If you don't care about the resolution, then obviously the other two options are less preferable.
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RTTP: Resident Evil 4: The most complete party ever thrown.
- Thread starter StuBurns
- Start date
Relaxed Muscle
Member
The GC version has sound problems as most Capcom games does in Dolphin. I don't think they have been solved. Apart from that, I think it runs flawlessly. I don't know about the Wii version on Dolphin.
HD lacks specular effects. IS the reason I didn't buy the HD version.
Magicpaint
Member
No specular effects in the HD version? Why? I thought it was based on the GC code.
hey_it's_that_dog
benevolent sexism
Can anyone list all the places specular effects are missing?
All I heard was that some of the monster tentacles weren't as slimy looking. Is there a more pervasive difference than that?
I only played the PS2 version before the HD remaster, so I probably don't know what I'm missing.
All I heard was that some of the monster tentacles weren't as slimy looking. Is there a more pervasive difference than that?
I only played the PS2 version before the HD remaster, so I probably don't know what I'm missing.
How About No
Member
Everywhere, I'd assume :x
Ashley's belt, slimy monsters, ect.
Still the best version, though.
R
Retro_
Unconfirmed Member
I thought the original game concept of Resident Evil was an action game about completing a game with limited supplies(saves, ammo, health items)
So yeah Resident Evil 4 doesn't have alot to do with the original concept, outside of sharing the control scheme and being loosely based on horror elements
hey_it's_that_dog
benevolent sexism
But specifically what things? Things you can actually see a lot of the time (e.g., Leon's hair)? Things that look drastically different without the effect? This is important because I need to know how crazy I should think people are if they complain about it.
I mean, Ashley's belt? Seriously?
Can you be more specific & if possible, post some example? From what I have seen some of those effects are implemented differently but don't lack at all. I have in mind the water waves where on GC were polygonal, on ps360 are replaced with transparancies, but they have added real time reflections; on GC this particular is absent.
I think anyone who plays the Wii, GC or PS2 versions on a HDTV is kind of crazy because they look terrible compared to the HD version.
If you still have a CRT to play them on then that's different.
The Mana Legend
Banned
I want RE4 to become my second most beat game of all-time. It won't ever beat the 253 times I've beaten Sonic 2, but I only have 20 more playthroughs to pass Legend of Mana as my second most played game ever.
As such, and seeing how amazing Revelations looks, I would die for an RE4 3DS...Especially if it had a Raid Mode. *Drools*
It's not beautiful, but the HD port does look fine to me. Actually, I'm surprised, MGS3 looks better, and RE4 was probably the best looking GC (maybe second to MP2?).
The Mana Legend
Banned
Yeah, the HD version is pretty much a must if you want to replay it and don't care too much about the game not looking that beautiful anymore.
@Tain
The only thing the HD port is missing is a hardware effect that they couldn't just port over. It's only used on a few objects and creatures and does not really effect the look of the game.
It's a better solution to the number of glitches in Dolphin or the murky 16-bit 360p of the GC/Wii versions natively. Although if you have a CRT then I'd encourage playing the Gamecube version on a Gamecube (not Wii!) with Gamecube component cables, as the Wii's component output is notably inferior. Separate Ways is junk and while it's a decent fun sort of junk, I'd take the superior output.
So basically,
Modern HD display - PS3/360 version
CRT - GC version with component out
The only thing the HD port is missing is a hardware effect that they couldn't just port over. It's only used on a few objects and creatures and does not really effect the look of the game.
It's a better solution to the number of glitches in Dolphin or the murky 16-bit 360p of the GC/Wii versions natively. Although if you have a CRT then I'd encourage playing the Gamecube version on a Gamecube (not Wii!) with Gamecube component cables, as the Wii's component output is notably inferior. Separate Ways is junk and while it's a decent fun sort of junk, I'd take the superior output.
So basically,
Modern HD display - PS3/360 version
CRT - GC version with component out
Okay, so it sounds like "specular mapping" might be a bit too broad, then, if it's only used on a few objects.
w/e, playing the original on my SDTV does sound like the easiest solution here. Noted! Maybe I'll have a Gamecube (wanted one for GBA games anyway) by the time I play this.
w/e, playing the original on my SDTV does sound like the easiest solution here. Noted! Maybe I'll have a Gamecube (wanted one for GBA games anyway) by the time I play this.
Do you have GC component cables?
If not... that's sort of the biggest issue with my solution. You could try checking out your local Gamestops and trying your luck, some people have gotten lucky. But they're probably expensive because of the reason they're good; far superior to Wii's component out. Best way to play GC games. The GC doesn't have the ability to output component signals internally, so Nintendo just output a pure digital signal and put a DAC in the cable. That's also why there's no third party solution, lol. It must also be noted that later Gamecubes have that digital out port removed, so keep an eye out for it when you buy your Cube.
Wii has the ability to output component natively but it looks bad.
If the component cables seem too expensive (they really kinda are, considering how slim pickings the GC backcatalog is), then I imagine that you could play the HD version through component 480p on a 360 or something. The tradeoff for the loss off that hardware effect would probably be overriden by the increase in resolution (360p vs 480p) and better color depth. The GC/Wii versions run at a reduced 16-bit color depth and banding is apparent in places.
youngwerther
Banned
ashley's belt
hey_it's_that_dog
benevolent sexism
I wouldn't fault anyone for not being in interested in the HD remaster if they had another version to play on the hardware it was intended for (TV included). But if you're on an HDTV, it seems like the missing effects issue is trivial compared to the benefits.
(Basically I'm just repeating what has already been said, but the point is I'm not trying to call you crazy.)
Version 3.0
Member
We still have no "perfect" version of RE4. The Gamecube original runs in a low res and not true widescreen. The Wii version also runs in the same low res (scaled to 480p widescreen). The PS2 version is all-around ass. The PC version, even with mods, still uses the terrible PS2 assets. And the HD versions are missing some effects, and at least the 360 version has aiming that feels a little off (I haven't played the PS3 one). And only the Wii version has pointer control, if you're into that.
Then there's Dolphin, which has erratic performance and some sound bugs in my experience, as well as slightly fuzzy visuals due to its (proper) emulation of the Wii's scale-up to 480p.
Maybe Capcom will make a perfect version on Wii U. Even after playing all these versions and nit-picking them, I'd play the hell out of another. The game is so damn good.
Then there's Dolphin, which has erratic performance and some sound bugs in my experience, as well as slightly fuzzy visuals due to its (proper) emulation of the Wii's scale-up to 480p.
Maybe Capcom will make a perfect version on Wii U. Even after playing all these versions and nit-picking them, I'd play the hell out of another. The game is so damn good.
Nemesis_
Member
You're kind of right, though the pointer controls were implemented without any form of balancing so they do make the game rather easy. Much easier than it was intended I would guess
They break the game!
Canis lupus
Member
I have both PS2 and GC versions, while GC looks better, I really didn't care on my SD tv back then.
Dusk Golem
A 21st Century Rockefeller
But its not a terrible port like the initial PC version was before fixes. However, the PS2 version does pale in a few areas compared to the Gamecube version, but had extra content that the Gamecube version did not have.
However, the Wii version is the definitive version as you have the benefits of the Gamecube version, the extras of the PS2 version, and even have a choice of rather well-done Wii controls or the original Gamecube controller.
However, the Wii version is the definitive version as you have the benefits of the Gamecube version, the extras of the PS2 version, and even have a choice of rather well-done Wii controls or the original Gamecube controller.
The specular map effect being a deal breaker always astounded me and I'm glad that's been cleared up here. The lack of it is nowhere near a big deal or a particularly noticeable thing as people think. Having played them all, I'd say either the Wii or the HD ports are the definite version. The former for those not used to dual analog and the latter for a non smeary look on modern televisions.
But the PC version is the PS2 version but in higher-res. ???
Nah, it's between GC and HD, for reasons I've detailed in this thread.
I suppose the Wii version in Dolphin will take over someday when it becomes less buggy, though. Even then I'm still not a fan of emulator latency.
Dusk Golem
A 21st Century Rockefeller
The PC version when it was released originally had absolutely no lighting or depth effects, making the whole game look like this:
It wasn't until later patches they fixed this, but that's what it looked like on release.
HD has some benefits, but it does have a few niggles and I feel the game was designed with the gamecube controller in mind. And then the Gamecube version itself unfortunately doesn't have the later added bonus content. However, I still stand that the changes between versions is a bit less definitive outside of a few nicks and nacks, and in the end for instance the difference between RE4HD and RE4WII would all come down to personal preference.
Oh, I thought you meant fan-fixes. (still isn't great with them though) Wasn't the patch out on release date for the US?The PC version when it was released originally had absolutely no lighting or depth effects, making the whole game look like this:
It wasn't until later patches they fixed this, but that's what it looked like on release.
I agree with the Gamecube controller thing, which is one of the reasons why I'd put the GC version up there. The bonus content in the Wii version isn't good enough to make up for the superior video quality of the GC w/ GC component cables, though.
Separate Ways is really jarring in quality. It just doesn't have the thought put into the encounters like the main game does, which is basically RE4's main calling. You can feel the collective talent at Capcom leave as you play it. Separate Ways indeed.
It still manages to be okayish though, I suppose because it inherits assets from the main game. Just not very good.
Is there a site or something where I can get all the differences, etc.? This sort of trivia is pretty cool.
So I finished my playthru an hour or so ago, I quickly ran back up to the lake fight because I missed an achievement, and wanted to see how much quicker it would be just blasting everything while not breaking pace. I know some people can finish the game very quickly, but I'm not one of them, it took me 36 minutes to get to the lake.
Anyway, I finished it, and it was as incredible as ever, the bulldozer is still kind of lame, as is the final boss/jet-ski, but it's as close to perfect as an action game has ever been for me. I did fire up Separate Ways, the FMV looks really crummy, not sure I'll finish it, because it wasn't so hot if I remember correctly, and the FMV thing is annoying, but I might.
Anyway, I finished it, and it was as incredible as ever, the bulldozer is still kind of lame, as is the final boss/jet-ski, but it's as close to perfect as an action game has ever been for me. I did fire up Separate Ways, the FMV looks really crummy, not sure I'll finish it, because it wasn't so hot if I remember correctly, and the FMV thing is annoying, but I might.
No mods for the PC version really fix its PS2 origins. FMV cutscenes, slimmed down environmental geometry, vastly downgraded character and enemy models, vastly inferior lighting, etc.
The texture packs are basically it, and most of the texture packs look tacky as hell with huge resolution textures on the limited geometry next to low-res textures that they didn't redo, etc. Just loses any sort of visual cohesion. Also, carpet hair Leon is lol.
ENB mod makes the game look like it's coated in piss and vaseline.
Version 3.0
Member
If you want to play it on PC, you're much, much better off playing the Wii version via Dolphin than the actual PC version. With good hardware, Dolphin runs well, some areas better than others but all playable. I played most of the way through, but I had to keep tweaking the settings as I moved from area to area. There was a sound bug that eventually annoyed me enough to stop, but maybe that's been solved by now.
Does it still have that oddly triggered bug where the game will lock up if you have Ashley step on a switch or something?
Sniping sucks on the Wii.
Version 3.0
Member
I'd forgotten about that. I don't know if it still does, but it did when I played. I got past it without any trouble since I was forewarned.
Relaxed Muscle
Member
WOW looking at the water effects of the HD version and they suck balls. I forgot about it.
If I'm spending 20 euros on a game I already own, the less I expect is a 100% faithful conversion of the game.
Unless emulation don't improve in the next years I can't see myself buying the HD version ever.
If I'm spending 20 euros on a game I already own, the less I expect is a 100% faithful conversion of the game.
Unless emulation don't improve in the next years I can't see myself buying the HD version ever.
At the point you have to justify the game being "broken" due to it containing objectively more accurate controls it makes me question whether or not the extra difficulty you apparently experience in the GC/PS2/HD version(s) is even 'real'.
I didn't finish it on Wii, only messed around with it, and I generally dislike motion controls too (although pointer controls, much less so), but the tension of RE4 is in your ability to accurately shoot, that's the foundation of that game, and it is a wholly different experience on Wii. If it's different for good or for ill, I don't know, I didn't care for it, but the game should have been rebalanced with that in mind I would imagine.
Jawmuncher
Member
I've noticed it varies greatly from person to person.
Some absolutely love the wii controls and RE5 move contrlols and cant see them being played any other way.
Other such as myself prefer the regular controls and how you mentioned it stresses more on accurate shooting.
SmashN'Grab
Member
I originally played this on the GameCube, bought a ltd edition RE4 GameCube (the silver one) back in '05. Game of the decade for me, I'd put it up there with Super Metroid as my joint all-time favourite.
I bought the HD version on 360 last year, it's still awesome - as an action game it hasn't been surpassed by anything this generation (only Halo 3 and Reach come close, IMO).
Having read through this thread I'm all excited to play it again - ordered the Wii version yesterday, as it seems like the "definitive" one. It's a hard copy, which is cool for the collector in me. It's got pointer controls (which I haven't tried but am excited to play with), and if I don't like them I can play it with the classic controller pro anyway, so it's all good.
I bought the HD version on 360 last year, it's still awesome - as an action game it hasn't been surpassed by anything this generation (only Halo 3 and Reach come close, IMO).
Having read through this thread I'm all excited to play it again - ordered the Wii version yesterday, as it seems like the "definitive" one. It's a hard copy, which is cool for the collector in me. It's got pointer controls (which I haven't tried but am excited to play with), and if I don't like them I can play it with the classic controller pro anyway, so it's all good.
Of course it is. It doesn't take a detailed dissection to realize that weapons, their accuracy (cursor shake), enemy speeds, etc are balanced around the limited precision of an analog stick/d-pad to aim. The distance factor (your aim becomes exponentially more inaccurate as the distance increases -- no longer with a static crosshair!) is completely whacked as well, making weapons like snipers near completely useless and also poos on the balance of the game further.