I’ve already reviewed the N64 version, so here I’ll just review the changes made to the Dreamcast version.
Most importantly, the special attack has some slight alterations, not for the better or worse, but which drastically change the way it can be used. The special meter no longer fills by collecting fruit, which are now only here for points, but rather by hitting enemies. Now instead of having to focus on scouring the levels for fruit, you’re actually encouraged to make a beeline to the boss while occasionally blasting a few specials here and there along the way. What makes the special even easier to use is that it no longer needs to be charged, as its power is dependent solely on how close enemy projectiles are. Unfortunately though, the shop is absent here, possibly because specials can be pulled off so much more easily and frequently now.
The CD format comes with improved graphics and music, but at the unfortunate cost of reducing Bangai-O’s signature slowdown. Call me crazy all you want, but the slowdown is one of the most endearing parts of the experience. There’s nothing like seeing just how incapable the hardware is at handling this game.
There’s also the controls, which are technically the same, with the caveat that you’d have to hold half the Dreamcast controller with both hands to be able to use the D-Pad to move and the stick to shoot. But like I said with the N64 version, you’re probably gonna need to emulate this to play it at all nowadays, so you can fix that issue pretty easily.
Most importantly, the special attack has some slight alterations, not for the better or worse, but which drastically change the way it can be used. The special meter no longer fills by collecting fruit, which are now only here for points, but rather by hitting enemies. Now instead of having to focus on scouring the levels for fruit, you’re actually encouraged to make a beeline to the boss while occasionally blasting a few specials here and there along the way. What makes the special even easier to use is that it no longer needs to be charged, as its power is dependent solely on how close enemy projectiles are. Unfortunately though, the shop is absent here, possibly because specials can be pulled off so much more easily and frequently now.
The CD format comes with improved graphics and music, but at the unfortunate cost of reducing Bangai-O’s signature slowdown. Call me crazy all you want, but the slowdown is one of the most endearing parts of the experience. There’s nothing like seeing just how incapable the hardware is at handling this game.
There’s also the controls, which are technically the same, with the caveat that you’d have to hold half the Dreamcast controller with both hands to be able to use the D-Pad to move and the stick to shoot. But like I said with the N64 version, you’re probably gonna need to emulate this to play it at all nowadays, so you can fix that issue pretty easily.