Definitive way to play your favorite games

[Mopeybloke]

I disagree on that pick, @ThunderBoy. The mouse input is so poor on this. It also has forced vsync. I suggest using with Raze or eDuke32.

 

[Bakuma1997]

The fittingly called Definitive Edition of Dawn Of Sorrow, let's say that the removal of the Seal Drawing crap is the tip of the Iceberg, you get rebalanced weapons, Luck works and as a bonus you get a certain sword iconic from SOTN (Where is it? Not telling XD)

For Vanilla versions, The GBA Dawn of Souls remakes of 1 and 2 are easly the most satisfactory ways to play the origins of the games, i got the extra Nooks and Crannies of the PSP and the better Graphical quality, but i prefer my games simple and updated, aside i GREW with that version, helps that DoS' Final Fantasy 2 gives way faster weapon and magic skill growth

 

[JimNakajima]

The mobile ports of Dragon Quest 1-3 are great. They were my first exposure to the games, and would be my first recommendation for anybody that wants to experience the original trilogy. Obviously the HD-2D remakes will be the definitive versions, but for somebody that wants the closest thing to the original? The mobile ports are the way to go. It's such a shame that the Switch release completely botched the visuals and lead people to believe that's how they looked on mobile, when that couldn't be further from the truth.

 

[water_kooler]

im a bit of a sonic adventure fan, and most other fans probably know about the issues with the sonic adventure port to the gamecube "Sonic Adventure Directors Cut", or SADX. While it improved on the framerate (60fps up from 30fps) and allowed you to skip cutscenes, as well as adding playable metal sonic, it also completely overhauled the entire artistic direction of the game. a lot of the changes come down to personal preference, but many lighting effects, sounds, textures etc were broken or negatively effected.

The SADX mod installer comes prepackaged with mods to convert the PC version of SADX back to how it looked on the dreamcast. this is how i would recommend anyone play it, especially if its your first time.

if you are unaware of the issues with SADX, cybershell has a great video going over the differences and why its generally seen as inferior to the original dreamcast version.

I recommend the GameCube version. If there is a fan of the Dreamcast, don't worry. Most of the best Dreamcast titles were ported to the GameCube and Wii.

 

[Ashlynn Grasse]

Tales of Symphonia. The GameCube release is the only version with 60fps but it's missing a bunch of bonus content that was added in later releases, and the North American gc version has some minor censorship. So unless the framerate is a deal breaker, I'd recommend one of the remastered releases.

Why should you play Tales of Symphonia? Imagine a long JRPG with a similar kind of storytelling as Invincible. Constant shocking plot developments and disturbing plot twists. Even though the graphics and gameplay are less refined than it's sequels, it's game mechanics have some of the most depth of any tales game. And it has metric ton of optional and missable content. If you hate checklist style games and love the feeling of discovery, then this is for you. Just recently I discovered a chunky sidequest that let me battle one of the villains early. And that's not even mentioning the replay value. There are two distinct story routes, a giant menu of gameplay changes for new game+ and each character has two "styles" that change what abilities they learn and their function is in battle.

 

[diet_orange]

Say what you will about the port job and completely unnecessary speech added in, but I always kind of liked Super Mario Advance. Though it's probably nostalgia talking more than anything

 

[Bakuma1997]

Hot Take: Breath Of Fire 1's GBA port is superior to even the Definitive version of the OG SNES one, for one the equip menu is far simpler, the menus in general are far easier with a small description of what the item do instead of a basic "YoU CAn usE It In BAttlE" and battle rate, EXP and Monies are balanced

 

[Nickakyoin]

IMO this is how every main Final Fantasy version plays better:

• I: PSP (GBA in alternative)
• II: same as I (both included in Dawn of Souls).
• III: Pixel Remaster with difficulty restoration if there is one (and also Job points farm if anyone was interested on that from the NES). Also the 3D remake is good, but on DS for the love of god. The Steam version kinda sucks.
• IV: PSP (DS in alternative for the 3D remake. Just anything but the PC porting).
• V: Pixel Remaster.
• VI: SNES since it plays better.
• VII: PS1 (source code lost lol).
• VIII: PS1 (source code lost lol) but the Remastered on every platform isn't that bad.
• IX: PS1 hands down. The new remaster having to rebuild everything without the source code lost lol. The Moguri mod made plenty of stuff worse to look at imo, others felt improved like the backgrounds, sure. But this game .in full PS1 glory has the best charm of them all.
• X: PS2 for the better models
• XI: PC (there is literally no other way).
• XII: Zodiac Age.
• XIII trilogy: Steam (it's also very cheap to get).
• XIV: PC (obviously).
• XV: PC (4K mods and everything to make it look like irl).
• XVI: consol-you thought? PC, duh.

 

[underhandwriter]

In the HD remaster of Metal Gear Solid 2, there's a bug that causes a delay at the beginning of each codec call. If you're used to the PS2 version, it feel like an eternity waiting for each call to start.

Supposedly it's been fixed in the Master Collection version, so I would avoid the original HD release.

 

[SeventhSon]

The Wii port of Twilight Princess is the best way to play it, granted, if you come from the GCN one, you will find the game is literally flipped off, that aside the game seems designed better for the Wiimote and Nunchucks, oh, they also removed the infamous Mexico filter from the OG gamecube release

Both Twilight Princess HD and Wind Waker HD are the best versions, for various reasons, not the least of which is excellent use of the Wii U pad for map and inventory.

 

[SlusheeWolf2]

FF XIII-2 is notoriously broken on Steam, but I wrote a mini-guide to "fix" it

How To ACTUALLY Fix This Game, Screw The Mega Troubleshooting FAQ :: FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 General Discussions

1) Install the game 2) Download Nova Crystalis Mod Manager (https://discord.com/invite/pc9PdpKsRc) 3) Add the mod manager to Steam via the non-steam game menu in the left hand bottom corner of the Steam Client 4) Make sure you have at least 30-40 GB free on the drive you want 5) Locate the...

steamcommunity.com

However, you should still play it on a console for the "definitive" experience

This guide restores console functionality on PC like console-exclusive DLC stuff, but the framerate is still terrible on PC vs console

 

[KenShjIN]

I have my original N64 for Zelda OoT/Majora´s Mask,Goldeneye,Mario 64 and Episode 1 Racer.When i play any of these it´s always on the original system.

 

[RisenTitan]

I am a massive fan of the Batman Arkham games but have to say I hated what they did to Asylum in the Return to Arkham editions. They ripped apart the atmosphere in an attempt to make it align more aesthetically with Knight and it just looks terrible. I would recommend the original release at least on a first time playthrough.

 

[deceptionfalls]

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a huge improvement from the original, since it improves on everything added from the International Zodiac Job System version, which added a 2x speed modifier and the return of the traditional job system that FF is famous for. Zodiac Age doubled that, gave us a 4x speed modifier -- which in this game is must if you're gonna do all the hunts, especially Hell Wyrm and Yiazmat -- and you can have two jobs, which drastically opened up the options on how you can build characters, since you can have a Mage/Monk or Knight/Machinist and other crazy combinations.

There's other minor changes like UI alterations, autosaving and being able to skip more cutscenes, but the two biggest things really are the two jobs and 4x speed modifier, I would still have tons of fun playing with no jobs but playing FFXII on 1x is painful, especially in the optional bosses that have a ton of health.

 

[Mr. SyS]

New 3DS might be the best all-in-1 Pokemon device ever if you don't like the Switch games.

 

[PacGuy]

On drugs

 

[Leguminoso]

Get ready for Sonic, perfected.

Sonic 1 Forever:
They took the very first game and gave it a total makeover using the physics engine from Sonic 1's Android port. It plays like a sequel should have.

You get the spin dash.

Native Widescreen.

Wanna fly over Labyrinth Zone? Wanna climb around Marble Zone? You got it. The whole gang is here.

You can actually save your game and not have to use a level select code. It's the little things, you know?

Mod support!

Sonic 2 Absolute:
They took the Andrpod port of Sonic 2 and made it even better!

Widescreen.

That legendary, cut area that fans drool over, Hidden Palace Zone? It’s completely restored, polished, and added back into the main game route. Worth it just for this.

Playing with a friend (or sibling) is way less annoying because the camera is smarter and Tails doesn't always lag behind.

Mod support!

Sonic 3 A.I.R:
You need Sonic 3 and Knuckles, yeah, you have to fuse both ROMs to do it.

In the original Genesis game, you couldn't play as Knuckles through the Sonic 3 portion. Now you can because it uses both roms.

Mods support.

You can keep the music of Sonic 3 for Sonic 3, and the Knuckles music for Sonic and Knuckles.

You can play as Knuckles with the help of Tails.

 

[PepThePerson]

I dived into the Resident Evil 1 versions rabbit hole for a bit, and here's what I think:
- Original PS1 release: can't go wrong with it, but you can do better.
- Director's Cut: Avoid. Funny basement clown music, no cheesy FMVs etc.
- Saturn: It's good if you have a Saturn.
- Original Windows release: Good luck getting this to run (without mods, at least).
- Dual Shock Ver.: It's better than the normal Director's Cut, but still not as good as the original imo.
- Classic REbirth Mod for PC: Probably the best way to play the game.
- GOG Version: Works if you can't make Classic REbirth work.

Honorable mention goes to the Ultimate Director's Cut mod, takes the best parts from the PS1 releases and makes them work together. It's usually how I play the game (if I don't play the remake that is).

Edit: you ever misclick stuff by accident and post too early?

 

[WestleyWolf]

For console games I like to play my games with their original Controller for that platform whether or not its being played on real hardware (real hardware preferred if possible) and with the clearest output possible like S-Video or Component and ran through a Upscaler box like the OSSC for HD Flat screens though for PS1 for example i still like seeing scanlines. Depending on the game i play their original releases but if there's a more definitive edition that includes extra content and more refined stuff overall like a "Deluxe Edition" or "Enhanced Edition" i just play that instead. if its on PC depending on how old it is i either find a GOG copy or a Copy that might have custom made patches that not only fix the game but also Enhance the game as well.

Most notably the Sonic games or a popular Racing game i play that might have stuff like that.

 

[Bomberman]

Controversial opinion here.

Resident Evil 4 on the GC is best version. It has the best stats and ammo drops.

 

[JellyjamLu]

My pick, yup you guessed it, more Silent Hill.

Silent Hill 2 Enhanced Edition PC

Vastly Improved 60 FPS & High Quality FMVS

Redone textures on all Pre-rendered backgrounds

All Inventory elements in greater detail/HD

16:9 display plus fixed seams, missing geometry/objects everywhere

and much much more.

 

[Boofytan]

Lunar: psx or original Sega cd version. Just not a fan of the psp redesigns.
Smw: gba version because most of the sound effects are improved(even with the awful gba sound it's abnormal upgrade imo)
99% of official remasters like Ace Attorney HD: the originals. Even stuff like the dreamcast ports of Elie & Marie seem to have lost some of the original charm from the psx games.

 

[PacGuy]

I have both versions of directors cut, if you save and swap discs it will boot up and play absolutely fine but the music is changed from the original to the "bad" version

Also, when I played that RE2 demo it blew my mind because the van that is normally blocking an alleyway is gone and leads directly to the police station. So it shows an alternative way through raccoon city

 

[JellyjamLu]

View attachment 133203
I have both versions of directors cut, if you save and swap discs it will boot up and play absolutely fine but the music is changed from the original to the "bad" version

Also, when I played that RE2 demo it blew my mind because the van that is normally blocking an alleyway is gone and leads directly to the police station. So it shows an alternative way through raccoon city

I had that same reaction too with the Van missing, just having that demo disc is like having a piece of a puzzle of what could have been, very cool.

Also I adore the boxarts on both of those cases.

 

[Qquil716]

OpenGOAL for Jak and Daxter and Jak 2 (Jak 3 is still in development though last big update on that was in September of this year). Recompile of Naughty Dog's PS2 games that was able to get made due to a source code leak for the engine they ran on if I remember correctly. Obviously the games run at a consistent 60fps, but there's mods as well that allow you to mess around in Jak 1 levels with the Jak 2 moveset and you can get it to run on Steam Deck.

Really hope a similar thing could happen with the Sly and Ratchet & Clank games sometime in the future.