What's the Best Ghouls + Ghosts conversion?

[buzz909]

I really want to play this game, and i want to know what version to buy. I think this will come down to the versions released on the Saturn and Playstation rather than the old Supergrafx + MD versions. Was the PS2 version a version of the arcade machine? if so maybe that is the best?

[JazzFunk]

There's not really much in it as all the conversions are excellent. People bicker over whether the Supergrafx version is better than the MD one but in gameplay they are nigh-on the same. Think it all comes down to minor graphics/sound issues, some prefer certain elements of the Supergrafx version, others prefer certain elements of the Megadrive. Both are excellent conversions.

You're right in thinking the one on PS2 Capcom Classics 1 *is* the arcade game, only all the included games have a slight (unremovable) graphics filter to reduce overt pixellation, so if you are an absolute purist then it might be a deal breaker. Tbh, it doesn't matter, it's done pretty well, but to some it might, it looks and plays great and the compilation is brilliant, anyway.

Think the closest conversion of G N' G might possibly be the one included on the Jap PS1 Capcom Generations 2 CD, we got bordered PAL over here but the Jap PS1 (so I've heard) is pretty much an *exact* match, plus has no graphics filter so is purist friendly. I could be wrong on this, mind, so don't take my word as gospel.

EDIT: Also, according to Wikipedia, the Sharp X68000 version has a 'pixel perfect port'.

[buzz909]

Thanks JazzFunk yes i dont think i would bother with the MD or Supergrafx conversions now the arcade version is available. thanks for the info on the PS2 one. that Capcom generations CD also came out on Saturn. i was hoping that version would be good because i use Saturn as a 2D console. i looked on Youtube and the guy who uploaded the video said it was the same but has a 'tint' to the graphics so that the colours aren't quite the same. might have to buy it and see.

[egparadigm]

I also understand that Super Ghouls & Ghosts is the most 'different' from the arcade version. Played it last year and enjoyed it immensely.

[Jamie]

Some comparison shots between Arcade, X68K, Megadrive and Supergrafx here:

http://nfggames.com/games/GnG/

[Grapple Convoy]

The Mega Drive and Supergrafx conversions objectively aren't that close to the arcade original, but subjectively speaking, they blew our socks off, back at a time when we were used to arcade conversions being decidedly 'off' (see the Amiga conversion of Ghouls n' Ghosts for example).

Speaking of the X68000, did any of the magazines like C&VG ever briefly mention it 'back in the day'?

[Gradius]

Commodore User did a "Played in Japan" feature about a few Japanese machines from around that time. They showed screens from Gradius, Salamander and Space Harrier on X68000.

[Team Andromeda]

Mega Drive is the best - its just plays and feel so right,even more so than the classic Collection on the Saturn/PSI also like the music from the MD version the most too (it's even better than the Arcade's and one of the best music score around)
So wish SEGA did enhanced ports of Strider and Ghost N Ghouls to the Mega CD, like they did for Final Fight

[Gradius]

I've always been a massive PC Engine fan and i have it on Super Grafx but i agree with Team Andromeda, the MD version is my favourite. The Super Grafx version is a bit better graphically but MD GnG is the version i have played the most by far.

I'd love the pcb version of GnG but it tends to be ?200 + and even then you might end with another CPS board thats been converted!