Saturn Ports of SNK Fighters VS. Neo Geo CD

[Ben]

I thought I would throw this question out there, because I've been searching (via google) and getting a lot of contradictory answers, and had a lot of luck when I asked about Saturn arcade sticks here on Racketboy. So, in general (I know that's not fair, but bear with me here) how do the ports of SNK fighters on the Saturn fare compared to the Neo Geo CD versions? The reason I ask is because I just bought a HSS-0130 arcade stick which works with the PSX, Neo Geo AES/CD and Saturn, and after looking into it the Neo Geo CD versions of the games sell for comparable (sometimes cheaper) prices than their Saturn counterparts. I have already collected all of the U.S. released fighters and all of the Capcom imports, but I have next to nothing in SNK games for my Saturn. Obviously I know the AES versions are ideal, but I just can't afford to invest in those cartridges right now (maybe ever), but I could spring for a used Neo Geo CD console with just a controller in maybe another month.

So to sum it up, I think I'm asking:
1. How noticeable is the difference between the Neo Geo CD and the Saturn in terms of the port quality 1st, and also loading times second. Obviously if it's negligible I won't bother, but if it's a really big difference I might be inclined since I want the SNK games and right now only own KOF 97 on the Saturn (plus this console would open me up to some games that never received Saturn ports). Also, if there are any SNK fanatics with Saturn experience as well, how different is the original Neo Geo CD to the CDZ, in terms of load times (and how does the CDZ fare against the Saturn)?

2. Given it would take around a $150 investment, is the difference (if there really is any) worth the price of admission?

Thanks again for taking the time to deal with a n00b like myself here.

[jay_red]

I cant comment on the quality of SNK fighters on the Saturn, but I can say that all the complains of load times on the NGCD are 100% true when it comes to fighters. Other games are ok, but with fighters they were almost unplayable. Playing Kinf of Fighters (dont remember the year) it had to load between each round! Then after the round it had to load the victory screen, the load the next match. It broke the flow of the game so bad I completely decided against fighters when I had the NGCD.