Has there ever been a handheld game better than the console/arcade version?

[DaBargainHunta]

Wasn't sure if this should go in Classic or Modern, but with a rich history of classic handhelds, I decided the topic worked best here.

Anyway, as the topic says, has there ever been a handheld game that was better than its console/arcade counterpart?

[Cirrus]

Yeah, that's a really good question. I can think of a few examples where it is debatable. Gunstar Super Heroes is really good. Certainly the Castlevania games for the DS are fantastic, and better than MANY of the console Castlevanias (if not all of them).

But you're not talking about games from a series, but actual cross-platform games released at the same time, right? If so, Astro Boy for the GBA is your answer. The PS2 release was a real stinker, and the handheld is one of the best games ever made. Does that count?

[Mayhem]

Tetris?!

[DaBargainHunta]

Yeah, that's a really good question. I can think of a few examples where it is debatable. Gunstar Super Heroes is really good. Certainly the Castlevania games for the DS are fantastic, and better than MANY of the console Castlevanias (if not all of them).

But you're not talking about games from a series, but actual cross-platform games released at the same time, right? If so, Astro Boy for the GBA is your answer. The PS2 release was a real stinker, and the handheld is one of the best games ever made. Does that count?

I'm talking more along the lines of the same basic game for multiple systems. For example, Paperboy (arcade/NES/handhelds, etc.). Now, I'm not saying Paperboy is an example of a game that was better on a handheld - I just arbitrarily threw that name out there. Truth be told, I've never even played the handheld version.

On a side note, I personally didn't mind Astro Boy on the PS2.

[theshizzle3000]

This is one of those cases were it really depends on the persons views, because I know quite a few people who enjoy playing Super Mario Bros on a handheld over the actual system simply for mobility. I personally believe in the nostalgia of playing on the older system, but again it is just an opinion.

[CreamSoda]

I would say GTA:LCS for PSP. It has an awesome and highly enjoyable multiplayer mode. While the PS2 version is missing it altogether.

[fishsandwich]

Lots of NES and SNES games received updates on the GBA that are superior to the console games.

[itobandito]

well this didn't come out at the same time but Double Dragon for the GBA I think is better than the arcade/nes versions.

[chicnstu]

Lots of movie based games get better scores on handhelds.

http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/itemsearch.asp

http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/itemsearch.asp

http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/itemsearch.asp (.1 less than GC version)

[Ed Oscuro]

Certainly the Castlevania games for the DS are fantastic, and better than MANY of the console Castlevanias (if not all of them).

Is you smokin' crack?

Anyway: Operation C is damn good. It's not really a "handheld version" of any other game, though, and since it's closest to Super Contra it wouldn't be fair to say it's better (while really good, it's not better than Super Contra, in my view).

[Ze_ro]

Both Rampage and Xenophobe on the Lynx allow up to 4 players simultaneous, while the arcade versions max out at 3.

--Zero

[diskoboy]

I've heard the GBC version of Galaga is better than the arcade version.

I have yet to find this out for myself, but I find it highly unlikely.

And it's weird - I was gonna start a similar topic. But my question was going to be how many times has a home version of a game been better than it's arcade counterpart.

[frap]

I'd have to give a nod to the Atari Lynx version of Klax.

I'd rather play the Lynx version than the Arcade, NES, or TG-16 version.

-frap

[Cantaloup]

I can think of a few, all for the Lynx:

Rampart: I think the digital control is much better than the track-ball control for placing the pieces.

Xenophobe: It uses the full screen and the controls aren't as awkward.

S.T.U.N. Runner: Was any home version besides the Lynx one any good? Even the one on Midway Arcade Treasures 3 has frame rate issues.

Rampage, Roadblasters, A.P.B., and Klax were also great on the Lynx.

[staxx]

Gradius 2 for the PC Engine (better intro, extra level and clearer music than the Arcade)

Gradius 3 for the PS2 (you can turn off the lagging that was found in the arcade, plus the infamous cheat works)

Ninja Warriors Mega CD (had arranged soundtrack and a funny intro...ZTT anyone)

Final Fight GBA (had cut scenes added)
Final Fight Sega CD (voice intro and better music)

[petewhitley]

Astro Boy on PS2 and GBA are really two quite different games. I wouldn't necessarily count those. Nor would I count the movie based handheld titles, which are generally vastly different. I would make a line in the sand at any game that was 3D on a console and then 2D on a handheld. Just not the same game IMO.

Liberty City Stories is a perfect example I think though. Virtually exact same game, just better options on the PSP and it looks better on the resolution of the PSP. Some of the Nintendo released 2D SNES to GBA ports are arguably better on the GBA than they were on the SNES as well.

[RegSNES]

I think the GBA version of Super Mario World is better than the SNES version. Call me lazy but I like being able to save after any and every level and the fact that Mario & Luigi are no longer plattelet swaps. Oh and horaay for not shrinking when you have the Feather and Fire Flower power-ups.

Final Fight One may not be as good as Final Fight on Capcom Classics Collection vol. 1 in terms of being a 100% accurate port but it has all 6 levels, all 3 playable characters and I dig the extras like rapid punch and Alpha Cody and Alpha Guy.

NES Classic Series Castlevania on the GBA. It has a save feature, end of story.

[bangtango]

Is you smokin' crack?

Anyway: Operation C is damn good. It's not really a "handheld version" of any other game, though, and since it's closest to Super Contra it wouldn't be fair to say it's better (while really good, it's not better than Super Contra, in my view).

It is a good one. That game was a damn sight harder than ANY of the NES Contra titles, even though you start out with the rapid fire machine gun (as far as I can remember). In fact, I'd like to find that again someday since my old copy was traded or sold somewhere along the line.

[bangtango]

I've heard the GBC version of Galaga is better than the arcade version.

I have yet to find this out for myself, but I find it highly unlikely.

And it's weird - I was gonna start a similar topic. But my question was going to be how many times has a home version of a game been better than it's arcade counterpart.

I've never played the GBC version of Galaga but it is safe to assume it can't beat the NES version of Galaga. That port was a masterpiece. Some people don't like it but I always felt it was as good, if not better, than the arcade. It is one of the few NES games I'd never sell.

[Tron 2.0]

To fans it's consider better then snkp and capcom take on it.

http://www.neo-geo.com/reviews/ngpc-...gpc/svcpc.html