SNES vs Sega Genesis/MegaDrive

[TrekMD]

That particular game looks quite comparable between both systems.  I think the choice may come down to system preference. 

[onthinice]

Agree. Was there a comparison of the Turbo Graphix-16 CD Addams Family done against one of these systems?

[TrekMD]

Agree. Was there a comparison of the Turbo Graphix-16 CD Addams Family done against one of these systems?

I don't recall, TBH.

[onthinice]

I will have to check.

These have been some great comparisons. Really shows that third party companies tried to bring the best they could for both fans.

[TrekMD]

OK, time to add another game.  Let's check out Home Alone.

https://youtu.be/0O-mo5r-_Wo

https://youtu.be/8GdBxsAcDNo

[dougtitchmarsh]

I prefer the graphics and music on the megadrive version of Home Alone, but the sound effects of the SNES version, so overall it's a win for the Megadrive - just.

[Bobinator]

Speaking from personal experience, the SNES version is all kinds of garbage. It's basically cheaply made shovelware at its finest, as THQ used to excel at, back in the 16-bit era.

The Genesis version... well, to be honest, I never really figured out how to play it. But there's a lot more ambition there, as the game involves moving around the neighborhood to different houses, setting up traps to make sure the burglars steal as little loot as possible. There's more of an action strategy element to it, and while I couldn't say how well that works, it does make it a lot more unique.

[zapiy]

Not a game I am familiar with. Might be worth picking up for a run through.

[TrekMD]

Not a game I am familiar with. Might be worth picking up for a run through.

Which version?    I like the Mega Drive/Genesis version more from what I see on the videos.  I do need to play this, though, on my Genesis. 

[onthinice]

Home Alone. Same Name, Different Game? My kids used to play the Mega Drive/Genesis version a lot. Great points, Bob.

[TrekMD]

OK, let's have another comparison.  Something that is more similar...  These two games are always compared when I've read reviews.

Super Castlevania IV SNES
https://youtu.be/jd7P7niYimk

Castlevania Bloodlines
https://youtu.be/qEAEhJYxBgo

[Alberto 2K]

Both are great games but very different in everything, I enjoyed a bit more Castlevania IV as I played it when I was a kid but Bloodlines is excellent.

The guy with the spear is spanish, from Segovia, my grandparents city.

[TrekMD]

Both are great games but very different in everything, I enjoyed a bit more Castlevania IV as I played it when I was a kid but Bloodlines is excellent.

The guy with the spear is spanish, from Segovia, my grandparents city.

I've only played the Genesis version (since I don't have an SNES) and I am quite pleased with it.  It may be the only Castlevania title on the system but it really is a worthy title. 

[Alberto 2K]

Yes, it's a great game, a bit in the too difficult side but great.

It's also an expensive title but as you say it deserves the buy.

[guest5286]

I remember critics on this side of the pond absolutely destroying the Genesis title compared to the SNES, for the vitally important reasons of bigger player sprites, and more animation frames. And could Morris's wrist go limp with the whip? They claimed the Genesis title looked 8 bit.

Curious how sprite size was never an issue with Mario vs. Sonic.

Looking at each title today, under a more objective light, they each represent the personalities of their hardware better than almost anything else out there. The SNES title is slower, more meditative, even with mode 7 gimmickery that exists mostly to show off their ability to spin the level around. It should feel much sillier than it does, especially with the poorly handled aesthetic. Most of the sprites wouldn't pass on a fan game, now, and the color choices were made with an eye towards covering the screen in as many bright colors as possible, while still making it worn out and faded, even when it was brand new.

But then there's that soundtrack.

A soundtrack that begins and ends with a power ballad, but also takes the time to give each level a sense of time and place outside of your adventure. It's similar to the effect in Super Metroid, even if the actual stage exploration offered isn't quite to that depth...yet. When combined with a multi-directional whip to defend against the cheaper enemies, it's one of the few hardcore experiences I can recommend to casuals.

Bloodlines, on the other hand, is as close as Castlevania ever got to a Treasure title. There are sprites exploding all over the screen like prizes from a piñata. Beating the boss, sometimes just means you rush to the next, bigger, multi-segmented boss. It's proud of being an action title, to the point of stripping away every peace offering the last title offered, and trying to crush the player, completely. And if you're the kind of gamer who welcomes that challenge, every victory is rewarded with something new to see, and take down. It's a pure adrenaline rush.

So, which is the better title?

Well, you already know. And your answer isn't wrong; This time, it really is whichever title is the best one for you.

Edit: Apologies, if I'm doing this wrong. Please let me know if these lengthy posts go on too long, or I've got my head stuck up my ass.