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The bestest alternative version games?
- Thread starter Kujo
- Start date
Wreck-It Ralph
Member
The PS2/Xbox/Gamecube version of Splinter Cell: Double Agent is supposed to be better than the 360/PS3 version.
The GBA version of Spyro: The Eternal Night was also pretty good.
The GBA version or Rayman 3 was excellent, and possibly my favorite game in the series.
I wouldn't quite say it's better than the PS3/360 version. It's arguably more creative, but the PS3/360 version is definitely more polished. Both are worth playing though.
The GBA version of Spyro: The Eternal Night was also pretty good.
The GBA version or Rayman 3 was excellent, and possibly my favorite game in the series.
I wouldn't quite say it's better than the PS3/360 version. It's arguably more creative, but the PS3/360 version is definitely more polished. Both are worth playing though.
Finale Fireworker
Member
The PSP/Vita version of Myst makes a strong case for the definitive version of the game. Has some load screens but otherwise has all the expanded content of the PC game in a portable package. But how you would prefer to play it is up to the player.
My experience is the opposite. I can't play Smash 3DS now that Smash U exists. The game could disappear tomorrow and I wouldn't even know.
My experience is the opposite. I can't play Smash 3DS now that Smash U exists. The game could disappear tomorrow and I wouldn't even know.
visiblemode
Member
This is kinda all about Littlebigplanet, for me.
While it wasn't strictly an alternate version, the Vita iteration just clicks so well. Pt 3 is still in my backlog, but of all the other versions the Vita one is my fave by a lot. The touch stuff works, the game looks great, it just rocks.
While it wasn't strictly an alternate version, the Vita iteration just clicks so well. Pt 3 is still in my backlog, but of all the other versions the Vita one is my fave by a lot. The touch stuff works, the game looks great, it just rocks.
Aeriscloud
Banned
No, not even once.
I always wanted to play the cool looking Sega version of Jurassic Park where you play as the dinosaurs in a side scrolling platformer (at least it looked like that from the screen screenshots).
Instead I was stuck with a snes and Amiga that has the boring regular top down version.
Instead I was stuck with a snes and Amiga that has the boring regular top down version.
itzknickknac
Member
The Atelier plus(+) games, for sure.
And soon the FFVII PS4 port XD
And soon the FFVII PS4 port XD
MrNyarlathotep
Banned
Do the PAL versions of Contra where you play as robots count?
KatamariOnTheRocks
Member
Since Duke Nukem 3d had several different ports that I was gonna describe from memory I can actually outline them all with some info from Wikipedia mixed with some Screenshots from Google:
Console versions and add-ons-
Duke Nukem 3D was ported to many of the consoles of that time. All the ports featured some sort of new content.
Duke Nukem 3D (Tiger Game Com) was released in 1997 in the USA only. Unlike every other version of the game, Duke Nukem cannot turn; he can only move forward, backward, and strafe to the left or right. Due to the Game.com's monochrome screen, it is also the only version to lack color. It includes only four levels from each of the original three episodes for a total of 12 levels. These episodes were modified to accommodate Duke Nukem's inability to turn.
Duke Nukem 3D (Sega Saturn) was ported by Lobotomy Software and published by Sega. It retains the original name and uses Lobotomy's SlaveDriver engine. This version uses the Sega NetLink for online gaming, and has built-in support for the Saturn's analog pad. It also includes a hidden multiplayer mini-game called Death Tank Zwei, and an exclusive bonus level called Urea 51, accessed through the main level "Fahrenheit". It was the final game branded by Sega of America under the Deep Water label, employed for games featuring adult content such as this game and Eternal Champions: Challenge from the Dark Side.
Duke Nukem: Total Meltdown (titled simply Duke Nukem in Europe), the PlayStation version, contains all three original episodes, plus a new one, Plug 'n' Pray, which includes six extra levels and a secret level. The secret level was also included in the PC version. The new episode features several new enemies, including three new types of Pig Cops, and a new final boss, robot CyberKeef. This version also features remixed music, some rearranged from the PC version, and some original, in streaming XA-Audio made by Mark Knight.
Duke Nukem 64 is a censored port for Nintendo 64 and features a split screen 4-player mode. In-game music was removed, and many items were renamed to avoid drug and sex references. Some new lines of dialogue were recorded specifically for this version to remove swearing. Several levels were altered to include areas from the Plutonium Pak, such as a "Duke Burger" outlet in the second level which was not in the original PC version. Game levels are played sequentially instead of as separate "episodes". Other changes include a fully 3D model for the final boss and new weapons. The Alien Beast monster, seen in the Plutonium Pak, also appears a few times in the standard levels. It did not appear in the original PC version.
Duke Nukem 3D (Sega Mega Drive) was released in 1998 by Tec Toy. The visuals were drastically simplified, being closer to early shooters like Wolfenstein 3D. It consisted solely of Lunar Apocalypse, the second from the original game's three "episodes", which was heavily modified to suit the engine. This version was released in South America only.
Duke Nukem 3D (Xbox Live) was released on September 24, 2008. This version features: the ability to "rewind" the game to any prior point upon dying, save clips of gameplay, and play co-operatively online, as well as the standard "Dukematch" online mode. The music received a slight quality upgrade with modern MIDI tools.
Duke Nukem 3D (iPhone/iPod Touch) was released on August 11, 2009 and was ported Machineworks Northwest. The game employs a new engine, which uses a trademarked touch-screen system called TapShoot to allow players to lock onto and dispatch foes. An update in September 2009 made the game compatible with first and second-generation iPod Touch. It also added a new control scheme which lets players control Duke by dragging their finger around the screen.
Duke Nukem 3D (Nokia N900) was released on December 29, 2009. As shown in a MaemoWorld's video, Duke is controlled using the Qwerty keypad and touchscreen.
Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition (PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita) was released on January 6, 2015 in North America and January 7, 2015 in Europe.It is a port of the Megaton Edition released on Steam for Windows, Mac and Linux. It was developed by General Arcade for PC, ported to consoles by Abstraction Games and published by Devolver Digital. It features Cross-Buy and Cross-Play between both platforms.
My thoughts on the ports:
My original version of the game was the N64 version which is not my favorite but did have some cool features. The control scheme with the N64 controller was so comfortable and one of the few games that actually work better with that strange contraption of a controller than without.
I would use the "Left Position" as shown in the picture, which makes use of the center part of the controller by holding it like a grip, while using the Z button on the back as a trigger.
My most played version of the game is the PC version due to the ability to download new levels/enemies/weapons essentially extending the games lifespan indefinitely as I know I'll still be playing Duke 3d 20 years from now as it's simply the pinnacle of First Person Shooters to me personally. The level design remains unmatched to this day, with the only close contenders being other 90s shooters as the design philosophy of games back then was very different than it is today. My preferred means of playing is using the awesome Open Source port Eduke32 which also supports high-res textures and 3d models. This video shows a comparison of the Megaton (Steam) release VS. the port Eduke32 using High-res textures, then High-res textures and models.
https://youtu.be/llDui7BoOyI (The enemies looking blurry is because the player in that video has Texture Smoothing on which makes everything look smudged and gross, the original pixel art still holds up I assure you, here's an example without the smudged look)
The Steam release as well as GOG release includes the base game files that are used with the port so buying it on Steam or GOG will allow you to run the game using Eduke32. Just be aware that the GOG release uses Dosbox to emulate the original game rather than being a modern port as Megaton and Eduke32 are.
If people are wondering what's the simplest way to play these days you can pick it up on -
Steam - http://store.steampowered.com/app/225140/
GOG - http://www.gog.com/game/duke_nukem_3d_atomic_edition
Xbox Live for Xbox 360 - http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Duke-Nukem-3D/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d80258410901
PSN for PS3/VITA - https://store.playstation.com/#!/en-us/games/duke-nukem-3d-megaton-edition/cid=UP3643-PCSE00339_00-DUKE3DHDUSVITA00
Notes:
GOG version includes Dosbox emulation while Steam version includes Megaton port.
Both PC versions include the original game files that can be used with free port Eduke32.
PS3/PSV versions are crossbuy/crossplay and game is Vita TV compatible.
Console versions and add-ons-
Duke Nukem 3D was ported to many of the consoles of that time. All the ports featured some sort of new content.
Duke Nukem 3D (Tiger Game Com) was released in 1997 in the USA only. Unlike every other version of the game, Duke Nukem cannot turn; he can only move forward, backward, and strafe to the left or right. Due to the Game.com's monochrome screen, it is also the only version to lack color. It includes only four levels from each of the original three episodes for a total of 12 levels. These episodes were modified to accommodate Duke Nukem's inability to turn.
Duke Nukem 3D (Sega Saturn) was ported by Lobotomy Software and published by Sega. It retains the original name and uses Lobotomy's SlaveDriver engine. This version uses the Sega NetLink for online gaming, and has built-in support for the Saturn's analog pad. It also includes a hidden multiplayer mini-game called Death Tank Zwei, and an exclusive bonus level called Urea 51, accessed through the main level "Fahrenheit". It was the final game branded by Sega of America under the Deep Water label, employed for games featuring adult content such as this game and Eternal Champions: Challenge from the Dark Side.
Duke Nukem: Total Meltdown (titled simply Duke Nukem in Europe), the PlayStation version, contains all three original episodes, plus a new one, Plug 'n' Pray, which includes six extra levels and a secret level. The secret level was also included in the PC version. The new episode features several new enemies, including three new types of Pig Cops, and a new final boss, robot CyberKeef. This version also features remixed music, some rearranged from the PC version, and some original, in streaming XA-Audio made by Mark Knight.
Duke Nukem 64 is a censored port for Nintendo 64 and features a split screen 4-player mode. In-game music was removed, and many items were renamed to avoid drug and sex references. Some new lines of dialogue were recorded specifically for this version to remove swearing. Several levels were altered to include areas from the Plutonium Pak, such as a "Duke Burger" outlet in the second level which was not in the original PC version. Game levels are played sequentially instead of as separate "episodes". Other changes include a fully 3D model for the final boss and new weapons. The Alien Beast monster, seen in the Plutonium Pak, also appears a few times in the standard levels. It did not appear in the original PC version.
Duke Nukem 3D (Sega Mega Drive) was released in 1998 by Tec Toy. The visuals were drastically simplified, being closer to early shooters like Wolfenstein 3D. It consisted solely of Lunar Apocalypse, the second from the original game's three "episodes", which was heavily modified to suit the engine. This version was released in South America only.
Duke Nukem 3D (Xbox Live) was released on September 24, 2008. This version features: the ability to "rewind" the game to any prior point upon dying, save clips of gameplay, and play co-operatively online, as well as the standard "Dukematch" online mode. The music received a slight quality upgrade with modern MIDI tools.
Duke Nukem 3D (iPhone/iPod Touch) was released on August 11, 2009 and was ported Machineworks Northwest. The game employs a new engine, which uses a trademarked touch-screen system called TapShoot to allow players to lock onto and dispatch foes. An update in September 2009 made the game compatible with first and second-generation iPod Touch. It also added a new control scheme which lets players control Duke by dragging their finger around the screen.
Duke Nukem 3D (Nokia N900) was released on December 29, 2009. As shown in a MaemoWorld's video, Duke is controlled using the Qwerty keypad and touchscreen.
Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition (PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita) was released on January 6, 2015 in North America and January 7, 2015 in Europe.It is a port of the Megaton Edition released on Steam for Windows, Mac and Linux. It was developed by General Arcade for PC, ported to consoles by Abstraction Games and published by Devolver Digital. It features Cross-Buy and Cross-Play between both platforms.
My thoughts on the ports:
My original version of the game was the N64 version which is not my favorite but did have some cool features. The control scheme with the N64 controller was so comfortable and one of the few games that actually work better with that strange contraption of a controller than without.
I would use the "Left Position" as shown in the picture, which makes use of the center part of the controller by holding it like a grip, while using the Z button on the back as a trigger.
My most played version of the game is the PC version due to the ability to download new levels/enemies/weapons essentially extending the games lifespan indefinitely as I know I'll still be playing Duke 3d 20 years from now as it's simply the pinnacle of First Person Shooters to me personally. The level design remains unmatched to this day, with the only close contenders being other 90s shooters as the design philosophy of games back then was very different than it is today. My preferred means of playing is using the awesome Open Source port Eduke32 which also supports high-res textures and 3d models. This video shows a comparison of the Megaton (Steam) release VS. the port Eduke32 using High-res textures, then High-res textures and models.
https://youtu.be/llDui7BoOyI (The enemies looking blurry is because the player in that video has Texture Smoothing on which makes everything look smudged and gross, the original pixel art still holds up I assure you, here's an example without the smudged look)
The Steam release as well as GOG release includes the base game files that are used with the port so buying it on Steam or GOG will allow you to run the game using Eduke32. Just be aware that the GOG release uses Dosbox to emulate the original game rather than being a modern port as Megaton and Eduke32 are.
If people are wondering what's the simplest way to play these days you can pick it up on -
Steam - http://store.steampowered.com/app/225140/
GOG - http://www.gog.com/game/duke_nukem_3d_atomic_edition
Xbox Live for Xbox 360 - http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Duke-Nukem-3D/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d80258410901
PSN for PS3/VITA - https://store.playstation.com/#!/en-us/games/duke-nukem-3d-megaton-edition/cid=UP3643-PCSE00339_00-DUKE3DHDUSVITA00
Notes:
GOG version includes Dosbox emulation while Steam version includes Megaton port.
Both PC versions include the original game files that can be used with free port Eduke32.
PS3/PSV versions are crossbuy/crossplay and game is Vita TV compatible.
Finale Fireworker
Member
Pretty much any RPG that gets ported to a handheld. It's where they belong
This is the honest truth.
InvertedComposer
Banned
This. A lot. Atelier Rorona was pretty meh, Plus is great.
Also the Disgaea 4: A promise Revisted / Persona 3 FES / Persona 4 Golden.
Don't forgot the Chrono Trigger DS version either.
Wow, fantastic. Thanks for sharing. I'll have to try the high-res texture mods for the PC.
KatamariOnTheRocks
Member
No problem, It's my favorite game of all time hands down so I'm always glad to spread some love for it. Once I can create threads I Intend to make one that takes a more in-depth look at the differences and maybe even get a Community Project going to create a custom episode together. If you're looking for the highres just google "Duke 3d HRP" the page should come up and it also has additional music packs that replace the instruments used for the soundtrack as well as a compilation of over 60 new episodes optimized to work with Eduke32. That's 20 times as many levels as the game launched with (3 episodes with a 4th being released later inside the Plutonium PAK/Atomic Edition) Last thing I forgot to include is that the Steam release includes all the Official expansion packs as well -
Duke Caribbean: Life's a Beach - Grab your water gun and sunscreen as Duke battles vacationing aliens in beach side hotels, tropical lagoons and even a cruise ship!
Duke It Out in D.C. - Duke takes his special brand of politics to Washington D.C. to turn back the alien invasion set against the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and even FBI headquarters.
Duke: Nuclear Winter - Take a brutal walk through this winter wonderland as Duke gets into the holiday spirit by bringing the battle to the North Pole!
Mass Effect
Member
Pokemaniac
Member
After playing a bit of both versions, I think I can safely say that the Wii version of Sonic Unleashed is significantly better than the PS360 version.
Mama Robotnik
Member
Sonic The Hedgehog (Master System / Game Gear).
It doesn't have the speed of the 16-Bit Green Hill Zone, which was just not possible on the hardware. Instead, it offers a more diverse platforming experience with a good number of strengths:
(1) A world map showing Sonic's ascent to the height of South Island and beyond.
(2) More diverse level types:a sidescrolling bridge level, a vertical ascent jungle level, an underground Green Hill adventure, and a teleportation puzzle progress level.
(3) More things to find. There is a single extra-life hidden in every level, some very cleverly hidden in the tiny ringless boss levels. The Chaos Emeralds are hidden across the zones, with some clever bits of level design encouraging some exploration over blazing speed.
(4) The bosses are balanced better, as Sonic has no rings to aid him.
(5) The game has a much better climax. After hounding Doctor Robotnik out of his Scrap Brain facility, he retreats to his Sky Base and charts an escape. Sonic ascends up an array of electrified pylons to reach the airship as it departs, and makes his way to the central core. A battle takes place in an electrified arena, with Sonic slowly shattering the glass capsule protecting his nemesis. The cracks become more pronounced, and eventually shatter, and Robotnik flees is defeat.
(6) It has a proper good ending. When all the Chaos Emeralds are assembled, they launch themselves into the skies of South Island, and purify it completely of Robotnik's taint. The factories and facilities are erased by their power.
(7) The extra zones, Jungle and Sky Base, are better than some of Sonic 16-Bit's zones (Spring Yard and Marble). The zones also have a brilliant soundtrack.
So there you have it. A bit rose-tinted glasses I admit, but I bloody love the Sonic The Hedgehog (Master System and Game Gear) release.
It doesn't have the speed of the 16-Bit Green Hill Zone, which was just not possible on the hardware. Instead, it offers a more diverse platforming experience with a good number of strengths:
(1) A world map showing Sonic's ascent to the height of South Island and beyond.
(2) More diverse level types:a sidescrolling bridge level, a vertical ascent jungle level, an underground Green Hill adventure, and a teleportation puzzle progress level.
(3) More things to find. There is a single extra-life hidden in every level, some very cleverly hidden in the tiny ringless boss levels. The Chaos Emeralds are hidden across the zones, with some clever bits of level design encouraging some exploration over blazing speed.
(4) The bosses are balanced better, as Sonic has no rings to aid him.
(5) The game has a much better climax. After hounding Doctor Robotnik out of his Scrap Brain facility, he retreats to his Sky Base and charts an escape. Sonic ascends up an array of electrified pylons to reach the airship as it departs, and makes his way to the central core. A battle takes place in an electrified arena, with Sonic slowly shattering the glass capsule protecting his nemesis. The cracks become more pronounced, and eventually shatter, and Robotnik flees is defeat.
(6) It has a proper good ending. When all the Chaos Emeralds are assembled, they launch themselves into the skies of South Island, and purify it completely of Robotnik's taint. The factories and facilities are erased by their power.
(7) The extra zones, Jungle and Sky Base, are better than some of Sonic 16-Bit's zones (Spring Yard and Marble). The zones also have a brilliant soundtrack.
So there you have it. A bit rose-tinted glasses I admit, but I bloody love the Sonic The Hedgehog (Master System and Game Gear) release.
Soltype
Member
Most fun I had with a soccer game, those controls should be a standard.
A lot people passed on it because of the graphics, but it's the best version.
Both The Force Unleashed games were also better on the Wii.
I had the Sega port and played that more but I absolutely agree with you.
Same
Adam_Roman
Member
Daikatana on Gameboy Color actually told the plot in a cohesive manner.
I like the 3DS stage selection better for sure.
I know that this is a joke, but I don't think it's emphasized enough how much of a visual downgrade the PS4 version of FFVII is. Most locations in FFVII are essentially pre-rendered backgrounds. You can only do so much to prevent 320x240 backgrounds from looking too bad when oversized. To make matters worse, they are rendering 3D models in higher-resolutions, which makes character models and intractable objects stand out compared to everything else.
I doubt the PS4 version will allow to play the game in a lower-resolution, in which case it's definitely the worse, rather than the best version of Final Fantasy VII (at least you can mod the PC version, or play it in the original resolution). Nevertheless, this is a port rather than an alternate version, so, it doesn't really qualify for the thread.
Definitely. Forgotten Sands was WAY better on Wii than the 360/PS3 versions.
Platforming and exploration that utilized your acrobatic skills in very unique and varied ways with multiple solutions to reaching your objectives(the current-gen game was the same ultra linear traversal stuff seen in the previous sands trilogy). Far more open-ended with skills and abilities you can choose to upgrade too. Had some jank with the motion controls though, especially in combat, but overall it was a remarkable Wii exclusive that definitely pushed the franchise beyond its rather stale and samey confines by the 'other team'.
Splinter Cell Double Agent: Xbox Original version > > > > > 360 version.
they made a completely different campaign, a much much better campaign.
/thread
The GBA version of Spyro Eternal Night is pretty much a 2D Devil May Cry-lite.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAk45ftaMU0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAk45ftaMU0
Wreck-It Ralph
Member
The DS versions of Spider-Man: Web of Shadows and Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions.
They're 2D Metroidvanias with DMC-style character action combat.
They're 2D Metroidvanias with DMC-style character action combat.
Probotector!
IIRC, it's the exact same game, just with different models so I'm not sure that counts as an alternate version.
DiipuSurotu
Banned
TMNT IV: Turtles in Time SNES version
Goldenroad
Member
Gamecube has the better version of Twilight Princess (no waggle controls), and probably sold a lot fewer copies than the Wii version.
I prefer Sonic Colours on the DS. It's basically the Sonic Rush formula, but the wisps do make for some interesting level design. I like the console version too, but I find the DS version to be more consistently fun. None of those really short but really annoying filler levels.
Megadrive version isn't even a good game, it's just got cool sprites. Why so many people tell me it's the best version is one gaming mystery I will never solve.
Megadrive version isn't even a good game, it's just got cool sprites. Why so many people tell me it's the best version is one gaming mystery I will never solve.
Sorta Maximus
Member
SSX 3 is better than Tricky. Kinda counts even tho they are different games.
Bubbavelli
Banned
I really liked the GBA versions of the Tony Hawk games. They were isometric and did a really good job of moving most of the mechanics from the console games.
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