Mortal Kombat (Trilogy) & (4) which Ports are best/ideal, guys?

[OldSchool]

I'm looking at collecting both of these and my options are:

N64

or

PS2

I read that the DC version of 4 is best for a number of reasons, but I don't own a DC nor am I ever getting a DC (for a number of reasons, yada blada).

Can you guys please suggest which is better for these two Consoles ^?



I'm already leaning towards the PS2 simply because I have badass joysticks for it, and if I picked these up on the N64, I'd have to use the D Pad. I only have one fighter for the N64 (Killer Instinct Gold) and I'd kind of like it to stay that way.

Suggestions, thoughts/etc are appreciated.
:D


thanks a bunch
:rock:

[mrbigreddog]

Well MK4 is only on PS1 and N64
MK Gold is on Dreamcast
MK Trilogy is on N64, PS1, and Saturn

PS2 does have Midway Treasures with Arcade perfect MK1, 2, and Ultimate 3

That's just about your choices....

And this thread really needs to go into Insert Coin

[Pulstar]

MKT is terrible on N64. Don't believe me? Run it via 1964 or Project64, true the emulation isn't perfect but it should be an indication how terrible the port is.

[OldSchool]

Well MK4 is only on PS1 and N64
MK Gold is on Dreamcast
MK Trilogy is on N64, PS1, and Saturn

PS2 does have Midway Treasures with Arcade perfect MK1, 2, and Ultimate 3

That's just about your choices....

And this thread really needs to go into Insert Coin

Ahh, so I got them confused.

I've got all 3 of those... but isn't this Trilogy a fusion of all 3 original Arcade games thus = making it a unique game in the MK lineup???


MKT is terrible on N64. Don't believe me? Run it via 1964 or Project64, true the emulation isn't perfect but it should be an indication how terrible the port is.

Hmmmmm.... really...


Well, thanks guys... looks like I need to get the PS2 versions... unless someone else has something to say.



thks for the super fast replies!
y'all :rock:

[Devil N]

Well, the PS2 is backward compatible with PS1 games, so you could just get the PS1 versions of MKT and MK4 and play them on your PS2.

[FoxHound]

I have MKT on PS1 and its awesome with short loading times...I always like MK4 on N64 but never purchased the game for any system..

[Assman]

Keep in mind, though, that MKT doesn't work perfectly with a PS2 for whatever reason, and as a result you won't be able to choose a reward when you beat the game (no ending, no fatality demonstration, nothing).

[Da_Shocker]

I read that the DC version of 4 is best for a number of reasons, but I don't own a DC nor am I ever getting a DC (for a number of reasons, yada blada).

I'm curious about your particular reasoning for that.

[Elliotw2]

Isn't the PC version of MK4 supposed to be pretty good?

[GohanX]

Ahh, so I got them confused.

I've got all 3 of those... but isn't this Trilogy a fusion of all 3 original Arcade games thus = making it a unique game in the MK lineup???

It's really more like UMK3 with the characters that were missing (like Raiden and Johnny Caage) added to the roster. However, it does allow you to turn off the dial-a-combos, making it play like MK2, which I love.

Also, the PSX version is superior to the N64, the only thing the 64 version is better at is loading times.

[Aarzak]

Outside of UMK3 on XBLA/PSN (dunno if its on PSN), the PS1 version of MKT is considered to be superior. Most hardcore MK fans don't bother with MKT because its hella broken though, even if its enhanced over UMK3 with more characters. They play UMK3, via emu or XBLA, instead.

Avoid MK4/Gold at all costs. The game wasn't so hot even back in 1997, and outright sucks today. The modern-day MK's, beginning with "Deadly Alliance", which the gaming media loves to knock so much, completely blow MK4 out of the water.

[Pulstar]

Avoid MK4/Gold at all costs. The game wasn't so hot even back in 1997, and outright sucks today. The modern-day MK's, beginning with "Deadly Alliance", which the gaming media loves to knock so much, completely blow MK4 out of the water.

Agreed, I watched my roommate play DA for hours and it's miles better than MK4.

I keep hoping however that a new game comes along and changes the one-on-one genre for good. All of them are still simple tweaks to a 15-20 year old formula.

[Puffy2k316]

I think the N64 version of MK4 is an arcade perfect with Goro added. I would just stick with MKT though (PS1 version)

[mrbigreddog]

Best thing about MK4 is they went back to the basics... Smaller roster.... And was the fastest 3D fighter of the time... I still prefer it over many many Mortal Kombat's.... The newer ones,until MKvsDC, just sucked with all the crazy number of moves and styles... Nearly impossible to try and really figure it out without the help of a guide or the internet!! I like it simple where you just fight.. and if you accidentally figure out a special move.. GREAT!

[Pulstar]

The newer ones,until MKvsDC, just sucked with all the crazy number of moves and styles... Nearly impossible to try and really figure it out without the help of a guide or the internet!! I like it simple where you just fight.. and if you accidentally figure out a special move.. GREAT!

Umm all you had to do was pause the game to get the special moves list. The fact that the series finally started implementing actual fighting techniques rather than relying on specials spamming elevated it from its previous "camp status". But to each his/her own :|

[NeoVamp]

I think the N64 version of MK4 is an arcade perfect with Goro added. I would just stick with MKT though (PS1 version)

Goro is in the PS1/PC version as well.

[OldSchool]

I'm curious about your particular reasoning for that.

I think I'd read the graphics were better and the load times were non existent...?... I don't remember though, it was based on someone elses opinion... maybe it was a couple reviews saying similar things... dunno.

Well, you know what... I think I'm just gonna stick with MK Deception/Armageddon which I already have.... plus, I've got parts 2&3 for SNES.



THANKS for your time/thoughts, guys... I really appreciate it as always:!:

:D

[Puffy2k316]

Goro is in the PS1/PC version as well.

Yeah but they aren't arcade perfect (the ps1 version...I think the PC version is an n64 port).

[gamegenie]

I have MKT for PS1 but I don't have a PS1 anymore so I can only play it on PS2. It's short of being terrible, buggy and will freeze if you don't press start at the continue screen.

Should have bought MKT for N64.

But you really should get the MK classics for PS2 if they are arcade perfect. MKT on PS1 is a dumbed down port, and not a cross arcade game.

UMK3 on DS is also a good arcade perfect game for those who want to play MK on the go.

also the MKs on X360 XBLA and PS3 PSN are arcade perfects as well.

[Pulstar]

The term 'arcade perfect' is misleading. In case of MK3 some ports are superior to the coinop because the music in them is in CD-quality stereo.

[PimpUigi]

Midway Arcade Treasures or whatever (wow I already forgot) only has MK2 and 3, MK1 was only released with collector's edition MK Deception.

MKT is the best on the Sega Saturn or PC
...but obviously the PSX version owns the 64 version, N64 MKT doesn't even have Goro or Kintaro.

I didn't play the N64 version of MK4, so I'd feel like saying the PSX version is the way to go...lol
Since N64 usually suffers massive losses of audio/video.

The Dreamcast version of MK4 (MK Gold) is only good if you get the Red Disc version.
It fixes many of the glitches and bugs, including the save glitch (you can save your game with the red disc version, and unfortunately, this was not the pirated version, so downloading it isn't an option)

[Phantar]

Isn't the PC version of MK4 supposed to be pretty good?

Don't know about the other versions, but I thought the PC version of MK 4 was ridiculously easy! I remember practically blasting through the game using Sub-Zero and Scorpion by utilizing the same 4-hit-combo over and over again, regardless of difficulty setting.

[PimpUigi]

I thought all MK4's were like that?
4 hit combo and all...

[gamegenie]

what am I saying (comes to senses), just get Mortal Kombat V: Deadly Alliance, MK4 sucked.

also have you tried MK vs DC yet? it's pretty good.

[mrbigreddog]

The term 'arcade perfect' is misleading. In case of MK3 some ports are superior to the coinop because the music in them is in CD-quality stereo.

Just cause it's ON a CD doesn't mean CD-quality... If you check out MK Sega CD tracks... You'll notice it's not really CD quality musics... Sounds compressed... But that's because it's ripped from the arcade board.. So it's better than the Genesis music but not better than the arcade original...

[NeoVamp]

There really shouldn't be a term for anything better then Arcade Perfect,
because perfect means its exactly the same as in the arcade, while superior implies that cd redone audio is somehow better.

its all a matter of opinion, they could have used a gigantic orchestra to redo the MK music,
and it still wouldn't be "better" then the arcade music, just makes it "different".

in that perspective one might say that the Sega CD version of MK had arcade perfect audio,
because it was a 1 on 1 recording of the arcade audio.

But the game itself is not arcade perfect, its just the Genesis version with some added sprites and sounds.

[gamegenie]

most Sega 16-bit games were marketed as "Arcade Quality" not meaning the game is perfect but that it playable like an arcade.

the Genesis Street Fighter II, and MKs were prime examples of "Arcade Quality", when compared to the SNES counterparts which didn't include any of the extras you saw at the Arcade like the game's attract mode.

Arcade perfect didn't really come into play until the 32-bit gen, and that really was up to who developed the game. NAMCO made Tekken 1, and Tekken 2 on PS1 arcade perfect.

[Devil N]

Arcade perfect didn't really come into play until the 32-bit gen, and that really was up to who developed the game. NAMCO made Tekken 1, and Tekken 2 on PS1 arcade perfect.
Not even those. The PS1 had less VRAM than the Namco System 11, so a few minor corners had to be cut for the PS1 port. Most notably, the hit effect sprites have a lower resolution.

[Puffy2k316]

The term 'arcade perfect' is misleading. In case of MK3 some ports are superior to the coinop because the music in them is in CD-quality stereo.

...they all have slowdown, missing frames of animation, downgraded graphics, etc. The music is superficial. Being able to match the gameplay of the arcade version is what matters.

[gamegenie]

Not even those. The PS1 had less VRAM than the Namco System 11, so a few minor corners had to be cut for the PS1 port. Most notably, the hit effect sprites have a lower resolution.

but it's hardly noticeable unlike Virtua Fighter 1 & 2 on Saturn versus the Arcade.

[QuickSciFi]

Wow. I just played MK Trilogy on the N64 and it is Baaad. No seriously, it's that bad.

It seems I've no choice but to front the money for that awesome PS2, arcade-perfect MK anthology (Midway Treasures) on the PS2. Off to eBay right now...

[David J.]

Saturn MKT is pretty damn expensive, US and PAL too. Don't think it came to Japan, but really...the PS1 version is the best. Pisser to find too. Controls the best, but the graphics aren't as good and the loading times...ugh. It cost me $46 for a complete Saturn copy, while a PS1 copy can be had for $10 or so. The PC version was pretty good but had some issue with some VGA program that was required for the game or something - I owned it years ago and it was pretty good.

MK4, the PC version was really good, but better than the N64 version, IIRC. I think I played MK4 on the N64? Or maybe memories are all wrong. Regardless, it isn't a bad port but might not run on current computers. If you get Gold on the DC, make sure you get the good one.

[QuickSciFi]

.... If you get Gold on the DC, make sure you get the good one.

...? What do you mean? I've owned it since launch and I didn't even know there was more than one MK Gold for the DC. :confused:

[KnightWarrior]

MKT crashes on the PS2 if you "Prss Start" to Continue your game

[Waterfaller]

What exactly is wrong with MK Trilogy on the N64?

[QuickSciFi]

Imagine 16-bit SNES (for the sake of continuity) graphics on a 64-bit system. I'd say good things about the layout of the N64 game pad, but it just doesn't cut it (especially when every version of MK using the Genny's 6-button pad simply surpasses it). I was really hoping for the crazy NEO GEO AES type graphics that the Saturn used to pull-off when it came to 2D arcade titles, but it seemed as though it was simply a hand-me-down version of the previous console releases (add to it the fact that the N64 version is the one with the least number of playable characters). I still think it's better than any SNES MK, imo, but I just wanted more from this 64 bit system. I'd think by that level one would've started to think arcade-perfect, you know?

At any rate. I'm really looking forward to playing an arcade-perfect MK1 and MK2 on my home television. The PS2 seems to be the bringer of that (...or XBox).


[EDIT] on that same note, what is up with some of these 3D games on the N64? I would understand crazy polygons on a Saturn, but games like buck bumble and Star Wars Episode I: Racer having Saturn-like renderings (or whatever it's called) is simply unacceptable. I look back at the better titles like Wave Race 64, Legend of Zelda, Super Mario 64, etc, and I just can't help but think either "shovelware" or "unpolished" at the very least when it comes to the former. Luckily, SW Ep1 Racer also came out on the DC. :D

[Assman]

...? What do you mean? I've owned it since launch and I didn't even know there was more than one MK Gold for the DC. :confused:

There was a newer version released a few months after the original that had a "HOT! NEW!" sticker placed on the cover. It supposedly fixed a number of glitches from the initial version that was rushed out to make the DC launch date (I only have the later version so I can't compare the two).

[Cornholio857]

There was a newer version released a few months after the original that had a "HOT! NEW!" sticker placed on the cover. It supposedly fixed a number of glitches from the initial version that was rushed out to make the DC launch date (I only have the later version so I can't compare the two).

This "Hot! New!" Sticker was on quite a few games by Midway a little after the DC launch. IIRC Midway had received a faulty/rushed batch of GD-ROMs to get their games out by launch. Some worked and some didn't. I'm glad I waited to get Hydro Thunder!!! I have the Hot! New! version. :ok:

MK4 Port: MK Gold
MKT Port: Sega Saturn Version

[QuickSciFi]

Mine doesn't have the sticker. Oh well, no problems since launch, though ;). I shall cherish it for its rarity.

[PimpUigi]

MK Gold; Red Disc edition is the one you want.
Gold disc sucked.

Red disc let you save your game/unlockables, and didn't glitch out as easy.

[Baloo]

Man, I had no idea Midway's games were that glitchy...

I used to be a big fan of the MK series, but I have yet to play trilogy. I guess the best version to find is the Saturn one...

[PimpUigi]

I have the Saturn one : )

I think the PC version is actually the best though.

[QuickSciFi]

So, thus far, here's what I infer:

Best Console Versions:
Mortal Kombat Trilogy - Sega Saturn
Mortal Kombat 4 - Sega Dreamcast (as red label MK Gold).

Best Arcade-perfect versions:
Midway Treasures 2 - ...Xbox???

[PimpUigi]

Xbox. Yes.
: )

[QuickSciFi]

Well, gee. Now I'm torn. I have all these MK titles on my PS2. And yet I'd love to continue my Sega-friendly, Shenmue II-carrying relationship with my Xbox. I'd think the Xbox must have to be the one with better graphics, at any rate. What to do? What to do...?:confused:

[PimpUigi]

It might just be my component cables, but I find the graphics to be clearer on the PS2/PS3.
They're basically the same anyway.

[gamegenie]

If you're looking for the best ports, I believe Midway released the arcade versions on them on the PS2 as part of a Midway classics collection.

Otherwise, stick with MAME or wait for that HD MK Kollection that's suppose to come out for PS3 (and hopefully 360)


and isn't MK Gold for DC is MK4, and unlike KI2 vs KI Gold, MK Gold is better than MK4.

[gamegenie]

Man, I had no idea Midway's games were that glitchy...

I used to be a big fan of the MK series, but I have yet to play trilogy. I guess the best version to find is the Saturn one...

Trilogy is a total waste of a game.

I have it for PSX, it's buggy and plays pretty cheap.

[Waterfaller]

Well, gee. Now I'm torn. I have all these MK titles on my PS2. And yet I'd love to continue my Sega-friendly, Shenmue II-carrying relationship with my Xbox. I'd think the Xbox must have to be the one with better graphics, at any rate. What to do? What to do...?:confused:

The Xbox version is the way to go. Also, I'd give this a read if I were you:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midway_Arcade_Treasures_2

According to it, the Xbox version has the least emulation problems, but all versions have a VERY bad problem with MKII.

The "start button" in this game has 2 functions: Starting a game or pausing a game. So unless the player has to start or continue a game, the "start button" will also work as a "pause button". This is where the problems come in for the Following two Mortal Kombat games:

* Mortal Kombat II and 3 utilized the "start button" to perform "random select" by pressing Up+Start at the character select screen. As a result the "random select" button combination was obviously changed to Up+X for PS2 version, and Up+A for the Xbox and Nintendo GameCube versions.
* In Mortal Kombat II, in order to fight the hidden character Smoke, the player had to press Down+Start at the Portal stage while getting a Dan Forden shouting out the: "Toasty!" message. As a result, Smoke cannot be accessed at all.

[Cornholio857]

Don't think has been mentioned, but MKT was never released in Arcades. It was a console exclusive game for PSX, Saturn and 64. Then PC.

As I said before, to me the Saturn version is my fav. For any other MK Arcade titles I would recommend the Midway Arcade Treasures 2 for Xbox/PS2 mentioned above. I have it on Xbox and MK2 and MK3 are excellent! :ok:

[Puffy2k316]

the greatest hits version of psx mkt fixes a lot of the glitches IIRC

[gamegenie]

the greatest hits version of psx mkt fixes a lot of the glitches IIRC

nah that's the version I have. It's chock full of glitches.

[KALuther]

Isn't the PC version of MK4 supposed to be pretty good?

Yeah, I had the PC version back in the day and it wasn't bad at all. The only other version I've played is the PS1 version, and the PC version was better IMO.

As for MKT, the PS1 and Saturn versions were much better than the N64. The PS1 and Saturn versions were pretty much exactly alike, it would be hard to say which one is better. It would be safe to say tehy are both better than the 64 version. The 64 version did have much easier AI though. Really the only plus it.The AI in the PS1 and Saturn version is a bitch

[cabear]

I liked MKT on N64...

[David J.]

The Saturn version of MKT is a LOT harder to find and expensive too. $40+ for the Saturn version compared to $10 for the PS1 version... PS1 version is overall better except control.

PC version is good but hard to get running on newer computers and has some quirks.

[Puffy2k316]

nah that's the version I have. It's chock full of glitches.

i never said it fixed all of them