Are there any versions of Genesis games that are better then the SNES verision?

[tomaitheous]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PkNirSetQc

This is the last boss music on Final Fantasy 5. Skip to 1:50, then listen up to 2:25. Atleast four different sounds are playing at once. Most Sega games have two sounds playing at a single time. I've possibly heard three before but I doubt it.

I don't hear anything special in that. It's rather generic/common sounding for the snes. If I was gonna pick something to show off the SNES, it sure as hell wouldn't be that. As for the "sounds", there are plenty of Genesis composition that have up to four different "instruments". FM is pretty flexible and can make a variety of instrument sounds (including a kazoo! I dislike the kazoo sound though). Saying most Genesis compositions have two "sounds" at a time is pretty ignorant. I think your bias has clouded your ability to distinguish between such things. Or something. I mean, seriously - how can you come to that conclusion? Probably haven't played much Genesis, would be my guess.

Not really, it sounds like crap by the system's own standards.

I disagree. The SNES version of "Born to Be Wild" sounds better.

You disagree? You think that Genesis rendition is up to par? You're nuts. You need to go back and listen to more Genesis sound tracks. Unless you're misunderstanding what he said (he didn't say the Genesis rendition was better than the SNES, just that it was subpar compared to other Genesis technical compositions).

I thought the SNES could handle more sprites than the Genesis?

Genesis:
maximum onscreen sprites: 80

SNES:
maximum onscreen sprites: 128, a maximum of 32 per line, up to 64x64 pixels large

Max sprites onscreen doesn't count for much. But that number means more to the SNES than the Genesis, because the SNES is only limited to two sprite sizes per screen, where as the Genesis is much more flexible and uses any (or all) of its sprite sizes onscreen. So the SNES benefits are very specific to a situation, otherwise the Genesis flexibility gives it the upper hand in more practical situations. Also, 64x64 sprites are practically useless (and wasteful). The PCE can do 32x64, but 99% of the time it's doing 32x32 sprite size like the Genesis max sprite size.

[j_factor]

This is the last boss music on Final Fantasy 5. Skip to 1:50, then listen up to 2:25. Atleast four different sounds are playing at once. Most Sega games have two sounds playing at a single time. I've possibly heard three before but I doubt it.

On most games when the Sega Genesis does play more than one sound it sounds kind of bad as well. Think Castlevania Bloodlines and the fire whenever killing the hell hound. Attempting to emulate a fire sound and probably too many sounds were used at once causing a screech.

This is the most bizarre thing I've ever heard. The Genesis audio hardware has a total of 10 sound channels. Shitloads of games have more than "two sounds playing at a single time". What the hell? And that track is okay, but nothing special.

Ah, yes. Super/Mega Turrican. How I love these games, specially it's music! One of the best I've heard on any 16 bit game. From the two, although they are both fantastic, I would have to choose the SNES version. It sounds better to me than on the Genesis. I feel the Genesis was too "high pitched" than on the SNES version, if that makes any sense.

That doesn't make any sense. Can you comment on the section that starts at 0:40? To me it sounds really bad on SNES... you can barely hear it, it's so muffled. It's frustrating to listen to, like an 80s indie record with a poor mix.

I disagree. The SNES version of "Born to Be Wild" sounds better.

Of course the SNES version sounds better, but you can't possibly disagree with what I said, unless you haven't heard many Genesis games.

These songs sound pretty good, but the samples are low quality and distorted. There's an annoying, fuzzy sound to them. Impressive for the Genesis though.

That... really sounds like you're just making stuff up.

I thought the SNES could handle more sprites than the Genesis?

Genesis:
maximum onscreen sprites: 80

SNES:
maximum onscreen sprites: 128, a maximum of 32 per line, up to 64x64 pixels large

It technically allows a larger number of sprites, but in practice, the Genesis is much better with a large number of sprites. The SNES has other technical limitations.

[pepharytheworm]

Alright thats enough, we all have our own preferences no point in telling others their opinions are wrong. Maybe I missed it but has anyone shown music of both sytems that are pratically the same song. I listed one from Rock n Roll racing. I would like to hear other people's music they thought was better than the others version and please only exact same songs from the exact same game and same development team.

What I find interesting is that the name of the thread title alone is saying that most games are better on the SNES. I have been on several forums and have seen this topic over and over. Not once I have I seen a thread title called "Are there any versions of SNES games that are better than the Genesis version?"

[tomaitheous]

Alright thats enough, we all have our own preferences no point in telling others their opinions are wrong. Maybe I missed it but has anyone shown music of both sytems that are pratically the same song. I listed one from Rock n Roll racing. I would like to hear other people's music they thought was better than the others version and please only exact same songs from the exact same game and same development team.

And what is that going to show? Cross development games are probably the worst thing to compare against. A game developed to the strengths of the system, is a much better case to judge against or for.

[pepharytheworm]

And what is that going to show? Cross development games are probably the worst thing to compare against. A game developed to the strengths of the system, is a much better case to judge against or for.

How? Its like comparing Heavey Metal to Pop your way. Everyone will have there own taste. I know cross platform song are generally the worst but people can still tell which sounds like a better conversion.

My way its comparing the same song plus this thread is about better versions not which system had better songs. I am trying to stay on topic, while still discussing sound. I find sound and music part of what makes a better version. Along with gameplay and visuals of course.

[j_factor]

Alright thats enough, we all have our own preferences no point in telling others their opinions are wrong. Maybe I missed it but has anyone shown music of both sytems that are pratically the same song. I listed one from Rock n Roll racing. I would like to hear other people's music they thought was better than the others version and please only exact same songs from the exact same game and same development team.

I did post an example with Turrican. I think that's a valid approach to comparing, as long as that's not the only thing you're looking at. The example you gave just so happens to be a terrible example for Genesis. If the SNES version didn't exist, I would still point it out as a Genesis game with poor sound.

What I find interesting is that the name of the thread title alone is saying that most games are better on the SNES. I have been on several forums and have seen this topic over and over. Not once I have I seen a thread title called "Are there any versions of SNES games that are better than the Genesis version?"

I don't think I've ever seen a thread with the same title as this one either. I think the majority of games between the two are better on Genesis. I posted a pretty large list earlier. Music isn't the only factor, of course.

[tomaitheous]

How? Its like comparing Heavey Metal to Pop your way. Everyone will have there own taste. I know cross platform song are generally the worst but people can still tell which sounds like a better conversion.

No it isn't. You're original statement suggests superiority of one systems audio over another and drawing a conclusion based X comparison. Not what game(s) have better sound tracks. If that's not what you meant, you should be more clear (I mean, making such a statement when the focus of the thread has shifted to audio vs audio hardware and not game vs game. For a large chunk of this thread).

[pepharytheworm]

Earthworm Jim intro/ New Junk City Genesis music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqbzRwrZZ5k
A lot clearer with some bumping bass

Earthworm Jim intro/ New Junk City SNES music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUeU_...eature=related
Adds some cool new sounds but generally I like the Gens version better.

Earthworm Jim - What the Heck genesis music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klWM-vGD5vw
This one sounds like there is a woomping noise. Its cool to hear the opening on Genesis, voices garbled

Earthworm Jim - What the Heck SNES music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTYph...eature=related
this time I like the SNES version better, doesn't sound like elevator music though.

Street Fighter II Genesis Ken Stage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaaFg0V2-yw
Of all the Street Fighter songs to me this one really shines on the Genesis

Street Fighter II SNES Ken Stage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYqyJiizxwY
Again some cool sounds added but I don't like the woomping sound on the snes this time

Mortal Kombat Genesis Title Player Select
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4PyskgK2XU
more faithful to the arcade music. But I ultimately like the SNES better because of the cool sounds added like the gong

Mortal Kombat SNES Title Player Select
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLShhxspKvE

[pepharytheworm]

No it isn't. You're original statement suggests superiority of one systems audio over another and drawing a conclusion based X comparison. Not what game(s) have better sound tracks. If that's not what you meant, you should be more clear (I mean, making such a statement when the focus of the thread has shifted to audio vs audio hardware and not game vs game. For a large chunk of this thread).

Thats why I asked for examples because I personally haven't played all cross platform games on both systems. Just Because I generally like ones sound over the other doesn't mean every song I find better on the SNES, please read my post again if you thought this. People were discussing Rock n Roll racing and I own both and find the genesis port weak and music was part of it and several agreed thats why I mentioned sound. I personally would like people to show me some strong songs that outshine the SNES versions and vice versa.

[allyourblood]

I personally would like people to show me some strong songs that outshine the SNES versions and vice versa.

I think you posted two very nice examples, yourself. While some might prefer the sound of the SNES versions, which is fine, the Genesis version of Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat are clearly more faithful to the arcade's original soundtrack. The lead melody in MK is clearly quite synthetic, but the SNES version went for more of a shakuhachi sound (or whatever it's called). And in Ken's stage for SFII, the Genesis version is almost a dead ringer for the arcade! Not sure where the SNES' guitar came from.

As for the Earthworm Jim tracks, I like both versions, but for different reasons. They all sound good to me.

[j_factor]

Jungle Strike opening: Genesis, SNES. Once again the SNES version sounds awfully soft.

[PresidentLeever]

MK on SNES sounds very muffled in that example, but the percussion is pretty good.

Here's a track that I think sounds better on SNES, Turtles in Time/Hyperstone Heist - Sewer Surfin':

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsQ9bcN61N4
SNES: Great percussion, strong and full sounding leads, and the guitar is actually pretty decent. Sounds pretty tight and dynamic overall.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugE5l01KG5s&fmt=18
MD: Pretty good bass, but rather thin and whiny sounding lead synths. Some scratchy percussion elements. The SNES's better stereo capabilites are also pretty obvious here if you have a listen in headphones. I do like the opening arpeggios better here though, more noticeable and crisp.

[j_factor]

That's a good example, that sounds great on SNES. Actually the Genesis verson of that game overall, while not bad, feels lazy.

[Push Upstairs]

Super Castlevania IV:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjuSIUKdnjA


Batman Returns:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Vw3QcVfB3I

I'll agree that Castlevania sounds nice, but Batman Returns? Most of the "orchestrated" music uses instruments that make the game come off as bland SNES music. That game also is an example of why I believe the SNES can't do bass.

Toss some dude on the ground and any "thud" lacks punch. SMW exhibits this as well. Bullet Bills launching & the fireworks at the end lack fullness, they sound flat.


TMNT isn't a good comparison, I feel Konami half assed "Hyperstone". That and "Turtles in Time" is a better game overall (being more arcade accurate)

[123►Genei-Jin]

Since I like both systems this post is in no way a comparison by any means, just wanted to post some of my favorite tracks from both systems.

Snes
Axelay - 06 Colony
Battletoads in Battlemaniacs - Dark Tower
Actraiser - Blood Pool/Casandora
Actraiser 2 - Tortoise Island & Altheria
Contra 3: The Alien Wars - Level 3
Cool Spot - Off Da Wall

Genesis
Battle Mania Daiginjou - Smoking Head
Castlevania Bloodlines - The sinking old sactuary
Phantasy Star 4 - Laughter
Streets of Rage 3 - The Poets II
Eternal Champions - Midknight Stage
Thunder Force IV - Daser Boss

[j_factor]

Streets of Rage 3 - The Poets II

This is the most underrated soundtrack of all time IMO. Here's another great track from it: "Fuze". I love the section that starts at 1:06, it reminds me of drum & bass.

[Push Upstairs]

I could never get enough of this BK3/SOR3 track

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li6ve507X3c "The Poets"

[Astrocade]

Personally, I have no dog in this fight being that I love the SNES and the Genesis equally. I've never really considered one or the other to have superior graphics or sound; it all depends on the game.

I can say this in favor of the Genesis though. Listening to a clip on youtube or a snippet captured through emulation just isn't the same as having your Genesis plugged into an actual stereo that is (1)decently set-up, (2)playing back in genuine 2 channel stereo, and (3)having speakers that can actually move some bass.

If I was just going by the majority of the posted examples, I would feel that the SNES had better sound. But if you play them both back through a hi-fi set up, the Genesis has usually much more resonant bass and a "warmer", less synthetic sound compared to the SNES. The best way I can describe the two is that the Genesis is the equivalent of the analog disc- warm, better rounded, and with a punchy bass. The SNES reminds me of the earliest CDs; crystal clear, but almost to a fault.

[Rob2600]

Batman Returns? Most of the "orchestrated" music uses instruments that make the game come off as bland SNES music. That game also is an example of why I believe the SNES can't do bass.

I disagree. Fast-forward to some of the other songs in that video. They sound great to me...and when hooked up to a nice stereo system, there's plenty of bass.

I think the best example of SNES bass though is Donkey Kong Country.

Jungle Strike opening: Genesis, SNES. Once again the SNES version sounds awfully soft.

Yes, but we all know EA was very lazy on the SNES, so of course its SNES music is going to sound like garbage.

[megasdkirby]

That doesn't make any sense. Can you comment on the section that starts at 0:40? To me it sounds really bad on SNES... you can barely hear it, it's so muffled. It's frustrating to listen to, like an 80s indie record with a poor mix.

As stated previously, it doesn't make any sense, since I was trying to find the correct way to explain it. For some reason, it just sounds better, but I can't pinpoint how or why. I just prefer it over the Genesis version.

Now Earthworm Jim...I do prefer the Genesis version as it sounds much better than it's SNES counterpart. The SNES version sounds weird.

I don't know if this comparisson has been made, but here is a track from Thunderforce III Genesis (or Thunderspirits for the SNES):

Genesis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXfGEgLfO-k

SNES: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glr4eldvneI

Both sound great, and some portions sound better on the Genesis than on the SNES (reverse is also true on some sections). So which is better? Depends on the person really, but I prefer the Genesis version.