Akumajo Densetsu (Castlevania 3) VRC6 chip

[ShinobiMan]

Recently I remembered that one of my favorite games (Castlevania 3) was in fact inferior in it's Japanese version. The Famicom release, Akumajo Densetsu, features a chip called VRC6 which allows extra music channels. The quality of the sound in this game is improved tenfold. Been playing a ROM and it's like a whole new experience to something I've played hundreds of times.

I also noticed that some of the sprites (like the fleaman) have changed, and the graphics overall seem slightly better, more detailed. Were there any other classic NES games that received better versions in their Famicom counterparts?

[Arasoi]

Did you mean the Famicom version was superior to the NES version? =) Most people take this stance, though a few prefer the MMC5 NES version.

The game was changed because the NES lacks the extra cartridge pins the Famicom does for developer chips like the VRC series.

This happened to a few games, Rolling Thunder has a better sound chip too on the Famicom by Namco, that Tengen couldnt bring over here.

[Kitsune Sniper]

Some people argue that the FDS versions of some games are better due to the extra sound channel, but I actually think they sound like distorted crap. Metroid and Bio Miracle Bokutte Upa come to mind.

[ShinobiMan]

Did you mean the Famicom version was superior to the NES version? =)

Thanks for the correction. That is indeed what I meant. :-D

[Arasoi]

If you're interested in checking out other sound chips, I'd point you to Lagrange Point which contains the VRC7 - it has a Yamaha YM2413 chip in it and sounds equivalent to a Genesis.

The game is an RPG IIRC, but the ROM might have a translation patch. Or you could always pick up the NSF =)

You also might want to check out VS Excitebike on the FDS (not to be confused with the arcade version). It has different features and music than the regular FC/NES Excitebike and is considered by many to be the best version.

[aclbandit]

Some people argue that the FDS versions of some games are better due to the extra sound channel, but I actually think they sound like distorted crap. Metroid and Bio Miracle Bokutte Upa come to mind.

I would actually disagree here-- Metroid's music, I found, was much creepier with the FDS sound channel. Super-nifty.

Bokutte Upa? Since there was no US release, I have no comparison, but I didn't think it was bad.

[Arasoi]

There was both an FDS and FC cart release of Upa, which is probably what he is referring to.

But I agree, I generally appreciate the FDS sound channels contribution to the music and sound as well. There are a lot of little things, like the title screen music on Zelda 1 FDS or the door opening sound on Metroid FDS that I like better.

[kupomogli]

I also noticed that some of the sprites (like the fleaman) have changed, and the graphics overall seem slightly better, more detailed. Were there any other classic NES games that received better versions in their Famicom counterparts?

Don't forget Grant. His standard attack is by throwing the daggers in the Famicom version with the axe as his only subweapon. In the NES version, Grant can only melee with the dagger and can acquire the dagger or axe for subweapons.

[Smashed Brother]

Gryzor, the Famicom version of Contra, not only had intermissions in-between levels, but also other extra details, like animated trees in the first stage and so on. There are also translated roms available for this.

[Arasoi]

Gryzor is actually the name of the European arcade game of Contra, the characters for the Japanese version of Contra are literally Kon-to-ra, a combination of three kanji characters being used as a gikun.

http://contra.classicgaming.gamespy.com/features/contraname.htm

That being said, yes the Japanese Contra for FC (VRC2) is awesome. Story intro, map screen, moving trees in Jungle, and falling snow in Snow Field.

And it appears Im acting like a real know it all today. Sorry!

[Aussie2B]

The difficulty was also rebalanced in the US release of Castlevania 3. Damage amounts are based on the stage in the US release, while the Japanese original dealt damage based on what kind of monster it came from. Makes the final stages in the Japanese version a bit easier since you won't have even bats dealing 4 bars of damage, while it can make the earlier stages in the Japanese version a bit harder. Opinion on which is better varies, but the Japanese version is at least more logical. If anything, you'd expect Ralph/Trevor to be stronger against attacks with experience, not growing progressively weaker to attacks from bats and what have you. Unless you want to make the argument that he's getting worn out. :P

[MarioMania]

Can you get the extra sounds from the FDS version of Zelda & Metriod on the Famicom Mini set on the GBA??

[Aussie2B]

Zelda was part of the normal Famicom Mini series, so it's based off of the cart version. Metroid was a part of the Disk System series, so, well, can anybody vouch for it? I have the Famicom Mini Zelda but not Metroid.

[aclbandit]

There was both an FDS and FC cart release of Upa, which is probably what he is referring to.

Woah, I had totally forgotten about that. Due to the fact that the cartridge is super-expensive, I've never picked up my own copy, so I haven't heard it to compare, anyway.

But also agreement on the FDS Zelda 1 title music (and also some minor differences in Zelda 2 as well): the FDS just does it differently, and in a good way.

[ccovell]

If you're interested in checking out other sound chips, I'd point you to Lagrange Point which contains the VRC7 - it has a Yamaha YM2413 chip in it and sounds equivalent to a Genesis.

Lagrange Point actually contains an OPL-type FM chip, which is quite inferior to the YM2612 OPN2 in the Genesis. The OPL chip is similar to the type used in the Japanese SMS, and AdLib sound cards. Anyway, Lagrange Point's FM music is kind of dull, I think. A bit of wasted potential.

[Lord Contaminous]

Two other Konami Famicom titles have this VRC6 chip. You'd have to know Japanese, as they're both RPG's, but English patches are available

Madara (1990, based on an anime)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT755OTb57s

Esper Dream 2 (1992, it's the final game to contain VRC6)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZviddMtlDOg

[MarioMania]

Does Metriod on the Famicom Mini on the GBA have the FDS Music??

[Arasoi]

Lagrange Point actually contains an OPL-type FM chip, which is quite inferior to the YM2612 OPN2 in the Genesis. The OPL chip is similar to the type used in the Japanese SMS, and AdLib sound cards. Anyway, Lagrange Point's FM music is kind of dull, I think. A bit of wasted potential.

Hm, odd. I didnt think the SMS FM soundtracks sounded anywhere near Lagrange point. Though Ill definitely relent that it isnt up to Genesis quality, thats what I get for generalizing.

Wiki claims VRC7 has a YM2413 derivative chip, same as in SMS like you said and also apparently the MSX sound add on module. Neat! I'm learning lots today.

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n310/Protogem/nbc_the_more_you_know.jpg

[rbudrick]

I too think that the FDS sound channel usually detracts from the music compared to the music on games that also saw cart releases. I feel it usually makes them sound more muddy and more primitive for some reason. I know I'm in the minority, but oh well.

-Rob

[Ed Oscuro]

Madara (1990, based on an anime)
Aha, so that's why the artstyle is similar to Akira.