Definitive versions of video games

[Maben]

Is there any site or list of the "definitive" (best) versions of video games?  Or at least comparing versions with pros and cons?  Many games get re-released many times (or just released on several different platforms) and it's good to know which version gives you the most bang for your buck.

I was attempting to do this for the Resident Evil series and it took me a long time of googling just to figure out which systems I wanted to get them for.  Since I don't have a Dreamcast, I decided to go with Wii for RE1 (same as GC version with additional control options), GC for RE2, GC for RE3, and Wii for RE4.  RE5 is a bit of a tossup, but the gold edition has the content on the disc for PS3 so that wins out.

There are LOTS of other games like this.  How do you guys figure out which version to get?

[Misanthroat]

Hardcore Gaming 101 is a good site that does retrospectives of game series'.
http://hardcoregaming101.net/

They usually will show all available versions of a certain game/series and will give the pro's and con's of each version.

[Maben]

For example, they recently re-released Resident Evil 4 for the Xbox 360.

And the PS3.  Fuck downloads though.

[AO007]

I don't think there's a list out there or anything; Unfortunately I think this is just one of those cases where you have to do research. Bear in mind that "definitive" can be a subjective term.

What might be best is if you post what games you still need to buy, and we can help you determine the "definitive" version for you.

[scarmullet]

Funny, I am planning to do a video series comparing versions of games. I did one but its slipshod.

Basically, get the one that works for you. For example, I am happy with my gamecube version of RE4

[Maben]

Funny, I am planning to do a video series comparing versions of games. I did one but its slipshod.

Basically, get the one that works for you. For example, I am happy with my gamecube version of RE4

I mean obviously in all but the extreme cases, versions are somewhat comparable.  PS2 version of RE4 has extra content (the Separate Ways side-campaign as well as other things).  Wii version includes these additions AFAIK as well as the controls that seem to be a huge hit with that version.

That said, it wasn't available until much later than the GC/PS2 versions.  

What might be best is if you post what games you still need to buy, and we can help you determine the "definitive" version for you.

Here's a few games I'm having trouble deciding which version to get:

Pikmin - GC original or New Play Control.  Unfortunately Pikmin 2 was never released as NPC in the states
Conker's Bad Fur Day - leaning towards N64 original as more "definitive".  Has anyone played the remake on the xbox? it's significantly cheaper
Worms Armageddon - loved this game back in the day on the PC, wanted to get a multiplayer console version.  Options: N64 (most expensive but what I'm leaning towards), Playstation, or the newer Worms 2: Armageddon for the PS3 or 360.  I hate digital games but if they are a really great improvement I'd consider it.
Rayman 3 - Hoodlum Havoc - PS2 or GC...is there a significant difference?  Yes I know they just did an HD remake on the PSN
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection - PS3 or 360...differences?

Also, I'm planning to get many of the HD collections for the PS3.  I'm attracted to the upscaled graphics and single-package deal but I don't want to sacrifice gameplay (bugs, glitches, freezing, framerate issues, missing content).  Of the following, please let me know if you consider the originals superior.  For example, I've heard the Prince of Persia trilogy has freezing issues and such.  And apparently the first couple games in the Splinter Cell trilogy are lacking inversion option (WTF?).

God of War Collection (PS3)
The Sly Collection (PS3)
Jak and Daxter Collection (PS3)
The Ratchet and Clank Collection (PS3)
The Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection (PS3)
Tomb Raider Trilogy (PS3)

[wiggy]

Definitive for me almost always means original. They like to tinker with re-releases too much. I usually end up not liking the changes, plus I have the web. I don't need extra art galleries, music tracks, blah blah blah.

I remember unlocking all that crap in Metroid Prime Trilogy. It took a long-ass time, and after all was said and done I didn't really care that I could view some extra artwork and whatnot.

[scarmullet]

Conkers live and reloaded isn't bad at all its almost the same game but a tad bit censored and better graphics.

[AO007]

Conkers live and reloaded isn't bad at all its almost the same game but a tad bit censored and better graphics.

By no means is that the definitive version, partially due to the over-censoring. I own N64 and Xbox versions, N64 is mostly for uncensored single player and the superior multiplayer, and Xbox is for GLORIOUS HD SINGLE PLAYER... but censored.

[shenske]

Pikmin - GC original or New Play Control.  Unfortunately Pikmin 2 was never released as NPC in the states

Nintendo finally will be releasing this one to the states.  
http://wii.ign.com/articles/122/1223712p1.html

[Maben]

Pikmin - GC original or New Play Control.  Unfortunately Pikmin 2 was never released as NPC in the states

Nintendo finally will be releasing this one to the states.  
http://wii.ign.com/articles/122/1223712p1.html

I research Pikmin.  I find out about NPC and think it sounds cool.  I find out Pikmin 2 NPC was never released in states.  I look into even modding my Wii or something to play PAL games.  I give up all hope and decide I'm either going to get GC versions or live with the fact that I will have it for different consoles. 

...like 2 days later this article pops up and ALL IS FORGIVEN!  Well not all...why would this take SOOO long to release?  It makes no sense at all.  On the plus side, this might bring the price of Pikmin 2 down.

[AO007]

Ehh, for me the motion controls were a miss for Pikmin. Controlling the Pikmin with the C Stick is not something you'd want to pass up.

Still, if NPC Pikmin 2 is $30, it would be a great holdover until the gamecube version of 2 goes down in price(Which it will, but probaly not by much)

short story, Gamecube versions are "definitive" imo, but NPC Pikmin 1 DOES give you the option to restart from an earlier day in your file, again at the loss of c stick control.

[Maben]

Ehh, for me the motion controls were a miss for Pikmin. Controlling the Pikmin with the C Stick is not something you'd want to pass up.

Still, if NPC Pikmin 2 is $30, it would be a great holdover until the gamecube version of 2 goes down in price(Which it will, but probaly not by much)

short story, Gamecube versions are "definitive" imo, but NPC Pikmin 1 DOES give you the option to restart from an earlier day in your file, again at the loss of c stick control.

Eh, you get Widescreen and can't you also recall Pikmin from places other than just around Olimar?  It's too bad they didn't include the use of GC controller, it would make it an easy instant-buy.

[Moviefan2k4]

Personally, I think most games' first release should be considered "definitive". For example, the gold cartridge for "Ocarina of Time" was later taken off the market, after some Islamic group complained about their prayers being used for the Fire Temple stage. Also, parents' groups objected to some of the enemies having red blood, so it was changed to green. The 3DS version is an enhanced port of the censored N64 game, not the original.