Castlevania Dungeon Forums
The Castlevania Dungeon Forums => General Castlevania Discussion => Classic Castlevania Threads => Topic started by: Pfil on September 09, 2013, 11:02:02 PM
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What version do you prefer and why?
I choose the original game. Better controls, prettier graphics, 2D instead of 2.5D and music that sounds better, all of that despite being older.
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Rondo. It's not so much that the graphics look better or the music sounds better (I actually prefer DXC's graphics); Rondo just has a certain charm to it that DXC doesn't. It captures the spirit of the "new CD media frontier" era perfectly as well as the 1993 Castlevania "soul".
To be perfectly honest, that Castlevania soul is exactly what draws me to the Castlevanias I like and the less of it a game has in my eyes, the more disappointed I'll be with it - the one exception being CV64, and that's just because the CV64 soul is amazing. ;D
Also yay for derailing the topic in the first reply!
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I agree with your entire post, but I like more sprite based graphics, so to me they look nicer, and old soundfonts (like SNES or Genesis) have that same charm that can't be emulated with modern sounds.
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Again, it's not so much that the music sounds "better" in Rondo (production-wise and arrangement-wise, I feel DXC does a better job), it's just that it has that classic 1993 "first ever CD-ROM Castlevania with Redbook audio" sound to it and I like that element. To put it another way, it's not that I prefer Rondo because it doesn't feel aged or because I feel like anything is particularly "better" about it - I like it because it does feel aged and I guess I hear some ambition in it of Konami reaching for the stars for the best Castlevania ever while still using that humble hardware (the PC Engine).
It's a little like hearing a child get better and better at playing music...but then there's that one day when you hear him play something and even though he could obviously be better, there's something in that performance where you can tell he's destined for great things ahead. That's what Rondo was for Castlevania - It was the series' first outing on CD media and demonstrated clearly that even in the new frontier, Castlevania was still a force to be reckoned with well into the future.
That spirit just isn't captured in DXC for me. It looks -too- polished and with -too- high of production values. There's no more ambition for the future, just "modernizing" an old game for a quick buck in the present. It looks, sounds, and feels really good and was done well, but it also feels somehow cheap.
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Topic moved here since this place is better suited for all of this game 1 vs game 2 talk.
As for my answer, as much as I liked DxC, RoB is better maybe because of the sprites. Or the nostalgia, or for some people the bragging rights of buying the actual thing from Japan, including the console.
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Or the nostalgia, or for some people the bragging rights of buying the actual thing from Japan, including the console.
I might be a little biased, because of the reasons Shiroi states.
* I had been playing the SNES version for about 10 years before I played Rondo, so it was somewhat a case of "nostalgia from a new game". Plus I play it so infrequently these days that every time feels like the first time again.
* I have those bragging rights. Granted, DXC and the Virtual Console release both came out less than a year after I got the real deal, but I got it and still have it. ;D
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I would say that Rondo's music most definitely IS better. Stronger arrangements, more adept production, better instrumentation. DXC just sounds uninspired most the time with probably the most bland arrangements and production in any CV game.
Graphics are a little easier to come down to preference. I like Rondo's pixel art and use of limited color palette. DXC looks good but I'll usually prefer dot art over polygons.
Rondo is the more fun game because as stated the controls are tighter. Doing backflips feels pointless in DXC because it's so floaty and unresponsive, but it really enhances the gameplay in the original.
Also, animu cutscenes and less talking. :3 Rondo wins.
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I'm partial to RoB. I don't get to claim any bragging rights because the first time I played it was on the VC. Dracula X Chronicles was good, but I guess I didn't really feel it was necessary.
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I would say that Rondo's music most definitely IS better. Stronger arrangements, more adept production, better instrumentation. DXC just sounds uninspired most the time with probably the most bland arrangements and production in any CV game.
Plus, it messes up some chords and changes some of the arrangements that gave personality to the original.
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Rondo's better. Comparatively, it puts on a much more commandeering display of pixel art than DXC does with 3D models, and the presentation overall is a lot more interesting and thought-out. For example: the boss introductions are striking to witness because control is never wrested away from the player, unlike in DXC's static cinematics. The alterations in music track placement also seem a little haphazard; Poison Mind being excluded from the CV1 boss rush borders on the inexplicable, and an uninspired Moon Fight remix and Red Dawn aren't good substitutes for Den and Op.13, differences in intended tone and atmosphere be damned.
There's a kinetic sense of airy, effortless adventure to Rondo, which makes the competent yet portentous remake seem rote and workmanlike by comparison, even if it was a labour of love of a different sort.
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Original, I've did really crazy things to play this game for the first time (like downloading it in a 56k dial-up modem, converting all musics to their original state since they came in a different one and using a emulator, all of this when I started using a computer, so I was a complete super newbie lol) and when I've discovered that they released it in Wii to US too, I've run to play it.
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Rondo hands down, I never got quite excited, or the level excitement for DXC like I had for the original "forbidden fruit" of RoB back when I saw it in those Gamepro pages years ago. Those pages told me that it wasn't coming to America, like a big slap to the face mind you.
Then I tried Rondo, oh what an experience, the music, the magic, the soul, all there and hitting you like a giant wave. When DXC happened it was like a little bit of cold water, but not the monster RoB was when I first gave it a play. Plus DXC was so damned ugly, and Rondo had such beautiful spritework.
The only thing I appreciate DXC for.... the first US appearance of Rondo without the need to import. I'd also pick up the game again on Wii VC down the line to experience it in big screen format.
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Can please mods add a poll so we can all vote?
I didn't think of that when I made the topic.
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Can please mods add a poll so we can all vote?
I didn't think of that when I made the topic.
Far as I know, it's too late to add the poll option once the thread and post are submitted.
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If it's not too annoying, I will start a poll now for both threads.
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So, since I forgot to include a poll in the correspondent thread, I am making this new one, with poll included.
I advise everyone who posted to vote here, otherwise, I am not responsible for what harm the fairy godmother of the forest may bring upon thyselves.
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I'm on the majority here ;D
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NO GOD! PLEASE NO!!! NOOOOOOOOOO (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umDr0mPuyQc#)
Try to use this feature in the already existing thread, if this works then we dont even will need to do another thread.
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FxdvtGoD.png&hash=b7542bdec6eaf58666fff3013530162a)
P.S.: I need better glasses, for real, so I dont know how I found this lol
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Too late, admins already merged topics.
Maybe they can merge both RoB or DXC topics too?
Thanks, anyway, both to Lely-San and admins.
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Just to be a smart guy I choose DxC why? Because I get three games Dxc,Rob, SotN :P
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Oh no, that doesn't count! You have to choose between RoB and DXC, only the new game! PUN PUN! >:(
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I merged the topics and removed Lely's repeat posts :D I think this was my first actual Moderator action!! :D :D :D
I also voted :3 I like DXC better, cause it has RoB (and SoTN) included XD Seriously though, I think they did a good job with the extra stages and bosses, especially Drac's third form, which was more challenging that he was originally IMO.
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I'm gonna go DXC but both games top my list of favorite CVs and I love them both for different reasons.
I love the sprite work, graphics, and sounds from Rondo. It's truly a time capsule of where games were at at the time. It was a bit of a turning point for the series and really bridged the gap between the classic and more exploration based titles. I keep a copy of Rondo on my iPhone at all times just in case. ;)
DXC is a great reimaginjng of the game. It's not a carbon copy with prettier graphics and remixed music (althoigh imo the game's effing beautiful!) it's actually like playing a whole new game in some ways. Its a lot darker in tone for one, which is one thing I never liked about Rondo. Everything was so bright, too much, considering the plot. I like the redone versions of some of the stages, particularly Stage 4, thr prison/torture chamber level. That level was always dull to me in Rondo but they gave it a whole new lease on life in DXC. Stage 5' was also incredibly well done. I loved the 2.5d graphics and relished all the little details they put in in some places. The ice and frost in the Dullahan's chamber, the bloody room you fight thr Succubus in in 5', the incredible backgrounds in stage 7, even the little redux of each stage on the stage select screen.
So I love both games, but DXC edges out Rondo. But they're both amazing games!
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Some years ago, I recall there was a lot of people complaining about how Maria didn't fit the Castlevania atmosphere and ruined the game (both in Rondo and DXC).
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Some years ago, I recall there was a lot of people complaining about how Maria didn't fit the Castlevania atmosphere and ruined the game (both in Rondo and DXC).
Really, that much hate for an optional character?
As far as I know, Maria was created to make the game easier for those who have a hard time playing as Richter.
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Really, that much hate for an optional character?
As far as I know, Maria was created to make the game easier for those who have a hard time playing as Richter.
What? So thats why I felt overpowered then...
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What I've never figured out is why they made playing as Maria the overpowered Easy mode. I think if I was designing the game I would have done the opposite. The Belmonts are made out in the storyline to be the choices to stop Dracula, so why is it that Maria, Nathan Graves, and Alucard are flat-out better at their jobs than they are?
Might be overthinking this.
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Storyline considerations probably aren't at the top of the list when creating an intentionally comedic, absurdly light-hearted bonus mode. The real triumph in Maria's implementation is that it can potentially be just as fun and rewarding to play as her as with the designated main character, due to the care put into her unique mechanics, arsenal and presentation of her adventure. That is a precious thing within this series and elsewhere.
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Storyline considerations probably aren't at the top of the list when creating an intentionally comedic, absurdly light-hearted bonus mode. The real triumph in Maria's implementation is that it can potentially be just as fun and rewarding to play as her as with the designated main character, due to the care put into her unique mechanics, arsenal and presentation of her adventure. That is a precious thing within this series and elsewhere.
Oh yeah! I just love, LOVE! the way she behaves when you take control of her. It's so dinamic and fluid! It's like Carrie in LoD, everything flows so well! She's fast, quick, powerful and possesses a great agility.
What I've never figured out is why they made playing as Maria the overpowered Easy mode. I think if I was designing the game I would have done the opposite. The Belmonts are made out in the storyline to be the choices to stop Dracula, so why is it that Maria, Nathan Graves, and Alucard are flat-out better at their jobs than they are?
Might be overthinking this.
Perhaps it is because Alucard is not human.
In Maria's case, because her tiny body allows her to move fastly, and she also can summon many powers.
Really, that much hate for an optional character?
As far as I know, Maria was created to make the game easier for those who have a hard time playing as Richter.
I've heard that too, but yes, lots of people complained because "she ruined the challenge", or other stupid things to that effect.
What? So thats why I felt overpowered then...
We all felt that ;D
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Just to be a smart guy I choose DxC why? Because I get three games Dxc,Rob, SotN :P
Curses you beat me to it! This is like saying the CV Double Pack is the greatest GBA CV game hahahaha
Anyways I chose DXC. I feel DXC runs more smoothly than its original counterpart(that could just be me though). I just feel DXC took RoB and improved it. Both are great regardless.
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Even though there are a number of things I like DXC over RoB, RoB is still stronger, but I Still prefer the Dracula XX soundtrack over both of them
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I agree with the good Docta and others that I prefer DXC. Stage 4' in particular was a huge improvement. It went from great to mega-boner...
I also thought the way Richter whipped in DXC felt...more "right". The hit detection also seemed to be better as well. On the other hand I didn't like his model's casual stride. I definitely preferred Rondo's determined march.
I also prefer some of DXX's music as well to the originals, Bloody Tears in particular D:
I'm still surprised DXX wasn't included in DXC as well.
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What is DXX?
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What is DXX?
dracula xx is the sufami version of dracula x. I wonder what would happen if it was dracula xxx :P
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dracula xx is the sufami version of dracula x. I wonder what would happen if it was dracula xxx :P
Hint: Succubus would be the main character and wins all battles. :p
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(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi603.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt114%2Fxeno0000%2FSmilies%2Fbth_DroolingSmiley3.gif&hash=9b8e93ee2196d489c2fc9279b4d78c9d)
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What is DXX?
It's an SNES version using sprites and such from Rondo. It's not as good as Rondo, but it's got its moments and is worth hunting down a ROM of.
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What is DXX?
Akumajo Dracula XX (Super Famicom) --> Castlevania: Dracula X (Super NES, NTSC) --> Castlevania: Vampire's Kiss (Super NES, PAL)
In the same way that Super Castlevania IV is considered the same as the first game depsite their differences because it has the same name (Akumajo Dracula) in Japan, I consider Castlevania: Dracula X and Rondo to be two different games despite their similarities because they have two different names in Japan. That's probably just my personal interpretation, though.
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Is it a different game than Dracula X for the SNES?
If that is the case, I've been missing another CV game, just as with the original X68000 game that has some differences with the PSX CV Chronicles Original Mode.
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If you count blood being red instead of blue water as a new game, them yes :P
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Oh, just that.
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Yeah, its just like differences because of censoring or little things like that. In this case I think they only change the death animation color.
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Honestly, Dracula XX (aka Castlevania: Dracula X SNES) is my favorite, and should have been included on the Dracula X Chronicles. Despite similarities, it really is its own game, though. As for the two Rondo's, I just recently have decided that like the original better. I think it plays more responsively, and the stage designs didn't work out as well when stretched/altered for widescreen in the CG remake. (I never noticed how many liberties were taken until I paid attention). They each have their interesting quirks and pros/cons, though.
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What are those differences?
I'm very curious about them, I want to try the game now.
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You've never played Racula X for SNRS? Its very different from Rondo. Or you mean DXC differences to RoB?
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No, I mean DX from DXX.
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DXX is a japanese version from DX for SNES :P
Only changes being text in japanese and red blood.
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I like the original because the gameplay is a bit faster and the soundtrack is better. Also, the 3D graphics in DXC are quite ugly in spots. I still like DXC, just not as much.
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I vote for chronicles. Loved everything about it, except for Medusa Heads for obvious reasons.
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Everyone hates the medusa heads. ;D