How's Your Sega MegaDrive/Genesis Gaming Going On?

[samsonlonghair]

Is there something different about the JP 6-button controller vs the US one?

was about to ask the same thing...

The Japanese pads have shorter cords and they're a little bit smaller.

[Gunstar Green]

I didn't want to bring up the which ports are better on which console because it's such a dead horse. Even as a Genesis kid I'll admit that the SNES versions are usually better due to concessions that were made.

There's a few exceptions to that rule particularly when the game was designed for the Genesis first and then ported to the SNES, but in general the SNES comes out on top with a lot of popular titles.

And as such I always thought it was best when developers just went and made two entirely different games, especially when it turned out that both are worth owning. The strongest games on the Genesis are by far its exclusives.

As for ZAMN, I don't really mind the Genesis version personally because I like the Neighbor Radar always being on the screen though the graphics and sound do take a hit (depending on your sound preference anyway). And the Genesis Sunset Riders has hookers and Indians but other than that the SNES version is the way to go .

[Erik_Twice]

I'll give you Thunderforce III, but no can do on Sunset Riders and especially not on Zombies Ate My Neighbors. Some games work better for the Genesis, but ZAMN is not one. It's a cheap port. It sounds inferior, over 1/5 of the screen is taken up by a black bar which then makes everything else look smaller. It doesn't control any better as far as I can tell.

Sorry, but that's just not true.

The play area is identical on both SNES and Mega Drive since the latter has a higher resolution. In other words, you get the same area plus the very useful radar and less clutter (No ammo counts taking up space) in the Mega Drive version.

It doesn't sound "inferior" either. The Super Nintendo has a very weak, muffled bass which is a poor fit for ZAMN's soundtrack given it's groovy approach to horror themes (This is very apparent when you can hear metallophones). It also runs into problems when it imitates the Theremin as it sounds shallow and scratchy compared to the deeper Mega Drive sound.

Compare the two versions of Zombie Panic:
SNES:

Mega Drive:


Both versions sound a bit better in person however. (In fact poor sound emulation is one the reasons why many consider the Mega Drive has a poor sound chip).

So yeah, it's a proven fact that ZAMN is better on the Mega Drive and anyone who likes the SNES version is a deluded fanboy who cries himself to sleep because his console has no blast processing

[BoneSnapDeez]

Given the choice between Genesis vs. SNES ports, I almost always choose [Genesis]. A lot of that has to do with the controls - nothing beats the [JP Mega Drive 6-button] controller in my eyes.

I play [Super Nintendo] mainly for the [decent] exclusives.

Fixed that for [me].

I just never cared for having buttons all in a line-up like that. I prefer the diamond "scattered" layout much more - on controllers like SNES, Neo Geo CD, not to mention every modern controller. I think there's a reason that's become the standard now.

Genesis controller is comfy to hold though.

Anyway I do love those classic Genesis "checkerboard" games. Been playing Sword of Vermilion.

[Mad_Hatter]

Back in the day I loved the 6 button Genesis controller. But once I started playing it again recently, I could not play with the straight-line layout when playing MK. I have small hands too, so it was a little bit of a distance for me to go from low kick (X) to high Kick (Z). I usually just change the controls though so I don't have to use Z and C as often. But I still love the way the controller fits in my hands.

I have grown to appreciate the Saturn controller because of the back buttons, which makes playing MK a whole bunch easier as I don't have to use the C and Z button at all.

Sent using Tapatalk

[AppleQueso]

To be fair, MK really isn't all that conductive to the 6 button layout.

[isiolia]

Is there something different about the JP 6-button controller vs the US one?

was about to ask the same thing...

The Japanese pads have shorter cords and they're a little bit smaller.

The MK-1470 controller that came with the Genesis 3 is also a little smaller (and has a turbo switch). Has the blue start button like the JP model as well, but the cord is the normal US length. CGR had a look at it.

Not sure how hard they are to come by, since I have mine due to buying a Genesis 3 way back when.

[Gunstar Green]

They're pretty easy to find on eBay, I'm not a fan though. The build quality is really cheap but they do get the job done.

However, many Genesis 3's actually came packed with this piece of crap. It's shaped like an original 3 button but is smaller and feels really flimsy.



Personally, I've got big hands so I use this 3rd party monster from HoneyBee because I love the size and feel of the original 3 button controller.

[samsonlonghair]

I've got big hands so I use this 3rd party monster from HoneyBee because I love the size and feel of the original 3 button controller.

Drooooooool.....

OK Gunstar, clue me in: What is the magnificent controller called, and how to I get one? I can't quite read the writing on the top.

[Gunstar Green]

Competition Pro Series III. I really love it, it's my favorite Genesis controller. It's getting a little tough to find now though. I see them pop up in England a lot for some reason.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Competition-Pro ... 461897a2cd

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Competition-Pro ... 56602d5e6b

And there is a shoulder MODE button in case you're wondering.