Definitive Fighting Game Versions!

[foxhound1022]

Hmm. AFAIK, some of the JP versions of AES fighters are very inexpensive. I know Fatal Fury Special can be obtained for around $20, so IDK.

Good point. But then hardware is a tad expensive too no? Much like a good friend of mine, I see myself investing in consolizing an MVS and purchasing software for it which is even more affordable than importing AES titles.

Yes, the hardware is a bit salty; but from what I've looked at, a legit CMVS setup is even more expensive than that. You can get a JP AES for around $200, while a good, solid CMVS setup costs about $300-$400. Then the Analogue Interactive CMVS Slims are even more expensive; but those things are just absolutely gorgeous, and I know a few guys who can attest to the quality of the work put into them.

But, when weighing the costs of quality titles, the MVS versions are infinitely cheaper, so the initial investment will be evened out by the potential cost incurred later.

[isiolia]

Do the AES ports of the SNK fighters not apply?

I believe the OP specifically mentions AES does not qualify. Why that is, don't know.

Perhaps because AES is basically arcade perfect in just about every respect due to its identical tech to the MVS platform, or maybe because the format is rather cost prohibitive for the average gamer.

We are talking about definitive home versions in relation to arcade accuracy, correct?

This is the real question that deserves a bit of clarity from the OP... especially when I look at DOA2 U on the list and yet no DC port of DOA2 which is arguably the purest, MOST accurate to its arcade brethren in visuals, gameplay, content, you name it.

Perhaps modifying the list to include a sentence or three explaining the choices presented might serve to address those concerns and more. It's not like you, or others, are highlighting particular versions arbitrarily, and a lot of the little details make for a good read.

I think a lot of it is hard to do universally - not every fighter has an arcade version, and there are plenty of official emulated versions now (which are listed). I would say to include AES versions when appropriate, just with the caveat of having a next best option included as well. For a handful, might a later port actually be superior? Thinking of KoF 98 Ultimate Match as an example.

Of course, if things need to stick to the format that the list is in now, it might be harder. Could still maybe do some sort of standard distinction though.

[CD AGES]

Perhaps modifying the list to include a sentence or three explaining the choices presented might serve to address those concerns and more. It's not like you, or others, are highlighting particular versions arbitrarily, and a lot of the little details make for a good read.

I think a lot of it is hard to do universally - not every fighter has an arcade version, and there are plenty of official emulated versions now (which are listed). I would say to include AES versions when appropriate, just with the caveat of having a next best option included as well. For a handful, might a later port actually be superior? Thinking of KoF 98 Ultimate Match as an example.

Of course, if things need to stick to the format that the list is in now, it might be harder. Could still maybe do some sort of standard distinction though.

Can only speak for myself. I like this suggestion! Hoping the OP can seriously take it into consideration.

Actually, with the exception of DS Chronicle, GG, MKT, SC III, DOA 3 and 4, every game on the list has been released for arcade. I'm only assuming here, but perhaps these fell into the cracks as the OP may have assumed they had a proper arcade release (otherwise, what's the reason behing the absence of MK5 thruough 7 or the KOF MI series?). KoF 98 UM should be listed as it own seprate game from 98 and not listed as one for each to compete for definitive entry, (the arcade market and the dedicated community to the actual games treat them as such. It's only natural that we do the same).

I agree completely. The format to this list must be thorough in what it's trying to accomplish and what fighters qualify to be added to the list wether titles that have graced the arcade market or not. This is mainly the reason why I have ONLY taken the liberty to correct and suggest on material already present on the list and not actually expand it with some very obvious omissions that the list currently has (GG Isuka, Last Blade Series, Cap Fighting Jam, GGXX Slash, Sam Sho Sen, Garou, and so on). I cannot until it's completely stated what the clear direction of the list is.

[foxhound1022]

See, that's another valid point: Are we talking about definitive as in relation to fixed bugs, character balancing issues, etc.
So as in being the most playable versions?

Or is definitive meant by closest to the original arcade port/console release as possible?

I'm unclear on this myself.

[CD AGES]

Here's hoping it's the latter

[vlame]

closest to arcade

[CD AGES]

Good to hear!

With that said though, what becomes of those games I mentioned that are on the list but never had an actual coin-op release...???

[vlame]

you tell me, i hand you the list.

[skate323k137]

If we're going closest to arcade, i vote that the DC version of Dead or Alive 2 (maybe LE) needs to be on here. It's a NAOMI game, and a dreamcast is just a NAOMI with a little less ram here and there. The ports are usually spot-on.

[isiolia]

If we're going closest to arcade, i vote that the DC version of Dead or Alive 2 (maybe LE) needs to be on here. It's a NAOMI game, and a dreamcast is just a NAOMI with a little less ram here and there. The ports are usually spot-on.

Isn't the only difference with LE the cover art?

Personally I think it'd be better to expand things out past arcade conversions simply for the sake of being comprehensive. As I mentioned in a prior post, allowing for a short comment or rationale could also mean suggesting different versions based on different qualifications. For example, from what I understand from the Hardcoregaming101 article and such, the U.S. DC DOA2 release would be closest to the original arcade release, JP DC DOA2 release would be closest to the second/final arcade release, and the XBox DOA2 Ultimate would be the definitive release for additional content and graphics.

Games that never saw an arcade release may still be better on a particular console, region, rerelease, etc, thus restricting the scope/usefulness of the list. Wouldn't it be more ideal to have a go-to "which version should I buy" list for the genre in general? Non-arcade releases aren't a new thing - stuff like Weaponlord, Eternal Champions, and Clay Fighter were home-only as well.