Is PSX Symphony of the Night still the definitive version?

[Gamerforlife]

I have no idea why people would think the PSP version is better. It's pretty bastardized, has some bizarre bugs and is far too easy. Having IGA to produce the PSP version probably has a lot to do with the inferior changes to the game. What IGA has to say doesn't interest me -- without Toru Hagihara, Castlevania has quite simply never been the same. Castlevania under Hagihara brought us Rondo and SOTN. Under IGA, there has never been another to match it.

/slightly off-topic

I never encountered any bugs while playing, and never heard of any reason whatsoever that the PSP version is bastardized. It's actually harder than other versions. They removed the money glitch that allowed players to get money without earning it in the PSX version and they toned down Maria significantly from the overpowered version of her that was in the Saturn version

In my opinion, it's better than the PSX version because it has:

1. A better english dub
2. An option for japanese audio and subtitles if you just can't be bothered with english dubs. Frankly, this is my preferred way of playing and I applaud any japanese game that comes localized with an option for the original japanese
3. The familars missing from the original North American PSX version
4. A BALANCED Maria, unlike her broken Saturn counterpart
5. A quick save
6. New boss fight against Maria
7. New narration for Alucard's intro
8. One of the familiars can sing an english lyric version of Nocturne
9. The item placements matches the japanese PSX version
10. New attack if you should Iron Shield with the Shield Rod
11. Better end credit theme song

Essentially, the PSP version is the most complete version of the game. However, I can understand if one is simply a purist and won't accept any changes to the original Playstation version

Koji was actually involved in the making of SOTN and there have been great Castlevania games since he's been in charge like Dawn of Sorrow, Aria of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, Order of Ecclesia, etc. and the love letter to fans that is Dracula X Chronicles. He gave us a United States release of Rondo on PHYSICAL media no less, an awesome remake of it to boot(which an extra boss fight), and an improved version of SOTN all in one affordable package. Essentially, a souped up Collector's edition of arguably the two best games in the franchise. He's awesome in my book

[Veno]

Another one for the PSP version. The revised english dub alone makes it my favorite version, an older Maria who plays like her younger self is a bonus. I've always wanted to try the Saturn's overpowered Maria though.

[Breetai]

I'm with Irixith here. I have not played the 360 version, but have the PS1 (US), PS1 (JP), Saturn, PSP and PSN (which is the same as the PS1) versions.

I have beat the PS1 (US) version over a dozen times (more if you just count the first castle), the PS1 (JP) version a few times, the Saturn version twice and the PSP version once. The PSP version is noticeably different from the PS1, and Irixith has laid out the details already. If I play it on my PSP, I play the PSN/PS1 version. I like the Saturn version, but it is definitely a bit stretched out, the map thing is annoying, there are a few more loading screens and the effects are downgraded.

PS1 version is the best.

[Gamerforlife]

I'm with Irixith here. I have not played the 360 version, but have the PS1 (US), PS1 (JP), Saturn, PSP and PSN (which is the same as the PS1) versions.

I have beat the PS1 (US) version over a dozen times (more if you just count the first castle), the PS1 (JP) version a few times, the Saturn version twice and the PSP version once. The PSP version is noticeably different from the PS1, and Irixith has laid out the details already

Actually, she didn't, and neither have you. What's so bad about the PSP version? All she did is point some minor differences but nothing at all that would lead one to believe that the PSP is, as she put it, "bastardized"

My post pointed out how many nice additions and improvements the PSP version has

I know I'm being a bit argumentative, but I am a big fan of SOTN and I firmly believe that the PSP version is definitive and I've listed all the reasons why

[Breetai]

Actually, she didn't, and neither have you. What's so bad about the PSP version? All she did is point some minor differences but nothing at all that would lead one to believe that the PSP is, as she put it, "bastardized"

My post pointed out how many nice additions and improvements the PSP version has

I know I'm being a bit argumentative, but I am a big fan of SOTN and I firmly believe that the PSP version is definitive and I've listed all the reasons why

"Bastardized", "bugs" and "too easy." Okay, you are right. They were generalizations.

So, here are a few things I don't like in the PSP version.

-The new voice acting. I understand that is a matter of taste. Still, some of the most classic lines that SotN is known for have been changed. How is that definitive?
-It is an unlockable in another game. You cannot just buy this and play it. You must play though a bastardized (haha) version of Rondo of Blood in order to unlock SotN. Then, to play it later, you have to load Rondo and then SotN. I'd rather just download the PSN version and load up ONE game if I want SotN on my PSP. Not only that, but it's on a portable console. To play on a TV, you have to make sure your PSP is a version that has component output. You have to buy the cable. Make sure you are using a new enough TV to support it (plenty of people play their games on old CRTs with no component!), and then play it on the PSP instead of using a regular controller. Yes, you can plug in a PS3 controller to the PSP, but that is just another step in an already growing number of steps to play an unlockable portable game on your TV. How on earth can anyone consider that to be a definitive version of a game?
-The ending song was changed. Why? How does that make it the definitive version?
-The two useless familiars from the Saturn version were added. Who actually uses these?



Of course, in the end, SotN is still SotN. It's all fun.

[Ziggy]

Not only that, but it's on a portable console. To play on a TV, you have to make sure your PSP is a version that has component output. You have to buy the cable. Make sure you are using a new enough TV to support it (plenty of people play their games on old CRTs with no component!), and then play it on the PSP instead of using a regular controller. Yes, you can plug in a PS3 controller to the PSP, but that is just another step in an already growing number of steps to play an unlockable portable game on your TV. How on earth can anyone consider that to be a definitive version of a game?

This is my main complaint. It's a portable, that says it all. You also forgot to mention that even when you hook the PSP up to a TV it will look like shit. The picture doesn't take up the entire screen and it's all blurry.

[Rurouni_Fencer]

PS1 version. Hands down.

[dsheinem]

. You also forgot to mention that even when you hook the PSP up to a TV it will look like shit. The picture doesn't take up the entire screen and it's all blurry.

via component on a decent sdtv or hdtv it doesn't look bad at all

[Ziggy]

Maybe "looks like shit" was a little harsh. It doesn't look bad, but it's not great. And the picture isn't full screen.

[GameMasterGuy]

Maybe "looks like shit" was a little harsh. It doesn't look bad, but it's not great. And the picture isn't full screen.

Certainly isn't as good as the PS1 version, and that's all that matters in this argument.