Best version of Shienryu?

[Pyongyang]

Looking to pick up a console copy of Shienryu but wondering which is the best edition to go for? Saturn, PS1 or the PS2 simple series edition?

I recall reading the PS1 version, I think, has a proper tate mode? Or is that a different edition?

Thanks all.

[Meharis]

Hi there

the PS 1 Version is really good. I play them on the ps3 and bought it off psn, allthough some might say it has input lag, i for myself didn`t notice any but this might be the case with the ps3 wireless pad. i play it with a stick and it plays very well. i bought the steel dragon ex ps2 classic and it also contains the oroginal shienryu but ist almost unplayable due to inputlag, which seems to be the case with all ps2 classics on the ps3 because shikigami ii and raiden iii do have the same problem

[rancor]

I believe the Saturn version is the only one with tate mode. I have all 3 versions (plus the STV cart!) and the Saturn disc sticks in my mind as being the best port - as it should be, since the Saturn is the same hardware as the STV arcade system.

[Ghegs]

The PS2 version has a tate mode as well, and of course has no input lag when played on a PS2.

[professor ganson]

Yeah, the Shienryu Explosion version is super nice if you can find it.

[Pyongyang]

Thanks everyone, lots of handy information!

Does the PS2 version play in 480i so it looks all blurry and weird like the Taito Legends titles? A job for my DVDO perhaps? The double pack PS2 version looks the best value, though if the Saturn edition has proper tate mode I think it would be hard to beat proper 240p no?

[Mero]

PS1 version doesn't loop so avoid that. PS2 version is good but comes on a CD so will make your PS2 sound like someone's using a Hoover inside it, also it doesn't save high scores (but Shienryu Explosion does). I can't remember if it has a filter (but it probably does).

[Pyongyang]

So the general idea is to get both the PS2 double pack and the Saturn version? Is Shienryu Explosion the same game as Steel Dragon EX?

[Mero]

Is Shienryu Explosion the same game as Steel Dragon EX?

Yes, but it will actually be running at the right speed instead of 50hz.

If you're not that bothered about it probably just go with the Saturn, The Shooting double pack should be dirt cheap though.

EDIT: bear in mind that I've never payed the Saturn version but I think it's supposed to be good.

[Ghegs]

PS1 version doesn't loop so avoid that. PS2 version is good but comes on a CD so will make your PS2 sound like someone's using a Hoover inside it, also it doesn't save high scores (but Shienryu Explosion does). I can't remember if it has a filter (but it probably does).

It has a filter but you can turn it off, so it looks great.

[Kiken]

The PS2 version of Shienryu does have a 240p display option (the game simply defaults to 480i each time you boot it up).

[Damocles]

Can Steel Dragon EX be played on a US PS2 using Swapmagic? I remember hearing rumblings years ago that you couldn't.

[Pretas]

I've heard that the PS1 version and possibly the PAL PS2 version have neutered difficulty. (The PAL version of Shienryu Explosion on the same PS2 disc definitely does.) In the case of the former, I'm not sure whether it's due to wanting to appeal to a more casual audience, or hardware limitations that the Saturn didn't have.

There's actually two JPN versions of the game on PS1: one with the alternate title Geki-Oh Shooting King, and a later version from a different publisher that restores the Shienryu name. (The only US and PAL releases are titled Geki-Oh.) I believe they're identical aside from this, and they both have novelty graphical/sound settings like a sepia tone filter that aren't present on Saturn.

[Ganelon]

Can Steel Dragon EX be played on a US PS2 using Swapmagic? I remember hearing rumblings years ago that you couldn't.

Not sure about the EU version but the JP version works fine.

[Obiwanshinobi]

PS2 version is good but comes on a CD so will make your PS2 sound like someone's using a Hoover inside it, also it doesn't save high scores (but Shienryu Explosion does).

Can be burnt onto a DVD (takes some tinkering with the disc image, but it's worth it).
What intrigues me is one sound sample that seems oddly distorted (lightning weapon?), but it sounds about the same on Saturn, thus I assume it's technically correct.
In NTSC land I guess PS2 version takes the cake because of the component output. In PAL area either version on a CRT with SCART cable will look superb.
And yes, the port is graphically very faithful, 240p and all that.

[Pyongyang]

Thanks everyone for the useful info. Just snagged a JP copy of the PS2 double pack. Looks like a job for my DVDO & ABT-102!

I will get the Saturn version another day I think, that version looks cool too!