In the Hunt/Kaitei Daisensou - Saturn or PlayStation?

[dreamcaster]

I want to grab a copy of this game soon, but I was wondering what people's opinions were on which version is best? I've seen videos showing the Saturn version has a fair bit of slow-down.

Does the Playstation version have no slow down at all? Or is it just less compared to the Saturn version? I generally prefer to get stuff on the Saturn than on the PSX, but if it's significantly better on the PSX, then I'll go for that version.

[Steven]

I enjoyed the Saturn JP port... unlimited continues means you can see the game to completion (it's damn hard)

Though, IIRC the JP Saturn port has a weird quirk where it boots up successfully only 40% of the time???

[DigitalSpace]

I haven't played the Saturn version, but according to Dangerboy (http://www.game-rave.com/psx/playstation_perfect_guide/releasedgames/in_the_hunt/index.html), it has a weird animation glitch that isn't present in the PlayStation version.

[dreamcaster]

Though, IIRC the JP Saturn port has a weird quirk where it boots up successfully only 40% of the time???

Yeah, I've heard about that too.

[atarikurt]

I have a US copy for the Saturn and it can be a pain to get the game to load. The disc is perfect and I can only get it to start up in 1 of my 3 Saturns. I runs pretty smooth when it does boot up. Some slowdown (like metal slug) but it can be helpful at times.

[le geek]

Try booting the US version with no controllers plugged in.

It also really helps to have an action replay to get unlimited continues...

[Emperor Megas]

Does the PSX version have that HORRIBLE opening CGI sequence (that's nowhere in the arcade game) that the Saturn version has? Because if it doesn't that's reason enough to get it over the Saturn one right there.

"Foi-er!", urgh. Just terrible.

[Bojay1997]

I want to grab a copy of this game soon, but I was wondering what people's opinions were on which version is best? I've seen videos showing the Saturn version has a fair bit of slow-down.

Does the Playstation version have no slow down at all? Or is it just less compared to the Saturn version? I generally prefer to get stuff on the Saturn than on the PSX, but if it's significantly better on the PSX, then I'll go for that version.

I own both the PSX and Saturn versions as well as the arcade board and I personally prefer the Saturn because it just feels more like the arcade version to me. I can't really be more specific than that. By the way, there is slowdown in the arcade version as well when there are multiple explosions and other sprite heavy sequences.

[Kitsune Sniper]

Does the PSX version have that HORRIBLE opening CGI sequence (that's nowhere in the arcade game) that the Saturn version has? Because if it doesn't that's reason enough to get it over the Saturn one right there.

"Foi-er!", urgh. Just terrible.

It doesn't, at least my copy doesn't.

It does have some weird glitchyness going on, though.

[fahlim003]

It doesn't, at least my copy doesn't.

It does have some weird glitchyness going on, though.

No PlayStation copy has the 3D movie, that's Saturn only.

Glitches though... do tell. Up until now I've never heard anyone complain of any issues on the PS version, pardon the fact it has a different stage order from the original arcade game.

The PS version is considered by most the be the best version out there. A good reason attributed to this is that it contains the least amount of slowdown, even over arcade. No reported issues between Japan, North America, or Europe so it's all good.

The Saturn version by and large has the most slowdown, more than arcade even. It is otherwise quite accurate. The Japanese version (海底大戦争) is easily the worst however, with most copies having awful loading, if it loads at all. It's quite hit or miss so unless you're sure it's a good pressing, avoid. NA and EU copies are fine otherwise, if used on the proper system. Boot problems are known to occur when running a copy of a specific region on a different regioned Saturn.

Talking strictly US versions, PS1 is the way to go. It's often cheaper and more widely available than Saturn and can come in the smaller, easier to store CD case.

For more information, consult shmups forum: http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=16925 , http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=110&p=686

[Kitsune Sniper]

No PlayStation copy has the 3D movie, that's Saturn only.

Glitches though... do tell. Up until now I've never heard anyone complain of any issues on the PS version, pardon the fact it has a different stage order from the original arcade game.

I -think- I was having some weird music issues with the game on my PS2, but it was a while ago. I'll check later.

[fahlim003]

I -think- I was having some weird music issues with the game on my PS2, but it was a while ago. I'll check later.

Since it's different hardware, that's a possible reason. Depending on the strength of the PS2 laser, condition of the disc, etc.. there could be many other reasons too. I don't know about the BC with respect to ITH on PS2 but it could one of the few PS1 titles with issues. Music problems, thankfully, aren't a huge concern. It's not game breaking anyway.

Another point to add would be that PS1 has the most options, and a few secrets (codes). Saturn has no secrets, not without the use of a GameShark and if Free Play is your thing, only the Japanese version has it.

[j_factor]

Talking strictly US versions, PS1 is the way to go. It's often cheaper and more widely available than Saturn and can come in the smaller, easier to store CD case.

I've been holding out for the Playstation version, and while I've seen Saturn copies on offer, I've found it more difficult to come by for PSX. DP has it at R7 for PSX and R4 for Saturn.

[fahlim003]

I've been holding out for the Playstation version, and while I've seen Saturn copies on offer, I've found it more difficult to come by for PSX. DP has it at R7 for PSX and R4 for Saturn.

Yeah it's an R7, but I had little trouble finding a copy. I don't think it's a hard find at all, ebay or otherwise, perhaps a little patience and a saved search will do the trick. I'm not saying copies are all over the place but it shouldn't take long to source one. At one point about a year ago I could've bought 3 different copies off this forum all around the same time frame.

There's this too: http://www.amazon.com/Hunt-Playstation/dp/B00002SW4I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1273688668&sr=8-1

[Bloodreign]

Irem really loved cranking out these skill and reflex testing games, In the Hunt is no exception. I own the PSX port and have heard all these crazy things about the Saturn port, from the booting issues to extra slowdown not in the arcade version. PSX version is right on cue and has probably a little less slowdown that the arcade version, but that slowdown is handy due to all the firepower the enemy possesses. Favorite boss in the game is the Stage 5 Seabed boss, damned thing chases you around till you kill the damned beast.

All in all I got my PSX version for around $10 on ebay about a year or so ago, it's a nice purchase and a game one should own if they like Irem, Metal Slug, or difficult heavy hitting action.

[Kitsune Sniper]

I've been holding out for the Playstation version, and while I've seen Saturn copies on offer, I've found it more difficult to come by for PSX. DP has it at R7 for PSX and R4 for Saturn.

I will gladly trade my Longbox copy for something if you want to.

[Breetai]

Definitely get the PSX version. I have the Saturn version and have NEVER got it to load. Avoid to be safe and get the PSX version.

[dreamcaster]

Thanks for the information guys.

I'm probably going to go with an NTSC-J PSX version, mostly because there don't seem to be any cheap US/PAL copies on eBay at the moment and shipping from Japan to Australia is always way cheaper than from the US.

[TheClash603]

Thanks for the information guys.

I'm probably going to go with an NTSC-J PSX version, mostly because there don't seem to be any cheap US/PAL copies on eBay at the moment and shipping from Japan to Australia is always way cheaper than from the US.

Good pick no matter what version. I am happy to see a thread mention this game, one of my top 10 Saturn shmups (Galactic Attack #1).

[j_factor]

I will gladly trade my Longbox copy for something if you want to.

PM sent. :)

[josekortez]

My U.S. Saturn copy of In the Hunt only runs smoothly when I boot it up with the Action Replay cart inserted. I don't use codes. I just start it from the boot screen. Anybody have any theories as to why this is?

[CRV]

My U.S. Saturn copy of In the Hunt only runs smoothly when I boot it up with the Action Replay cart inserted. I don't use codes. I just start it from the boot screen. Anybody have any theories as to why this is?

I guess it's because of the added RAM.

On the other hand, the Japanese version apparently does not work with the Action Replay.