Retro Video Gamer

Not one of the usual argument threads you see on most forums but a proper comparison between the 2 machines:

I present to you exhibit #1 - Ballblazer by Lucasfilm

Quick Clips - Atari 7800 - 003 - Ballblazer (//http)
7800 version

Ballblazer *NES* (//http)
NES version

There's no comparison here.  The NES is pathetic when put side by side with the 7800.

Quote from: "TrekMD"There's no comparison here.  The NES is pathetic when put side by side with the 7800.

The 7800 certainly wins this round very easily!!!

Hope to see more comparisons between these two systems.

Quote from: "onthinice"Hope to see more comparisons between these two systems.

I will put up a new one tomorrow!

Thanks Laird!

Quote from: "TrekMD"The NES is pathetic

Selective quoting at its best! 

Well I am guessing that we are calling that 1-0 to the 7800?

So let's take a look at another game that appears on both systems - Xenophobe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T00aTXlvRjQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T00aTXlvRjQ)
Nintendo Entertainment System

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUtGId83M-8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUtGId83M-8)
Atari 7800

I like how they are different enough that at least for me I would play both versions.

Quote from: "onthinice"I like how they are different enough that at least for me I would play both versions.

Hmmmm . . . .

I personally think the 7800 version looks (and plays) much better than the NES version!

I was torn the 7800 looked better but the Nes had better sound.

Harder choice here.  I prefer how the game looks on the 7800 because it is more colorful than on the NES.  Sounds are more refined on the NES, which is not surprising given the lack of POKEY sound on this game for the 7800.

Right that's two games so far and its 2-0 to the 7800 for me. What about you guys?

Next game on the list is Tower Toppler / Castelian

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i3eKZd1pPM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i3eKZd1pPM)
Atari 7800

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXVy6XumttI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXVy6XumttI)
Nintendo Entertainment System

Apologies for the rubbish 7800 video but it's the only one on You Tube 

I prefer how it looks on the 7800.  The only thing that is a bit better is the main character on NES because the eyes are white.   

Quote from: "TrekMD"I prefer how it looks on the 7800.  The only thing that is a bit better is the main character on NES because the eyes are white. 

The 3D effect is much better on the 7800, the tower appears to actually rotate where as on the NES it looks like it scrolls. The NES is also missing the impressive bonus stages from the 7800.

So, 3 for 3 7800 so far. 

Forgot about this thread 

Here is another game - Namco's Galaga

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NNdoiF8Xyo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NNdoiF8Xyo)
NES version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gedgp7q8ggs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gedgp7q8ggs)
7800 Version

I have to give this one to the NES.  The programmer made better use of screen space and the ship looks arcade-authentic.  I'm not sure why the 7800 version got a squished version of the ship. 

Quote from: "TrekMD"I have to give this one to the NES.  The programmer made better use of screen space and the ship looks arcade-authentic.  I'm not sure why the 7800 version got a squished version of the ship.

Yeah I agree, the NES version is surprisingly good. I still love the 7800 port though.

Quote from: "The Laird"

Quote from: "TrekMD"I have to give this one to the NES.  The programmer made better use of screen space and the ship looks arcade-authentic.  I'm not sure why the 7800 version got a squished version of the ship.

Yeah I agree, the NES version is surprisingly good. I still love the 7800 port though.

Gameplay on the 7800 version is accurate, so on that point, it is as good a version. 

NES hands down... Simply as that.

For me its 7800 3-1 NES thus far

As a Nintendo fan, I'll take this thread as a challenge to try to tip the scales in the NES's favor.

So, here's Mario Brothers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UETpUyZqSRQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UETpUyZqSRQ)
7800

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGokPrezut8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGokPrezut8)
NES

Graphics are a lot closer to the arcade version, and the sounds on the NES version are a lot less annoying, at least in my own opinion.

I would expect this game to be a lot better being that it was by Nintendo in the first place.

I do think the 7800 version actually has better animation then the NES one and there is nothing in the graphics really. The NES version does have much better sound, I would like to call it a draw on this one but if I have to choose the NES just edges it.

Yeah I think the NES just about tips the scale on this one personally.

What tips it over to the NES for me is the sound.  Visually both versions are great, so that doesn't do it.  I think they are pretty evenly matched insofar as looks. 

OK, here's one I think is going to be a bit more of a challenge:

Double Dragon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omNFlCVbfTc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omNFlCVbfTc)
7800

In the interest of fairness, I will say first off that this version actually lets you play with two players, while the NES version does not. On the other hand, you have to deal with the constantly looping background music, the much tinier sprites, and the controls.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfTzSNGtQ18 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfTzSNGtQ18)
NES

While the 7800 tried to port the arcade game as closely as it could, the NES version does more of its own thing, which may be a plus or minus in your book. There's now an experience systems where you drop old moves to get newer, better ones. There's sadly no two-player co-op, but you do have the option to do a two-player fight where you can play as either Billy or five different enemy characters. The graphics and music are much nicer, too.

Quote from: "Bobinator"OK, here's one I think is going to be a bit more of a challenge:

Double Dragon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omNFlCVbfTc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omNFlCVbfTc)
7800

In the interest of fairness, I will say first off that this version actually lets you play with two players, while the NES version does not. On the other hand, you have to deal with the constantly looping background music, the much tinier sprites, and the controls.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfTzSNGtQ18 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfTzSNGtQ18)
NES

While the 7800 tried to port the arcade game as closely as it could, the NES version does more of its own thing, which may be a plus or minus in your book. There's now an experience systems where you drop old moves to get newer, better ones. There's sadly no two-player co-op, but you do have the option to do a two-player fight where you can play as either Billy or five different enemy characters. The graphics and music are much nicer, too.

This was actually going to be the next game I was going to post! You just beat me to it!

For me this is a win for the 7800 purely because its an actual conversion of the arcade game. I hate the NES version with it stupid move system, mini-game sub levels and one-player only gameplay. Also the NES version only features 2 (yes 2!) bad guys on screen at one time and still has atrocious sprite flicker! Also some of the backgrounds on the NES version look terrible. The NES wins in the sound department with better music but its no where near enough to save it for me.

4-2 to the 7800 on my score card

I'm with Laird on this one.  Even if the characters don't look as detailed as they do on the NES version (not sure why Activision didn't make the characters more detailed - hey, let's interview whoever programmed the game!), the game is a more accurate port of the arcade game. 

I own the Nes version. So that makes my choice clear.

I say 7800. That Nes port is awful!

Up next it's the classic monster masher Rampage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LEHAQq4eKk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LEHAQq4eKk)
NES Version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcOE3Sn_ov0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcOE3Sn_ov0)
7800 Version

Another win for the 7800 for me.

I prefer the look of the graphics and that NES version has terrible sprite flicker, parts of your main sprite just vanish!

What is with that crappy music too? Not needed at all!

No way lol. The NES version is way better.

Quote from: "zapiy"No way lol. The NES version is way better.

You have been smoking too much crack!

5-2 to the 7800 for me - what are everyone else's scores so far?

4-3 to the Atari...

Sega Master System hands down. You get all three monsters.

If I have to choose I say Nes.

Quote from: "onthinice"Sega Master System hands down. You get all three monsters.

If I have to choose I say Nes.

You get the three monsters on the 7800 version as well.  :)

That is cool! That is the version I do not own. The Nes game is really good but without all 3 choices. I always played the SMS version.

If the SMS was in this battle too then I would give to that as the version of Rampage on the Sega 8-bit is bloody excellent. But as its not you can't vote for it  :-

You busted my bubble!

Ok so let's have a look at another game - the classic arcade game KLAX

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpZto79KTQM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpZto79KTQM)
NES Version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVABzpuClM8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVABzpuClM8)
7800 Version

I prefer the graphics on the 7800 but the sound on the NES is much better.  This game would have needed a POKEY chip on the 7800 to really do it justice.  I actually have this cart but I can't play it on my 7800.  It refuses to work. 

Quote from: "TrekMD"I prefer the graphics on the 7800 but the sound on the NES is much better.  This game would have needed a POKEY chip on the 7800 to really do it justice.  I actually have this cart but I can't play it on my 7800.  It refuses to work.

I always thought it was strange you couldn't get this working 

But yes the sound on the 7800 is terrible  >:(

Still despite that the 7800 wins for me as it looks far far better and is much more like the arcade game.

Quote from: "The Laird"

Quote from: "TrekMD"I prefer the graphics on the 7800 but the sound on the NES is much better.  This game would have needed a POKEY chip on the 7800 to really do it justice.  I actually have this cart but I can't play it on my 7800.  It refuses to work.

I always thought it was strange you couldn't get this working 

But yes the sound on the 7800 is terrible  >:(

Still despite that the 7800 wins for me as it looks far far better and is much more like the arcade game.

Well, it is a prototype, after all.  Maybe there were plans for POCKEY sound that never materialized.  It would be fantastic if someone completed it taking advantage of the XM!

I have no idea why my 7800 refuses to play this game.  I am waiting for the special 25th anniversary edition version to see if it works!  Of course, that is delayed as it is waiting for the XM to get finished! 

This one for me is a Draw. They are equally doing good on some aspects..but the NES has better graphics, look at the still image, much smoother edges..

I've got to ask, just so I know where you're all coming from, what makes you keep saying that the 7800 looks better, most of the time? Now, I'm not saying that it has some bad looking graphics, I'd just like to hear your own opinions. Personally, I do appreciate that it has its own kind of distinctive look to it, kind of chunky, kind of 'large', with a lot of dark colors. That, and I imagine that the lack of sprite filter has something to do with it, as well.

On topic, what if we switched gears a little bit? What if we were to compare The Legend of Zelda and Midnight Mutants? That'd be a lot more difficult, I'd say... oh, too bad we don't have anybody who could load them both up and have people compare in real time...

Yeah i wondered that, i think Trek and Laird need glasses lol...

Quote from: "zapiy"This one for me is a Draw. They are equally doing good on some aspects..but the NES has better graphics, look at the still image, much smoother edges..

We are not looking at still images here we are looking at the games in action. You also have to take into account that with YouTube the games often won't look the same as real hardware because of the capture device and or camera. Whatever quality they choose when they uploaded them also makes a difference.

The 7800 has 2 different resolutions that it can work from, one is much higher but displays less colours and the other one is a bit lower than the NES but can display more colours. In either mode it shifts sprites like a motherfucker, you will never ever see sprite flicker in a 7800 game where as in some NES games it is so bad it makes them almost unplayable.

I honestly don't see how you could ever say that NES Klax looks better graphically, especially when you watch the whole video and see the different backgrounds. The perspective is also wrong on the NES version too - that ramp is too steep.

Going back to a point Bobinator made the colours on the 7800 are certainly not dark, it has a larger colour palatte than the NES which, in my opinion, has the much darker more muddy looking colours. That said 7800 colours often appear much darker than they really are when emulators are used which may cause some of the problems. Look at Rampage - the colours on the 7800 version are clearly much brighter.

Me and Trek are both Atari fans so its normal for a little bias to sneek in but I think we have both been pretty fair so far. At the end of the day I posted this thread so EVERYONE could decide for themselves and we could have a bit of banter about it. Everyone can post their scores and then at the end we will add up the scores posted and give a final verdict, it's all good fun.

That said, for me, the 7800 is winning 6-2 

Quote from: "Bobinator"On topic, what if we switched gears a little bit? What if we were to compare The Legend of Zelda and Midnight Mutants? That'd be a lot more difficult, I'd say... oh, too bad we don't have anybody who could load them both up and have people compare in real time... ;)

Same game is the only fair way to do it.

I think Laird provided an excellent explanation.  A game is more than just graphics and, while the NES may have better graphics on some of the examples shown, how does the actual gameplay compare to the arcade, is there flicker, etc. 

Let's take a look at another game then shall we, this time its the Data East arcade classic Burger Time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWCUSs7Oyk4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWCUSs7Oyk4)
NES Version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH26jpHIRDo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH26jpHIRDo)
7800 Version (skip to 3:00)

Both of these versions are good.  The NES compromises by altering the colors and, to some degree, the design of the mazes but  has more arcade perfect characters.  The 7800 has compromises by doing characters that are not as detailed as on the arcade but keeps the mazes pretty much identical to the arcade.  Music is good on both (as are the other sounds), even if the music does play slower on the 7800 port.  This is more of a tie but I'm letting my Atari bias choose the 7800 port. 

Yeah I have to say that this is the hardest one to call yet. Like you say the NES version edges it on sprites but the 7800 version has the more faithful level design. They are equal on sound because the 7800 cart has a POKEY chip in it. I would say a draw too but as I have to choose a winner then I go for the 7800 version because its more faithful to the arcade game and has difficulty levels unlike the NES version.

I do not know about the 7800 version but the Nes gameplay is fast pace.

Quote from: "onthinice"I do not know about the 7800 version but the Nes gameplay is fast pace.

The 7800 version has several levels to choose from.  Believe me, on the expert mode it is very fast paced! 

They both look good so I will call it a draw.

Ok next up is EA's One-On-One Basketball, the 7800 version features "Dr. J" Julius Erving and Larry Bird while the NES version swaps Dr. J for legendary Michael Jordan. Is this game to turn the tables in this battle?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpjglPE7XDY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpjglPE7XDY)
NES Version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T_OG7x4Ht4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T_OG7x4Ht4)
7800 Version

Only one clear winner on that one NES wins easily..

This one goes to the NES.  I don't think the programming effort for this game on the 7800 is as good as it could have been.

Quote from: "zapiy"Only one clear winner on that one NES wins easily..

Agreed, easy win there for the NES.

My score:   7800 7-3 NES

Ok time for the next game . . . .

Winter Games - By Epyx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6ZTa-iUE_o (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6ZTa-iUE_o)
NES Version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq6DwihzDAc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq6DwihzDAc)
7800 Version

I'd have to give it to the Atari, the sound seems better, and the graphics a little more detailed, although it looks as if the NES version they did smooth the jaggies a little.

I'm going with the 7800 on this one. 

Yes, easy win for the 7800 on this one I think.

8-3 to the Atari machine for me so far!

Never played either version. I like the look of the 7800.

Let's take a look at another game, this time it's Donkey Kong Junior:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWQqx3071dU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWQqx3071dU)
Atari 7800

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpO562WRLCg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpO562WRLCg)
Nintendo NES

DK Jr. is easily a toss up between the two. 

I will give this one to the NES due to the horrible sound on the 7800 version - 8-4 Atari 7800

I would have just about given it to the NES in this one, sound is better on the NES version and the graphics are about even.

Here is a little round-up of what games we have done so far and my scoring:

Ballblazer - 7800 win
Xenophobe - 7800 win
Tower Toppler - 7800 win
Galaga - NES win
Mario Bros. - NES win
Double Dragon - 7800 win
Rampage - 7800 win
Klax - 7800 win
One-On-One Basketball - NES win
Burgertime - 7800 win
Winter Games - 7800 win
Donkey Kong Junior - NES win

8-4 Atari 7800 ProSystem

Ok then, time for another game I guess!

Let's take a look at Namco's Ms. Pacman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHOLR0bdBXc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHOLR0bdBXc)
Nintendo Entertainment System

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzjL5CbYmzA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzjL5CbYmzA)
Atari 7800

I have a hard time choosing here for one single reason:  the screen scrolling on the NES annoys the hell out of me.  So, it has arcade perfect graphics but that one thing just bugs me.  Right now I'm undecided.  LOL

Quote from: "TrekMD"I have a hard time choosing here for one single reason:  the screen scrolling on the NES annoys the hell out of me.  So, it has arcade perfect graphics but that one thing just bugs me.  Right now I'm undecided.  LOL

I don't much like the screen scrolling either and also the Ms. Pacman sprite is just all wrong in the NES version, her mouth is too big and opens too much.

The NES version has marginally better sound but thats about it really, it's a 7800 win for me making it 9-4 to the ProSystem.

NOTE: The 7800 version was the only version programmed by GCC (the 7800 creators) who also developed the original Ms. Pacman coin-op.

I like the 7800 version best. I have not played Ms. Pac-Man on the Nes. Played on an emulator. The port seems well done but like Pac-Man which I have played on an actual Nes it seems to be missing something.

Seems the best version I have played not including the Sega 16-bit version would be the 7800.

So, I'm giving this to the 7800 as well.

Nobody seems to be very interested in this anymore   :-

Next game is Capcom's classic arcade game Commando

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B76JAp8TNg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B76JAp8TNg)
Nintendo Entertainment System

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZzffnKC8h4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZzffnKC8h4)
Atari 7800

Oh what a difference a POKEY chip makes!  My vote is for the 7800 on this one.

I'm very interested in this thread and would love to see it continue with more  comparisons.

Commando then? 7800 version gets my vote.Nes sprites seem better defined, but the helicopter and few other areas seem to suffer sprite flicker and colours looked more washed out than on 7800.

Music i much prefer on 7800 (even though nothing holds a candle to Hubbards C64 Commando music).

7800 version for me too. Same reasons as already said; better colours, no sprite filcker and superior (for once) music.

10-4 to the 7800 for me now.

Although everyone knows I am a massive Atari fan I am genuinely surprised just how well the 7800 has held up in this thread. Just shows how much potential it had that was never realy exploited.

Are there many more comparisons left? Or do you need to compare the 7800 and Sega Master system?

Quote from: "onthinice"Are there many more comparisons left? Or do you need to compare the 7800 and Sega Master system?

There are still quite a few games left actually, I was going to do something else next.

Either:
NES vs. Master System
Master System vs. 7800
Mega Drive Vs. SNES
PC Engine Vs. Mega Drive

Any of them really!

Cool! I really enjoy them. Really nice challenges for all of them.

It would be cool to do some non-Atari comparisons.  So, I'd vote for NES vs Master System or Mega Drive vs SNES next. 

NES vs Master System sounds good to me, restart the playground arguments of yesteryear

Yup I agree, NES vs Master System would be cool to see.

I'd want to see Genesis VS SNES, myself. I've been exposed to entirely too much 80's right now. It's draining my superpowers.

I'd rather see comparisons of games on multiple systems than a head to head between two platforms.

Take Cool Spot for example, it's on the Amiga, Mega Drive, SNES, PC.....

Rayman, Zool, Earthworm Jim....and so on.

I just spilt some of the posts here off to a new thread.

This topic is for discussing 7800 Vs. NES so can we not de-rail it further please and get back to the actual subject matter 

So what is everyone's scores so far?

I'm 11-3, Atari. 

Just quickly went through them all again and I'm at 8-6 for the 7800.

I'm happy to see the the battle but I did lean more towards the 7800 when I was not undecided.

Another game for you all, this time it's Broderbund's Choplifter:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ4cLrc4EOI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ4cLrc4EOI)
NES Version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-4HSIcf3aI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-4HSIcf3aI)
7800 Version

I pick the Sega Master. I know it is not on the list but that is my favorite.

I like the 7800 for nostalgia reasons. We use to play this in school when the one computer the school owned was open for play. Now that is old school.

Fami/Nes version picks up the win. I do like the sound better on the 7800.

I think I prefer the graphics on the 7800 version due to the parallax scrolling and the much bigger tanks and buildings on the first level but I am going to give the win to the NES because it has more levels and offers some variation to the game.

Maybe I should not be shocked Laird, if you are having fun with the DS and Intellivision games. Then there might be some Nes hope for you yet!

I'm a sucker for Parallax Scrolling so 7800 version got off to great start, plus far better audio than the Nes ( OMG my ears are bleeding!) version, but Nes version does seem lot brighter, where as 7800 version seems to suffer from a more murky choice of colours.

Which pad offers better play?...always found the Nes pad to be awful for long periods of play.

So..undecided, though IF i went with Nes, it'd have to be with TV volume turned right down.

Quote from: "Rogue Trooper"I'm a sucker for Parallax Scrolling so 7800 version got off to great start, plus far better audio than the Nes ( OMG my ears are bleeding!) version, but Nes version does seem lot brighter, where as 7800 version seems to suffer from a more murky choice of colours.

Which pad offers better play?...always found the Nes pad to be awful for long periods of play.

So..undecided, though IF i went with Nes, it'd have to be with TV volume turned right down.

That 7800 video is murky, the game doesn't really look like that. It's was just that the other videos I found were too short or had commentary.

Try this one to see how it really looks - just make sure you mute the idiot talking over it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB4cDoqGL6Y (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB4cDoqGL6Y)

Much better video, 7800 it is then, might be shorter, lacking some things from Nes ver.but it's got my vote.

As for chap talking on the video? BACK OFF THE MIC!

I'm voting 7800 here.  Why?  The 7800 version is a port of the original game and is more faithful to it.  The NES port is actually a port of the arcade version of Choplifter which is why it has all the extra elements. 

I have to give this one to the 7800, just looks better to me.
They did an HD remake of this a while ago that I really enjoyed.

Quote from: "Shadowrunner"I have to give this one to the 7800, just looks better to me.
They did an HD remake of this a while ago that I really enjoyed.

Yeah my brother got that on the Xbox 360, I thought it was pretty good.

How funny that I am the only person to vote NES, although I have to say I really like the 7800 game.

Quote from: "The Laird"I think I prefer the graphics on the 7800 version due to the parallax scrolling and the much bigger tanks and buildings on the first level

After watching both videos, and before I scrolled down and read this post from Laird, the above was what I was going to post. I don't know about more levels so based on just the videos Atari wins.

Next game to have a look at is the conversions of the first ever scrolling beat 'em up, Irem's Kung Fu Master

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvKQHXYNekI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvKQHXYNekI)
NES Version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmpM2aJA ... e=youtu.be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmpM2aJA7os&feature=youtu.be)
Atari 7800

Boy, choosing here is not as clear cut.  The 7800 version has graphics that are closer to the arcade (the background detail is higher than that of the NES) but animation and sound is better on the NES.  I'm giving this one to the NES by a hair.

That is almost too close to call, for all the reasons TrekMD has already stated and I too have to go NES for the animation and sounds. But only just.

I have changed my mind several times since watching them.

I was originally going to go for the NES version based on the sound effects but the 7800 version just looks so much better with those nice backgrounds and just seems closer to the arcade. Very narrow 7800 win for me, so it's now 11-5 to the Atari console on my score card.

Quote from: "The Laird"I have changed my mind several times since watching them.

I was originally going to go for the NES version based on the sound effects but the 7800 version just looks so much better with those nice backgrounds and just seems closer to the arcade. Very narrow 7800 win for me, so it's now 11-5 to the Atari console on my score card.

It would have helped the 7800 version if the bad guys fell off like they do on the arcade (and NES) instead of just vanishing when they get hit. 

Yeah I agree the NES has much better animation and sound while the 7800 has the better backgrounds. Have to go with the NES. I'm at 9 - 7 for the 7800, pretty close.

Nes version wins here for myself.Sound might be more 'coarse' in places, but tune suits my tastes that bit better than the 7800 version.

Sprites are far better than 7800, Nes version seems slower than 7800 though assume this could be an emulatior issue?.

Last time i played this game was years back on the C64, used 1st level cheat (something like holding Shift+G keys?) to pull out a gun.

Was'nt the arcade game based around Bruce Lee's original concept for the film Game Of Death?.

So, Nes pulls 1 back there.

Next game on the list is Namco's classic shooter Xevious

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjWIqtkSlQE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjWIqtkSlQE)
NES Version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d90MGXJPcGQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d90MGXJPcGQ)
7800 Version

Keep'em coming. (love this thread).

Tough 1 for me to call-Only ever played the C64 version at the time, i could'nt see what all the fuss was about (and still don't) guess you had to have been there in the arcades at the time.

Very hard to say which version i prefer from video comparison:Nes has a nicely defined main sprite, decent audio for the platform, colour scheme seems great, nice, bright landscape, boss looks more metallic than 7800 ver.and thus to myself, more meancing somewhat.Guess it scores another point for it's control scheme being closer to arcade, but that win taken away by increased difficulty and poor ground detail.

7800 version seems to make great use of host hardware (love the colour cycle on opening screen, great ground detail etc), but colour scheme seems tad washed out and your ship looks like you've bought it 2nd hand off some dodgy dealer (only 32,000 Trillion miles on th clock, Guv, good runner, i tells ya!).

So, as i don't rate the orig.going on a fence sitter here..it's a draw.

Quote from: "Rogue Trooper"Keep'em coming. (love this thread).

I started a Lynx Vs. Game Gear thread too . . . . .

I have to go with the NES again on this one. I like the sound better and it's just so much more colorful. The 7800 version has better detail but it's too dark for my tastes.

If you skip to 4:22 on the 7800 video he actually compares the 2 versions side by side, one reason I used this specific video.

As the guy on the vid says the 7800 version just looks way better, espcially the more detailed backgrounds and reflective effects on the enemy sprites. The main ship does look better in the NES version though but that is no biggy. The sound is pretty much even here while the 7800 version also lets you select your difficulty, which you can't do in the NES version.

So for the better graphics and addition of difficulty modes the 7800 version wins for me.

I like the 7800 version but prefer the Nes controller when playing the actual systems.

Quote from: "onthinice"I like the 7800 version but prefer the Nes controller when playing the actual systems.

Do you have a 7800 joypad?

No!!! It sucks not to have one!!!

Quote from: "onthinice"No!!! It sucks not to have one!!!

Damn! The Pro Controller is horrible, I just sold a spare one I had too to somebody in the US. They are super common over here, you really need to get one!

Next game up is the classic arcade game Q*Bert

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syKCejmVAI4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syKCejmVAI4)
NES Version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJOcHnSSaDU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJOcHnSSaDU)
7800 Version

For me, I have to say it's the NES one. I honestly feel kind of bad for judging this once, since the 7800 version is a homebrew that had a lot of work into it. I just feel like the NES version looks and sounds a little less rough, along with running smoother than the 7800. That, and the option to set your controls is nice.

I'm giving this one to the NES for better sound and animation. 

NES win for me too, mainly for the much better sound.

12-6 to the 7800

I vote Nes.

I agree the NES is better but the 7800 version is pretty good for a homebrew. With that I am all tied up at 9-9.

Nes version has the edge over homebrew 7800 version as i expected, so chalk another 'win' for Nes up on my score board.

Up next it's Nintendo's inconic Donkey Kong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... bG0Fa0YGU4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hbG0Fa0YGU4)
7800 Version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_PrG8P5W8o (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_PrG8P5W8o)
NES Version

I'm giving this to the 7800 as this version is more complete with more animation, the "how high can you get" screen, etc.  Besides, that version is being further optimized. 

7800 wins here.

Another close one but I'll give the edge to the 7800.

7800.

Time for our next game! It's Taito's all-time classic arcade game Space Invaders!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InAK5s1EK1E (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InAK5s1EK1E)
NES version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3YwIjbywU4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3YwIjbywU4)
7800 version

Oh, the 7800 wins this one by a landslide! 

Yeah the 7800 wins with ease here, far more authentic conversion and it has lots of gameplay options too 

Yeah this is an easy one. 7800 for sure.

Time for some grappling action with Pro. Wrestling

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD8M_8QJP9U (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD8M_8QJP9U)
NES version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-6YrTIrqDg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-6YrTIrqDg)
7800 version

I'm going with the NES for this one. It's more colorful and I like how the crowd is animated.

Yeah NES for myself as well, seems lot brighter, bigger sprites, animated crowd, better SFX adding to atmosphere etc.

I'm giving this one to the NES.  Better sprites, animation, and sound. 

Yeah I will go with the NES version too, I actually think that the 7800 version looks much nice but the NES version is the better game (I have played both)

Nes version for me.

Next game on my long list is Broderbund's Karateka

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E_BG3nrofU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E_BG3nrofU)
NES version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h-CDGFdf7k (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h-CDGFdf7k)
7800 version

This goes to the NES.  This has to be one of the worst games the 7800 has.  It was just poorly programmed.  I am actually surprised this has not been hacked to make it better.

Pooh!

TIme for another game I think, let's look at the Williams classic Joust on both systems:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnrB6SrPlrI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnrB6SrPlrI)
NES version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCTqB39WE3I (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCTqB39WE3I)
7800 version

This one goes to the NES.  The sprites are much better rendered and have better animation.

The NES version might look nice (except for the flicker) but it looks nothing like the arcade game.

The 7800 version is much closer to the original game so I am voting for that:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ga2Dtkg92I (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ga2Dtkg92I)

Consider my vote changed, then.  I forgot to check videos of the arcade original before choosing, as an arcade port, it should look like the arcade original. 

Yeah, Nes version looks more like a remix of the arcade (and i'm not fond of the sound), so old adage, looks are'nt everything runs true here.

7800 Version i'm voting for.

Also, on a tangent, but...Bullfrog were working on a Joust clone at 1 point, look for it on the memory stick i'll be sending you Laird

I just realised that I never gave my opinion on Karateka! 

Well I have to say that the 7800 version looks so much better than the NES iteration but I happen to know that the Atari game plays like total shit so I have to give it to the NES.

I make that 15-8 in favour of the ProSystem

Quote from: "The Laird"I just realised that I never gave my opinion on Karateka! 

Well I have to say that the 7800 version looks so much better than the NES iteration but I happen to know that the Atari game plays like total shit so I have to give it to the NES.

I make that 15-8 in favour of the ProSystem

LOL  Yes, that was my take on it as well.  Which is why I said that I was surprised no one has hacked the 7800 version to make it play better!

Next game up is Namco's all time classic Pac-Man

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOXgPwSRBXA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOXgPwSRBXA)
NES version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ9S-ETYtrk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ9S-ETYtrk)
7800 version

Missed a couple here. Karateka and Joust both go to the NES. For Pacman I prefer the look of the 7800 version. I think I have the NES ahead by 1 or 2 now but overall pretty close.

Quote from: "Shadowrunner"Missed a couple here. Karateka and Joust both go to the NES. For Pacman I prefer the look of the 7800 version. I think I have the NES ahead by 1 or 2 now but overall pretty close.

We are nearly at the end, there are exactly 25 games - I will do a run down when we are done!

Oh and my vote goes to the 7800, far more gameplay modes for a start.

My vote is for the 7800 with Pac-Man because it has the original game plus several additional modes expanding on the game. 

Which version of Pac-Man was that for the Nintendo? I know Tengen made two(unlicensed and licensed) and Namco made one that cleaned up some of the Tengen issues.

Quote from: "onthinice"Which version of Pac-Man was that for the Nintendo? I know Tengen made two(unlicensed and licensed) and Namco made one that cleaned up some of the Tengen issues.

That is the Namco one

Thanks! I go with the Nintendo version.

And we are on to the last game! 

SNK's classic arcade game Ikari Warriors

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlNu4Mxf5To (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlNu4Mxf5To)
NES version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpwyhFs4k1s (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpwyhFs4k1s)
7800 version

This one is really close I think but I am going to give to the NES by a whisker, it has quite a bit of flicker but generally looks nice and has better sound too.

My final score is: 16-9 to the Atari 7800

This goes to the NES just because of sound.  Gosh, this game needed a POKEY chip on the 7800! 

Nes has the better visuals, but when enemy troops do the death animation, it looked like you were flying them like a kite!.

7800 ver.too blocky and not keen on the blobby bullets either.

Nes version gets the vote then, for cosmetic side alone.

Despite the crappy sound on the 7800 I can't stand the death animation on the NES like Trooper said so for that I choose the 7800 version.

NES gets my vote.

Ok here is the full list of the 25 games we covered:

Ballblazer
Xenophobe
Tower Toppler/Castelian
Galaga
Mario Bros.
Double Dragon
Rampage
Klax
One-On-One Basketball
Burger Time
Winter Games
Donkey Kong Junior
Ms. Pacman
Commando
Choplifter
Kung Fu Master
Xevious
Q*Bert
Donkey Kong
Space Invaders
Pro. Wrestling
Karateka
Joust
Pacman
Ikari Warriors

Final scores everyone?

Mine is 16-9 to the 7800

My final score is 17-8, 7800. 

13-12 for the 7800, very close.

BACK FROM THE DEAD!!!!!

Due to the recent release of Frogger on the 7800 we can add another game to this thread! They are both homebrew games too 

UFC Nintendo NES Homebrew (//http)

Froggie (//http)

I have to admit when I first saw this thread I entered it with the intention of ripping it apart. I love my 7800 but come on - comparing the NES to the 7800?

But - the 7800 does show itself to be an able contender - even though the comparisons are in the realm of the less than stellar end of the NES library.

But I do have to call you to task on some things. The DKJr / DK comparison? 7800 better? Really? Please - and also the fact that both games appeared on the one classic cart compilation for NES has been ignored - and to compare lovingly crafted 21st century home-brews to some clear NES rush jobs? Come on!

The 7800's main problems are the abysmal sound and the truly awful RF only picture which becomes more of an issue as the years go by - and unfortunately they undermine a lot of the great games it has.

The 7800 story is such a shame as technically it's a great console and this thread shows it clearly could have successfully competed with the NES had it been backed properly - albeit with on-board POKEY and composite video, although with a young, creatively rampant Shigeru Miyamoto and Gunpei Yokoi it was probably an unwinnable battle.

If you get a French SECAM Atari 7800 you get RGB output as standard, I really want one of these! It's very easy to mod a NTSC machine for composite too apparently.

With regards to Donkey Kong, the 2 versions of the original game are very close with the NES winning on sound alone but the POKEY version (more of a hack than a homebrew) is better because of the improved sound and addition of the missing level.

I am a big 7800 fan but seriously expected the NES to romp this one and it just didn't, the Atari machine more than held its own. My article in the new issue of RG shows that the 7800 did have some games that competed with the more advanced titles of the NES and SMS, just not enough of them. I am sure that had it had the investment/resources/support of its more illustrious rivals it would have impressed far more.

Have heard of those French models - would be sweet - I honestly believe I would play more 7800 if the av cable situation was better.

I connect mine to a Sony VCR and then connect that to a CRT via composite but even then it can be pretty ropey at times because a picture can only be as good as the source. Really is such a pity - even composite would be a massive improvement - I have heard about the mods but I've also heard that quality can be iffy with those.

The 7800 is a vastly underrated machine and the comparisons on here show that it was a machine with potential, but lets be honest here, The NES was never the most powerful machine and the games going head to head in both this and the MS thread are considered on the low end of the NES library.

Its always been well known that the NES library is its strong point and as I mentioned in the MS thread, once you start introducing exclusives the NES is just going to turn it on and leave the other two behind.

But yes the nes head to head with same games shows its not as technically competant as the others. Whatbdoes that say about the programmers that the NES had so many iconic exclusives that the other systemd had trouble matching.

The NES had great marketing (at least in the US) and that helped it become the success it was (again, in the US).  Clearly, that was not the case in Europe.  It was also helped by Nintendo's exclusivity requirements from developers so that the system had its fair share of unique titles. 

Insofar as the homebrew Froggers games for both systems...I own the NES version and I've played the 7800 version.  The 7800 version works better for me as it is more arcade-accurate (particularly in terms of music). 

I just came across this video on You Tube:

Atari 7800 vs. NES Multiplatform Games Comparison (//http)

That's a nice video and he does try to be fair to both consoles.  The flicker on the NES version is horrible for some of these games.

That is a great video! I wish Popeye would have seen a 7800 release.

Quote from: "onthinice"That is a great video! I wish Popeye would have seen a 7800 release.

Me too!  That game would have looked great on the 7800!

Quote from: "TrekMD"That's a nice video and he does try to be fair to both consoles.  The flicker on the NES version is horrible for some of these games.

Yeah I thought it was a great video and it really shows the 7800 in a good light. I would love to see him do another one.

Looks like the folks from The Atari Times web site have done some updates and they posted an article comparing both the Atari 7800 and the NES.  Check it out:  Atari 7800 vs. Nintendo NES (//http).

[align=center:2xw7t0gj](http://www.ataritimes.com/images/7800/7800vNES.jpg)[/align:2xw7t0gj]

The base NES had one advantage: tile based graphics built in.  This wasn't even a real advantage either until better marketing and console expansions built into the cartridges popularized it.

This is probably not totally fair but Centipede (Atari 7800) vs Millipede (NES). Funny enough, the 7800 didn't have Millipede and the NES didn't have Centipede.

7800 Centipede:

Atari 7800 Centipede (//http)

NES Millipede:

Millipede NES (round 1-16) (//http)

Dig Dug. NES had Dig Sug II although I don't think anyone considered that an advantage given the game itself :P):

Dig Dug - Atari 7800 (//http)

NES:

Dig Dug NES (//http)

But funny enough a 7800 version of Millipede was planned for release!

I would still chose 7800 Centipede here, for the 2-player option alone!!! 

Dig Dug has already been posted earlier in the thread.

You know what, I take that back! Somehow I missed out Dig Dug!!! 

No idea how I did that when it's one of my favourite 7800 games. Having played both versions I can say with confidence that the 7800 version wins, especially as it has no sprite flicker unlike the NES port.

Yeah I made sure to check beforehand

Here is another one that we have to stretch on however, the game styles are similar (Pole Position has a baby with Spy Hunter)

Atari 7800 - Fatal Run (NOTE - all of the videos I can find of this are fairly poor quality with bad compression. Another case of needing to see this one run on a real machine)

Atari 7800 - Fatal Run (//http)

NES - Astro Fang Super Machine - pretty good quality videos are around for this one at least.

Astro Fang Super Machine (NES) - Stage 1 (//http)

More stretching! I don't see the harm in comparing games where the styles are similar. But one thing the NES always had over the 7800 was game selection so there are a lot of styles that we will probably never see how the 7800 could handle them.

For motorcycle racing:

Atari 7800 - Motor Psycho - this is Pole Position-esque again but just a focus on motorbike racing. Best example I could find.

Motor Psycho-Atari 7800 (//http)

NES - Mach Rider - Closest thing I could find, obviously it plays quite a bit different (great video that goes up to 1080p if you like)

Mach Rider Walkthrough/Gameplay NES HD 1080p (//http)

It's been a while since anything got posted here so here is a video I found on YouTube looking at various games in both systems...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqjXnVC ... WL&index=6 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqjXnVCjQ14&list=WL&index=6)

Some interesting titles there, in my opinion, both machine have their merits, but when put up against a machine that has had a mass market versus a machine that had only 70 odd titles compared Over 700 it's actually unfair to compare them in this manner, old arcade ports do not define a console to be better or worse each other and reading this thread, the bias is off the wall in places completely and can be clearly seen to be nothing more.

The 7800 had some fantastic games that could be high up there, but unfortunately to compare to a machine with had support from the USA and Japan where new grounds were been broken there is no real comparison, but this is a case of  saying one thing and meaning another, since Atari was offered the chance to Market the NES but decided to say no and end up been left behind. But I think the 7800 had a great and important place at the time, but a V.S. scenario is far out weighted by the NES and its original IP's and not just a handful of its own original and arcade ports.

The Atari of the time made many mistakes.  Delaying the release of the 7800 was among them (thing may have turned out differently had they not), not using the POKEY chip in every 7800 game was another.  The latter would have made the system more competitive.  Nintendo did all they could to enhance the NES with cart hardware.  Nonetheless, the 7800 clearly had a potential and the homebrew developers have demonstrated that.

This thread needs some stuff fixed but I figured I'd add it to the thread.  Always interesting seeing the systems compared.  This video compares several aspects of the system like controllers, game library, price, etc.  Have a watch...