Space Harrier: 32X or Virtual Console Arcade?

[Warp_Rattler]

So I never really got the chance to play much Space Harrier in my youth, but I keep getting more of the impression that it's one of those classics that's aged reasonably well (unlike, say, Space Invaders). I recently learned that there was a 32X version which was supposedly pretty damn good, and I'm trying to decide if I should try and track down a copy of that (want to use the 32X for something other than just another collected console collecting dust) or just download the new Wii Virtual Console Arcade release.

The idea is arcade perfection, and while I'd expect the VC release to be spot on, I've heard the 32X version is pretty damn close as well. Can anyone tell me more about it? Is it one of the few shining moments of the 32X's brief and forgettable lifespan, or is it a turd with the likes of Cosmic Carnage? And how arcade is the Virtual Console Arcade version? Anyone have a 32X copy they want to unload?

[SamIAm]

Space Harrier is, in my opinion, the best game on the 32X. It's a blast to play, of course, and the port on the 32X is quite satisfactory. The graphics, music, and gameplay are basically there 100%. Considering how cheap it is, I'd totally recommend it to anyone with a 32X.

The one catch is, it actually only runs at 30fps. I've never actually played the genuine arcade version, but compared to the Saturn version's smooth 60fps, you can tell the difference. Aside from whether you want a fun 32X game around, the thing to find out is just how smooth the Virtual Arcade version is. Also, I know the Saturn version of Outrun had smoother scaling than the arcade version, so maybe that was also the case with Space Harrier. Someone else will have to confirm that one.

[neorichieb1971]

Forgive my opinions here.

When I got the Saturn version years ago, I still felt it was a long way short off the arcade. Firstly, IIRC the speed of the game changed on the arcade version. If you went higher up the tiles on the floor seemed to slow down and then speed up as you went closer to the ground. On the Saturn version the speed of the game remains consistent no matter what you do.

Did anyone else notice this or was it just my eye's?

[it290]

^^ I think I know the effect you're talking about, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't effect the speed of the gameplay, just the scrolling of the ground. Haven't checked to see if the Yu Suzuki's Game Works and Shenmue II versions do this or not. I think this might also just be an optical effect caused by the change in perspective.

I own the 32X cart, and as SamIAm says, it's good, but runs at a reduced framerate. That's a bit annoying, but the lack of analog control is worse IMO. The arcade cab for Space Harrier has a big flight stick and I think the Wii version, if implemented well, could probably recreate that experience a bit better.

[Damocles]

Did the arcade original feature that return-to-center crap? I hate that on the compilation I have.

[it290]

Yes, but it wasn't a problem because it was easy to hold the stick in the position you needed.

[No_not_like_Quake]

The 32x version is good but not arcade perfect. The frame rate dips to 30fps from it's usual 60fps on certain boss fights, AFAIR.

[antares]

The version on the recently released Sega Genesis Collection for XBox 360 is the only home version I know which features the analog controls that return to the center like in the arcade version. So if you want arcade perfection I'd go for this version.

[Warp_Rattler]

I don't have a 360, so that version is right out, but thanks. Also, if it's the Genesis version it's not going to be as accurate as later ports. I'll be willing to forego the analog contols in favor of more arcade fidelity on graphics, sound, and general playability.

For everyone talking about the lower/varying framerate on the 32x version, what did the original run at? Is it common for games of that age to actually run at 60fps, or is 30 much more likely, with the increased framerate being the result of ports on more powerful hardware?

Apparently the VC edition has an option to use the nunchuck to emulate the arcade analog stick. If it works, I can see that being a definitive edition for sure.

I could have sworn I posted this in the main shmups chat. Is Space Harrier not a true shmup? What about Panorama/Rainbow Cotton and the like? It's not like I was asking about Contra in the main forum. Oh well-

[it290]

For the record, I don't know if the '30fps' and '60fps' numbers are accurate, although it feels like it - it's just obvious that the 32X port is not as smooth as the arcade game. For most games this wouldn't be that apparent, but in Space Harrier's case you notice it immediately because of the scrolling floor surface. It doesn't really impact the playability of the game, and if you have a 32X you might as well get it just so that you can enjoy one of the four or five good games on the console. Still, I'd rather play the Dreamcast versions or play the game in MAME.

On the subject of Space Harrier ports, the PCE port is actually pretty damn impressive for the system it runs on. Nicer than the Genesis game at any rate.

[Shelcoof]

Get the Master System version its the best version available!

[Warp_Rattler]

Oddly enough, I've got the Master System version, picked it up complete at a thrift store a few years back for a few bucks. No Master System to play it on, though. It's permanently in my "stuff to try and sell" pile. It's shameful enough I've got a 32x, no need to bring a Master System into my home as well.

Is the PCE version on a CD or Hucard? Might be worth looking into for the future--the Supergrafx is just collecting dust if the Gradius mood hasn't struck me.

[Shelcoof]

lol I actually have three Space Harrier carts for my SMS. It's somewhere in the house, it was great back then and was really impressive when I first played it.

I'm not really familiar with any other versions available except for the Yu Suzuki version that was emulated on the Dreamcast in Shenmu and Shenmu II. I also have a copy of the Yu Suzuki compilation. I believe when using the Analog sticks in Space Harriers it goes back to it's neutral position. I gotta dig it up and give it a try again to really confirm it.

I sort of had the same idea you had when I managed to snag a mint complete Knuckles Chaotic back then. I really wanted to play the game but didn't want to spring for a 32X at the time. Even though they were super cheap then, I didn't bother picking it up. I eventually gave in and emulated the game, it wasn't bad but I was glad I didn't pick up a 32X just for that game lol. I eventually gave the game away in a trade or something to some one.

[it290]

Oddly enough, I've got the Master System version, picked it up complete at a thrift store a few years back for a few bucks. No Master System to play it on, though. It's permanently in my "stuff to try and sell" pile. It's shameful enough I've got a 32x, no need to bring a Master System into my home as well.

Is the PCE version on a CD or Hucard? Might be worth looking into for the future--the Supergrafx is just collecting dust if the Gradius mood hasn't struck me.

Sell the 32X and get a Master System.

PCE version is on Hucard. There was a US region release as well.

[yojo!]

Ever tried the one on Dreamcast (Yu Suzuki Game Works Vol 1)? Space Harrrier , Hang On, After Burner II, Power Drift and Out Run are dead on!

[GaijinPunch]

Shame on everone in this thread. The Sega Ages Collection version for PS2 is the only arcade perfect version. It supports analogue controls, features all the bugs found in the arcade PCB (although I couldn't list them to save my life), low res display, multiple display settings to emulate low res, super plays, home console versions of the other games, etc. etc.

The Yu Suzuki Game Works version does not feature button config, so sucks massive shit. For Space Harrier it's liveable, but the other games on the colleciton are ruined, IMHO. They are interlaced anyway, I'm quite sure.

Trivia I recently read about the 32X version. It was initially supposed to be an inhouse tech demo for the 32X. But, since it was such high quality, they released it.

[UnscathedFlyingObject]

GP to the rescue?

[GaijinPunch]

GP to the rescue?

It's just what I do.

[kengou]

I've only played it via Shenmue, but it seemed smooth enough to me (couldn't tell if it was 30 or 60 fps), and it did automatically re-center the character f I remember correctly.

[Warp_Rattler]

That Space Harrier Complete Collection is getting obnoxiously expensive, at least on eBay. I keep seeing much cheaper Sega Ages Vol. 4 Space Harrier titles; are those from when the Sega Ages strategy was crappy low-budget remakes rather than the emulated collections from later on?

[GaijinPunch]

are those from when the Sega Ages strategy was crappy low-budget remakes rather than the emulated collections from later on?

Yes -- avoid.

What are the prices of the 2nd one?

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Shame on everone in this thread. The Sega Ages Collection version for PS2 is the only arcade perfect version. It supports analogue controls, features all the bugs found in the arcade PCB (although I couldn't list them to save my life), low res display, multiple display settings to emulate low res, super plays, home console versions of the other games, etc. etc.

The Yu Suzuki Game Works version does not feature button config, so sucks massive shit. For Space Harrier it's liveable, but the other games on the colleciton are ruined, IMHO. They are interlaced anyway, I'm quite sure.

Trivia I recently read about the 32X version. It was initially supposed to be an inhouse tech demo for the 32X. But, since it was such high quality, they released it.

You can invert the controls on the Space Harrier Yu Suzuki Game works Vol. 1 compliation for the DC...it does feature the arcade spec 60fps frame rate. You can play it on a DC VGA box or even piped out in RGB mode via an XRGB-2 with the usual fake scanlines for completeness. ^_~

The PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16 version of SH is great. ^_~

The SH port on the GBA game title of Sega Arcdae Hits runs at an impressive 60fps and even includes a simulated analog control scheme to boot as well. Plays much faster than if you were to use the default digital control scheme anyways. ^_~

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Warp_Rattler]

What are the prices of the 2nd one?

Starts at about $57, with one joker asking ~$85. Granted, these are BIN prices and I didn't check shipping, but still. That's new game prices right there.

[BrianC]

Shame on everone in this thread. The Sega Ages Collection version for PS2 is the only arcade perfect version. It supports analogue controls, features all the bugs found in the arcade PCB (although I couldn't list them to save my life), low res display, multiple display settings to emulate low res, super plays, home console versions of the other games, etc. etc.

I know the Wii port was done by the same people, M2, and VC games usually have low res. It has multiple control configurations, as well. It doesn't have all the features of the PS2 version, though. The Saturn actually had an analog stick made mainly for Space Harrier, though. How is that stick with Space Harrier?

[GaijinPunch]

Starts at about $57

PM me if you're not adverse to using a Yahoo Japan proxy. My guess is they're under 3000 yen there. Even w/ all the fees, you're looking at about $40 all-in max. It's definitely worth that!

I know the Wii port was done by the same people, M2, and VC games usually have low res. It has multiple control configurations, as well. It doesn't have all the features of the PS2 version, though.

I'm sure the port is decent quality, but my problem w/ the Wii is that it doesn't support RGB (not the NTSC models), and that the signal will only be in low res if it's being passed over a non-HD compliant medium. So, if you have VGA (or some type of Component connection), your screwed, even though 15khz will go over said cable just fine. I've never tried, but that is how it works as I understand it. So, in my house anyway, the other arguments are neither hear nor there. PS2 wins by default.

The Saturn actually had an analog stick made mainly for Space Harrier, though. How is that stick with Space Harrier?

Indeed it did. I had one ages ago but never messed around with it. I wonder if it would help Night Striker (I think not though... as it's a pretty turd port).

[D]

site with so much cool stuff including space H.
http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/ ... arrier.htm
I can read on this site for hours. Truely a one of a kind website

[Shatterhand]

Oddly enough, I've got the Master System version, picked it up complete at a thrift store a few years back for a few bucks. No Master System to play it on, though. It's permanently in my "stuff to try and sell" pile. It's shameful enough I've got a 32x, no need to bring a Master System into my home as well.

Is the PCE version on a CD or Hucard? Might be worth looking into for the future--the Supergrafx is just collecting dust if the Gradius mood hasn't struck me.

Sell the 32X and get a Master System.

Yes, do that. There are like 15 good Master System titles for each good 32X title.

[null1024]

Sell the 32x. There's like, 5 good games [Chaotix, Space Harrier, Virtua Fighter, Virtua Racing, and *MAYBE* Shadow Squadron or Kolbri [haven't played these 2 myself, so I can't say]].

[Warp_Rattler]

I've thought about selling it, but I'm afraid I might spend the $5 all in one place. Master System might have a greater volume of good games, but there are none that interest me, and I'm actually trying to cut back on collected systems, not obtain more.

And it was on the HG101 site that I first learned of an apparently-not-so-crappy 32x port. That site can take far too much of my free time if I let it.

[BrianC]

site with so much cool stuff including space H.
http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/ ... arrier.htm
I can read on this site for hours. Truely a one of a kind website

I'm kind of lukewarm about the site myself. That article isn't bad, but like in many other articles, some versions get very poor coverage. The TG-16 version of Space Harrier only has two sentences devoted to it. Handheld versions of games often get the shaft as well (the KoF article even said that KoF '95 and '96 GB are pretty much the same).