Welcome to Gaming in the 80s and 90s, where I talk about All things gaming from the 80s and 90s. For the debut episode, we will be taking a shallow dive into 2 / 3 different versions of the same game for the NES, the Super NES and the Sega Genesis (...and it's add-ons, too). If I feel like it, I'll do another one of these comparing other Console Versions.
Now, As everyone knows, in the 90's Nintendo of America and Sega of America were embroiled in a nasty Console War (which, I'll talk about another time). During that war, many of the same game were released for both Nintendo and Sega consoles. So, today, I'm gonna compare those versions.
Note: I'm only gonna be comparing the game versions that I'm familiar with. So if I missed comparing 2 games, that was on purpose.
Tetris - NES v. Genesis
The NES Version of Tertis is original, built from the ground up, While the Genesis version is a faithful recreation of the Arcade. Despite this, the NES version had better controls and has cameos from Nintendo's All-Star Cast. The only bad thing about the NES port is that it's only Single Player, unlike the Genesis port.
Best Version: The NES (because it controls better).
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Ghostbusters - NES v. Genesis
The NES Ghostbusters is crap. With bad sound and music, worse controls, lame gameplay, and an even lamer graphics. the ending kinda sucks too.
The Genesis Version, on the other hand, is much better. Sure, Winston Zedmore is absent and the game is hard as hell, but it completely destroys the NES game effortlessly by being what That game Wasn't.
Ghostbusters for the Genesis has way better graphics and sound, the music is great, the gameplay is good. Yeah, the ending is basic, but it's So Much Better than the NES Version.
Best Version: The Genesis (obviously!)
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Double Dragon - NES v. Genesis
The NES version of this Arcade classic was rebuilt from the ground up. While this version contains every stage from the Arcade Original, it lacks a 2-player Co-Op mode. And the Only time 2-Players can play is though the Vs. Mode. Also, because the removal of the traditional 2-player mode, the story was changed a bit by having Jimmy Lee (player 2) as the Final Boss. Still, despite all of it's flaws, Double Dragon for the NES is an iconic game and worth playing.
The Genesis Version, on the other hand, is a near perfect conversion of the Arcade, so there's that.
Best Version: The Genesis (for arcade accuracy) or The NES (for being iconic)
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Double Dragon II - NES v. Genesis
Double Dragon II for the NES Is The Best Double Dragon Game. Period. Like with it's predecessor, this game was built from the ground up, but unlike it's predecessor, the 2-player co-op mode remains intact. Also, This version has a brand new Final Boss, never seen in the Arcade original.
The Genesis version of Double Dragon II was not that iconic and Was one of the Worst selling games in the series, mainly because it was a Japanese exclusive and the Genesis was never that popular in Japan. However, it Was Arcade accurate, unlike the NES version. So there's that.
Bottom line, the NES game is the better experience, despite it not being anything like the Arcade original.
Best Version: The NES
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Strider - NES v. Genesis.
Strider for the NES is loosely based on Capcom's Arcade classic..except it was converted into a completely original adventure. Hard as hell, but original.
The Genesis Version, on the other hand, is a mostly faithful port of the Arcade. So if you want the Arcade experience, the Genesis version is for you.
Best Version: The Genesis (for arcade accuracy) or The NES (for an original adventure)
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Final Fight - SNES v. Sega CD
Final Fight on the SNES is Arcade accurate, gameplay, graphics and sound-wise. But that's all this port has going for it. Due to cart imitations at the time, Capcom was forced to cut 3 major things from this port - The Industrial Stage, it's Boss, Rolento, and the 3rd playable character, Guy. Still a good game though, just not fully Arcade accurate.
The Sega CD version is a bit slower, But has Everything from the Arcade original, plus a remastered soundtrack. It also offers more modes of play too. The Sega CD sucks, but there's no denying which port is superior.
Best Version: The Sega CD
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Street Fighter II - Turbo v. Street Fighter II - Special Champion Edition
Street Fighter II - Turbo and Street Fighter II - Special Champion Edition were ports of Street Fighter II - Hyper Fighting for the Arcade, but with added modes of play. While the SNES game is graphically better and has slightly better sound and music, the Genesis game can be played at Ludicrous Speed.
Gameplay-wise, both games are equally great.
So, Which version is best depends on how you prefer your game.
Best Version: The SNES (for a more iconic and traditional experience) or The Genesis (for playing the game with blast processing).
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Mortal Kombat - SNES v. Genesis v. Sega CD.
When Mortal Kombat was ported to the Home Consoles, Nin - Screw This, I'll tell this story another day and time.
The SNES version looked like and sounded like the Arcade original, but suffered Gameplay-wise due to censorship. The Genesis version, however, looked very little like the Arcade, but was better gameplay-wise. And didn't suffer from total censorship. Plus, the game was a bit faster too.
The Sega CD port is an enhanced version of the Genesis game, but slower. Seriously, the loading times were crap.
Best Version: The Genesis (for obvious reasons)
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Mortal Kombat II - SNES. v. Genesis v. 32X.
The SNES Version of Mortal Kombat II is the most Arcade accurate of the 3. The Genesis version is slightly faster and has cheat codes. The 32X version is just an enhanced port of the Genesis version.
Best Version: The SNES
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Mortal Kombat 3 - SNES v. Genesis
Again The SNES version is more Arcade accurate and the Genesis version is slightly faster (though a bit grainy here). Plus, Both games have cheat codes, so that's always awesome. As to which version is best? Again, the SNES wins.
Best Version: The SNES
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WWF Super WrestleMania - SNES v. Genesis
SNES is graphically and sound superior. And has more Superstars. The Genesis version has less, But Does include each Superstars finishers.
Also worth noting that each game has it's own unique roster.
Best Version: The SNES (for the graphics and sound) or The Genesis (for the superstar finishers)
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WWF Royal Rumble - SNES v. Genesis.
Again graphics and sound are the strength of the SNES version. While speed is the strength of the Genesis. Both games have the Superstars Finishing moves.
And, like with Super Wrestlemania, each version has their own roster.
Best Version: The SNES
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WWF RAW - SNES v. Genesis v. 32X
Same deal with the Royal Rumble, as both that game and this one were built on the same engine. But, unlike with the previous WWF games, RAW has the same roster for All versions. Though, the 32X port has 2 things that the SNES and the Genesis versions don't have - Lex Luget's actual theme music and Kwang as a secret character.
Other than these, the 32X version is an enhanced port of the Sega Genesis.
Best Version: SNES
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WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game - SNES v. Genesis. v. 32X
For the Super Nintendo port of this Arcade hit, The Devs got lazy and cut Yokozuna and Bam Bam Bigelow from the roster. Other than that it's a graphically better game with greater sound.
The Genesis Version, however is slightly inferior in the graphics and sound department, But has the full roster and is faster.
The 32X version is just a slightly enhanced port of the Genesis game.
Best Version: The Genesis
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Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers - SNES v. Genesis v. Sega CD
Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers for the SNES was a side-scrolling beat'em-up/platformer.
The Genesis version was a fighting game.
The SNES game lacked the Green Ranger and Dragonzord, but had an excellent soundtrack
The Genesis Version lacks a high quality soundtrack and is too short for it's own good. But, Does have the Green Ranger and Dragonzord and slightly better graphics. Plus More Zord Battles and even a Vs. Mode. And of course, the game is faster.
The Sega CD version is an FMV movie game. so Screw It.
Best Version: The Genesis (gameplay-wise, anyway).
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Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers: The Movie - SNES v. Genesis
The SNES version of Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers: The Movie is similar in style to the previous game, except you can Morph anytime during the stage if your "Morphin' Meter" is fully charged. Plus you can move up and down with the shoulder buttons. The Soundtrack is top notch and is a blast to listen to.
The Genesis Version is a Beat'em-Up similar to Streets of Rage. Gameplay wise, this game is superior and features music from the show. Plus, unlike with the SNES game, The Genesis version Actually has Zord Battles.
Best Version: The Genesis (gameplay-wise, anyway)
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Super Street Fighter II - SNES. v. Genesis.
Both versions are identical, but while the SNES version has slightly better graphics and sound, the Genesis version is faster and has one or 2 more voice samples.
Best Version: Tie
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Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 - SNES v. Genesis
Same deal as with Vanilla MK3, more or less
Best Version: The SNES
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Shaq-Fu - SNES v. Genesis.
Despite having better graphics and sound, the SNES version of Shaq-Fu is inferior, with it's slower gameplay, not-so great controls, and the lack of the full roster. Plus the story mode lacks a bunch of stages, thanks to not having all 12 characters.
Genesis version, on the other hand, Has the full roster, every stage, slightly better controls, faster gameplay, and a fleshed out story mode.
Best Version: The Genesis (obviously!)
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Kirby's Avalanche v. Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (Bonus!!!)
Both games are western conversions of Puyo Puyo, a Japanese puzzle game. While, Kirby's Avalance has better graphics and sound, Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine is a bit faster and is more Iconic.
Best Version: The Genesis.
And That's about it, for now. I Really hope you enjoyed these comparisons. stay tuned for more fun content. Until then, Punch a Nazi, Kick a Commie, Resist Modern Attitudes and Stay Gold.
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