Dreamcast Rez... what makes it special?

[Concept]

Recently picked up DC Rez again, after selling my copy off a few years ago in favour for the PS2 edition. I was wondering if the technical types out there could explain why the Dreamcast version has that extra something about it in terms of sound that its Sony brother lacks. There's a continuity to the visuals and sounds (primarily strengthed by the latter) that makes it click more somehow... whereas the PS2 version seems to be missing a vital small something.

Maybe it's the reverb or the volume levels between the instruments, but it's hard to define for someone who doesn't know each machine well from a technical perspective.

For those who've played both versions and know what I'm going on about, what are the differences in terms of the sound chips between the Dreamcast and PS2 which enables the former to sound that more richer?

[moonwhistle]

There was a huge and inconclusive thread about this a while back. I suggest you dig it up.

[nightstalker100]

You're looking for trouble asking questions like these. A thread on this exploded a few months back about which version was the best and can be found here:

http://ntsc-uk.domino.org/showthread...&highlight=rez

enjoy


Edit: beat me to it

[Concept]

Cheers for the link guys.

I probably replied to that and forgot about it. The PS2 version is better in terms of frame rate, but the sound is curiously lacking something. Having just played Areas 1 and 2 of the DC version again after playing the PS2 version for months, there's a clear noticeable difference where the flow of the soundtrack is more tangible.

[Madbury]

Interesting, that kinda clinches it for me. You can keep your 60 fps, I'll take the music every time.

That said, the PS2 version with double trance vibrator action is something to experience if you're very brave/adventurous.

[Lyris]

Double? You can plug in two?! Yowza.

[anephric]

How many orifices have you, strange little orifice boy?

[anephric]

I probably replied to that and forgot about it. The PS2 version is better in terms of frame rate, but the sound is curiously lacking something. Having just played Areas 1 and 2 of the DC version again after playing the PS2 version for months, there's a clear noticeable difference where the flow of the soundtrack is more tangible.

Which is weird, because through my amp the PS2 version sounds pretty damn excellent! Through headphones better still!

That said, I haven't played the DC version for yonks, so I might pop it in again...

[Concept]

Trust me, I've been canning the DC version all day, and the sound is certainly much stronger. The sampling quality sounds better, the volume levels are stronger, the reverb is tighter and the sequencing (in places) seems slightly higher quality (not in terms of arrangement, but in the clarity of the instruments).

There's a huge difference throughout Area 2, and from Level 5 onwards in Area 1, and the end bosses in Area's 3 and 4 (the guitar string has stronger emphasis) to use a few examples between the DC and PS2.

Basically, there's a slight improvement between the visuals and the sounds which doesn't sound important on paper, but helps create a better synergy and flow.

[dvdx2]

The only thing for me that makes the DC version special is VGA support (it does look lovely); everything else is inferior to the ps2 version;

Digital sound through optical port
Transvibrator can be used
Better framerate
can be run of HD
Ps2 controller "feels" better

[Concept]

The only thing for me that makes the DC version special is VGA support (it does look lovely); everything else is inferior to the ps2 version

I agree that the vibration and the frame-rate is better on the PS2, but the music is what makes Rez 'work' for me. It's down to opinion though I guess - each version offers something the other doesn't.

[Leon Retro]

I would have to go with the PS2 version because of the silky frame-rate and slightly crisper visuals.