DoDonPachi speed - Saturn vs. MAME

Post by **Shatterhand** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 10:25 am

I prefer the Saturn version because for both the Saturn and the PSX I have only the original pads.

And the Saturn pad is dozens times better to play shmups

llabnip · Post by **llabnip** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 2:22 pm

MadSteelDarkness wrote:I own both console versions of DDP, and must say I prefer the PSX version. [snip]
everyone will tell you the PSX is the best port, but they just don't know their DDP
Heh, I must not know my DDP then, but I know what I like. And I like the PSX rev best, personally.

Make that 3 of us who don't know our DDP. I've owned both 'Pachi's for both consoles for some time now... the Saturn version of DDP just doesn't stack up to the PSX rev which feels closer to the arcade original to me.

I've found the smoothness of the PSX version to be more to my liking. It seems clear that there was more care and thought put into that port and it shows in many small ways. I've played a bit with the PSX 'Wait On' to simulate the PCB slowdown - that seemed fairly slow at times though it does bring it closer to the arcade original. So you've got a PSX port with superior graphics (especially the explosions), better sound quality, smoother gameplay and the option to slow it down with the 'Wait On' option to make it more like the PCB (not exact, but neither is the Saturn port). With the Saturn you get the Bonus Mode (almost a throw-away level) and a vastly superior stock gamepad (this is a real consideration for those that can't switch-hit pads). In the end, if you have a Saturn only, get that rev and you'll still be happy. If you have both consoles (and you should!), get the PSX rev... the slowdown in the original in later levels is really bad - I like the option of turning wait off and having it run more smoothly through those areas. For purists, turn 'Wait On' which does bring back much of the slowdown (to a lesser extent - it's still smoother in spots) of the PCB.

Now, none of this answers the original question... I found the Saturn rev is a bit smoother than the PCB. It takes a little getting used to, but it's not too hard to adjust. The PSX rev is smoother still (with 'Wait Off') and requires further adjustment - but the end result is a silky smooth DDP with most of the arcade original feel in tact.

Oh... and I'm with CMoon... it seems these same threads come up over and over again... we should see if we can't resurrect those few threads at the old forum (well, not the _really_ old forum which many of us remember!) about which ports are superior and which ports are most faithful between the various consoles... it was an interesting read.

it290 · Post by **it290** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 4:48 pm

I guess the question for me is not the slowdown... I wasn't referring to that originally. The Saturn version seems to run faster normally (ie, when no slowdown is taking place) vs. the arcade game, at least as represented by MAME. I assume the PSX rev is the same in that respect?

Turrican · Post by **Turrican** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 10:15 pm

Shatterhand wrote:I prefer the Saturn version because for both the Saturn and the PSX I have only the original pads.

Our passion can be expensive sometimes. I'm sure anyone who can shell out big money (sometimes $100+) for a shmup can import a Saturnlike PS2 pad.

Really, think to the comfort of using it with both PS1/PS2 libraries... Although, I'm one of the few that prefers the sony dualshock.

sorry for the slight OT.

teetu · Post by **teetu** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 3:22 am

the great ddp saturn vs psx wars is what prompted me to make a ps2 compatible saturn pad. it's really not all that hard, there is a great guide on gamesx i think

raiden · Post by **raiden** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 7:22 am

If you want blazing fast DDP, that's fine, go with the PSX or Raine. I'm just speaking in terms of fair competition, you want the version most like the original.

afair, the Saturn version has a slightly larger hitzone than the PSX and PCB versions have. I might be mixing this up with Strikers 1945 II, though - it´s been years since I last played the Saturn version.

Trevor spencer · Post by **Trevor spencer** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 7:43 pm

ive just started this game for score and im using final burn XXX on xbox , how does this compare ? am i wasting my time

Thanks
Trev

TWITCHDOCTOR · Post by **TWITCHDOCTOR** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 2:40 am

Trevor spencer wrote:ive just started this game for score and im using final burn XXX on xbox , how does this compare ? am i wasting my time

Thanks
Trev

Final Burn tends to suffer from noticable "LAG". If you can't play it any other way, at least go with a new version of MAME.

Trevor spencer · Post by **Trevor spencer** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 11:05 am

TWITCHDOCTOR wrote:
Trevor spencer wrote:ive just started this game for score and im using final burn XXX on xbox , how does this compare ? am i wasting my time

Thanks
Trev
Final Burn tends to suffer from noticable "LAG". If you can't play it any other way, at least go with a new version of MAME.

ahh ok it does seem slow

Thanks
Trev