Darius: Hu-CARD vs. CD

[nat]

So I've been playing the Darius Plus cart quite a bit lately. I used to be the biggest proponent of Super Darius CD, but lately I'm not so sure. The CD/arcade soundtrack used to be my biggest selling point.

The cartridge has really grabbed me: you can play it on your SuperGrafx with no flicker, and the PSG/PCM/whatever tunes are pure gold. Almost on par with the arcade, I can't believe this game isn't mentioned more often in best-of-chip-tune threads.

Right now, I give the cartridge the edge: beautiful chip music, and no flicker. What's your preference?

[WoodyXP]

I voted chip.. but it's a split for me, really.  I like the chip because it's portable.  But when I'm in my den I go for the CD.

[ccovell]

CD version has more bosses (CD-exclusive, right?) in total, so I'd vote for that.

[runinruder]

I voted for the CD, simply because it's the one I own and have played.     I'm going to get the card eventually, though.  I'm looking forward to the music. 

[ceti alpha]

This is an interesting poll.  I'm curious to see which people prefer overall. I'd eventually like to get this game.

[nat]

CD version has more bosses (CD-exclusive, right?) in total, so I'd vote for that.

Chris is right, and that's something I forgot to mention.

The CD also has a unique boss for every single stage whereas the the cart, like the arcade, recycles bosses throughout. Although all the staples are present on the cart-- My Home Daddy, Big Rajaarn, Little Stripes, etc.

[Black Tiger]

Super Darius is one of my favorite games (and my first CD game).

I'm pretty sure that the HuCard also has less misc graphics (intro, endings, etc).

The HuCard doesn't have the Alpha boss rush mode. Even if it did, I'd rate the CD better. Being able to buy a SuperGrafx to eliminate boss flicker isn't that big a draw. Being able to buy a PC Engine GT to play the HuCard is a bigger deal.

The one thing that really wowed me when I finally got Darius Plus a few years ago, is the amazing PSG soundtrack. Its the best PSG version of a good CD soundtrack of any multi format PC Engine game(not that they're many ).

I think that anyone who appreciates one should play both, even if only to hear the two great soundtracks.

[nat]

yup... That's kind of why I posted this. Both formats have their advantages, and you're totally right about the GT, I played the shit out of this game on my last vacation.

I have absolutely no qualms about owning both versions, and that's only game I can say that about.

[Sinistron]

I love the disc- but I can't justify getting a supergrafx to play only five games- and the cart only shines on the supergrafx, no?  Does the CD have as much flicker as the cart on a PCE?  I love the disc music.

[nat]

Does the CD have as much flicker as the cart on a PCE?  I love the disc music.

Yes.

I loved the disc music too, until I got the cart. I had no idea a CD soundtrack could be reproduced so well using the PSG sound channels.

I still love the CD music, but man, I'll be damned if the chip music isn't da shiznit.

[Necromancer]

No vote for me, 'cause I haven't played either version (yet).

[nat]

you are truly deprived

[ceti alpha]

I am also deprived.  But I'll soon have Ninja Spirit.  I have it on MAME, but it's just not the same, eh.

[Turbo D]

turbo D is deprived  but he has played them on MagicEngine 

[lkermel]

I also vote for the CDRom version. It has better soundtracks (even if copied straight from the arcade) and 26 different bosses, one for each zone (as far as I know). The short introduction showing Proco and Tiat is not outstanding but a nice extra.