ain't even close.

 

Super Mario Bros. (NES): Super Mario All-Stars is a great cartridge, don't get me wrong. Playing SMB with shiny new 16-bit graphics and sound is fine enough, I guess, but somehow it still doesn't quite replicate the experience of the blocky old NES original. Kind of like River Raid, I think it's a case of the original just being that good and that definitive, where any enhanced version feels like a hollow facsimile.

 

Zaxxon (TRS-80 Color): It's only got four colors, but it's a remarkably faithful and playable version of the arcade game, especially considering the hardware. And of all the versions I've played--Atari 2600, Intellivision, Atari 5200, Colecovision, Commodore 64, Apple II, TRS-80 Model 1, ADAM--I suck at the Color Computer version the least.

Edited October 18, 2018 by BassGuitari

[fiddlepaddle]

I agree with you on River Raid...I like the 2600 best.

 

 

There are more faithful and prettier versions, but I prefer the NES version of Millipede over all others, and the 2600 version comes next.

Edited October 18, 2018 by fiddlepaddle

[John Stamos Mullet]

Great Topic idea!

 

I would also second River Raid, for exactly the reasons you specified. Here are my others:

 

1. Outrun for Sega Master System. - yep, I know there's a superior Genesis version, and the arcade one is available on some compilations, but there's something about the feel of this version that is just right.

 

2. Rampage on Sega MASter System - there are plenty of later versions on Genesis/SNES etc. but this is the definitive home version.

 

3. Return Fire and Gex on 3DO - these were both later released on PSX and others, but the 3DO versions were way better, feel-wise and aesthetically.

 

4. Tenchu Stealth Assassins for PSX - while not graphically better than the PS2 version or it's sequels, this one was the most fun. First game where being a ninja felt real.

 

5. Spider-Man - PSX. You can have all the fancy graphics you like in the later ones, give me the voice over narration by Bruce Campbell and great gameplay engine and I'm set.

[dj_convoy]

Some would probably debate this, but I prefer Castle of Illusion on the Master System to the Genesis version, even tho' it's technically better.

[BassGuitari]

 

4. Tenchu Stealth Assassins for PSX - while not graphically better than the PS2 version or it's sequels, this one was the most fun. First game where being a ninja felt real.

 

Tenchu has been one of my favorite PlayStation games since it first came out. It always seemed weird to me that it was such a sleeper title. Me, my brother, and my cousin-in-law (what do you call the guy who marries your mom's cousin?) were the only people I knew personally who had the game, or even knew about it. I think Tenchu got pushed into the static by Metal Gear Solid.

 

Never played the PS2 versions. Don't really care to, although I'm sure they're fine enough games. They won't top the original in my mind. That voice acting...amirite?

[+wongojack]

River Raid is what came to mind from the thread title. Although I've recently spent time a lot more time with the C64 version, and I do like the updates. It took me years to realize that the C64 version was the first version that I ever played of that game, so while I wouldn't say that I prefer it, it is a strong second place for me. HERO is pretty much the same as River Raid. I like the variations and even played the C64 version first of that one as well, but the 2600 version is just a nice complete package that I usually list as my personal choice for overall best 2600 game.

 

I've never played any version of Blue Max besides the C64 version, so I'll have to check that out in Altirra or another emulator.

 

I have a lot of these from the C64. Defender of the Crown, Pirates!, One on One, Elite, Choplifter, Ghostbusters. The C64 was the platform where I discovered all of these games, and while I recognize there are better versions out there, I am content to stick with my trusty old and familiar version instead.

 

 

To move to different platforms: I definitely remember Tenchu from when it came out, but I never bought it and then it just sort of drifted away. I think I even have a ripped copy of that somewhere, but I've still never played it. Also from the Playstation era would be the games in the Spyro and Oddworld series. For each one, I think the first game has some kind of X factor that the others just don't quite capture. One very recent example might be the Batman Arkham series. Arkham Asylum might be the shortest and most primitive game in the series, but it is arguably the most fun.

[godslabrat]

Mario Bros. For the 2600. I love the weird aesthetic.

[Flojomojo]

Venture on Intellivision is chunky, and the music only has one voice. When you shoot a lot, it slows things down in an interesting way, I like the effect.

 

Frenzy on Colecovision with its funny little tunes is delightful.

 

Space Invaders on Atari 2600 is way nicer than the arcade version.

[DragonGrafx-16]

I really love the NES version of RoadBlasters.. even got to level 49 (50 is the last level) even thought I have the superior Genesis version as well as the arcade in the Midway Arcade Treasures comp.

[VectorGamer]

Space Invaders on Atari 2600 is way nicer than the arcade version.

 

[+wongojack]

Space Invaders on Atari 2600 is way nicer than the arcade version.

 

2600 Space Invaders came to mind for me as well. Especially when you compare it to the other home ports of the game. I like the game variations, and I prefer the 2600 graphics.

[BassGuitari]

 

2. Rampage on Sega MASter System - there are plenty of later versions on Genesis/SNES etc. but this is the definitive home version.

 

My favorite version of Rampage is actually the one for.....

 

.....NES.

 

(*runs and hides*)

 

Frenzy on Colecovision with its funny little tunes is delightful.

 

Space Invaders on Atari 2600 is way nicer than the arcade version.

 

Are you comparing Frenzy for the Coleco to the arcade version? I don't think there were any other ports until the 7800 homebrew came around a few years ago.

 

I like the variety of gameplay options the Atari version of Space Invaders had, as well as its looser feel of play. And the invaders in the 2600 version are iconic in their own right. That stuff trumps the arcade game for me, so in that subjective sense, I agree with you. But on a technical level...no.

[mbd30]

I really love the NES version of RoadBlasters.. even got to level 49 (50 is the last level) even thought I have the superior Genesis version as well as the arcade in the Midway Arcade Treasures comp.

 

I've completed all 50 levels of NES RoadBlasters. It plays well. My only complaint is that it's a bit of a slog. Most of the game is pretty easy as long as you maintain your multiplier by being accurate with your shots. It does get kind of tough near the end.

 

If you enjoy RoadBlasters then you might also like Mach Rider on the NES. It's like a much tougher RoadBlasters on a motorcycle. It actually came before RoadBlasters.

[NE146]

Good topic. For me I always prefer:

 

• Atari 5200 Joust over the arcade version.. I like the bouncy ceiling.
• 2600 Ms. Pacman (usually) over the arcade version
• Military Madness on TG16 over any other 'modern' Nectaris
• 2600 Crystal Castles over the arcade or 8-bit version
• I begrudgingly admit NES Ninja Gaiden.. despite being being a fan of the arcade before it, and being initially dissappointed with the NES version. However now, decades later, it's the arcade game that didn't age as well, and the NES version holds up.

 

And re: Space Invaders.. yes I know it's a common thing to say the VCS version is better because of the "variations".. but I find that people who say that generally have no clue about the nuances of the arcade version. Or maybe they do.. who the f knows. You're entitled to your opinion of course.

 

 

[mbd30]

For me the definitive version of Marble Madness is on the NES. Maybe because that's the one that I played as a kid. I love the graphics and I love how it plays..And no, MM doesn't fucking need a trackball. I can no death the NES version. The technically superior Genesis port never did anything for me.

 

I always thought that Atari 2600 Joust plays better than other ports. It's such a good port.

[mbd30]

Good topic. For me I always prefer:

 

• Atari 5200 Joust over the arcade version.. I like the bouncy ceiling.
• 2600 Ms. Pacman (usually) over the arcade version
• Military Madness on TG16 over any other 'modern' Nectaris
• 2600 Crystal Castles over the arcade or 8-bit version
• I begrudgingly admit NES Ninja Gaiden.. despite being being a fan of the arcade before it, and being initially dissappointed with the NES version. However now, decades later, it's the arcade game that didn't age as well, and the NES version holds up.

 

And re: Space Invaders.. yes I know it's a common thing to say the VCS version is better because of the "variations".. but I find that people who say that generally have no clue about the nuances of the arcade version. Or maybe they do.. who the f knows. You're entitled to your opinion of course.

 

 

 

Anyone who thinks that NES Ninja Gaiden is tough should give the arcade version a try on MAME. Now that is a game that was designed to suck quarters. I've never made it through the first level without getting a game over. It's a mediocre beat em up that probably would have been forgotten if not for the NES games.

[NE146]

Anyone who thinks that NES Ninja Gaiden is tough should give the arcade version a try on MAME. Now that is a game that was designed to suck quarters. I've never made it through the first level without getting a game over. It's a mediocre beat em up that probably would have been forgotten if not for the NES games.

Well I dont know if Id say that THAT It does have its own deliberate pace and gameplay that you have to get used to. One thing about the game that playing it emulated sometimes misses is the arcade game had a button on the top of the joystick used for grabbing people by the neck and throwing them as well as grabbing onto overhead items. Its kind of a different dynamic when you have to use a regular 3rd button in mame for that movement. But anyway I knew a lot of people who were re addicted to that game so it cant be all bad

Edited October 18, 2018 by NE146

[mbd30]

Well I don’t know if I’d say that THAT It does have its own deliberate pace and gameplay that you have to get used to. One thing about the game that playing it emulated sometimes misses is the arcade game had a button on the top of the joystick used for grabbing people by the neck and throwing them as well as grabbing onto overhead items. It’s kind of a different dynamic when you have to use a regular 3rd button in mame for that movement. But anyway I knew a lot of people who are addicted to that game so it can’t be all bad

 

Interesting about the three buttons. I might give the arcade version another shot.

[derFunkenstein]

Mario Bros. For the 2600. I love the weird aesthetic.

 

That's why I like Donkey Kong on the 2600 and Double Dragon on the NES. There are superior versions of both games on other systems, but they're weird and kind of tickle me in ways that are hard to describe.

 

Also, if we're just going for "games that are horrible but you play them anyway" I'll give special mention to Spider-Man on the 2600. I played countless hours of that thing when I was a kid. I had better games on both the 2600 and the VIC 20 (Omega Race in particular, that was fun), but I kept going back to Spider-Man.

[John Stamos Mullet]

I've seen a few mentions of Joust for various platforms and I'm confused. I was under the distinct impression that it was widely known the 7800 version was the best version, period.

[digdugnate]

i really like Q*Bert for the TI 99 4A- imo it's the best home version of the game.

[John Stamos Mullet]

Also not a port, but similar game - Frostbite for the 2600 is the best version of Qbert, ever.

[+save2600]

Atlantis comes to mind. I love the gameplay, colors, graphics and turret handling system of the VCS version best. Atlantis for the Intellivision, despite having better graphics and more features, is mired by its clunky controller and the free-floating cursor system makes it damn near unplayable - for me anyway.

 

Most all Activision games are best on the VCS IMO. Port them over to other or "superior" systems, and blah. There go the iconic colors and most importantly - the silky smooth speed, gameplay and overall "feel" of the games.

 

Imagic's Dragonfire comes to mind that way too.

 

I could see where some prefer VCS Missile Command over the arcade, thanks to its simpler gameplay.

 

Same goes for Mousetrap on the VCS vs. the Intellivision. Don't have to blindly try to pick the correct button to open a gate on the fly. Better graphics, sounds and music on the Intellivision, but the game is a complete mess to play comparatively.

 

Phoenix is one I prefer on the VCS over the arcade. Gameplay feels more refined and like its style of graphics better. And the sounds... at least you can turn off that annoying background shrill on the VCS version! lol

[blainelocklair]

Vanguard for the 2600. The arcade version is superior graphically and in terms of sound, but I grew up playing the 2600 version. I'd never actually seen a Vanguard maching growing up, so I was just as happy to play it on the 2600 anyway. Wasn't until MAME came out that I saw the arcade version. I still like it so much that I just bought a copy from an AA member about a month ago to replace my lost copy from my childhood. If only I knew where my stepfather dumped my stuff back in the day, I'd have my original 2600, ColecoVision, TRS-80, TI-99/4A, NES, Vectrex, handhelds, 33s, 2XL, and Vanguard. I ain't mad, though (OK, maybe just a little). Parents just assumed back in the day that we'd never use this stuff again.

[+thegoldenband]

For me the definitive version of Marble Madness is on the NES. Maybe because that's the one that I played as a kid. I love the graphics and I love how it plays..And no, MM doesn't fucking need a trackball. I can no death the NES version. The technically superior Genesis port never did anything for me.

 

The Genesis port is terrible, but the Japanese-exclusive Mega Drive port, by Tengen, is fantastic. It's the only home console version I'd take over the NES one.