Dual SNES/Genesis releases, which had the better game?

[wavracer]

Now that I have a SNES and a Genesis, and am collecting for both, I have an interesting question.
Out of the titles released on both systems, which system had the better game?
Add your game, your favorite system to play it on, and why it's better on that system:

Mortal Kombat II - Genesis (better with the 6 Button Arcade Pad)

NBA Jam Tournament Edition - SNES (better sound and graphics)

NHL 96 - Genesis (faster speed)

Sunset Riders - SNES (can select from all 4 characters, and better sound and graphics)

[c0ldb33r]

I'd say MK2 for the SNES is better - LOADS better

MK1 - I'd say genesis, but its close since the graphics suck so bad and the characters are so small.

Usually, if the same game is released for both, the SNES will be better. This doesn't count where its not actually the same game, just the same name (e.g. Aladdin)

[Ed Oscuro]

For a while I liked Sunset Rider's sound on the Genesis more...no idea what I was thinking there. The SNES version appears superior in every category (full intro, full palette, reasonable facsimile of the arcade game soundtrack, longer stages - at least judging by stage one which starts well into the stage in the Genesis version).

Here's an odd one:

Robocop vs. Terminator.

I think the Genesis version is better. For some reason, Robocop looks better - crisper and maybe even bigger - in the Genesis version. There's some interesting lighting effects in the background of the SNES version, but nothing to die for. Speaking of dying, that's something else the Genesis version does better - you've got to punch in a cheat code to see deaths in the SNES version. Whoops!

[klausien]

I agree with c0ldb33r about MKII. The SNES version was much closer to the arcade than its Genesis counterpart, though the latter was a great improvement over the original. I also agree that the original was better on Genesis, though the SNES version looked better in screenshots. The SNES version just didn't play correctly at all, blood & fatalities or not, though if it were uncensored, we all might be saying otherwise.

There are two areas where the Genesis far outshines the SNES. The much faster clock speed allowed the Genesis to handle both sports games and shoot 'em ups much more competantly. All of the Maddens and NHLs were leagues better on the Genesis. Any of the shmups that appeared on both machines were better on Genesis. Raiden Trad and ThunderForce 3 (Spirits/AC on the SNES) were MUCH better on the Genesis. The only exception I can think of off the top of my head is Smash T.V. The SNES version is much closer to the arcade.

On the other hand, the SNES was generally superior graphically due to the simple fact that it supported more colors onscreen, but we all already know all that.

[evil_genius]

Raiden Trad

the snes version seems a little more true to the arcade difficulty. the genesis version seems a bit easier in other words. but i like the genesis version more because of the way the view is set up. genesis>snes IMO.

[c0ldb33r]

I also agree that the original was better on Genesis, though the SNES version looked better in screenshots.
I always thought it was funny that the intro video for the Sega CD version of mortal kombat used SNES graphics :D

[Iron Draggon]

I never understood why the Genesis frequently omitted playable characters that were present in the SNES version. It's not like the Genesis couldn't handle it. I bet the evil Nintendo forced developers to make Genesis games that appeared on both systems inferior to the SNES version in some way. Nothing else makes any sense at all about it.

Raiden Trad - 1P on Genesis, 2P on SNES
Sunset Riders - 2 characters on Genesis, 4 characters on SNES
Cadash - OK, so it wasn't on the SNES too, but if it was, the SNES would've had all 4 characters. The Genesis only had 2 characters

You get the idea. That's the only ones that I can think of right now, but I'm sure that there's more. I'm surprised that the Genesis version of Mortal Kombat wasn't the one without the blood in it. They left stuff out of the Genesis version all the time. Missing this, missing that, always in the SNES version, with the only exception being the blood in Mortal Kombat. And even that was still there, it was just changed to sweat. On the Genesis you had to enter a code for it. So what the hell was up with them omitting stuff?

[c0ldb33r]

... I bet the evil Nintendo forced developers to make Genesis games that appeared on both systems inferior to the SNES version in some way. Nothing else makes any sense at all about it...

that's quite the consipracy theory LOL

http://personal.nbnet.nb.ca/i66f8/images/alter.jpg

[Jumpman Jr.]

I think the SNES had the better games on every game, except one: NBA Jam. When it comes to the SNES I personally don't think that the Genesis can compare to it at all, but that's probably just because I'm a bit of a Nintendo freak. Still though, I can't seem to play NBA Jam on my SNES. I'm not sure exactly what it is, but it just doesn't seem.... right? You know what I'm saying?

[googlefest1]

i think MK 2 on the genesis is better - ive always felt the control was better on the genesis -- yes the snes looks and sounds better

and i favor Wolfchild on the genesis over the snes and sega cd versions

[lordnikon]

Samurai Shodown:

Genesis version was WAY better than the SNES version. The genesis version had huge sprites, and was pretty darn close to the AES version.

[c0ldb33r]

I thought of a genesis game that's better - the original FIFA soccer game. Much better than the SNES one.

[NeoZeedeater]

Here's an odd one:

Robocop vs. Terminator.
It's not really that odd as it's a different game completely. It was like that with Alien 3 too. I was disappointed when I bought the SNES version after renting the Genesis game.

Overall with the 16-bit era, it seems like almost half the time the Genesis version was better despite lesser graphics. It's not like with the Xbox and PS2 where the more advanced hardware had the best version 90% of the time.

[Fanboy]

While the Genny had the faster clock speed, I found the controller to be a large advantage in SNES sports games. IN college we used to play NHL'94 (still do, when the buds get together) on the SNES, but when we tried NHL'95 on the Genny we found it unplayable.

The reason? 'X' button for goalie control. Whenever someone is coming down the wing on you, it's a lot easier to stop the one-timer when you can grab the goalie and float across for the save.

On the 3-button Genesis controller you needed to hold the 'B' button in order to grab the goalie, and that would often lead to you losing an interception because your player passed it immediately upon grabbing it just because you were focused on controlling the goalie.

Oh, and MKII? SNES all the way.

[chrisbid]

take graphics and sound out of the equation, and often times i enjoy the genesis versions of games more. tighter control, better controller (arcade six button layout, true 8 direction d-pad), and less slowdown. It boils down the most basic classic gamers' law...

Gameplay > Graphics

[klausien]

Another good example of Genesis superiority: Fatal Fury

The SNES game again looked better in screenshots, but was nigh unplayable. The Genesis version was a very close approximation of he Neo Geo original considering the technology.

The Genesis version of Samurai Shodown, missing character or not, is much better than the SNES version as well. I like the larger characters.

In general, I have always felt that the SNK fighters played better on Genesis, while looking better (in most cases) on the SNES. The SNES games definitely had better sound.

On the other hand, the SNES versions of SFII, even with missing background elements, were leagues better than their Genesis counterparts, especially in the Sound department. The horrific sample rate on the Genesis versions killed the experience for me. The PC Engine version DOES take on the SNES original, though Turbo has it beat.

[n8littlefield]

I agree that the Genny version of MKII was better. The graphics and sound were better on the SNES version, but the Genesis version was better playing.

Another game that was (slightly) better on the Genny was Justice League as I believe it had more characters due to cheaper carts for the Genesis.

[Matt-El]

Here's another fighting game one: Super Street Fighter II.

Excellent ports, nearly identical Except that the sound just sucked on the Genesis.

Comparatively, SNES was a 32 bit game and the Genesis was 40 bit. Adding the extra onto it was a good idea.

[Arcade Antics]

MK II - better on the SNES, hands down.

Pit Fighter - WAY better on the Genesis, hands down. Only problem is, the game isn't that great to begin with.

[MegaDrive20XX]

Here's another fighting game one: Super Street Fighter II.

Excellent ports, nearly identical Except that the sound just sucked on the Genesis.


I've been comparing these two..and the SNES uses the original Arcade sound effects almost dead-on. While the Genesis re-uses the previous SFII CE sound clips I noticed in some parts.

Yet the only thing missing in the SNES version, is a minor voice clip that says "ROUND 1" and that's it.

As for MK II, most def the SNES. Yet playing MKII on a Sega Nomad is sweet candy..

MK I, Genny all the way.

Samurai Shodown, Genesis does, I felt the controls were a bit dead on, but I noticed there is a few glitches when some of the attacks won't connect, while in the AES they will. SNES reminds me of watching Sim City, I gotta squit sometimes to see what's going on because of the smaller sprites....and damn I hate that stupid Dolby Surround Echoing sound effects they used in this game and Fatal Fury Special. Gen-An sounds like a fish gargling with that sound chip.

Okay next one, Maximum Carnage. SNES or Genny?

[vintagegamecrazy]

I was curious about Maximum Carnage too.

Here is another one, Zombies Ate My Neighbors. The music on the Genesis is just flat out butchered and the whole game was a drag, Snes has it beat hands down.

Which Earthworm Jim is better?
BOB?

[c0ldb33r]

Here's another fighting game one: Super Street Fighter II.

Excellent ports, nearly identical Except that the sound just sucked on the Genesis.

Comparatively, SNES was a 32 bit game and the Genesis was 40 bit. Adding the extra onto it was a good idea.

I always thought the 40 mb cart was a dumb idea. They used an extra 8 mb and ended up with a worse product. I'd rather they were careful with their space and released it a little cheaper.

I always assumed they made it 40 mb just because they could, that way they can say "BIGGEST GENESIS GAME EVER" or whatever. :roll:

[Jorpho]

The much faster clock speed allowed the Genesis to handle both sports games and shoot 'em ups much more competantly.

The Genesis used a Motorola 68k, the SNES used a derivative of the 65C816 ! Thse are two different chips and a direct comparison of the clock speeds is not valid!

No mention of TMNT Tournament Fighters yet, which apparently was abysmal on the Genny.

[chrisbid]

The much faster clock speed allowed the Genesis to handle both sports games and shoot 'em ups much more competantly.

The Genesis used a Motorola 68k, the SNES used a derivative of the 65C816 ! Thse are two different chips and a direct comparison of the clock speeds is not valid!

No mention of TMNT Tournament Fighters yet, which apparently was abysmal on the Genny.

the SNES was too slow, period. it could not handle action games without slowing down.

and TMNT fighters were two different games

[Jorpho]

the SNES was too slow, period. it could not handle action games without slowing down.

Perhaps they were not easy to program, but I'm sure someone could suggest a SNES action game that does not have slowdown.


and TMNT fighters were two different games

Same name, though, according to the DP guide.

[jcheatle]

It's tough for me to be objective here as I grew up with the Genesis rather than the SNES, but... it's my own personal opinion that pretty much every EA Sports released game was better on the Genesis than on the SNES. I understand the 3-button argument posed by fanboy earlier but when you use the 6-button controller, the argument is null and void.

I just felt that they played much better on the Sega, but once again, I could be biased. I've tried playing several sports games on the SNES since then as I've been collecting, but they just don't feel "right" somehow. Tecmo Super Baseball (not an awful game, FWIW) seemed to be laid out completely differently on the SNES and as I said, just wrong somehow.

Anyway, just my thoughts, and I'd like to post one vote for MKII on the Genesis.

[James]

I was curious about Maximum Carnage too.

Here is another one, Zombies Ate My Neighbors. The music on the Genesis is just flat out butchered and the whole game was a drag, Snes has it beat hands down.

Which Earthworm Jim is better?
BOB?

Earthworm Jim should be tied, the game looks almost identical although its a little washed out on SNES, the SNES wins in the control department easily. Genesis loads a bit quicker and has a better intro. The sound has that tecno flair that the Genesis sound chip is famous for so I'm giving it to Genesis here. The games are both good accross the board but the perfect version of this game is definately the Sega CD Special Edition with better game flow and CD music, one of my favourites.

[dreamcaster]

Of every 16-bit game I have played, the SNES version is almost always better.

The Mega Drive version is either just as good (or bad, whichever it may be), or more often - lacking in the audio/graphical department.

Although, one contrary example I will say however, is that Thunder Spirits on the SNES had slowdown not found in the Mega Drive incarnations.

But it doesn't matter - the SNES is the better console, technically, and in terms of software. Mega Drive's exclusive titles just don't compare to the SNES's exclusive content.

[Eldergod]

Mortal Kombat II - SNES
The ONLY thing the Genesis had over SNES was Raiden's Fergality. Period.

Earthworm Jim - GEN
Can't really say why. I own both and prefer the GEN version.

NBA Jam + TE - GEN
Sports games were always better on the GEN.

Exclusive titles for systems - SNES >>> GEN
Mario > Sonic
GEN can't compare to the Final Fantasy's, Super Punchout, Zelda ALttP

[suppafly]

Pit fighter - the genesis version was MUCH better than the snes.

[James]

It's tough for me to be objective here as I grew up with the Genesis rather than the SNES, but... it's my own personal opinion that pretty much every EA Sports released game was better on the Genesis than on the SNES. I understand the 3-button argument posed by fanboy earlier but when you use the 6-button controller, the argument is null and void.

I just felt that they played much better on the Sega, but once again, I could be biased. I've tried playing several sports games on the SNES since then as I've been collecting, but they just don't feel "right" somehow. Tecmo Super Baseball (not an awful game, FWIW) seemed to be laid out completely differently on the SNES and as I said, just wrong somehow.

Anyway, just my thoughts, and I'd like to post one vote for MKII on the Genesis.

Off Topic here but I was wondering jcheatle, where is that street sign located you have there for your avatar?

I'll agree with Tecmo Super Baseball but MKII is still better on the SNES as I feel it was closer to the arcade version than on Genesis.

[Ruudos]

Toy Story.

The Genesis version is muc better than the SNES version. It has a better story line (more story telling in between), the controls are better and some levels had a bit different and better design.

[chrisbid]

this thread would be a lot more productive if there was a definative list of all titles available on both systems, along with a list of noticeable differences between the two versions.

[j_factor]

Earthworm Jim is far from a tie IMO. The SNES version is missing an entire level, and that's a dealbreaker for me. Of course, the Sega CD version is supreme, but the Genesis version is definitely the better of the two.

In my experience, the Genesis version is better about 80% of the time. Here's a few that haven't been mentioned yet:

Outlander - I don't know what it is, but the SNES version is pretty bad. Even the SCALING is done better on Genesis.

Battletoads Double Dragon - The SNES version has bigger sprites and more detail, but less animation. But the big difference to me is that the SNES version has really overly aggressive enemy AI, adding unnecessary frustration to an already difficult game; the Genesis enemies are a bit more manageable.

Soldiers of Fortune - The Genesis version has much less slowdown, which is important because the slowdown can mess you up, particularly in later levels.

Ys III - The SNES version's graphics are a bit better, but I don't think anyone actually prefers this game on SNES. All three versions have gameplay differences, and the SNES is the worst of the bunch.

Flashback - The SNES version is on a bigger cart, so what's with the terrible sound and the lower framerate in the cutscenes? Definitely better on Genesis.

Pac-Man 2 - The two are practically identical, except for one thing. When you go into the arcade, there are two Pac-Man games. In the SNES version, it's Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man. In the Genesis version, it's Pac-Man and Pac-Jr. Pac-Jr is not a port of the arcade game (which is actually called Jr Pac-Man) and is actually an original game that only exists in the Genesis version of Pac-Man 2.

Liberty of Death - Way, way better on SNES. The graphics and sound are just inexplicably terrible on Genesis.