I'm sure most people will have heard of Rewind, a superb website that compares DVDs from different regions so that anyone with a multi region DVD player can purchase the definitive version of a DVD. For those that hevn't heard of it, get your arses over to http://www.dvdcompare.org.uk .
AFAIK there isn't a site that does the same for videogames, but there should be. Not only do we have to consider differences between regions (e.g. Soul Calibur 2), there are often differences between formats.
So what I propose is that people list here the definitive versions of games for the assistance of others. If enough responses are posted, maybe it could get made into a sticky or a feature for the site? Who knows.
Some guidelines first of all (here comes the science bit).
1. Take into account everything from differences in graphical quality to boxart. Obviously the latter is subjective, but in some circumstances its obvious (Ico for example).
2. Where the best version is a limited edition, also recommend the best unlimited version.
3. Don't take into account collectability or price (although this can be mentioned) or the fact that a game may seem at home on a certain platform. Try to look from the point of view of someone who has not played the game before.
4. Explain the reasons why a game is better. The Japanese version isn't always the best version to get to an open minded gamer (just like R1 DVDs aren't always the best versions).
5. With Japanese games, assume gamers have a rough understanding of the basics i.e. An arcade game along the lines of Dodonpachi would be fine, but not a full blown RPG.
6. If its difficult to differentiate, then call it a draw.
7. With voiceovers, don't mark down the English voice over unless it is truly detrimental to the game.
8. Don't take into account portability (i.e. Don't recommend a GBA port purely on the basis that you can play it on the bog).
9. Take into account the availability of peripherals, etc.
10. Obviously, if you feel someone has recommended the wrong version then say why.
Some for starters:
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Ico
The US version has an awful cover and a slightly inferior version of the game which was changed and slightly expanded for the Japanese and Pal release. The Japanese release has a fantastic cover and the updated game, but the subtitles are Japanese. Not a major issue, but the Pal version has the same cover and game but with English subtitles. Plus it also came in a limited edition pack with a cardboard fold out sleeve and art cards.
Winner - PAL PS2 Version (preferably the limited edition set with art cards)
Ikaruga
Previously the DC version would have won easily because of the DC's ability to display VGA and the availability of an arcade stick. Given that both are now available on the Gamecube, this advantage has disappeared. The game is identical on both platforms, but the GC version has a couple of small extras.
Of the GC versions, avoid the PAL version because of the awful cover. The Japanese cover isn't much cop either, but at least it comes in the small Japanese cases. The US version could have had the best cover, except for an annoying review quote across the front. Of all of them the DC version has the best cover.
The version to go for is the limited edition Japanese GC version with art book. If this is not available, then its a draw between the DC version and the Japanese and US GC versions. The former has a better cover whilst the latter two have a few extras.
Winner - Japanese GC version with art book. If not then a draw between either the DC Japanese or GC Japanese or US versions
AFAIK there isn't a site that does the same for videogames, but there should be. Not only do we have to consider differences between regions (e.g. Soul Calibur 2), there are often differences between formats.
So what I propose is that people list here the definitive versions of games for the assistance of others. If enough responses are posted, maybe it could get made into a sticky or a feature for the site? Who knows.
Some guidelines first of all (here comes the science bit).
1. Take into account everything from differences in graphical quality to boxart. Obviously the latter is subjective, but in some circumstances its obvious (Ico for example).
2. Where the best version is a limited edition, also recommend the best unlimited version.
3. Don't take into account collectability or price (although this can be mentioned) or the fact that a game may seem at home on a certain platform. Try to look from the point of view of someone who has not played the game before.
4. Explain the reasons why a game is better. The Japanese version isn't always the best version to get to an open minded gamer (just like R1 DVDs aren't always the best versions).
5. With Japanese games, assume gamers have a rough understanding of the basics i.e. An arcade game along the lines of Dodonpachi would be fine, but not a full blown RPG.
6. If its difficult to differentiate, then call it a draw.
7. With voiceovers, don't mark down the English voice over unless it is truly detrimental to the game.
8. Don't take into account portability (i.e. Don't recommend a GBA port purely on the basis that you can play it on the bog).
9. Take into account the availability of peripherals, etc.
10. Obviously, if you feel someone has recommended the wrong version then say why.
Some for starters:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ico
The US version has an awful cover and a slightly inferior version of the game which was changed and slightly expanded for the Japanese and Pal release. The Japanese release has a fantastic cover and the updated game, but the subtitles are Japanese. Not a major issue, but the Pal version has the same cover and game but with English subtitles. Plus it also came in a limited edition pack with a cardboard fold out sleeve and art cards.
Winner - PAL PS2 Version (preferably the limited edition set with art cards)
Ikaruga
Previously the DC version would have won easily because of the DC's ability to display VGA and the availability of an arcade stick. Given that both are now available on the Gamecube, this advantage has disappeared. The game is identical on both platforms, but the GC version has a couple of small extras.
Of the GC versions, avoid the PAL version because of the awful cover. The Japanese cover isn't much cop either, but at least it comes in the small Japanese cases. The US version could have had the best cover, except for an annoying review quote across the front. Of all of them the DC version has the best cover.
The version to go for is the limited edition Japanese GC version with art book. If this is not available, then its a draw between the DC version and the Japanese and US GC versions. The former has a better cover whilst the latter two have a few extras.
Winner - Japanese GC version with art book. If not then a draw between either the DC Japanese or GC Japanese or US versions
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