Undecided: Should I get DonPachi and Raiden Project

[Shelcoof]

Hey guys

Need some advice on my future purchases. I'm really interested in picking up DonPachi (Saturn) and Raiden Project (PSX).

Though I have a few questions before making final commitments to buy.

I was just wondering how's the home port compare to the Arcade version of DonPachi for the Saturn? I've played the MAME version and I'm enjoying it a whole bunch. I'm wondering if it's worth picking up for the Saturn or should I pass on it? I'm also wondering what a good price is for it as well, I picked up DoDonPachi earlier for 45$ and it looks like I may have to spend the same amount to the the original.

Raiden Project on the other hand is the very first 32-bit Shmup I've ever played so it is very special to me. I see it for like 30$ or so on ebay and I'm quit tempted to getting it but I just acquired Raiden DX. I'm wondering if there is a huge enough difference to warrant another purchase.

Now before anyone answers this question about Raiden, I'd like to inform people that I'm a survival player. I'm really not at the level where I aim to get the highest score possible. Now knowing this about my play style, would I notice the difference between the two versions? Mainly Raiden II and DX of course.

Anyways thanks in advnce
Jimmy

[BIL]

As far as depth goes, Raiden DX surpasses Raiden II. It's just a more complex game, thanks to several new scoring systems. But for this same reason, it's worth owning both games if you're a Raiden fan. DX is about nerve-wracking control. II is about letting rip and destroying everything in sight, in a way DX's scoring discourages. Very refreshing game to return to between DX (or any other similarly complicated shooter) sessions.

If you're not into scoring *at all* and have no desire to be, DX alone might be enough (Novice course includes several Raiden II levels). Considering Project is pretty affordable, though, it's probably worth picking up for II in case you ever decide to play DX for score.

[Shelcoof]

lol yhaa Bill

You were the guy who suggested both on one of my other threads. I thought about it ever since. At first I thought it shouldn't be all that different but when you described the two it really made me think.

And your right though Raiden Project is quit affordable so there really is a good reason why I should pick it up.

edit: I thought Novice course was Raiden II just remixed? Are you telling me that it's actually a lot different? Stages aren't exactly the same? I've always assumed DX was just a remix with maybe two extra stages. I know of the training mode and expert mode but assumed Novice was exact Raiden II with added score mechanics.

[BIL]

Glad my earlier post was useful for you!

DX's Novice course is several Raiden II stages (first five, I believe), with DX scoring rules attached. Of course if you ignore those rules, the difference won't be very noticeable.

The main attraction of Raiden II for me is, it can be adeptly played as a bare-bones shooter (destroy everything, grab bonus items, stay alive), and one of the most satisfying around. DX's various systems can be ignored, but it's a downer for me to play that way (feels like I'm taking the easy way out, rather than defying death and kicking ass ala Raiden II).

Like I said though, if having those score mechanics in the background doesn't distract you, DX alone should be enough. In that case, the only real reason to get Project would be for II's final stages (and Raiden I, of course).

[DC906270]

Donpachi on Saturn is best avoided, mainly due to the horrible scratchy SFX. I think the PSX port is meant to be better. I play it on Mame.

[Shelcoof]

Bill
That's awesome info thanks Bill. After reading up on your post, I figured I can wait and its not necessary right now.

I'm one of those impatient guys who wants something, wants it right away lol. I don't really need Raiden Project right now but I will get it later for sure. Mainly for Raiden I and the different music.

DC

I"m surprised to hear it. I've read complaints about slowdowns and graphics but nothing about SFX. It's really that bad huh?

Edit: just wondering is the quality of the port of DonPachi on part with DoDonPachi for the Saturn? If you know of course.

[Herr Schatten]

just wondering is the quality of the port of DonPachi on part with DoDonPachi for the Saturn? If you know of course.

No, it's not. DDP is pretty much perfectly fine, apart from pixelated explosions and slicghtly distorted sound. DP has the same sound problems and a ton of slowdown. I can't remember anything wrong with the graphics, though.

Mind you, despite its shortcomings DP is still perfectly enjoyable and it has some really good screen setting options (which are only important if you don't play in TATE, though).

[TrevHead (TVR)]

You can also get Raiden 2 and 3 for the PC, I havn't played them so i don't know how good of a port they are but atleast it does add to ur options if you discide to go for DP

[spadgy]

Donpachi on Saturn is best avoided, mainly due to the horrible scratchy SFX. I think the PSX port is meant to be better. I play it on Mame.

For this reason, go for Raiden DX...

[Shelcoof]

Donpachi on Saturn is best avoided, mainly due to the horrible scratchy SFX. I think the PSX port is meant to be better. I play it on Mame.

For this reason, go for Raiden DX...

Hey spadgy

I Raiden DX is on my way already. I was debating whether or not I should get Project.

As for your comment there, I'm assuming your agreeing that DonPachi port should be avoided as well?

[spadgy]

I meant Project! I went to a house party last night at went to bed at 11am!

The Saturn port is playable, certainly, but a little bit weak.

On the subject of Raiden Project, the checkpoints issue is worth baring in mind.

On the JPN one, there are checkpoints in place (which I personally don't like).

The US Raiden Project lets you turn off the checkpoints, but to access 'True Tate' (as opposed to shitty fake Tate where the controller doesn't have its 'left/right/up/down' rotated accordingly), you need to use a special Game Shark code.

Not sure on the PAL one in my current state!

Now watch somebody correct this! I am writing from memory on three hours sleep!

[BIL]

About PAL Raiden Project, from this thread:

So, in summary, you're hosed no matter which version you get:

Japan: forced checkpoints in Raiden I
US: screwy tate controls unless you have a Gameshark.
Europe: 50hz

I go with Japan version myself; forced checkpoints in Raiden I is a bit disappointing, but Raiden II (my main draw) lacks them, and both are 60hz, full TATE. Got a budget reprint too (on that note, beware of Hamster's "Major Wave" Raiden PS1 release; as the name implies, it contains Raiden I only. The proper "Raiden Project" reprint is the complete set)

[PC Engine Fan X!]

The PC version of Raiden II that was sold in the USA under the Interplay label is really the PSX version of Raiden II taken from the PSX Raiden Project port but formatted to run on Win95 (this was back in 1999-2000 when it was possible to buy it brand new from Software Etc. and other speciality video game stores). Plus it has all the original BGM tunes of Raiden II presented in redbook audio format so you can listen to it on your personal CD player or boombox. How cool is that? ^_~

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Shelcoof]

Yhaa if I was gonna pick up Project's its going to be the Japanese version. I read about the whole Tate issue.

Though if I can find a cheap North American Project I'd pick that up instead. No big deal though seeing how I would be able to play it on my PS2 instead of just emulation.

[ubersaurus]

Saturn Donpachi's shortcomings seem to be a little exaggerated. It plays pretty much fine to me. Maybe there's some pixelization, but what the hell, it's a 2d game, it happens. If you're fine with the MAME emulation though I don't see any reason to pick up a console port that does have some shortcomings.

Raiden Project is sweet though, if you can deal with the weird gameshark code stuff (or just don't play with that orientation).

[Shelcoof]

The reason why I want to get the Saturn version is because I want to own the game. Another good reason is because I like playing my Saturn.

It's the enjoyment you get from playing on a a real system. Has that authentic feel to it you know

[Limbrooke]

Speaking for myself, I wouldn't get DonPachi for PS1 and I already owned it once. Unless it's played in TATE it's a no go and even then it might be different from the actual arcade game. All I know is that I was unsatisfied afterwards and eventually sold my copy. I also sold Raiden Project (NTSC-J) as I did not like the checkpoint business in Raiden. I never bothered with TATE either so it didn't cause much concern in difference between NTSC-U/C release.

For DonPachi, stick to MAME. For Raiden Project, NTSC-J is good as it does have TATE and can be found cheap as mentioned here. However, if you can land The Raiden Project for cheap and perhaps a GameShark device you'll be good to go with TATE and a checkpoint free Raiden and Raiden 2.

[The Coop]

Of the two you have listed, get The Raiden Project. The classic original, and the fantastic sequel on one disc, with remixed (and much nicer sounding) music. Even Tate mode if you use a cheat device. DonPachi is fun and all, but I prefer the Raiden series myself.

Raiden DX is a lot of fun, but as has been said, it's much more of a scoring shmup after all the tweaks. The three different modes are quite cool, so if you can find it, grab it.

Anyway, my vote is for TRP. You get more for your money in my opinion... both in terms of how much you get, and in enjoyment factor.

[Riot Zone]

To be perfectly honest, I enjoy playing Raiden II on the Raiden project more than Raiden DX. Mostly because I can never get my high scores saved onto my memory card on Raiden DX. Plus I like to use the gameshark code for always max Vulcan on Raiden II. (something I can't do on DX) Plus you can't loop dx, it's one playthrough then your done. Still DX is a great game though.

[BIL]

Expert Course loops.

[spadgy]

I like to use the gameshark code for always max Vulcan on Raiden II

In before the bemoaning of cheat codes!