PC-Engine Vs. Megadrive

[CIT]

I'm aiming to perfect my 16-Bit shmupping library, but as you probably know there's quite a bit of overlap between these two systems, so I'm interested in knowing which versions are preferable.

Here's a list of all shooters that were released on both platforms (to the best of my knowledge). If you have any info, additional info or disagreements on technical, gameplay and qualitative differences, please post them and I will insert them here.

Aero Blasters, MD
Aero Blasters, PCE

Atomic Robo-Kid, MD
Atomic Robo-Kid Special, PCE

Daisenpuu (Twin Hawk), MD
Daisenpuu, PCE (HuCard)
Daisenpuu Custom, PCE (CD-Rom)

Darius II, MD
Super Darius II, PCE

Super Fantasy Zone, MD
Fantasy Zone, PCE
(I don't know, are these ports of two different games?)

Forgotten Worlds, MD
Forgotten Worlds, PCE
PCE version has better graphics and sound, but requires additional 3-button pad and lacks 2P co-op mode, which is in MD version.

Hellfire, MD
Hellfire-S, PCE

Kyuukyoku Tiger, MD
Kyuukyoku Tiger, PCE

Lords of Thunder, Mega CD
Winds of Thunder (Lords of Thunder), PCE

Raiden Trad, MD
Super Raiden, PCE

Super Space Invaders, MD
Space Invaders - Fukkatsu No Hi, PCE
Space Invaders: The Original Game, PCE

Tatsujin (Truxton), MD
Tatsujin, PCE
MD version is easier, enemies burn when shot down and sound is better, but small screen, fewer sprites and low color palette.
PCE version has more sprites, almost exact colors as arcade version and is fullscreen, but slight slowdown, BGM is worse, enemies don't burn up and difficulty is forbidding.
PCE version a also a lot more expensive than MD.

Zero Wing, MD
Zero Wing, PCE

[Neon]

Better change the thread title, I was looking forward to a sillyass console war.

Aero Blasters - Doesn't really matter, I like the Genesis bass sound so I play that version. edit: Genesis version also has slight loadtime, oddly enough

Daisenpu - PCE Hucard, I haven't tried the CDrom but it supposedly has extra levels and goes for cheap, so get that as well.

Kyuukyoku Tiger - General consensus seems to be PCE.

LoT - PCE

Raiden - PCE hucard is better than the genesis version, dunno about Super Raiden which is PCE cd, I thought the arranged cd soundtrack sucked but never played it.

Tatsujin - PCE

Zero Wing - MD, cd arrange is horrible, and no somebody set up us the bomb.

Much as I like the Genesis seems PCE wins most of the port battles

[Ghegs]

Heavy Unit was also released on both platforms. The MD one is considerably easier and helluvalot uglier. Go with the PCE one.

[Dartagnan1083]

Super Fantasy Zone is a completely different game than the PCE version. . .which is merely one of the many ports of the original.

[dessgeega]

super fantasy zone is an original game and not a port at all. it's a solid game, but some of the bosses simply can't be beaten without powerups.

i do happen to love my fantasy zone hucard dearly.

[al138]

Lords of Thunder
It was superior on the PCE, especially in terms of graphics and color depth. I thought the control was a little tighter, as well.

Aero Blasters
I can go either way Aero Blasters. Again, the PCE version owns it in terms of graphics, but you have to give up music quality in the process.

Kyuukyoku Tiger
Absolutely can't go wrong with the PCE version.

Raiden (Trad/Super)
Again I go with the PCE. I didn't think the music was all that bad. For me it comes down to a control issue, and I just like the way Super Raiden handles.

Forgotten Worlds
This goes to the MD, if only for the controls. Both are competant ports, but the MD feels more like the arcade...although nothing can replace the 360 directional knob.

Daisenpuu
The PCE CD-ROM version is absolutely horrid. In fact, it might be my least favorite PCE shooter--at least of those published on CD.

[CIT]

Daisenpuu
The PCE CD-ROM version is absolutely horrid. In fact, it might be my least favorite PCE shooter--at least of those published on CD.

Can you elaborate a little bit on why it's bad? And how does it compare to the HuCard version of Daisenpuu?

[al138]

Daisenpuu
The PCE CD-ROM version is absolutely horrid. In fact, it might be my least favorite PCE shooter--at least of those published on CD.

Can you elaborate a little bit on why it's bad? And how does it compare to the HuCard version of Daisenpuu?

Certainly! To be brief, I was very disappointed with the CD version. All it really adds to the mix is a CD quality soundtrack, based in part on the original music (which wasn't all that great to begin with). The presentation value of this disk is minimal: no opening animations or storyboard, and absolutely nothing was done to improve the color depth or animation of the sprites. Combine that with the fact that they seemed to have dumbed down the normal difficulty a bit, and what you have is a slightly altered rendition of the HuCard version.

I generally have higher expectations for CD games, which is why I wasn't as disappointed with the HuCard version. Granted, I'm no fan of Daisenpu to begin with, but if I had to pick a version to play I would go with the card...

...but then again I don't hate myself enough to revisit the game.

[Nemo]

Darius II, MD
Super Darius II, PCE

So you know, these are two completely different games. But to still offer advice, SDII is a superior game (being on CD helps obviously) and features a soundtrack by T's Music instead of the normal Zuntata fare.

[alpha5099]

Quick question: Twin Hawk (Daisenpu), was it released in the US, or is it a Europe only release?

[Herr Schatten]

Aero Blasters - Quite the same on both platforms. Graphics are a bit more colourful on PCE, but not very impressive in either version. Sound quality is better on MD. The inertia that occurs during two of the later stages is a little less strong on the MD. Not that it wouldn't ruin the game nevertheless, but the controls are a little less floaty and the game retains at least some of its playability.

Hellfire - Much better on MD. The PCE-CD version has some added cutscenes, but the in-game graphics are much worse than those of the Mega Drive version. The MD port also has little improvements even over the arcade original here and there, so it's definitely the homeversion to go.

Lords of Thunder - The graphics are more colourful on the PCE and the MD port is easier and has remixed music.

Zero Wing - MD version has the funny intro and better music. PCE-CD version has a bonus level.

[llabnip]

Quick question: Twin Hawk (Daisenpu), was it released in the US, or is it a Europe only release?

For the Genesis/Megadrive, it's a Japanese release only. The game is import friendly - no lockouts except the physical one (a Genesis 3 will play it right out of the box, Genny 1+2 needs something like a Game Genie). It's a great game - and usually goes for under US$15.

I don't know about the PC-Engine. I want to say it's a Japanese only title there as well but am not 100% sure.

[Herr Schatten]

Quick question: Twin Hawk (Daisenpu), was it released in the US, or is it a Europe only release?

For the Genesis/Megadrive, it's a Japanese release only.

Not true. I have a PAL Megadrive version of it.

[llabnip]

Quick question: Twin Hawk (Daisenpu), was it released in the US, or is it a Europe only release?

For the Genesis/Megadrive, it's a Japanese release only.

Not true. I have a PAL Megadrive version of it.

I sit corrected! I guess there was a PAL and Japanese version of it but no US release.

[Tarma]

Necro bump!

Seriously though, as someone who is getting back into Mega Drive, and getting into PC Engine seriously for the first time, I'm very interested to hear opinions on which console offers the best version and why.

Specifically I'd love to know more about Zero Wing, Truxton and Super Raiden

[Perikles]

Specifically I'd love to know more about Zero Wing, Truxton and Super Raiden

MD Zero Wing is quite a bit better than its PCE counterpart: the MD version loops, looks and particularly sounds better, checkpoint recovery is more balanced (even though MD Zero Wing on Normal is harder than the PCE Zero Wing) and the additional stage in the PCE version feels a bit carelessly cobbled together. I do like the true final boss in the PCE port, but the MD version is superior in every other way.

I prefer the PCE Tatsujin over the MD port, on the other hand. A lot of people say that the former is (significantly, even) harder, I don't find that to be true. Yes, the first stages are immensely more difficult on the PCE, no doubt about it. The final stage is considerably more manageable, though, and seeing that most of the difficulty in either game comes from this stage I'd say this makes a huge difference. PCE Tatsujin starts out hard and stays like this which makes for a consistent experience, whereas the MD version just skyrockets at the end. It's a bit sad that there's no protective shield in the PCE version when you max out the vulcan, it's not that crucial either, though (you can also hoard more power ups in reserve in the MD version). I also love the PCE soundtrack, chiefly the aforementioned final stage.

With Raiden it depends on what you're looking for. The MD version is the one that's closest to the arcade original and also a tough game on Normal, the PCE CD version is moreso an adaption like, say, Gradius III on the SFC. The first eight stages are much easier than on the MD or the HuCard, the added two final stages get quite a bit harder, however. I'm not overly enthusiastic about those two stages for they don't feel like they belong to Raiden at all (completely new enemies and stage designs), it is undoubtedly good fun in its own right, though. Super Raiden comes highly recommended to players that love to play marathons from time to time since it doesn't get much harder in subsequent loops.


As for the other games in the start post, I would rank them like this:

Aero Blaster (MD) > Aero Blasters (PCE)*
Atomic Robo-Kid (MD) < Atomic Robo-Kid Special (PCE)
Daisenpuu (MD) > Daisenpuu (HuCard) > Daisenpuu (PCE CD)
Darius II (MD) > Super Darius II (PCE)**
Forgotten Worlds (MD) < Forgotten Worlds (PCE)
Hellfire (MD) > Hellfire S (PCE)
Kyuukyoku Tiger (MD) > Kyuukyoku Tiger (PCE)***
Winds of Thunder (MCD) = Winds of Thunder (PCE CD)

*The PCE Aero Blasters just might be the single hardest 16-bit shooter to get a 1CC on, I gave up on it multiple times before I finally cleared it. If one really likes the extreme challenge of it, he might prefer it over the otherwise more refined MD port.
** I still recommend the PCE port, it's a very unique game!
*** I don't care what anyone says, the MD port rocks.

[Tarma]

Specifically I'd love to know more about Zero Wing, Truxton and Super Raiden

With Raiden it depends on what you're looking for. The MD version is the one that's closest to the arcade original and also a tough game on Normal, the PCE CD version is moreso an adaption like, say, Gradius III on the SFC. The first eight stages are much easier than on the MD or the HuCard, the added two final stages get quite a bit harder, however. I'm not overly enthusiastic about those two stages for they don't feel like they belong to Raiden at all (completely new enemies and stage designs), it is undoubtedly good fun in its own right, though. Super Raiden comes highly recommended to players that love to play marathons from time to time since it doesn't get much harder in subsequent loops.


As for the other games in the start post, I would rank them like this:

Aero Blaster (MD) > Aero Blasters (PCE)*
Atomic Robo-Kid (MD) < Atomic Robo-Kid Special (PCE)
Daisenpuu (MD) > Daisenpuu (HuCard) > Daisenpuu (PCE CD)
Darius II (MD) > Super Darius II (PCE)**
Forgotten Worlds (MD) < Forgotten Worlds (PCE)
Hellfire (MD) > Hellfire S (PCE)
Kyuukyoku Tiger (MD) > Kyuukyoku Tiger (PCE)***
Winds of Thunder (MCD) = Winds of Thunder (PCE CD)

I've got Raiden Project and Raiden DX on PSX, and thoroughly enjoy them, so if Super Raiden offers something a little different while maintaining the Raiden feel then I guess that would be game I'd be more inclined to hear more about. I don't see the point of getting a Raiden port on PCE or MD when I've got Raiden Project on the shelf.

Aero Blaster - doesn't appeal for some reason.
Atomic Robo-Kid - have this on MD and really like it... the PCE port is supposed to be more forgiving, no?
Daisenpuu - got the MD port
Darius - still on the fence with the whole Darius series
Forgotten Worlds - never liked it
Hellfire - got the MD port
Kyuukyoku Tiger - why do people think this is better on PCE than MD? I've seen a few vids and the MD version looks superior...
Winds of Thunder - not a fan

[BIL]

MD Kyuukyoku Tiger is its own thing, really. I love a good "arcade imperfect" complement to more accurate ports, but having the PS1 and MD versions, they don't feel related beyond the basic "fast aimed shots" Toaplan model. The AC game is relatively mild, meticulously designed Toaplan; the MD calculatedly crunches it into a relentless nose-to-nose killing floor with galvanic BGM and astonishingly violent SFX.

I consider it a serendipitous essential of the MD shooter library, especially with shameful KT copycat Raiden in arcade-comparable form on the same system. ^_~

[BrianC]

Forgotten Worlds, MD
Forgotten Worlds, PCE
PCE version has better graphics and sound, but requires additional 3-button pad and lacks 2P co-op mode, which is in MD version.

I know this is a late reply, but I don't think it requires the 3 button pad since it was released in the US for the Turbo CD.

[Fudoh]

it doesn't, but if you don't have it, you constantly have to press the RUN button - can get a bit annoying.

[BrianC]

it doesn't, but if you don't have it, you constantly have to press the RUN button - can get a bit annoying.

I'm guessing it also has an auto fire mode? It looked that way in a couple videos. But yeah, sounds like a 3 or 6 button would be more ideal.

[Perikles]

Kyuukyoku Tiger - why do people think this is better on PCE than MD? I've seen a few vids and the MD version looks superior...

Because most people will scream bloody murder when they realise that MD Kyuukyoku Tiger doesn't care one bit and will wipe you out mercilessly, starting from stage 1. The enemies are extremely aggressive in this version, they'll ruthlessly point-blank the player or do generally unexpected things when the player least expects it. The PCE version is much more temperate, a few difficulty spikes notwithstanding. It most likely will take some time to get used to the claustrophobic style of the MD version, I was reminded of the incredibly frustrating PCE Image Fight at first, too. Very well worth it, though, as BIL explained.

[BIL]

You could not have chosen a better smiley, Perikles. That's precisely the expression I imagine on a tank gunner's face after creaming a flustered player.

[Kollision]

I’m still going through both libraries, but in my opinion the Mega Drive games are just superior in almost every way, especially if talking about HuCards only.
I don’t like the way sound effects are handled on PCE HuCards.
Most games use this generic pseudograting sound, and on top of that sound effects engulf everything and don’t allow the soundtrack to show at all.

Darius II, MD / Super Darius II, PCE CD
Practically not the same games.
I’m not too fond of the reworkings in the PCE version, the ship is too big and something feels slightly off in the gameplay. The new music is enjoyable though.

Heavy Unit MD / Heavy Unit PCE
Graphically I prefer the MD version, but gameplay on the PCE is clearly superior. Plus it loops, with great bullet count in the 2nd loop.

Hellfire, MD / Hellfire-S, PCE
MD version all the way. Hell, it even tops the arcade original.

Raiden Trad, MD / Raiden, PCE / Super Raiden, PCE CD
Raiden Trad is my pick.
The PCE versions are a tad easier, and that muffled sound of missiles hitting targets is also more pleasing on the MD.

Zero Wing, MD / Zero Wing, PCE CD
Zero Wing MD is the best. Graphics, music, challenge. Only problem is the broken scoring system.

[OmegaFlareX]

With the exception of Kyukyoku Tiger and Slap Fight, I think Toaplan themselves made the other ports of their games for MD. I prefer the PCE hucard music for Daisenpu and Tatsujin, but I think MD is the way to go here. Most of the best shmups for PCE are exclusive to the platform.

[Obiwanshinobi]

MD calculatedly crunches it into a relentless nose-to-nose killing floor with galvanic BGM and astonishingly violent SFX.

Orange tanks, too, if memory serves. Why don't more armies put on such vibrant colours? Raiden does, but nobody knows whether it's any army.

[Tarma]

Kyuukyoku Tiger - why do people think this is better on PCE than MD? I've seen a few vids and the MD version looks superior...

Because most people will scream bloody murder when they realise that MD Kyuukyoku Tiger doesn't care one bit and will wipe you out mercilessly, starting from stage 1. The enemies are extremely aggressive in this version, they'll ruthlessly point-blank the player or do generally unexpected things when the player least expects it. The PCE version is much more temperate, a few difficulty spikes notwithstanding. It most likely will take some time to get used to the claustrophobic style of the MD version, I was reminded of the incredibly frustrating PCE Image Fight at first, too. Very well worth it, though, as BIL explained.

Heh, it wouldn't be a Toaplan game to me if it didn't test you!

[BrianC]

I prefer the PCE Tatsujin over the MD port, on the other hand. A lot of people say that the former is (significantly, even) harder, I don't find that to be true. Yes, the first stages are immensely more difficult on the PCE, no doubt about it. The final stage is considerably more manageable, though, and seeing that most of the difficulty in either game comes from this stage I'd say this makes a huge difference. PCE Tatsujin starts out hard and stays like this which makes for a consistent experience, whereas the MD version just skyrockets at the end. It's a bit sad that there's no protective shield in the PCE version when you max out the vulcan, it's not that crucial either, though (you can also hoard more power ups in reserve in the MD version). I also love the PCE soundtrack, chiefly the aforementioned final stage.

Are you playing the MD version or a JP or JP switched system with the title screen as "Tatsujin"? I definitely noticed a difference in difficulty settings when playing that way, though I haven't made it to stage 5. The difference in difficulty between PCE and MD might still hold true, but I'm curious of how much of an impact the difference between the US and JP Tatsujin/Truxton difficulty makes.

[Perikles]

Heavy Unit MD / Heavy Unit PCE
Graphically I prefer the MD version, but gameplay on the PCE is clearly superior. Plus it loops, with great bullet count in the 2nd loop.

Definitely agree with that! PCE Heavy Unit looks like a NES game, MD Heavy Unit is unfortunately pretty boring, however. Just like in Darius Twin most enemies won't shoot a single bullet before they leave the screen so the only task to complete for the player is to maneuver the huge robot to safety. PCE Heavy Unit in contrast is a neat little game.

Are you playing the MD version or a JP or JP switched system with the title screen as "Tatsujin"?

I did/do play the Japanese Tatsujin which is indeed harder than Truxton (Kyuukyoku Tiger and Same! Same! Same! are also a tad bit more difficult than their western counterparts, the Japanese Hellfire on the other hand is - interestingly enough - easier; I did not notice any noticeable differences with Daisenpuu and Zero Wing) but I would imagine that this also holds true for Truxton. One of the biggest issues is the bullet visibility: for some reason the bullets are coloured blue in the final stage which makes it tricky to recognise them while using the blue laser. On the PCE this is still problematic, but the enemies are astonishingly less aggressive and the bullets are larger, thus making it easier to spot them in time.

[SuperDeadite]

Forgotten Worlds PCE is far superior to the MD version. Graphically there is a huge difference between them (PCE is the clear winner). Besides the 3-button controller, the PCE version also supports true analog controllers from Micomsoft/Sharp. For example the Cyberstick is officially supported via XHE-3 adapter, you use the throttle to control the rotation.

Only thing the MD does better is it supports 2 players, while PCE is only supports 1.