Why do used SNES games cost so much?

[Psy]

Why do used SNES games cost much? For the price of a single common loose SNES cart I can get a couple of common Genesis games with the box and instructions.

[MrMatthews]

Why do used SNES games cost much? For the price of a single common loose SNES cart I can get a couple of common Genesis games with the box and instructions.



I think resellers are operating under the misconception that Nintendo games hold their value better than those from other systems. I'm not blaming Nintendo at all - just the idiots out there that are selling the used games. Why would Bubsy for the SNES cost $6 for just the cartridge and sell the Genesis game CIB for $2?

It's madness

[havok666]

I agree it's kind of funny when games like Super Mario Allstars and Super Metroid go for $20+ cart only when these games have sold like 2 million+ copies in North America alone.

[Iron Lizard]

Its like all things. It is the demand that drives up the price. Why is Sonic Blue the most sought after color on 03 Cobras when they sold the most in that color? Same thing people want them.

[Timstuff]

Yeah, I think that's the unfortunate truth of it. Also, in many cases the SNES versions of multiplatform games are better than their Genesis counterparts, so that causes them to be more desireable amongst game enthusiasts. I do agree that resellers are somewhat to blame for the high prices, though... SNES games are percieved by many of them to be more valuable, so they mark up the price even though this often results in less sales of that particular game. $17 is not unreasonable for Super Metroid, but it's certainly not a great deal considering it's a game you're supposed to be able to find for $10 no problem.

[Zebbe]

I think this is great. It keeps the MD games I want at low costs. So I get them for prices much cheaper than my price limit. Hail the stupid market!

[Psy]

Yeah, I think that's the unfortunate truth of it. Also, in many cases the SNES versions of multiplatform games are better than their Genesis counterparts, so that causes them to be more desireable amongst game enthusiasts. I do agree that resellers are somewhat to blame for the high prices, though... SNES games are percieved by many of them to be more valuable, so they mark up the price even though this often results in less sales of that particular game. $17 is not unreasonable for Super Metroid, but it's certainly not a great deal considering it's a game you're supposed to be able to find for $10 no problem.
Yet Genesis games has clam shells making it better for collectors, when someone has a SNES collection with lots of boxes odds are they are a collector due to the difficulty to get SNES games with their boxes yet it is not that hard to at least get Genesis game with their box, so it is easy to build a impressive Genesis collective because complete Genesis games are still dirt cheap, while going after complete SNES games is mostly cost prohibitive and even going after loose SNES carts is more costly then collecting complete Genesis games.

Here is an example The Magical Quest (starring Micky Mouse) for the SNES cost me $10 loose, both World of Illusion and Castle of Illusion (staring Micky Mouse) for the Genesis each cost me $5 complete thus two complete Genesis games equaled one loose SNES game. Mario Games for the SNES are around $20 loose, while picked up my loose Sonic games for $1 each.

The price gap between Genesis and SNES games is huge.

[havok666]

Yeah, I think that's the unfortunate truth of it. Also, in many cases the SNES versions of multiplatform games are better than their Genesis counterparts, so that causes them to be more desireable amongst game enthusiasts. I do agree that resellers are somewhat to blame for the high prices, though... SNES games are percieved by many of them to be more valuable, so they mark up the price even though this often results in less sales of that particular game. $17 is not unreasonable for Super Metroid, but it's certainly not a great deal considering it's a game you're supposed to be able to find for $10 no problem.

Yeah but you pay $17 for Super Metroid just for the cart.. No instructions, no box. I agree that the game is worth the price but from a collectors stand point its pretty useless having the cartridge only. You might as well emulate the game on your computer.

I wouldn't consider myself a collector but as someone who enjoys gaming as a hobby I like to have my games out on a book shelf in the boxes (manuals if possible but its not a big deal depending on the game).

[MrMatthews]

I lost any hope of finding complete Nintendo games a long time ago, so I'm alright with having loose NES, SNES, and N64 cartridges laying around.

I honestly don't have too many of each, though. Most games that are worth having from any of Nintendo's cartridge-based systems can either be downloaded onto the Wii at a fraction of the cartridge price, or have counterparts on competing systems (Genesis and PSX) that can be obtained CIB much more easily.

[j_factor]

Also, in many cases the SNES versions of multiplatform games are better than their Genesis counterparts, so that causes them to be more desireable amongst game enthusiasts.

Bollocks. There are games where the SNES version is superior and games where the Genesis version is superior, and either way, the SNES version is still more expensive. It doesn't seem to affect the pricing at all.

[Jesse813]

yes its madness! most of my SNES games cost 5$-15$ at Pawn Shops and the internet, with a few exceptions: Kirbys Dreamland 3, Kirby Super Star, Earthbound, and Super Mario RPG. Currently looking for a copy of Ogre Battle;)

[MrMatthews]

"Bollocks. There are games where the SNES version is superior and games where the Genesis version is superior"


Maybe. But have you noticed that nearly every single review on this site for a game that was released for both systems acknowledges (either in the review itself or in the comments) that the SNES version looks and sounds (and occasionally plays) better?

Zombies Ate My Neighbors was definitely better on the SNES, but that's the only game I can speak for myself.

On the other hand, I do second your "bullocks" sentiment. The sprites and colors in the Sonic games rival anything I've seen on the SNES. I think many would argue that the SNES produces better graphics and sound, but it's also clear that savvy developers can find ways around any limitations of the Genesis hardware. Any game that gave the Genesis a bad rap can be chalked up to laziness at the hands of the developer IMO.



"either way, the SNES version is still more expensive. It doesn't seem to affect the pricing at all."


True. SNES games are ALWAYS more expensive, by at least a couple dollars - usually more.

And that is truly "bollucks"

[Tanegashima]

What does "better" even mean? Sure certain games got slapped on the Genesis and were done right on the SNES (B.O.B. for instance) but more often than not, I think the only differences are superficial...am I wrong? More colors, maybe better sound, but in all reality aren't they 96% of the time identical games?

In some cases, they may have the same name, but be completely different games altogether. Shadowrun for example....

[AD2101]

Is demand really that much higher though? Retro gaming as a whole is still as far as I can tell, pretty niche. I don't think the current demand of SNES games is THAT much higher than demand for Genesis games, I think it has more to do with brand name. People pay more for a brand name, and Nintendo, Metroid, Mega Man and Mario are all big names as far as video games go.

Honestly I just think people pay and charge more for these games simply because of the name, and whatever real or made up connotations they have of that name. Not because they are rare, not because demand is through the roof, and not especially because they are the best games of that era.

[steve]

There are many different theories, but you guys covered some and I won't bother getting into it. The fact is, it's true. SNES games (cart only even) usually go for more.

But it isn't that bad, or at least it wasn't in 2006 when I was buying. Most of my SNES games only cost me $5 (very fair) though I hear some games have really leaped in cost. (Demon's Crest, a $10 game 2 years ago is now going for usually $30 I've been told).

And if you ever go to the flea market, it's no different. Vendors treat SNES games like they're precious. Marking them $10+ (though I was lucky to meet some nice ones who sold 'em for $5 each) while the Genesis games were $5 or even $3!

Anyway, to be honest, I don't really care, as I'm done buying :)
Retro is still niche as the fellow above me stated, but I think prices will only go up in the years to come, as seen with Demon's Crest. Makes me glad I got back into it when I did.

[Psy]

Is demand really that much higher though? Retro gaming as a whole is still as far as I can tell, pretty niche. I don't think the current demand of SNES games is THAT much higher than demand for Genesis games, I think it has more to do with brand name. People pay more for a brand name, and Nintendo, Metroid, Mega Man and Mario are all big names as far as video games go.

Honestly I just think people pay and charge more for these games simply because of the name, and whatever real or made up connotations they have of that name. Not because they are rare, not because demand is through the roof, and not especially because they are the best games of that era.
True, the SNES is obviously a common system, yet I don't think many people buying SNES titles realize that regardless of how good Zelda and Mario is that they are common thus shouldn't be worth much.

[j_factor]

Maybe. But have you noticed that nearly every single review on this site for a game that was released for both systems acknowledges (either in the review itself or in the comments) that the SNES version looks and sounds (and occasionally plays) better?

I have not noticed that in the reviews, but from personal experience (and I've done a lot of comparisons), as to which system had the superior versions, it's about 50-50, if not slightly in favor of Genesis.

Better on Genesis: Earthworm Jim, Desert Strike, Outlander, Soldiers of Fortune, Thunder Force III / Thunder Spirits, Raiden Trad, Street Fighter II Turbo/Champion (debatable, but I think so), Fatal Fury, Populous, Toy Story, etc.

Better on SNES: Super Street Fighter II, Sunset Riders, Uncharted Waters, Liberty or Death, Bubsy (though it still sucks), B.O.B., etc.

As for Zombies Ate My Neighbors, I actually prefer the Genesis version...

[MrMatthews]

"better" is definitely a subjective term. In the case with ZAMN, however, the character sprites look compressed somehow, and the music and sound effects aren't as full and vibrant. Gameplay-wise, they're identical as far as I can tell, so I'm happy with the genesis version (although I was a bit disappointed to find that the difference was noticeable).

[nathanallan]

Am I any kind of right when I say that SNES titles that got the the Genesis after the SNES was made are slightly worse quality than the earlier counterpart?

My example, Stargate. The SNES version looks better on teh screen, but plays the same. I suspect that it was made for the SNES first as a target system and then ported to teh Genesis.

Or am I incorrect??

[Benjamin]

I also tend to think a big part of it is that the Genesis largely achieved success through its sports games. I'd assume the Genesis user base during its life included a far larger amount of sports gamers than did the SNES, so it would therefore make sense that the market for SNES games is attractive to a greater percentage of players than the Genesis' selection. Of course, I'm not saying this is the reason for the price discrepancy, but I believe it must contribute to it.

Likewise, I do think since the Nintendo brand and its franchises still oodles goodwill as opposed to the Sega name, and I believe that spills over into the used market and even third party efforts as well. Also, with Sega whoring out its past so frequently with reckless abandon, the company diminishes the value of its 16-bit library.

[Bablefish]

More popular I guess

[Mr. Ksoft]

It's got to be demand-- probably the only reason that when I got my SNES I was basically forced to pay $25 for a cart only copy of SUPER MARIO WORLD because I couldn't hunt around online. :(

The SNES stuff definitely sells faster as more people know Nintendo. Looking at my local used games store, the NES and SNES cartridge selection is vastly different every time I walk in there whereas the Genesis stock basically sits there. If I don't have money for a Genesis game when I go there, I can be almost certain that it'll still be there for me (and probably cheaper too!) when I come back a month or two later. The SNES stuff though will just vanish so if I find something I've wanted I have to put it as priority.
Since they sell so fast, the sellers are obviously going to raise the price to benefit from this demand. I know I would...

[17daysolderthannes]

stupid people and the general market perception that the SNES was the superior 16-bit system and that everything on the Genesis was half assed. I don't know where or how this got started, it probably had something to do with the NES's popularity carrying over combined with the really strong launch titles of the SNES (compared to the SHIT launch titles of the Genesis, Altered Beast sucks). Sure in screen shots the SNES version usually looks better, but the second the gameplay starts you feel like you're moving paper dolls around a slow moving backdrop instead of watching smooth, almost cartoon quality animation unfold across your screen. Compare almost any port Genesis vs. SNES excluding slow moving fighters and the winner will clearly be the Genesis. Even with the missing levels some people prefer Hyperstone Heist because of more onscreen enemies and smoother gameplay (though I really can't get past the greatness of Turtles in Time).

[havok666]

Compare almost any port Genesis vs. SNES excluding slow moving fighters and the winner will clearly be the Genesis.

Easy there fan boy. Relax.

Your claims have no basis so please when you reply include some EXAMPLES of games with less superior ports instead of just spewing out some random rant that barely makes any sense..



"but the second the gameplay starts you feel like you're moving paper dolls around a slow moving backdrop"

What kind of statement is that? And yeah if you're playing something shitty like Pit Fighter that might be true.

The SNES arguably has the most impressive 16 bit arcade port ever, Street Fighter Alpha 2.

As for the examples I will even help you out a bit...

Raiden Trad and Thunder Force Spirits are less superior on the SNES.

[MrMatthews]

Sure in screen shots the SNES version usually looks better, but the second the gameplay starts you feel like you're moving paper dolls around a slow moving backdrop instead of watching smooth, almost cartoon quality animation unfold across your screen. Compare almost any port Genesis vs. SNES excluding slow moving fighters and the winner will clearly be the Genesis.


He scores points with the paper-thin generalizations, but as a mudslinging slogan, I think "Genesis Does... What Nintendon't" flows off the tongue a little better.

[nathanallan]

Okay, anyways.

In my local area people just hear more about Nintendo than Genesis. The ads are still out there for the new games, and Genesis ads are not. The illusion is that Nin games are better cause they're more expensive, and the sellers build on that.

A shame, really, as there are lots of Genesis games that never get noticed or even treated well. I am referring to the local swap meets and the few game stores here in El Paso. I try to rescue as many as I can find.

Nathan

[tomaitheous]

What does this have to do with ports? The prices are based on popularity and demand, nothing else. What I don't understand is why people are getting butt hurt over this. I rather see cheaper prices for any system that I'm collecting for. If other people can't see all the great games for the Genesis, then I'm better off for it. It is really that important what other people think?

[Timstuff]

Yeah but you pay $17 for Super Metroid just for the cart.. No instructions, no box. I agree that the game is worth the price but from a collectors stand point its pretty useless having the cartridge only. You might as well emulate the game on your computer.

I wouldn't consider myself a collector but as someone who enjoys gaming as a hobby I like to have my games out on a book shelf in the boxes (manuals if possible but its not a big deal depending on the game).

The Cover Project has a huge archive of high-quality custom SNES covers that go inside of Universal Game Cases. Granted, it doesn't really add much value to the game, but it sure is nice to have clam shells that can both display your game and keep it protected from the elements. Best of all, they work with pretty much any game cartridge, and even Sega Genesis and EA ones (although I must say for Genesis games, I'd much rather have authentic cases since the UGCs are bigger). Some bigger carts like the NES ones require a few modifications to the case to fit, but it's a painless process.

http://www.thecoverproject.net/



Personally, even though I enjoy collecting cartridges, I do not see much value in buying games complete unless it comes in a plastic case. Complete SNES games just don't really appeal to me except for the manuals. Not only do they cost more, but chances are I would just take out the cartridge and then hide the box inside of a bigger box in the closet to keep it from being damaged. I mean, think about it: if your constantly opening and closing a game's cardboard box to get at the cartridge, eventually you're going to cause damage to it.

Universal game cases are the best solution for game storage IMO, even if you are collecting actual boxes too. Your SNES collection deserves to be stored with the same kind of TLC that your Genesis collection gets. ;)

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/4328/zeldaprezx4.jpg

[Fuzzyness]

depends on the game, depends where you're trying to get it, depends on how much effort you spend trying to get it for a good price.

I got most of my snes stuff from ebay + bootsales over months and got a good collection for cheap =)


Also i agree on the casing, I only have a CIB collection for my megadrive, most of my psx games have manuals and cases. But my snes + n64 games are just left out in a drawer or bag >_>

[Timstuff]

What does "better" even mean? Sure certain games got slapped on the Genesis and were done right on the SNES (B.O.B. for instance) but more often than not, I think the only differences are superficial...am I wrong? More colors, maybe better sound, but in all reality aren't they 96% of the time identical games?

Well, it depends on how much you value color and sound. Comparing The Lion King or Super Street Fighter II on SNES to Genesis, the SNES versions not only had more vibrant visuals, but also the audio was far superior, which for me is usually enough to get me to fork over the extra few $$$s for the SNES version. However, there are other games where the Genesis incarnation was superior, because the developer or publisher gave it a superior design on Genesis, like with Aladdin or Jurassic Park. The Genesis versions are actually completely different games, and they're a lot more fun to play than the ones on the SNES. And then of couse there's the classic example of Mortal Kombat. The SNES version looked and sounded great, but unfortunately Nintendo took half the fun out of it by sanitizing the violence to make it "family friendly," and the gameplay is no-where near as accurate to the arcade as on Genesis. For me, this pretty much made the SNES version not worth bothering with at all.

There's not really any right or wrong here. Really, when deciding which version of a game to buy, you should do it on a case by case basis. How badly do i care about this game? Is the extra money worth slightly better graphics and sound? Is the gameplay the same on both versions? It really all comes down to what you want.

[16-bit]

I was under the impression that it was Nintendo fanboys who insist on paying more than what a system/game is worth that caused the high prices of pretty much any Nintendo system.

[Timstuff]

I'm certainly not aware of that. I'm somewhat of a Nintendo fanboy (oldschool Nintendo, at least), but I'm a total cheapskate. :p

[nathanallan]

And then of couse there's the classic example of Mortal Kombat. The SNES version looked and sounded great, but unfortunately Nintendo took half the fun out of it by sanitizing the violence to make it "family friendly," and the gameplay is no-where near as accurate to the arcade as on Genesis.
I didn't realise this! Have to check the differences out. Thanks for the tip!

[MrMatthews]

I'm certainly not aware of that. I'm somewhat of a Nintendo fanboy (oldschool Nintendo, at least), but I'm a total cheapskate. :p
I'm also a total cheapskate. I went to my local used video game shop yesterday and saw a handful of NES and SNES games that I wanted (can't think of the titles right now), but I didn't buy them because they were all over $3.99.

On the other hand, they had a stack of CIB Genesis games for $1.99, but they were mostly sports games and Beavis & Butthead (which I would have bought if I could have found another game to compliment it)

I walked out empty-handed.

[j_factor]

"better" is definitely a subjective term. In the case with ZAMN, however, the character sprites look compressed somehow, and the music and sound effects aren't as full and vibrant. Gameplay-wise, they're identical as far as I can tell, so I'm happy with the genesis version (although I was a bit disappointed to find that the difference was noticeable).

The "compressed" look is the same situation as Devil's Crush / Dragon's Fury -- the Genesis version runs in a larger horizontal resolution, with the extra resolution used for a side bar. It was easier to add a bar than to redraw everything. I kind of like it better that way in the case of ZAMN, as it allows for the radar (which the SNES version doesn't have), and the other icons don't intrude on my view of the gameplay. And I prefer the sound of the music on Genesis, although the sound effects aren't as good.

Also, in the Genesis version, the Game Over screen appears in blood. In the SNES version, this was changed to purple goo. Lame. Nintendo was really over the top with some of the things they censored.

[17daysolderthannes]

Easy there fan boy. Relax.


blow me, prick.





Your claims have no basis so please when you reply include some EXAMPLES of games with less superior ports instead of just spewing out some random rant that barely makes any sense..



What kind of statement is that? And yeah if you're playing something shitty like Pit Fighter that might be true.

The SNES arguably has the most impressive 16 bit arcade port ever, Street Fighter Alpha 2.

As for the examples I will even help you out a bit...

Raiden Trad and Thunder Force Spirits are less superior on the SNES.

First of all, Street Righter Alpha 2 is LAUGHABLY bad on the SNES. For fucks sake its a cartridge game with load times! Compare it to any other version and its a joke. You want some Genesis games that are better than the SNES counterpart?

SF II: SCE (yes its better than Turbo)
NHL 94 (I'm sure the other ones too, hell, any sports game just about)
Earthworm Jim
Samurai Shodown
the Strike series
Captain America and the Avengers
Cool Spot
Demolition Man
Phantom 2040
Doom Troopers
Mickey Mania (esp Sega CD version, this game really pushed the 16-bit technology to its limits)
NBA JAM/TE/NBA HANG TIME
Robocop vs. the Terminator
Super Baseball 2020
Test Drive II: The Duel
Toy Story
WWF Wrestlemania Arcade
Flashback (specifically Sega CD, but the regular Genesis works too)
Battle Toads/Double Dragon




not to mention
Jurrassic Park
Mega Turrican
The Terminator
Aladdin
were all better than the SNES version of the game

I will hand the SNES a few though:
Mortal Kombat (missing blood, but much more arcade accurate, but I blame the developers, not the Genesis)
TMNT: Turtles in Time (only because Nintendo got exclusive rights to it, who knows how good it could've been on the Genesis in unmolested form)
Rock N Roll Racing (the music was ported horribly to the Genesis)
Spiderman X-Men (another SNES to Genesis port)
T2 the Arcade Game
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (though Game Gear was better than either)
Joe and Mac

Is that a big enough list for you? My comment was with regards to the fact that back in the day everyone around me including myself disregarded the Genesis as crap from the get go and until about 2 or 3 years ago I just considered it inferior hardware. Now, going back, I realize almost every game for it was better in the gameplay department, and that matters alot more than on screen colors.

[tomaitheous]

It was easier to add a bar than to redraw everything.

I don't think 'easier' was the motivation, otherwise they just would have used the same res as the PCE version and excluded the side status bar (the Genesis has the res - even SF2 ports use that res).

17daysolderthannes: Tone down the fanboyism, man ;)

[16-bit]

I'm certainly not aware of that. I'm somewhat of a Nintendo fanboy (oldschool Nintendo, at least), but I'm a total cheapskate. :p

I'm talking about the hardcore Nintendo fanboys who preordered Wii Music and sat in line t at launch day to get it, and yes, there are quite a bit of Nintendo fanboys who do that and still play the older systems.

[MrMatthews]

The "compressed" look is the same situation as Devil's Crush / Dragon's Fury -- the Genesis version runs in a larger horizontal resolution, with the extra resolution used for a side bar. It was easier to add a bar than to redraw everything. I kind of like it better that way in the case of ZAMN, as it allows for the radar (which the SNES version doesn't have), and the other icons don't intrude on my view of the gameplay. And I prefer the sound of the music on Genesis, although the sound effects aren't as good.

Also, in the Genesis version, the Game Over screen appears in blood. In the SNES version, this was changed to purple goo. Lame. Nintendo was really over the top with some of the things they censored.
Are you sure the radar wasn't in the SNES version? It wasn't there all the time - I think you pulled it up with one of the shoulder buttons or something.

[j_factor]

You're right, but it's easier to just have it on screen at all times, IMO. And if you leave it on, it obstructs your view.

[Zebbe]

Since the Genesis also has the 256x224 resolution, why didn't they just use it for Devil Crash and ZAMN? People seem to prefer stretched video rather than that black sidebar...

[havok666]

blow me, prick.

I'm a prick? Go read over the Wily Wars USA thread right here (http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5630). You need to calm down and relax, this isn't fucking 1994, we don't need this OMG GENESIS IS BETTAR THAN SNES!!! bullshit.




First of all, Street Righter Alpha 2 is LAUGHABLY bad on the SNES. For fucks sake its a cartridge game with load times! Compare it to any other version and its a joke. You want some Genesis games that are better than the SNES counterpart?


It doesn't matter if you think its laughably bad, I never said it "played" good so you are misquoting me. The fact is that the port is notably impressive it is a CPS II port on a 16 bit cartridge based system.



not to mention
Jurrassic Park
Mega Turrican
Robocop vs. the Terminator
Aladdin
were all better than the SNES version of the game


Ok, ok, ok. Before you start throwing out names you need to research before you talk and I know you haven't played the SNES versions of these games? Why? BECAUSE THEY DO NOT EXIST. These games are all completely different and are NOT ports.

Jurassic Park SNES: developed by Ocean, completely different game. The Genesis version was developed in-house by Blue Sky Software (Vectorman, World Series Baseball)

Mega Turrican: This game was exclusive to the Genesis

Aladdin: again different games, SNES version was done by Capcom

So whatever, this proves that your ridiculous claims about certain ports being better than other do not matter. Anyone can just make a huge list of games but you don't even prove your own points. Why are these games worse than the Genesis counterparts? You don't even give reasons. I mean at least play the games first before you go on ranting and unfairly saying certain ports are inferior than others. That's all I ask. Thank you and good day.

[Tanegashima]

Holy hamburgers bat man! 17days: don't go about calling people pricks over VIDEO GAMES!

Jesus!

[MrMatthews]

I'm a prick? Go read over the Wily Wars USA thread right here (http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5630). You need to calm down and relax, this isn't fucking 1994, we don't need this OMG GENESIS IS BETTAR THAN SNES!!! bullshit.




It doesn't matter if you think its laughably bad, I never said it "played" good so you are misquoting me. The fact is that the port is notably impressive it is a CPS II port on a 16 bit cartridge based system.



Ok, ok, ok. Before you start throwing out names you need to research before you talk and I know you haven't played the SNES versions of these games? Why? BECAUSE THEY DO NOT EXIST. These games are all completely different and are NOT ports.

Jurassic Park SNES: developed by Ocean, completely different game. The Genesis version was developed in-house by Blue Sky Software (Vectorman, World Series Baseball)

Mega Turrican: This game was exclusive to the Genesis

Aladdin: again different games, SNES version was done by Capcom

So whatever, this proves that your ridiculous claims about certain ports being better than other do not matter. Anyone can just make a huge list of games but you don't even prove your own points. Why are these games worse than the Genesis counterparts? You don't even give reasons. I mean at least play the games first before you go on ranting and unfairly saying certain ports are inferior than others. That's all I ask. Thank you and good day.
There was a "Super" Turrican though, wasn't there?

[Jesse813]

yes there is a Super Turrican for SNES.

[MrMatthews]

It hardly matters, but that's probably what he meant

[havok666]

There was a "Super" Turrican though, wasn't there?

Yes but Super Turrican is different. So Mega Turrican isn't a direct port. I think Super Turrican was released in 93 and Mega Turrican came out in 94. Mega Turrican is more exploration based. You have a grappling hook where you can reach hidden areas and pick up extra lives.

[MrMatthews]

That's what I thought.

I forget exactly what my point was. I think I was actually trying to leave
17days with a little dignity, but now I'm not sure why.

[Tanegashima]

Careful, you don't wanna line up to give a BJ do you?

[j_factor]

Careful, you don't wanna line up to give a BJ do you?

Why are you asking? So you can go next?

[MrMatthews]

Careful, you don't wanna line up to give a BJ do you?


Why are you asking? So you can go next?

Woah there, fellas. I took it back, didn't I?

[Tanegashima]

Why are you asking? So you can go next?

There you go again j...

[j_factor]

There you go again j...

It's my job now.

[Zebbe]

So why didn't they use the 256x224 resolution for ZAMN on Genesis again?

[MrMatthews]

um . . . laziness?

[j_factor]

So why didn't they use the 256x224 resolution for ZAMN on Genesis again?

Maybe they just preferred having a status bar on the side?

[David J.]

I traded my SNES for a Master System. No regrets :D

No need to ever worry about expensive SNES games ever again. Problem solved?

[16-bit]

Yes but Super Turrican is different. So Mega Turrican isn't a direct port. I think Super Turrican was released in 93 and Mega Turrican came out in 94. Mega Turrican is more exploration based. You have a grappling hook where you can reach hidden areas and pick up extra lives.

I'm pretty sure that Mega Turrican was a port of Turrican 3 on the Amiga.

[j_factor]

Actually it's the other way around, Turrican 3 was a port of Mega Turrican.

[Rusty Venture]

I recall this trend of SNES games being more expensive and in demand even 5-6 years ago. Genesis hardly got any respect back when I did the game store thing. I recall if it wasn't the "OMG RARE!" Toejam & Earl, people were rather apathetic towards the Genesis.

I think the market for Genesis games has picked up in recent years though...I doubt I'd be able to score a sealed S&K for $12 shipped like I did back in 2000.

[Zebbe]

Maybe they just preferred having a status bar on the side?

I read something about the Genesis not being able to handle as many sprites as the SNES as an explanation, but I don't quite understand it.

[sega fan]

Zebbe, whoever said that was an SNES fanboy. When I play games like Sonic, the Desert Strike Series, or games like Zero Tolerence, they all run smooth with 8 or more enemies on screen, The original Streets of Rage, level 2 and 4 and 6, was a good example of this. When I play Mario World or Doom SNES and there's 4 or more enemies on screen (in the later levels), My Super Nintendo CHUGS heavily like nobody's business.

[tomaitheous]

Post some pics of the two games and the status bar. Are you sure it's made out of sprites?

Segafan: The SNES has greater sprite handling capabilities: more sprites per scanline and sprite pixel limit per scanline, more sprites onscreen at once, larger maximum sprites.

The Genesis though is versatile with its inbetween sprite sizes (sprite cell segments) - saving some sprite bandwidth limit with less effort in cases compared to the SNES. SOR series (2&3 more so) are extreme examples of optimizing for Genesis sprite sizes from stances to the falling back frames. An incredible example of sprite optimizations. The characters pixel art was specifically done to guideline. That, and a clever game AI to keep the enemies placed just right to avoid flicker/blanking - but not so obvious to the gamer. Not many companies went to that length. And to top it off, the game's actually fun to play. Imagine that ;)

[17daysolderthannes]

It doesn't matter if you think its laughably bad, I never said it "played" good so you are misquoting me. The fact is that the port is notably impressive it is a CPS II port on a 16 bit cartridge based system.



Ok, ok, ok. Before you start throwing out names you need to research before you talk and I know you haven't played the SNES versions of these games? Why? BECAUSE THEY DO NOT EXIST. These games are all completely different and are NOT ports.



You really need to start wearing a helmet around because you are officially over the top retarded. I SAID BETTER THAN THE SNES VERSION meaning 2 different games unique to each system. i.e. the sword wielding Aladdin on Genesis was better than the fairy jumping Aladdin on SNES. Did you notice how I separated them from the rest of the group? there was a reason. Please just DIAF because you fail at life, grammar, and basic logic and reasoning.

Also, a port is never "impressive" if it sucks, no matter what the source material is. Donkey Kong was on the 2600, nuff said (though I will say that version was surprisingly fun).

Oh, and for the record, I OWN Super Turrican AND the SNES Aladdin (which isn't terrible, just not as good). I don't know why you moved Robocop vs. the Terminator into that block quote, that game was just a terrible port to the SNES (or maybe improved upon porting the Genesis, dunno). I have played Jurassic Park (both of them) and The Terminator on SNES and they don't hold a candle to the DIFFERENT versions available for the Genesis, so don't tell me what I have and haven't played. Take your butthurt SNES fanboy ass elsewhere.

You wan't reasons? here goes:

SF II: SCE (yes its better than Turbo): 10 stars of turbo vs. 4 on "Turbo" for SNES, 6-button controller is better way better than the SNES controller.

NHL 94 (I'm sure the other ones too, hell, any sports game just about): smoother gameplay, I've played both, you'll just have to see that for yourself
Earthworm Jim: generally faster/smoother
Samurai Shodown: larger sprites, more arcade accurate
the Strike series: not plagued by TERRIBLE slodown like SNES versions
Captain America and the Avengers: the best sound ever, faster action
Cool Spot: better sound again
Demolition Man: smoother gameplay, better sound
Phantom 2040: same thing
Doom Troopers: MUCH faster gameplay
Mickey Mania (esp Sega CD version, this game really pushed the 16-bit technology to its limits): more sound FX, no load times on cart version (unlike SNES cart), smoother animation/gameplay
NBA JAM/TE/NBA HANG TIME: same shit
Robocop vs. the Terminator: same shit
Super Baseball 2020: much closer to the Neo Geo game
Test Drive II: The Duel: much smoother
Toy Story: better viewing window, smoother/faster
WWF Wrestlemania Arcade: again
Flashback (specifically Sega CD, but the regular Genesis works too): same thing
Battle Toads/Double Dragon: same thing

smoother, faster, and better sound, its the same for all of them.



Zebbe, whoever said that was an SNES fanboy. When I play games like Sonic, the Desert Strike Series, or games like Zero Tolerence, they all run smooth with 8 or more enemies on screen, The original Streets of Rage, level 2 and 4 and 6, was a good example of this. When I play Mario World or Doom SNES and there's 4 or more enemies on screen (in the later levels), My Super Nintendo CHUGS heavily like nobody's business.

The SNES could handle LARGER sprites, but the Genesis could handle MORE sprites at a time, and could also move them faster.

[Timstuff]

I don't know why you moved Robocop vs. the Terminator into that block quote, that game was just a terrible port to the SNES (or maybe improved upon porting the Genesis, dunno).

Robocop vs. Terminator on SNES is not a port of the Genesis one, it's a completely different game. It has similarities to the Genesis game, sure, but so do the SNES and Genesis Aladdin games. The Genesis RVT has bigger sprites, more intuitive gameplay, and gore, so for me it's the preferable one in a lot of ways, but I wouldn't say that makes the SNES game bad by default. The graphics and sound were good, and I thought that the comic-book inspired cutscenes did a much better job telling the story than the text in the Genesis version. The gameplay in the SNES game feels more like an arcade game, while the Genesis one feels like it was more specifically made for a console. At the end of the day though, they're two different games, and they both have reasons that make them worth giving a try.

[tomaitheous]

but the Genesis could handle MORE sprites at a time
Actually that's not true. The SNES has a larger table for sprites (128 entries regardless of the size) and more sprites per scanline (34 or 272 pixels per scanline - whichever comes first).


Since the topic changed to 'ports', I would have rather seen the Capcom port/version of Aladdin on the Genesis. I like the Capcom style graphics and gameplay over the Amiga port that the Genesis got.

In general, does it matter about these ports? 99% of the listed games are crap anyway. Doesn't that null out any differences?

[Aarzak]

Amiga port? The Genesis version of "Aladdin" was developed specifically for the Genesis hardware by Sega/Virgin Games, which is why it turned out so great.

You also have to remember that Capcom was fiercely loyal to Nintendo at the time, and only developed for the Genesis for the one thing that benefited both them and Sega: "Street Fighter II". Their other titles, apart from "Wily Wars" were forgettable and ported from the SNES (with the exception of "The Punisher"). Strangely though, one Capcom-developed Disney game did manage to make it onto the Genesis: "Mickey & Minnie In The Great Circus Mystery", also released on the SNES.

[Tanegashima]

Flashback had much better music on the SNES than it did on the Genesis. I hate the Sega CD version of Flashback because I much preferred the rotoscoped cutscenes in the cartridge to the computer generated ones on the CD versions of the Game.

I love the Genesis version, but the music is pretty lame compared to the SNES version. Out of This World is far better on the Genesis/Sega CD: No load times, graphics are crisper, control is better and the sound is better. But Out of This World was ported to the Genesis a year or so after it came to the SNES.

All the home versions of T2 the arcade game sucked, but the SNES one really blows the Genesis version out of the water.

[j_factor]

I thought the SNES version of Flashback sucked. The cutscenes have a MUCH lower framerate, and look rather choppy.


I read something about the Genesis not being able to handle as many sprites as the SNES as an explanation, but I don't quite understand it.

That is definitely bunk. The play area is exactly the same. The SNES version doesn't have more sprites on screen, unless they designed certain levels differently or something.

[tomaitheous]

Amiga port? The Genesis version of "Aladdin" was developed specifically for the Genesis hardware by Sega/Virgin Games, which is why it turned out so great.

Then I guess the Amiga one is a port of the Genesis version. I see it came out some months afterwards.

Edit: Guess I got my wish <_<

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GceSpZlFYs&feature=related

..

[Tanegashima]

I thought the SNES version of Flashback sucked. The cutscenes have a MUCH lower framerate, and look rather choppy.



That is definitely bunk. The play area is exactly the same. The SNES version doesn't have more sprites on screen, unless they designed certain levels differently or something.

I didn't say it was better, I just think the SNES music is better...the Genesis cart is my favorite version.

[j_factor]

Then I guess the Amiga one is a port of the Genesis version. I see it came out some months afterwards.

Edit: Guess I got my wish <_<

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GceSpZlFYs&feature=related

..

Wow, that is some awful sound.

[TmEE]

Flashback on MD used GEMS, enough said... I have played PC, MD and SNES versions of Flashback. MD version is as fast as PC version but not as colorful, SNES version is as colorful than PC version but horribly slow when it comes to cutscenes. I don't recall how PC version sounded, I think it did not even get sound playing for some unknown reason, and menues being in French did not help much.

[j_factor]

I didn't mind the sound in Flashback for Genesis. There's not that much sound to begin with, but I thought the opening tune sounded worse on SNES.

[havok666]

You really need to start wearing a helmet around because you are officially over the top retarded.

Why because I am having a discussion arguing your points and I disagree with you? Seriously grow up, that's no grounds to go around calling someone a retard, now is it? Or am I actually making you angry because your wrong? Maybe that is the real reason. :D




Oh, and for the record, I OWN Super Turrican AND the SNES Aladdin (which isn't terrible, just not as good). I don't know why you moved Robocop vs. the Terminator into that block quote, that game was just a terrible port to the SNES (or maybe improved upon porting the Genesis, dunno). I have played Jurassic Park (both of them) and The Terminator on SNES and they don't hold a candle to the DIFFERENT versions available for the Genesis, so don't tell me what I have and haven't played. Take your butthurt SNES fanboy ass elsewhere.


Buddy, I don't know what crack you're smoking but we were all talking about PORTS here. I really could care less what game you think is better on each respective system. And all of those games, no matter what you say are not ports (Mega Turrican, Aladdin, Robocop vs Terminator and Jurassic Park) so you are wrong and I still believe you haven't played them if you think otherwise. Why do you keep bringing it back up?

And I really appreciate you putting the effort into your SNES/GENESIS comparisons with your extremely detailed two word impressions. Bravo!


As for Flashback, I enjoy the Genesis version the most. I agree that the music is a bit lacking, but the good thing is most of the stages are just filled with ambient sounds.

[Tanegashima]

As for Flashback, I enjoy the Genesis version the most. I agree that the music is a bit lacking, but the good thing is most of the stages are just filled with ambient sounds.


I totally agree, I love the Genesis version.

[zetastrike]

A lot of the SNES games I see in my store are grossly overpriced. They have had the same Mario kart cart there for over a year. It costs $35.00. That is complete and utter bull. No sane person will pay that much for it. It's so common, it should cost $10 at the most. And may god have mercy on you if it's boxed and complete.

[88milesperhour]

the master system is cool but i can't find one game that i really care for on that system

[chrisbid]

nintendo fans are krazy

SNES carts are more expensive than genesis carts for the same reason N64 carts are more expensive than PSX games.

as to which system is better debate, the two systems complimented one another very well.

graphics tended to look better on the SNES, but gameplay tended to be sluggish

while playing an SNES take note of how hard you press the dpad, the extra split second slower reaction time from pressing the dpad to the action on screen results in a player pressing harder on the dpad in an attempt to quicken the reaction on screen

i also dont buy the notion that the snes had better sound than the genesis

they had different types of sound

SNES had beautiful sound samples of course, whenever the genesis attempted to sample a voice it sounded like garbage

but, the SNES midi really excelled with midi and mimicking orchestral type music. the "inferior" 8-bit synth sound of the genesis made for great techno and electronic music. good music on either system needed to be written to take advantage of each system's strengths. the techno of Streets of Rage 2 or Phantasy Star IV would sound just as crappy on an SNES as the overture of Actraiser and Chrono Trigger would sound on a Genesis

but im getting way off track

[acdc]

I think this is great. It keeps the MD games I want at low costs. So I get them for prices much cheaper than my price limit. Hail the stupid market!

yes i agree with that
now if i could find eliminate down for a good price and not 300 dollars then
i m happy