The Definitive Version

[Sieg]

And who, pray tell, in this country is going to see that difference? Answer: very few people!

These same very few people are probably the ones who will want to know what the definitive version is ... no ?

S.

[Kubrick]

F355 Challenge

First of all, Ignore the PS2 version. It's a mere shadow of the DC game.

Cosmetic
The JPN manual is the nicest, and the boxart is more or less the same on all regions, but there's subtle differences...
Most of the JPN version's art is retained for the PAL game, but the F355 on the front is painted a more Ferrari-like shade of red. The reds used for the background imagery are also bolder, although some stuff has been made harder to see.
The "Challenge, amore mio!" slogan from the the JPN game is removed, and replaced with the lamer Western "Passione Rossa" subtitle. There's also an extra screenshot on the back of the JPN box and no nasty Acclaim logos. Winner = JPN version!

Gameplay
All three versions play identically as there's a 60Hz option in the PAL game, and USA/PAL/JPN save files work with any version. Apart from the Acclaim logo screen during loading, the game is all-but identical on all regions.

Venture online though, and some differences are revealed...

The JPN version is playable online, but only if you have (or did have?) your DC set up with a dricas account. The JPN version also takes longer to connect for network races.
There are no sound effects heard during a network race replay on the JPN version, only the music...which cannot be turned off! (Pushing up on the D-pad in the PAL/US game turns off the music during replays)
Your current position in the race is displayed during replays in the PAL/US game, but not in the JPN game.

It's not all bad for the JPN game though. It's the only version which is compatible with this feature on the official website which lets you upload your ghost data and examine your laps in detail...much like the optional printout from the DX Arcade version.

So, it's between the PAL and JPN versions. If you really like the game, then it's worth having both since they're so cheap and easy to come by, but I'd recommend the PAL game as the "definitve" version. The US version is identical to the PAL game, but this is undesirable for having the speedo read in MPH instead of KM/H as normal.

[Mayhem]

And who, pray tell, in this country is going to see that difference? Answer: very few people!

These same very few people are probably the ones who will want to know what the definitive version is ... no ?

S.

I beg to differ... it'll be way less than the number of people wanting to know the definitive version

Put it like this, the only people I know with prog scan capable TVs in this country are people on these boards...

[quexex]

F355 Challenge

First of all, Ignore the PS2 version. It's a mere shadow of the DC game.

Cosmetic
The JPN manual is the nicest, and the boxart is more or less the same on all regions, but there's subtle differences...
Most of the JPN version's art is retained for the PAL game, but the F355 on the front is painted a more Ferrari-like shade of red. The reds used for the background imagery are also bolder, although some stuff has been made harder to see.
The "Challenge, amore mio!" slogan from the the JPN game is removed, and replaced with the lamer Western "Passione Rossa" subtitle. There's also an extra screenshot on the back of the JPN box and no nasty Acclaim logos. Winner = JPN version!

Gameplay
All three versions play identically as there's a 60Hz option in the PAL game, and USA/PAL/JPN save files work with any version. Apart from the Acclaim logo screen during loading, the game is all-but identical on all regions.

Venture online though, and some differences are revealed...

The JPN version is playable online, but only if you have (or did have?) your DC set up with a dricas account. The JPN version also takes longer to connect for network races.
There are no sound effects heard during a network race replay on the JPN version, only the music...which cannot be turned off! (Pushing up on the D-pad in the PAL/US game turns off the music during replays)
Your current position in the race is displayed during replays in the PAL/US game, but not in the JPN game.

It's not all bad for the JPN game though. It's the only version which is compatible with this feature on the official website which lets you upload your ghost data and examine your laps in detail...much like the optional printout from the DX Arcade version.

So, it's between the PAL and JPN versions. If you really like the game, then it's worth having both since they're so cheap and easy to come by, but I'd recommend the PAL game as the "definitve" version. The US version is identical to the PAL game, but this is undesirable for having the speedo read in MPH instead of KM/H as normal.

WHat about Link up I thought the Japanese version included a link feature which the US/PAl versions didn't surely this is another mark in favour of the japanese one, which I'd have jsut not to see the acclaim logo, u know what they say, where there's blaim there acclaim!

Cheers

Quexex

[Papercut]

I beg to differ... it'll be way less than the number of people wanting to know the definitive version

Put it like this, the only people I know with prog scan capable TVs in this country are people on these boards...

You can't really argue with definitive though eh? Prog scan is a definitive improvement. Its like saying a DVD with surround sound is not superior to an edition without because most people will not hear the surround sound track.

Thats not really the point I reckon, an improvement is an improvement regardless of how many can appreciate it.

Besides, there are those of use who use a GCN vga cable too.

[Papercut]

WHat about Link up I thought the Japanese version included a link feature which the US/PAl versions didn't surely this is another mark in favour of the japanese one, which I'd have jsut not to see the acclaim logo, u know what they say, where there's blaim there acclaim!

PAL version has a hidden linkup option, you hold down something like Y + X on the main menu. I've read the US version has it too.

I've played F355 DC linkup with a PAL and JPN NTSC version of the game...

[Mayhem]

You can't really argue with definitive though eh? Prog scan is a definitive improvement. Its like saying a DVD with surround sound is not superior to an edition without because most people will not hear the surround sound track.

Yes, but either way people will still be able to enjoy the DVD!

I would rank all the improvements made to the PAL release as more "definitive" over prog scan mode in Metroid Prime here, and not just because of the amount of people who will actually get to experience them. The content is what appeals to me more than just being able to see the graphics in better quality. That's just my opinion however

[quexex]

WHat about Link up I thought the Japanese version included a link feature which the US/PAl versions didn't surely this is another mark in favour of the japanese one, which I'd have jsut not to see the acclaim logo, u know what they say, where there's blaim there acclaim!

PAL version has a hidden linkup option, you hold down something like Y + X on the main menu. I've read the US version has it too.

I've played F355 DC linkup with a PAL and JPN NTSC version of the game...

Cool good to know that works, maybe these sorts of things should be added to the main post so all of the little details are added to each product?

Cheers

Quexex

[Kubrick]

Ah yes, how could I forget... Yep, the "Cable VS" mode is in all versions like Papercut says, but they obviously thought it was wise to hide it in the US/PAL game, since the official link cable was never sold outside of Japan...

Quite a lot of Japanese F355 players imported the PAL version just to hear the sound effects during replays.

[md_SATURN_dc]

Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo:

The Dreamcast(JAP only) version is the one as it has two additional modes of play as well as more hidden characters and character variations. One drawback is the Japanese text in the options menu. Expensive.

PSX(all 3): US one is quite rare and expensive.

Saturn(PAL, US, JAP) Pretty much the same as the PSX version, except the screen chugs ever so slightly right before a round starts, and unless you have a working system battery you can't save high scores.

[prinsecharles]

donpachi ps1 vs donpachi saturn

donpachi ps1
cheap price ?20-35
smoother graphics
less slowdown than saturn
less load times
the only bad point is you have to turn your t.v on it's side because it has a
black bar mode that scrolls up and down otherwise known as wobble mode

donpachi saturn
still quite cheap usually ?25-35
don't have to turn your t.v on it's side
more slowdown
longer load times
slightly blockier

winner=ps1(as long as you don't mind turning your t.v on it's side otherwise get the saturn version)

[phillai]

Can someone give me a comparison on the PSX and Saturn versions of Dodonpachi...

I really wanna get it but I keep hearing of each of them being better than the other in someway and I wanna know for sure before I buy!

[prinsecharles]

dodonpachi on psx is quite rare and expensive. psx shooters just don't seem to turn up on ebayuk as much as saturn ones.
i have the saturn version myself ,but this is what i have heard.

saturn
pixellated explosions
more slow down
cheapish price ?25-40

psone
better graphics
less slow down
quite expensive i'd say ?40-65
can only be the same ship in 2player tate mode

i'd say the psone is probably the better version weighing up the pros and cons(who plays shmups in 2p anyway)
i am quite tempted to get the psone version myself as it's my fave of all the pachi's

[gozaimas]

dodonpachi on psx is quite rare and expensive. psx shooters just don't seem to turn up on ebayuk as much as saturn ones.
i have the saturn version myself ,but this is what i have heard.

saturn
pixellated explosions
more slow down
cheapish price ?25-40

psone
better graphics
less slow down
quite expensive i'd say ?40-65
can only be the same ship in 2player tate mode

i'd say the psone is probably the better version weighing up the pros and cons(who plays shmups in 2p anyway)
i am quite tempted to get the psone version myself as it's my fave of all the pachi's

Big consideration here is the jouy[ad. personally I can't play shooters or 2d fighters on a PS joypad and the Saturn pad is the best for these genrtes on any system. For this reason I'd go Saturn every time.

[jimtendo]

Street Fighter III 3rd Strike - Dreamcast

versions tested:
JPN & PAL

JPN case & disc art:
The whole 3rd Strike cast turns out for the cover art. Very nice it is indeed. Chun Li's face is the artwork on the disc.

PAL case & disc art:
Just Ryu/Ken and Gill upper body-head portraits. Disc art is a section of the cover in a grey gradiant scheme.

Gameplay:
I'm no 3rd Strike expert, so i can't tell if certain combos works on one version than another. Both seem to play alright, no real differences.

JPN Language barrier:
I would say around half of the game is in English, where the main menus/Training menus are completely in English. Only stumbing blocks are the Super Art names, win quotes, ending text, and the 'System Direction' menu - where it is totally in Japanese.
thankfully there are a few faqs around translating all of the above.

* Nothing gameplay related, but in the JPN version when Alex has a pixel of life left, and you jab him to death he will say "Jesus"
Also when Urien loses by a time-out he will clench his hands so blood will seep.

Both of these are ommitted from the PAL version (and the USA version, so i hear)
Alex will just scream "Noooo"

JPN Pros:
Better cover art. Uncensored.

JPN Cons:
Just the 'system direction' menus/win quotes/endings are in JPN.

PAL Pros:
60hz mode, more available to buy than the JPN version (although still hard to locate)

PAL Cons:
slightly censored from the original JPN version.

'The definitive version' verdict:
I would say, go for the PAL version, due to it's availability and being translated. Personally i would go for the Japanese version.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

PS2 version - JPN

Cover-art
The arcade flyer/ Poster with all the combatants facing the 'left' direction on a white background.

Game
The much vaunted 1st arcade revision is back with 'unblockables' intact, a few juggles of Dudley's restored, Yun's Genei Jin properties/ Palm damage/ dive kicks back to his normal self.
You do have the option to play the Dreamcast version should you so wish.
Also the original soundtrack is included within. Again, you have the option of listening to the arranged DC version as well.

Judgement
PS2 version has more or less the complete package at the moment. So i'll plump with that.