The NES version has faster bullets and meaner patterns than the FC version and uses a different mapper. I heard the hit boxes were changed, as well (not completely sure on this, just going by posts I read here). Maybe Decapattack was too extreme of an example, but it's an example of the game that uses the same assets to make something a bit different. I just find it a bit frustrating trying to explain how Star Force uses the FC version as a basis (like an elaborate hack, only official), only to have it fall on deaf ears. After Burner NES/FC is another frustrating example. Even GDRI was confused about whether or not it's a completely different port, despite using some of the same assets and the exact same Sunsoft mapper.phase3 wrote:How different are we talking? I was under the impression that most changes were merely cosmetic or relating to the audio. Is it different enough to be considered a different game?
Speaking of different mappers, the US Sky Kid is a frustrating example of this. For some odd reason, it uses MMC1, when the JP version uses a Namco mapper that is closer to MMC3. It also changes the mirroring. It seems near identical at first glance, but the JP version seems to have somewhat smarter enemy AI and seems to run and scroll more smoothly. Thankfully, the version on US 3DS VC is the Japanese version. It even has "Namcot" intact.
There is a Japanese hack of the US Star Force that makes some graphics closer to the arcade and changes the font, though it doesn't restore the Greek letters on bosses.
