Saturn Castlevania SOTN, what region is the best version?

[Anthony817]

Like the title says. I am trying to find the best version of the game. I hear people say the Japanese version is superior, but if so, by how much?

Also, is there an English text option or a mod of the game anywhere that does that?

I am trying to find it for a guy that either just got his Saturn, or is about to get one. , and I can't find ANY version of that game at Theisozone, or Snesorama, its like nobody bothered to upload one of the best games in the series for the Sega Saturn there, so I am wanting to fix that problem.

Also, I am guessing, if I get the Japanese version, I would have to patch it for NTSCU, as I can't locate my 4MB Gameshark cart and my system is not modded other than for the door lever activator thing is tied down on the inside to allow me to do disc swap.

Sorry for all the noobish questions, I only recently got another Saturn for the first time since 2002, and I only burnt 6 games for it since I got it last month.

[spiritplx]

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I do believe that it was only released in Japan, so that would be the best release for the Saturn.

Satakore says it's a Japanese exclusive, and it seems to be fairly accurate.

I know it's mentioned in the link above, but it was called Dracula X for the Saturn, so perhaps that's why you can't find an image of it?

[corn619]

If you have a PSP I suggest you try Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles. It has all the bonus content that was on the Saturn, but the PSX version was missing and has oodles of extras not found in any version. Plus its in English and has a new translation & voiceovers. It includes SOTN and a remake of Rondo of Blood + the original version released on the TG-16. It really is the definitive version. Also, spiritplx is correct the Saturn version of SOTN was only released in Japan, so I guess the Japanese version is the best version on the Saturn.

[Anthony817]

Ok thanks guys, I must have gotten it confused along the way somewhere that it was released in all regions.

[Gamerforlife]

Yeah, ditta with what's been said. Saturn version is Japan only and the Dracula X Chronicles version is the definitive and best one

[Breetai]

Between the PS1 and Saturn versions, I honestly prefer the PS1 version. I have beaten both numerous times in both English and Japanese.

I have never played through the PSP version.

[abeaver]

Just to be clear, the PSP version of SotN included with Dracula X Chronicles is not a port of the Saturn version, it is a port of the Playstation version with its own unique features. While it does feature Maria, she does not behave like she does in the Saturn version. She doesn't even use the same sprites, they were redrawn. Also, the PSP version does not suffer from the problems the Saturn did (lack of transparency in some cases, botched animations and effects), but it also does not include the extra areas in the Saturn version either.

It really just boils down to personal preference. I just prefer the Saturn version because I like the controller. If you don't mind playing it on a portable, I would suggest getting Dracula X Chronicles just because it's probably the cheapest and the original Rondo and its remake are excellent.

Did I make any sense?

[AdamGomez1987]

Between the PS1 and Saturn versions, I honestly prefer the PS1 version. I have beaten both numerous times in both English and Japanese.

I have never played through the PSP version.

I am curious how you feel that way for. Is it the controller, the game itself? What made the PS1 more preferrable to you over the Saturn?

[AdamGomez1987]

Just to be clear, the PSP version of SotN included with Dracula X Chronicles is not a port of the Saturn version, it is a port of the Playstation version with its own unique features. While it does feature Maria, she does not behave like she does in the Saturn version. She doesn't even use the same sprites, they were redrawn. Also, the PSP version does not suffer from the problems the Saturn did (lack of transparency in some cases, botched animations and effects), but it also does not include the extra areas in the Saturn version either.

It really just boils down to personal preference. I just prefer the Saturn version because I like the controller. If you don't mind playing it on a portable, I would suggest getting Dracula X Chronicles just because it's probably the cheapest and the original Rondo and its remake are excellent.

Did I make any sense?

I heard Dracula X Chronicles was no good and the reason why anyone got that game was for the sole purpose of getting Symphony of the Night..lol

[abeaver]

Haha, seriously? That honestly amazes me. I wouldn't be surprised if those people just found the game too hard and blamed the game itself. The game is indeed challenging, and it kicked my ass up and down when I first played it, but it is not unfair. Also the visuals are beautiful. I love how the sprites are so vivid and colorful and the backgrounds use a lot of black, which creates contrast in turn making the colors pop more. I have a tough time deciding if I like Rondo or IV better.