Favorite version of RIVER RAID?

[OldSchoolRetroGamer]

I would guess like many, thinking of ACTIVSION'S RIVER RAID most would have the 2600 version come to mind, it is certainly the version I immediately think of even though I had and loved my ColecoVision back in the day. Like many classic games and as demonstrated in this video (I love this comparison series) it was released on many classic consoles and computers. Now I would guess that generally the only differences would be sound / graphics dependent on each hardware's capability but I still wonder, does anyone else prefer of on any platform other than the 2600? If so what was your favorite and why? You can still chime in if 2600 was your favorite is you have tried it on at least one other platform. Let me know your opinions THANKS.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=CZO5QnkJ6WI

[BassGuitari]

Might have to go with the Intellivision version, actually. Otherwise, the 2600 original.

There's no bad version, though.

[+Random Terrain]

Semi-related link:

 

atariage.com/forums/topic/220544-river-raid-turbo-wrandom-start-and-other-river-raid-hacks/

[high voltage]

A8 totally the best imo.

The Spectrum sounds like wet farts.

And what's wrong with the C64 version? Bleached?

[AtariBuff]

Was blown away by the A8 when I first plugged it in back then, knowing only the VCS version.

[IainGrimm]

Must admit I do like the Spectrum version its bright and colorful but sound is pretty funny.

 

C64 version is good with half decent sound but usual C64 color palette which always seems a bit washed out on a lot of games.

[BillyHW]

I never liked River Raid.

 

But A8 seems best from the Let's Compare video. Though it's always tough to tell from those videos how well a version plays. The gameplay and tightness of the controls is more important than the graphics as far as I'm concerned.

[AtariLeaf]

Put me down for A8 too.

[SegaShooters]

Atari computer by far.

The 2600 version is tops for memories but the 8-bit blows all other ports away.

[+Ripdubski]

I spent the most time with Atari 2600 version, followed closely by the A8 version. I also have played the Intellivision and Coleco version. I think my favortie is the A8 version.

[gamecat80]

The MSX and ColecoVision versions have noticeably higher-res graphics than the other versions, but are lacking the mountains that are in some of those other versions. The colors in the A8/5200 versions are too dark for my tastes. Overall I think I like the C-64 version the best here.

[Seob]

Guess it's going to be the c64, because of nostalgia. Followed by the a2600 version.

[bennybingo]

Atari 2600...simply because I played the hell out of that game as a kid, when all I had was the 2600.

 

Perhaps I should look into playing the hell out of this on my other systems today??? I'll just tell my wife that I can't go shopping with her because I MUST test out River Raid on my other systems...the fate of humanity depends on this experiment!

[JadeETC]

Other than 2600, C64.

 

The Intellivision version also looks washed out.

Edited February 23, 2014 by JadeETC

[zylon]

5200

[cimerians]

C64 and Atari 2600

[Dripfree]

That spectrum version seems significantly easier looks like you can almost bring the plane to a complete stop. I also kind of feel like any version without the activision logo at the bottom should be disqualified.

Edited February 24, 2014 by Dripfree

[SoulBlazer]

I loved the 2600 version as a kid, but the 5200 and Colecovision ports look very good.

 

That Windows remake looks awesome! I'll have to check that one out. It's defentily harder then the original game, and the touched up graphics look nice.

[Greg2600]

I've played almost all of those in the video. 2600 is still the most fun for me, CV is good too though. That windows remake looks and sounds horrible.

[Cynicaster]

I’ll admit up front that it’s very difficult for me to be objective here due to my personal gaming pedigree, but I have to say Atari 2600 all the way.

 

Sure, some of those versions look like good video games, but it’s kind of like cover versions of classic songs—making a version with a more advanced guitar solo or a more pitch-perfect vocalist doesn’t necessarily make the song better.

 

In some versions, it looks like certain things were changed just for the sake of changing them. I’m sorry, but the fuel tanks in River Raid are rectangular objects that say “F-U-E-L” on alternating colored strips in a vertical orientation—any other representation is incorrect. That’s just how it is.

 

Besides, you can only tell so much from emulator-generated movies on YouTube. We mustn’t forget the controllers, and I can’t imagine a better stick from those times to use for this game than a CX-40, with its short throw and nicely positioned fire button. Intellivision disk thingy and Coleco Repetitive Strain Injury Nob Phone need not apply.

 

With that out of the way, I really like the look of that Atari 800 version; I’m going to have to keep an eye out for that one and give it a go.

[thecrypticodor]

 

I'd have to go with the CV version although the A8 version a very nice as well. That Windows version looks fun but is ugly as sin.

[BydoEmpire]

2600 version - mostly because a stock Atari joystick works the best for this game imho, and it's the original version. I don't have the A8 version although I'm sure that's great, too. C64 version loses a point for load times (unless it came out on cart, in which case that'd be up there as well, but I never personally played a cart version on c64).

 

I remember the Intellivision version being very fun, and I do like the visual changes, although I haven't played it in ages. For some reason I no longer have that cart. I do like the Inty controller, and I think River Raid would control well with it. Not quite as good as the Atari joystick, but certainly playable.

[English Invader]

2600 version - mostly because a stock Atari joystick works the best for this game imho, and it's the original version. I don't have the A8 version although I'm sure that's great, too. C64 version loses a point for load times (unless it came out on cart, in which case that'd be up there as well, but I never personally played a cart version on c64).

 

I remember the Intellivision version being very fun, and I do like the visual changes, although I haven't played it in ages. For some reason I no longer have that cart. I do like the Inty controller, and I think River Raid would control well with it. Not quite as good as the Atari joystick, but certainly playable.

 

River Raid was released on cart for the C64 as were other key Activision titles like Pitfall! If you look in the cartridge section of this site under Activision, you'll see the list:

http://www.mayhem64.co.uk/main.htm

Edited February 25, 2014 by English Invader

[Greg2600]

2600 version - mostly because a stock Atari joystick works the best for this game imho, and it's the original version. I don't have the A8 version although I'm sure that's great, too. C64 version loses a point for load times (unless it came out on cart, in which case that'd be up there as well, but I never personally played a cart version on c64).

 

I remember the Intellivision version being very fun, and I do like the visual changes, although I haven't played it in ages. For some reason I no longer have that cart. I do like the Inty controller, and I think River Raid would control well with it. Not quite as good as the Atari joystick, but certainly playable.

 

Yes the Atari VCS stick makes all the difference. It's still the best controlling version of any of them.

[AtariBrian]

I grew up with the 2600 version but that to me is probably the best . 5200 is very good also and man is that windows version pretty awesome looking !