Metroid 2 Remake AM2R Released!

[marurun]

Despite reduced resolution, the GBA is much more capable graphically than the SNES. No competition, here. In the audio department, the main problem isn't CPU load but a crap DAC. It can process SNES-quality samples, but when they're output to analog they get totally crushed. Basically, that one component screws up everything.

[samsonlonghair]

Having trouble with the GBA digital-to-analog converter? The answer to this question (much like the answer to all questions in life) is the GBplayer. This way you can utilize the GCN's digital-to-analog converter. Route that audio straight to your stereo. You'd be surprised how good these games sound - especially zero mission. Drill Dozer also sounds awesome this way. Beautiful stereo sound can be found if you utilize the GBplayer.

[marurun]

Do GBA games sound better on a DS as well?

[Xeogred]

Disgusting:


Looks way harder than a Super speedrun.

[samsonlonghair]

Do GBA games sound better on a DS as well?

Can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not.

I recommend the Game Boy Player for the best audio.

[casterofdreams]

I think that's a legitimate question. The DS has the support for stereo out due to two speakers (obviously). The GBA only had this feature with stereo head phones or external speakers. The DS Lite had improved sound over the DS Phat.

I don't know much about hardware sound but to me (someone who knows close to nothing about sound) having sound go from mono to stereo is an improvement in my eyes (or ears).

[Tanooki]

Despite reduced resolution, the GBA is much more capable graphically than the SNES. No competition, here. In the audio department, the main problem isn't CPU load but a crap DAC. It can process SNES-quality samples, but when they're output to analog they get totally crushed. Basically, that one component screws up everything.

Damn right it is, that's why I really dislike people taking shots at the old bird. That little handheld may have been a little bit gimped without dedicated audio, but if you find a game with an overly competent designer at the helm not saddled with crappy developer (bean counter) baggage playing against their attentions magic can occur.

It's very fair and has been in my book to call the GBA the bastard child of the SNES and the Saturn. Neither of them a 3D system nor is the GBA. All of them with some various shortcoming, but similar outputs in some aspect or another between them all. Sure it's a crude statement but fairly valid. GBA behaves often like the SNES minus the audio quality, but it also very much so has some Saturn flavor to it as well -- far more sprites on screen, more than one layer of rotation(mode7) effects among others, and largely so the ability to cough up impressive software rendered 3D polygonal terrains and objects. The 3D itself is even made similarly enough it has the same negative tearing/distortion effect Saturn games get near the screen edge (compare V-Rally 3 to Sega Rally.) GBA can also so more colors than SNES like Saturn too, and is FMV capable which SNES really never was at retail.


Very solid and grateful to the AM2R dev'r to keep up support and put them out offsite despite the IP tactics of Nintendo. Get it while it's hot before begging is necessary to find it.

[Tanooki]

Double post, that question... yes GBA audio is superior on the DS, in particular the Lite. After years of sitting on the identical speakers they finally decided to (or the maker quit doing sourcing the parts) go with a slightly better speaker -- plus you got 2 while the GBA itself always just had one. Externally not via headphones the GBA audio on system improved on the DS and DS Lite. It still didn't do any better with a nicer DAC setup or more beefier parts of the DS line. All said though, and it has, the best audio sourcing is the GB Player via GC.

[Xeogred]

Looks like I replayed Fusion in 2014... I'm a little tempted to replay it again since I still need more Metroid haha. Not sure if I have time for any of the Prime games right now though. But Fusion I've only beaten I would say, probably about 3 times, so it's still rather fresh when I go back to it. Super on the other hand I could probably map out entirely by hand.

[casterofdreams]

Tanooki: the best game I feel on the GBA is the Golden Sun series graphically speaking. There is no way a game like that could have ever been produced on the SNES. All those effects from the attacks and the summons! Eye candy for sure.