Donpachi - Saturn or Playstation version?

[Gmintyfresh]

Quick couple of questions which I wonder if any of you can please help me answer?

1. I've heard the Saturn version of Donpachi has loads of slowdown in comparison to the arcade version (thus making it easier on default) are there any settings, modes, or difficulty level tweeks that make the port closer in difficulty to the PCB?

2. I do own the PS1 version and I've heard that default difficulty is much the same as the original arcade version - in fact I've been told to turn slowdown on to more closely approximate to PCB version. Is this the case?

I'm trying to find answer to these questions because I'm helping a friend with a highscore challenge league that will pit MAME, original PCB owners, PS1, and Saturn owners against each other and we're trying to create as even playing field as possible - I know this may not be possible.

Thank you in advance

[burgerkingdiamond]

Quick couple of questions which I wonder if any of you can please help me answer?

1. I've heard the Saturn version of Donpachi has loads of slowdown in comparison to the arcade version (thus making it easier on default) are there any settings, modes, or difficulty level tweeks that make the port closer in difficulty to the PCB?

2. I do own the PS1 version and I've heard that default difficulty is much the same as the original arcade version - in fact I've been told to turn slowdown on to more closely approximate to PCB version. Is this the case?

I'm trying to find answer to these questions because I'm helping a friend with a highscore challenge league that will pit MAME, original PCB owners, PS1, and Saturn owners against each other and we're trying to create as even playing field as possible - I know this may not be possible.

Thank you in advance

Both of my comparisons are to MAME because I don't own the PCB.

The PS1 version feels very similar to MAME overall. Note that for slowdown you need to pause in the middle of your game and turn "wait" on. You only need to do this once everytime you boot up the game.

I'm not sure about the Saturn version in terms of slowdown, but the whole game seems to run slightly faster. It's enough to make the entire game more difficult and it drives me nuts. I refuse to play it (although if you don't have experience in MAME or on a pcb to compare it to it may not be as much of a problem). I'm not the only person to notice the faster speed. I think somebody else estimated it at about 4-5%.

Both versions have tate.

[Op Intensify]

I believe the Saturn version has the same problem as the Saturn port of Batsugun: All slowdown is removed. This was undoubtedly well-intentioned, but would make for a much harder game and a very different experience than the arcade version. It also has pixelated explosions.

Does the PS1 version only have ship selection from the options menu? That's the case with Dodonpachi on the PS1.

[burgerkingdiamond]

I believe the Saturn version has the same problem as the Saturn port of Batsugun: All slowdown is removed. This was undoubtedly well-intentioned, but would make for a much harder game and a very different experience than the arcade version. It also has pixelated explosions.

Does the PS1 version only have ship selection from the options menu? That's the case with Dodonpachi on the PS1.

when played in tate mode the pixelation of the Saturn version pretty much goes away.

[Op Intensify]

I'm gonna guess the pixelation looks like Waku Waku 7's backgrounds on the Saturn:

[burgerkingdiamond]

hmmm. Disregard my entire post I was referring to DDP. I didn't realize the topic was about DP.

[BIL]

Does the PS1 version only have ship selection from the options menu?

Nope. Ship selection in the PS1 version of Donpachi is done just like the PCB.

[Kiken]

Quick couple of questions which I wonder if any of you can please help me answer?

1. I've heard the Saturn version of Donpachi has loads of slowdown in comparison to the arcade version (thus making it easier on default) are there any settings, modes, or difficulty level tweeks that make the port closer in difficulty to the PCB?

2. I do own the PS1 version and I've heard that default difficulty is much the same as the original arcade version - in fact I've been told to turn slowdown on to more closely approximate to PCB version. Is this the case?

I'm trying to find answer to these questions because I'm helping a friend with a highscore challenge league that will pit MAME, original PCB owners, PS1, and Saturn owners against each other and we're trying to create as even playing field as possible - I know this may not be possible.

Thank you in advance

I popped in both ports last night and played in tate.

The Saturn version of DP does have a lot of slowdown, however, the slowdown is really inconsistent. The game speed jumps around quite violently. Some parts/patterns are easier as a result, others actually end up harder due to the sudden 'slingshotting' (see PS2 Mushi's rapid speed changing mid pattern).

The PS version of DP runs pretty smoothly, although, I've noticed a few instances of the game dropping frames (particularly in stage 4).

Graphically, the two are pretty much identical. In the audio department, the Saturn port is particularly awful, although this doesn't really affect gameplay (and it's not like the PCB of DP sounded all that great to begin with). I didn't really noticed any differences in scoring between the two.

By the way, does anyone have a link to a guide showing all the bee locations in stages 4 and 5?

[FRO]

The Saturn port is horrible-it is playable, but only just. There's no excuse for the amount of slowdown in the Saturn port, considering the hardware.

This was, unfortunately, my first introduction to Saturn shmups. UGH! Don't waste your money-GET the PS1 port.

Gotta disagree. I haven't played the PlayStation version, but I wouldn't call the Saturn version "horrible". I logged quite a bit of time playing it when i first bought it, and despite the sound issues (that scratchy voice, ugh) and the slowdown, it's still quite playable. I didn't find the slowdown to be any more distracting than what you'd find in many other arcade-to-console conversions during the 8 and 16-bit eras. I realize you're not getting a 100% authentic arcade experience, but it's still a very playable and enjoyable port, despite its flaws.

[Gmintyfresh]

Thanks guys I found your all your advice very useful, I knew I'd be able to get some great guidance from you lot!

[ExitPlanetDust]

My Saturn disc just arrived and I'm having some difficulty getting it to run. It wasn't in the greatest shape, but nothing that looks like it would cause play issues. I cannot get arcade mode to play at all. The Saturn loads for about 20 seconds and drops into the Saturn menu (booting without a disc). I get the usual disc isn't compatible message as I'm playing on a US Saturn with an Action Replay 4 in 1. Power off, then on again and the game still boots. Saturn mode can be played through stage 1 and the game crashes back to the Saturn boot menu again.

Suggestions? I am close to sending it back to the seller for a refund.

[evil_ash_xero]

Playstation. I had the Saturn one, and sold it ASAP for the PS one. No contest.

[TransatlanticFoe]

My Saturn disc just arrived and I'm having some difficulty getting it to run. It wasn't in the greatest shape, but nothing that looks like it would cause play issues. I cannot get arcade mode to play at all. The Saturn loads for about 20 seconds and drops into the Saturn menu (booting without a disc). I get the usual disc isn't compatible message as I'm playing on a US Saturn with an Action Replay 4 in 1. Power off, then on again and the game still boots. Saturn mode can be played through stage 1 and the game crashes back to the Saturn boot menu again.

Suggestions? I am close to sending it back to the seller for a refund.

Try cleaning the lens on your Saturn first. I had a couple of games stop loading but others (including Donpachi) worked fine. Everything worked when I cleaned it.

If that doesn't work or it's the only game that doesn't load properly, the disc is knackered. Funny how you can have some scratched to buggery and work but one scratch in the wrong place and it's done.

[ExitPlanetDust]

If that doesn't work or it's the only game that doesn't load properly, the disc is knackered. Funny how you can have some scratched to buggery and work but one scratch in the wrong place and it's done.

I have a feeling this might be the case. I loaded several other games and played through a few mins to ensure other sections of those discs could be accessed. No problems.

I'll give it the old alcohol on a q-tip treatment when I get home, though.

Add: Definitely the disc. I may try to get it resurfaced. I figure that will be easier than trying to return it to Japan.

[ExitPlanetDust]

Went to a local shop and had it resurfaced. It may not look pretty, but it plays just fine now.

[TransatlanticFoe]

Good to hear. I've always been dubious about CD repairs and how long they'll last, but never had anything knackered enough to warrant giving it a go (at least, not that I could easily send back for a refund/replacement).

Get stuck in, I hope you won't find it half as bad as most people seem to think it is!

[ptoing]

Play on MAME, problem solved, money saved. It's not like anyone originally involved with porting or making the game will get your money. And MAME is closer to the real thing in either case and save states can be used for practise quite nicely as well.

I'd save the money.