Shadowrun SNES vs Shadowrun GENESIS

[EX-Soldier]

I just finished beating the snes version of shadowrun not more than an hour ago and i have to say, it was one of the best rpgs i've played in recent history so just for kicks i decided to give the supposedly superior genesis version a quick run thru, i mean, if i loved the snes version & the general consensus was that the genny version was even better then what could go wrong right? WRONNNNGGG!

maybe i just dont see it, maybe i have to play longer but so far i dont see these 2 games being in the same league, shit i dont even think they're playing the same sport.

i actually prefer the snes graphics over the genny, the top down perspective is way too close for my taste, i much more prefer the 3/4 isometric view used in the snes, the general atmosphere in the snes version conveys a bleaker bladerunner-esque future, it just felt like a truer vision of a cyberpunk universe. the overall presentation, gameplay & especially the dark ominous music compel me to side with the minority & say the snes shadowrun is superior.

am i alone on this? to those who prefer the genesis version my question is this....WHY????

[j_factor]

I greatly prefer the Genesis version because of its open-ended world, lack of censorship (Nintendo wouldn't even let them use the term "chop shop"), and battle system, which is more true to the original Shadowrun rules. I found the SNES version to be really clunky in general. Combat is much better in the Genesis version, as targeting enemies is a breeze, unlike on SNES. I was also disappointed in the SNES version's depiction of the Matrix, which was done brilliantly on Genesis. And why does the SNES version have a cursor? Console games should never have cursors unless absolutely necessary. And why is the simple act of opening doors so weird in that game?

[Poofta!]

i prefer only the camera style of snes. the genesis does everything better. i will second everything j_factor said. the story is also (in my opinion) slightly more intrigueing on the genesis.

[Kevin H]

To me they are almst 2 different type games. Snes is the better role playing game, but I think Genesis is a esier to understand and better game.

[Damaramu]

I'm also a fan of the SNES version.

[EX-Soldier]

I greatly prefer the Genesis version because of its open-ended world, lack of censorship (Nintendo wouldn't even let them use the term "chop shop"), and battle system, which is more true to the original Shadowrun rules. I found the SNES version to be really clunky in general. Combat is much better in the Genesis version, as targeting enemies is a breeze, unlike on SNES. I was also disappointed in the SNES version's depiction of the Matrix, which was done brilliantly on Genesis. And why does the SNES version have a cursor? Console games should never have cursors unless absolutely necessary. And why is the simple act of opening doors so weird in that game?

yea the whole censorship thing was kinda dumb, wasnt there an uncensored version out tho? pal release or maybe just the initial 1st batch maybe, think i read it on wiki or something.

anyway, i dont know how u can choose the genesis interface over the snes, i just got my ass handed to me trying to shoot some orcs, i tried "powerwalking" away but i just died...maybe i just suck =(

the mouse cursor thing never really bothered me, takes getting used to i suppose, i havent jacked into the matrix in this version yet but the hate the snes version gets is ill deserved i thought it was cool

there is one thing i think we can all agree on, this isnt even up 4 debate its just a stone cold fact...the snes version not only has the better soundtrack, it has some of the most memorable music found in ANY game, denying this is like trying to deny gravity or that carlos mencia & george lopez are both severely over-rated...severely

[Daria]

I just finished beating the snes version of shadowrun not more than an hour ago and i have to say, it was one of the best rpgs i've played in recent history so just for kicks i decided to give the supposedly superior genesis version a quick run thru, i mean, if i loved the snes version & the general consensus was that the genny version was even better then what could go wrong right? WRONNNNGGG!

maybe i just dont see it, maybe i have to play longer but so far i dont see these 2 games being in the same league, shit i dont even think they're playing the same sport.

i actually prefer the snes graphics over the genny, the top down perspective is way too close for my taste, i much more prefer the 3/4 isometric view used in the snes, the general atmosphere in the snes version conveys a bleaker bladerunner-esque future, it just felt like a truer vision of a cyberpunk universe. the overall presentation, gameplay & especially the dark ominous music compel me to side with the minority & say the snes shadowrun is superior.

am i alone on this? to those who prefer the genesis version my question is this....WHY????

I prefer the Genesis version because it's the closest adaptation of the original Pen and Paper RPG. Although both are really good games in their own regard. The SNES version nails atmosphere and story, while the Genesis version excels in mechanics and the little references to people and locations. Computer hacking and the Matrix is also one of the best parts of the game.

[roushimsx]

If it makes you feel any better, the Genesis version got dumped on back when it came out for not being as good as the SNES one.

Other than the graphics, I prefer the Genesis one by a very large margin, though. Better control, more interesting gameplay, addictive hacking segments, etc. The one crummy thing about the game for me is the initial grind / series of fetch quests.

Shame it didn't look as good as the SNES one. That's gotta be one of my favorite looking games from the era.

[shoes23]

I'm in the Genesis camp (although to be fair I think most of us enjoyed the hell out of both of the titles). As many others have said better cyberspace/matrix, open ended game world, the ability to go on runs for extra cash, and the fact that it felt more like an RPG on the Genny than an adventure game on the SNES.

If you want to make the game a little easier I still remember the ultimate code:
On the titles screen after "press start" appears press A,B,B,A,C,A,B, start a new game or load an existing game and go to your pocket secretary. At the bottom is a previously unselectable slot you can access to get $255,000, all contact, all matrix codes, and a few other goodies.

My suggestion: Toughen up chummer and give the Genny version a little more of your time.

[EX-Soldier]

I'm in the Genesis camp (although to be fair I think most of us enjoyed the hell out of both of the titles). As many others have said better cyberspace/matrix, open ended game world, the ability to go on runs for extra cash, and the fact that it felt more like an RPG on the Genny than an adventure game on the SNES.

If you want to make the game a little easier I still remember the ultimate code:
On the titles screen after "press start" appears press A,B,B,A,C,A,B, start a new game or load an existing game and go to your pocket secretary. At the bottom is a previously unselectable slot you can access to get $255,000, all contact, all matrix codes, and a few other goodies.

My suggestion: Toughen up chummer and give the Genny version a little more of your time.


quoted for slick use of the colloquial word "chummer"

....also any fan of preacher is automatically cool =)

[prismra]

I love the SNES version. I look at it as more of an adaptation. The SNES version had the best music, graphics, sound and story. But the Genesis version was a true Shadowrun game. I would have to give the Genesis version the upper hand since it is truer to the pen and paper version.

[EX-Soldier]

I love the SNES version. I look at it as more of an adaptation. The SNES version had the best music, graphics, sound and story. But the Genesis version was a true Shadowrun game. I would have to give the Genesis version the upper hand since it is truer to the pen and paper version.

i see this being mentioned alot, the genny version being truer to the table-top pen & paper rpg, but do you think the nostalgia factor influences your bias towards the genny version?

[FrakAttack]

Love them both but Genesis gets the nod. The SNES game suffers from censorship and lacks depth, particularly the Matrix sequences, while the Genny version gives you the whole package.

[j_factor]

i see this being mentioned alot, the genny version being truer to the table-top pen & paper rpg, but do you think the nostalgia factor influences your bias towards the genny version?

Myself, I never had any experience with the tabletop Shadowrun until after I'd played both video games in question, and even then I never got to play it on a regular basis. But I really think that when you're adapting something to a different medium, faithfulness to the original product counts for something. I'm also of the opinion, separately, that the battle system in the Genesis version has more depth and is more enjoyable.

[Zebbe]

Would the Genesis version be fun to play even if I haven't tried the pen & paper one (I haven't tried any pen & paper actually)? Or does the fun rely a lot on past experience on the franchise?

[LaughingMAN.S9]

BUMP!


came back to reitirate that the genny version still sucks =(



LONG LIVE THE SNES!

[Red Earth]

i much prefer the Super Nintendo version. it's a really awesome game.

[savageone]

Genesis? PfffTTt.. SNES?? PFFFTTTBBBTTTHHH!!

Sega CD version forever! English translation plz?

[jjaammeessnneess]

Shadowrun for the Genny was way better that the SNES one
hands down one of the best genny games made

[Kitsune Sniper]

I loved the SNES one, I just wish the combat had been much more action oriented instead of devolving to "Cast Shield, Spam Power Ball" near the end, not to mention the ridiculous targeting system that forced me to aim at the enemy again after trying to escape their attacks...

The writing was incredible for the era, though.

[DDCecil]

SNES version gets my vote only because of the Boat Captain that looks liked a deformed Jay Leno.

[mobiusclimber]

Wow, the interface in the SNES version is NOT good, but you get used to it. The problem I think some people have w/ the Genesis version is that you are decidely not supposed to just run up to people and try to plug them. It's a slow game, in that you really have to build yourself up, and making wrong or stupid moves will get you killed. You usually CAN'T just power-walk away from something. You have to start off small and work your way up. But man, there is so much customization and actual role-playing in it. You basically decide how you want to play the game. The SNES version makes your character for you. It's also stupidly EASY. (Again, probably why some people prefer it.) The Genesis one is pretty much Grand Theft Auto in the future, with RPG elements. If you don't think that's cool then.. I dunno what to say to that.

[tomaitheous]

The original pen and paper version can suck it. SNES is best. I don't care for the Genesis version..... because it's not the SNES version ;)

On a more serious note. SNES version just had this charm about it. I normally don't care for these type of games (whatever type it is). The Genesis version is just... meh. Didn't have the magic or charm of the SNES one.

[LaughingMAN.S9]

The original pen and paper version can suck it. SNES is best. I don't care for the Genesis version..... because it's not the SNES version ;)

On a more serious note. SNES version just had this charm about it. I normally don't care for these type of games (whatever type it is). The Genesis version is just... meh. Didn't have the magic or charm of the SNES one.



IT WAS THE MUSIC!!!

lol i lovedddd that fucking soundtrack!

[kupomogli]

Never played the Genesis version.

With the SNES version, only problem I've had is that the targeting sucked(should have been auto target to closest and switch targets after.) Thought it was pretty good though. The music, graphics, and overall atmosphere of the game were very good. Battle system minus the targetting wasn't bad.

Also being forced to pick up Nuyen instead of getting it automatically kindof sucks. You're forced to use the targeting on the Nuyen as well which wastes more time than anything. Sometimes it makes me want to leave it if money wasn't so rare early on in that game.

[KHELVIN]

When I was a teen I was all about the snes, I mean I owned a genny but overall snes was/is superior (for rpgs, my fav genre). Having said this, at the time I hardly gave the genny version a chance, despite being my cousins "favorite game" However some time last year I decided to give the genisis version another chance, and actually played the thing for more than a couple hours.... and couldn't stop.... After having done so, I have to say it's the better version, and IMO the best game for the system.

[mobiusclimber]

Oh, heh, re-reading my post, I kinda make it sound like I don't like the SNES version. I love the SNES version. I just think it's the more traditional game between the two.

One thing about Genesis games that I noticed is that they really tried hard to be different (most of them). So you have Shadowrun or Phantasy Star IV or Warriors of the Eternal Sun where there's several different gameplay modes, all of them fleshed out and well thought out, and all of them work.

[Juganawt]

when I was younger, I prefered the Snes version. I completed it 3 times over, and loved everything about it. At that time, I borrowed the Megadrive version from a friend, and was instantly switched off. I just couldn't get interested enough in it to give it a fair try.

Now that I've completed both Snes and Megadrive versions, I think the Megadrive version stays closest to the "vision" of Shadowrun, but I prefer the gameplay of the snes one. Of course, the Sega CD version blows both of them to smithareens, but that's a different kettle of fish.

[MachineGex]

If a topic ever needed a poll, this one sure would be at the top.

[pseudonym]

I prefer the Genesis version for the reasons mobiusclimber listed earlier. Both of them are good though.

[kainemaxwell]

Thinking of trying one of these.

[Edmond Dantes]

It's been awhile since I played either game (though I have both of them in my library) but, I always preferred the SNES one. I never had a problem with its interface and in fact liked that it played like an adventure game and that the plot was basically Deja Vu in the future.

When I tried the Genesis version later, I first fluffled trying to figure out the controls, then I was like... "what am I even supposed to be doing?" I'm not really a huge fan of nonlinear "you choose how you play" games, because to me that often translates as "it's an unstructured mess where you faff around doing nothing and accomplishing zip." I like for games to at least give me a general idea what I'm doing, whether it be shooting aliens or solving mysteries, and not just dump me somewhere and say "here, now go do something."

I have the first edition rulebook to the pen n' paper game, but I never got a chance to play it.

[Zing]

hands down one of the best genny games made

That's not saying much. :D