Game Rave Presents: Battle Mode 5: Tomb Raider PlayStation Versus Saturn

The Introduction
If there was one game that summed up what many feel are the best things in video games, that game would be Duke Nukem. Big guns, hot and skimpily dressed women, and lots and lots of bad guys to blow away in a bloody mess. The Mature Rated realm of Duke Nukem has been a fan favorite for decades, and now as its most infamous chapter finally comes to store shelves in May 2011, it’s time we look back the original 3D game that got him into the mainstream.

While essentially the same game, the PlayStation was released under the moniker “Total Meltdown” while the Saturn version kept the 3D name scheme. Aardvark took care of the PlayStation port while Lobotomy, famous for their work on Power Slave, handled the Saturn port. This results in some very interesting outcomes, as we get to study how two different developers handle the same game. Ready to kick some ass? Good, ‘cuz I’m all out of gum.

Conclusion: This will be one of the more interesting Battle Modes yet. Read on!

Evidence A: Barrel fever starts right off the bat

So when you start the game, right away things are already different. The Saturn version is missing certain level 'kibble' (the police tape, a movie sign, etc) and the textures have been remapped. Note how the PSX has both the police tape and the extra, smaller brick work on the walls beneath the fence. Also note the missing fence behind the fan box.
From the start, the PlayStation version is already more faithful to the the original PC Version.

Conclusion: PlayStation

Evidence B: Crate and Barrel Shot Gun

Once you drop down and look right, you begin to see more of the Lobotomy's texture changes. Sega's machine now has smaller textures rather than larger ones, and the sign's missing. Note the angle of the left building's ledge as well. Curiously, the crate the enemy is standing on is also bigger in the Saturn version.
The PlayStation version also has a better color palette - note the two tones in the left building compared to the single tone in the Saturn version.

Conclusion: PlayStation

Evidence D: Sprite, not 7up

Here's a more curious discovery. It seems Lobotomy even re-did the sprites in the Sega version. While they all share the same frames, it's like they were slightly redrawn, as I couldn't get a good match up on different enemies for this Battle Mode. In the PSX Version, they become a bit more blurry up close, but the Saturn's are softer.

Also interesting - that fire in the dumpster? The PSX version doesn't animate till you get to it. It's full moving in the Saturn version.

Conclusion: Draw

Evidence E: Door Jam

This is to show just how much editing the textures in the Saturn got. The movie theater's back door is now completely different, as are the wall textures on the right. It's hard to tell why so many small changes were made. Memory issues? No one paying attention to the reference material? Personal taste preferences? Who knows. If you're a purist, it's the PlayStation version all the way.

Conclusion: PlayStation

Evidence F: I said Light, Butter!

Okay, here's funny little problem with the Saturn version. Can you see the problem?

The trash can is glowing. : )

Lobotomy couldn't get the lighting effects to port properly, which causes props and enemy sprites to not reflect the lighting in the area. Note the light coming in from the back left area on the PSX version not on Saturn's. To it's credit - the Saturn's darker effect provides a better spooky environment, but I think that wasn't intended.

Conclusion: PlayStation

Evidence G: Control Freak

So with so much going on, the question becomes who has the better control? The Sony version supports both the D-Pad and the Dual Analog. What's peculiar is that the right side analog stick doesn't look - it acts as your strafe button. This leads to some weird visual issues that can cause confusion as to which way you're really going.

With the Saturn's 3D Controller, you have the option of the D-Pad or the Analog Nub. Between all 4 options, the Saturn's Analog Nub is the clear winner. The PSX Analog is too loose to aim properly, but both D-Pads were a bit too stiff for my liking. The Saturn pad also had a nicer feel to it when using the L and R Buttons.

Conclusion: Sega Saturn

Evidence H: Smooth as Silk

So with all the curiosities going on with the Saturn's visuals, here comes the crazy part. The Sega Saturn version is superior in the frame rate and the speed.

Also of note, is that there are differences in the exclusives. With the PlayStation version, you have the original episodes plus an entire set called 'Plug n' Play'. This involves six levels and a hidden one.

Originally the Saturn's huge exclusive was the online play via dial-up on the Net-Link set-up. It also carried an exclusive level called Urea 51 accessed via a standard level. Funny enough, there was a completely separate game called Death Tank Zwei which could be accessed via game completion or via having a Save from another Saturn game.

Since we have to critique these in the modern times, there's no real way to call a winner here. Saturn runs smoother, PlayStation has more levels. You go for what you need.

Conclusion: Depends on your Needs

Closing Arguments

So when it all comes down to it, you really can't go wrong with either version. It must be stated that the Saturn version requires you to go through the game in sequence, where the PlayStation allows you to choose the chapters. Both look amazing in S-Video, and for PS3 owners, the game runs very well on the PlayStation 3.

It just depends - you either want more content, or smoother game play. It's time for some ass kicking and bubble gum.

Final Verdict: Draw - Choose Your Favorite.