What's your instance on ports?

[Erik_Twice]

Do you collect them? Do you play them or you stick to MAME and emulators for the best versions?

I personally follow a simple rule: Whenever possible I want the best version of the game. If this means I have to boot MAME, so be it, but I would rather not play downgraded ports. I may do an exception for handhels, tough.

I also prefer to have only one game even if there are many sequels availble, but only if the game is based on mechanics and not level design.

What is your stance on this?

[AppleQueso]

I don't even know anymore. I like having the best version, but at the same time, there's a certain charm in many of the ports that came out in the heyday of the original arcade version.

[dunpeal2064]

Oh noes, I'm not sure I should post in this thread... oh well, too late.

I think having the best version is optimal, but there is a lot of false information floating around about the ports, and sometimes the "bset" is a really minor difference that you are playing $50-$100 for. Some games only have differences in 2nd loops, or when playing for a World Record, stuff the casual player would really never notice.

I was thinking of starting a thread about port differences, but I am not sure how to go about it.

Good thread though, can't wait to see what others have to say.

(Oh, my post pretty much applies to shmup ports. I'm not informed as to Run 'n Gun ports, Beat em Up ports, etc)

[dunpeal2064]

I don't even know anymore. I like having the best version, but at the same time, there's a certain charm in many of the ports that came out in the heyday of the original arcade version.

A good point. Some ports had to be re-worked to the point that they are their own unique game, not ports. Truxton is fun on the arcade, but its plenty fun on the Genesis too.

I'd say "Arcade-accurate" ports started with Raiden Project at the psx launch in '95. it was the fist with TATE, and the first to really bring the arcde shooting experience home. I am much more leniant with ports that came before RP, but since they did it so well, I always think ports after RP should at least be to that standard.

[MrPopo]

The ports I own are all over the place. I have the compilations I picked up because at the time having the original games wasn't feasible (Mega Man Anniversary Collection), I have Ico + SotC because I'd heard good things about both games but wasn't really interested in snagging them for the after market price and I didn't think there'd be much of a difference in the experience between a PS2 copy and a PS3 copy, I have ports like the GBA ports of the three SNES FF games which significantly add to the experience and can be considered the definitive versions, and then I have the Cave ports of their shmups because I'm not enough of a connoisseur to prefer playing them on either MAME or the original JAMMA board.

[AppleQueso]

As for non-arcade ports:

It kinda depends on what's cheaper and/or if there's any enhancements or additions. I'd probably buy the Gamecube version of Sonic Adventure 2 over the Dreamcast one, for example.

I'm weird with port compilations. I kinda prefer to keep the seperate titles seperate for whatever reason, even if it's pricier. Unless there's some big enhancement (like HD visuals or something) I usually avoid them.

[dunpeal2064]

and then I have the Cave ports of their shmups because I'm not enough of a connoisseur to prefer playing them on either MAME or the original JAMMA board.

A lot of the Cave ports are so close to accuracy that there is no reason to spend $300-$1500 on the JAMMA boards. Some of the ports could even be considered superior to the boards for several reasons.

[harper]

I usually just go by which system I'd rather have it on for collection purposes. For example, if it's between getting a game for the N64 or Dreamcast, I'll get it for the N64, if it's between the Saturn and Playstation, I'll get it for the Saturn (actually that's a bad example because I'm rarely willing to shell out the cash for US Saturn games, but I'd do that before buying for the Playstation). I realize that based on that info alone, more than likely I'd end up with the crappier version every time, but honestly I don't care. haha

[Damm64]

If we talk about arcade ports, well the only way to best played is on MAME but sometimes the port it's allmost as good or better (like TMNT 4, Sunset Riders on snes). Like i prefer Final Fight CD over the original Arcade version because of the extra options and it feels more balanced.

If the game is on a console, well usually there isn't much diference so i get the cheapest version, or ill get it on the console i like most.

[ExedExes]

I have ports like the GBA ports of the three SNES FF games which significantly add to the experience and can be considered the definitive versions

That was a major point for me to get a GBA. The processor in there compares to the SNES so there are so many SNES to GBA ports I am unaware of. I just found out *today* all 3 FF SNES games made it to GBA -- sweet