Street Fighter Alpha 3

[bishop]

I know there are some serious SF fans here, so which version is the best, Dreamcast or Saturn? and why. I'm thinking about adding this to my DC collection. I do have a Saturn, but I've sold most of my games and I'm not looking to add anything...but I want the best avaible version on a console. Many thanks.

[bahn]

Saturn version basically "feels" more like the arcade. Tourney purists like masaka could tell you how choppy the Dreamcast version is as far as collision boxes go. I wasn't aware of this until I began playing this with my old friends from NY when we used to play it for fun or practice for tournaments. To its (DC) credit though, load times are non-existant, and the Dreamcast has some cool extras like the "Quest Mode" which allowed you to go back and create your own customized -Ism. Plus, all the characters are already unlocked, unlike the PSX version.

It's totally messed up and custom combos are practically impossible to do for certain characters. In all honesty, the best one to get among all of them isn't listed here - get an emulated version or better yet, by the board.

[Brisco Bold]

Hey Bahn, what do you think about the PSX version versus DC (without considering loading times)?

[bishop]

Thanks bahn. I can deal with the hit detection as I'll probably never notice. I will be playing this by myself too. What I'm really looking for is if the DC rev is missing animation, background animation or is the music isn't as good. Stuff like that.

[bahn]

Hey Bahn, what do you think about the PSX version versus DC (without considering loading times)?

It's a pretty respectable version, but I recall that even that version is somewhat skewed. Something about Dhalsim's limbs or what not. I would play that version if I had to. The "glitzy" effects are a nice touch too, though some may find it distracting.

[flux=rad]

The two versions are VERY different, but I don't know that one is clearly better. I think the Dreamcast version is missing Karin's helicopter entrance. Dhalsim is good (one of the best characters) in the Saturn and arcade versions because his priority is much better. Gameplay-wise, the Playstation and Dreamcast are very similar. Hit detection and move priority is very different in the arcade/saturn version. Also, I think the Dreamcast version may be missing frames that the Saturn isn't.

Dreamcast version is way cheaper, shorter load times. Saturn version is a better port, but it's expensive (you need 4 MB cart, too). Go with Dreamcast if you're not picky.

EDIT: Check the bottom 2 Street Fighter Zero 3 Saturn reviews on gamefaqs.com for detailed information on the differences.

[Zerodash]

In terms of Graphics and Sound:

The Saturn looks MUCH MUCH MUCH better than the DC- its displayed in true low-res, and the sprites are bigger and more colorful. Plus, there is more animation- In the DC version, T Hawk's walking forward and backward animations are the same. The Saturn has his "crossed arms" walking back animation. However, the sounds in the Saturn version are sampled at a VERY low rate, and are very muffled and low-volume. The load times are also annoying, and there is occasional slowdown (mostly during supers with large sprites).

I have an unopened copy of Saturn SFZero 3 (with 4MB RAM cart) if anyone wants it...email me or send a PM...

[Shin Johnpv]

PM sent!

[Mzo]

Damn, I was gonna bring up the back-walking T.Hawk animation and say MUST OWN!!!

But yeah, I have the DC version, and am pretty happy with it. I also regularly play at the arcade... the changes aren't game-breaking, and all the extra characters they give you are worth it, IMO. Plus, NO NO NO load times. ZOOM.

Plus, I like my Agetecs better than my Saturn Japanese Virtua Sticks. Why couldn't all the buttons just be green, and why is the stick halfway down the controller? No clue.

SFA3 could very well be my favorite fighter of all time, because Zangief is uber-powerful.

[Sl1p]

ITS NO STREET FIGHTER ALPHA 2!

*Looks to JohnPV for approval*