X Multiply: Arcade vs Ps1

[tizerist]

I'm just playing through this game again and I'm quite surprised how little coverage this little gem gets. There doesn't seem to be a single guide on the net about it. But it has found a fleshy niche in the genre and time seems to barely affect it.
In what has to be one of the most broken playthroughs of all time, I played a few levels on the Ps1 version via ePSXe, went abroad for nine months, came back and loaded the save, only to find that my much anticipated unfinished boss fight was now a standard mid level save point. I have no idea where I was now but I completed another level or two then quit the game for another two months. Then I discovered the gorgeous xBRZ filter in MAME. Oh boy. Compared to my old favourite, 2xsai, this new beauty made me effectively dump the wife.
Then I remembered X Multiply, and downloaded the MAME version.
i now prefer this MAME version of X Multiply. The differences are as follows:

MAME version:
+ has the x3xBRZ filter which looks great
+ full screen
+ has an extra difficulty level: easiest
+ much smaller file size
- Saving is a 2 button process on MAME, due to no quicksave button
- graphics filter not quite as high

ePSXe version:
+ one button save / load
+ has an even higher grade graphics filter with ePSXes x4xBRZ. But to me it looked the same, not superior.
+ Can choose 5 ships per credit, as opposed to the arcades 4
+ bundled with a vert shooter
- borders
- UI moves when using shoulder buttons on a pad. I normally use these as save / load keys so that sucks.

Maybe there are more differences. But I've started a new playthrough on MAME now and this time I'll finish it

[wizkid]

ugliest shmup

[tomwhite2004]

Amazed that people think those algorithms like xbrz look anything other than atrocious, just destroys the artwork.

[tizerist]

Amazed that people think those algorithms like xbrz look anything other than atrocious, just destroys the artwork.

pixellation destroys the artwork. xbrz just smoothes those rough edges.The original is akin to watching black and white TV.

[tomwhite2004]

if you want to smooth out the sharp edges just apply a simple bilinear filter.

[BIL]

I own and am quite fond of this comp's PS1 version, but sadly both XM and Image Fight's resolutions are screwed - they're not properly scaled, so no matter how the viewing area is adjusted, you'll always be left with certain screen borders out of view. Disappointing, as they play great otherwise. I find it best with IF to set it for maximum upscreen visibility - otherwise you're gonna get lots of surprise turrets firing fast lasers from offscreen. Stuff from the other end tends to be more telegraphed, so the missing sliver of screen's relatively neutralised. This solution only works in TATE - yoko is cropped to the point I'd never have bothered buying it, were it the only option.

I notice Xing's PS1 port of Wolf Fang has a similar scaling issue - the very bottom of the image goes offscreen. Far less of an issue in that game, but again it's a shame given it otherwise plays damn close to the PCB.

From what I gather it's the same with the Saturn versions of these ports.

[Kollision]

I'm okay with whatever resolution you want to play, but giving such attention to tweaks like more lives and easier difficulties kinda bugs me.

That said, I also like the game a lot.
Mainly because it's Irem but very different from Irem, and also because it's actually got a doable 2nd loop, at least for my skill level of course.

[tizerist]

I'm okay with whatever resolution you want to play, but giving such attention to tweaks like more lives and easier difficulties kinda bugs me

The differences between versions is minimal, so it boils down to small details.
I'm just highlighting them for those who may want to know.

[Battlesmurf]

Amazed that people think those algorithms like xbrz look anything other than atrocious, just destroys the artwork.

pixellation destroys the artwork. xbrz just smoothes those rough edges.The original is akin to watching black and white TV.

To me, I can't do those filters. Loses a lot of magic for me.

[tizerist]

Yeah I've seen those comparison pics before. I adore the rounded edges of the x4BRZ version. It reinvents a game for me. Just look at that shield, now its actually round like a shield should be.

[el_rika]

These games are designed with scanlines in mind. The closest you can get to the intended look is to add a bit of scanlines effects.

https://s4.postimg.org/ciqncnrgb/sf2.png


https://s4.postimg.org/c8j4tbcu3/sf2scan2.png

[SuperDeadite]

I used to own the PCB, but ended up selling it.
Game just never did much for me.
Spent many many hours with it, but just never really got fun.

[Elephants]

ugliest shmup

u r

[wizkid]

i'm not a shmup

[Elephants]

i'm sorry

[Deadliar]

I can argue Gynoug is uglier.

[Mero]

It must be ugly if it's got that fucking hideous filter on it.

[Elephants]

I can argue Gynoug is uglier.

wtf is with this thread

[Deadliar]

wtf is with this thread

To clarify, I meant that it's uglier than X Multiply.

I don't know about wizkid

[gameoverDude]

I just can't get with using the xBRZ or other filtering either. I'd rather stay with scanlines/HLSL effects to keep it looking as close as possible to a CRT.

Some ports to PS2 have been marred by filtered/upscaled graphics.

[NAVVARR]

X Multiply is an old favourite of mine- played it through in the Arcade back in the 80's- also own the PS1 version and of course I have it through MAME.

It's such an atmospheric shmup- each level is beautifully crafted- one criticism is the last level, always found it a bit lame after all the predecessors- maybe rushed??

[Marc]

I can argue Gynoug is uglier.

You're shitting me, right?

[Kollision]

it might be uglier, but it's cockier

[Xyga]

[Deadliar]

Spoiler

We all know what's really happening though, don't we.

Spoiler

[Strider77]

pixellation destroys the artwork. xbrz just smoothes those rough edges.The original is akin to watching black and white TV.

Mods ban pleaze

[MJR]

pixellation destroys the artwork. xbrz just smoothes those rough edges.The original is akin to watching black and white TV.

Mods ban pleaze

THIS. Thousand times this.

[cvaniafan]

X-Multiply is a fantastic shmup.
The arcade version is the best, but I do love the PS1 version, slightly better than the Saturn one as there is no sound glitch.