Dreamcast Version

[Lore Keeper]

I recently compared BO2's PS2 and GC incarnations on this forum, and it got me thinking, "I have never played Soul Reaver for Dreamcast..." Without delay, I tracked down a copy (and a Dreamcast) and set out reliving the past... in higher resolution! So, I'm gonna do another quick compare for anyone thinking about making the investment:

There aren't an abundance of differences between the two versions. First of all, the biggest difference is the graphics. Polygon resolution has been dramatically increased and seams and twitchiness have been all but eliminated. Because of the DC's increased ability to draw graphics at a longer distance, visibility is way better, and that "fog" mechanic for hiding undrawn graphics is no more! Another huge boon is some characters actually having their number of polygons increased. Kain's and Raziel's faces look way better than the PS version.

The next big draw is the sound. Overall, it's a bit clearer and some sounds effects have even been changed/improved/added. I noticed some background FX that I'm fairly certain were not in the PS version.

As far as minor changes go, there are a few. The title screen is different and the statues on the menu screen no longer make scary faces at you. There is less slowdown when shifting planes in a large area. Also, no "streaming" message if too much is happening on the screen. There are also some slight changes to the game physics, but nothing very game altering.

There are a few downsides to this version, but nothing major. I found that Raziel seemed to be slightly clumsier to control. Also, due to the slight physics changes mentioned above, some puzzles are slightly harder to do. The one where you ring two bells at once to break a window now requires some pretty flawless piloting of Raz's behind. I noted a few sound oddities as well.

Overall, I absolutely preferred the DC version of SR to its predecessor. Much easier on the eyes, and the old cheat codes are still present (the shift at will and various reaver ones are particularly fun). This version may be a little harder to track down, not to mention a Sega Dreamcast, but if you want the optimum SR1 experience, I highly recommend picking this up. I mean, you by no means HAVE to get this version of the game, but... a TRUE fan would... just sayin...

[Xen]

The dreamcast was an underrated console in my opinion. I still have mine but unfortunately I don't have a copy of SR for it still looking though

[essex1990]

I have only ever got that streaming message ONE time in the years that i have owned the playstation version and played it.

[Nessdark]

I saw a Soul Reaver "Let's Play" in YouTube by LeadingManAE, and he used the DC. I can totally agree with what you're saying.

[Mr.Milky]

I absolutely agree with this. If you haven't played SR1 on a Dreamcast, you didn't play it at all. It's just so much more enjoyable, not to mention that the sound quality is drastically improved. Especially when it's played on a 5.1 surround system, during rainy April days or during the nights...

I remember me playing this and Skies of Arcadia respectfully on a Dreamcast (which I still own and i agree that it's one of the best consoles ever released. The Soul Calibur alone is a masterpiece for Dreamcast).

Anyhow, I disagree about the controls. Playing on the keyboard - it's ok, but not enough. Action adventure games are clearly not meant to be played on a Keyboard+mouse combo. As for the PS1 controller, it's smaller in comparison to the Dreamcast one. And I prefer the Dreamcast one simply because the Logo of the Dreamcast is quite the same like the murals in the underworld as well as Raziels Health bar (or Health Spiral).

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[Lore Keeper]

I'm happy to see there are others out there who have been fortunate enough to experience the quintessential Soul Reaver. I don't remember where it was posted, but someone suggested that this version should be available as DLC. I totally agree with this. They did it with Sonic Adventure, why not Soul Reaver?

[majinkura]

I actually have a physical copy of the game for DC and yes it is more aesthetically better than the psx version.

[indeliblehybrid]

I Bought a DC recently just so that I had the opportunity to play it on here with the DC version.

I owned the first release when it came out for PC way back when in 1999.

Only thing I had a problem was with the music. If you listen closely the Musical score is a little different. Specifically with the Ozar Midrashim. So far the game has impressed me, visually looks cool the controls are a little bit weird getting used to. But over all I'm enjoying it.

[leazy]

I never played the DC version, but I remember Blincoln used images of it to fool us into thinking it was Soul Reaver 3, way back when! I'd love if C.D. made the DC version available over the PSN, rather than the PS1 version. Ah, pipe dreams...

[Mr.Milky]

Originally Posted by indeliblehybrid

I Bought a DC recently just so that I had the opportunity to play it on here with the DC version.

I owned the first release when it came out for PC way back when in 1999.

Only thing I had a problem was with the music. If you listen closely the Musical score is a little different. Specifically with the Ozar Midrashim. So far the game has impressed me, visually looks cool the controls are a little bit weird getting used to. But over all I'm enjoying it.

With full respect to what you wrote and your knowledge I must say that there're several Ozar Midrashim songs depending upon the situation or, rather, location. They are the same song, alright, however a bit different depending upon whether there're enemies or not. Some songs simply mix together during the crossing from one part to another, which I find extremely well done.

However I prefer the Dreamcast version above any other because not only of the unique and rare system but also the best way to play Soul Reaver game. I also have found the inevitable similarity between the game textures and the Dreamcast logo, which I find very amusing and well played.

[Teldar]

I would get Sr1 on Dreamcast. But first I would need to get a Dreamcast

[Raina Audron]

DC version has a good framerate and also the viewing distance is much farther than other versions. The enemy models have smoother curves, though I do not like Kain model too much..

[leazy]

It looks gorgeous. Would it be complicated for Eidos to port the DC version to any other console? I'd love it for the PS Network. Most people I know would emulate the game but I'd rather (shock!) give them my money for their quality product ... all I need is the product!

[SarafanLord]

Some comparison screenshots between Dreamcast and PC version:

Dreamcast:
-Raziel and Kain models have more polygons and better textures
-Dumahim model has slightly more polygons and better/different textures
-Some other minor textures (e.g. wooden doors) are slightly better but barely noticable (no screenshot provided)

enjoy

Raziel:

(click image to enlarge)




(click image to enlarge)


(click image to enlarge)

Kain:

fledgling Dumahim:

(click image to enlarge)

[Strands Of Night]

Wow. I heard you all saying how dreamcast had better graphics, but wow!

[Paradoks]

Am I the only only person who likes PC/PS1 Raziel better?

[Marcelo_20xx]

If the Dreamcast version is not coded to display 60FPS then I prefer the modified PC version, because games that draws less than 60FPS for some reason give me headaches or nausea.

[Strands Of Night]

Paradoks: I do like PS1 Raz better as well. Namely the darker/faded mask, DC Raz bought a new one apparently. And the overall look of the face... While there is less detail, and Razs face looks like a cheese wedge, overall his face sets the mood for the game. DC Raz looks better close, but in that frontal screen he just doesnt look like Raz.

But im biased having only played ps1 version.

DC Raz's body looks a lot better. The detail in the leg muscles, and he really shoes some backbone!

[The Hylden]

SarafanLord, please use the thumb code for pics wider than 800 pixels. Thanks and welcome to the forum.

[Mr.Milky]

Dreamcast version is the best one. A fact. It's not just the graphics, it's the overall gameplay with the controller. Playing Soul Reaver on a keyboard doesn't look sophisticated enough. And it certainly doesn't look good. Look at that Kain, like an origami lol

[indeliblehybrid]

Originally Posted by Paradoks

Am I the only only person who likes PC/PS1 Raziel better?

I myself enjoyed it a lot on the PC only reason I got it for the dream cast was just to see the difference in both. My PC busted so there was no way of me playing my original game disk. I primarily use Mac now work purposes. I was able to get a copy for the Mac of the PC version...The Dream Cast went back in the box.

Also Milky I played with a controller on the PC there were other ways of gaming not just using the keyboard.

Yes the Graphics look awesome on the DC but the Game play was the same and its just miner details between both DC version and PC version. The story still is by far the best and I wish they could continue some day with the series.

[Limaj_daas]

Wow! The difference between the graphics of the Dreamcast version of SR and the PS/PC version are quite incredible. I realize why the PS version's graphics had to be scaled back but why the PC's? I would assume a gaming PC during 98-99 would be as strong if not stronger than the Dreamcast.

[Raina Audron]

SarafanLord: thanks for those screens, yeah those DC enemy models are awesome. Doubling their polygons and smoothing out their textures makes them look even better! I will post some screens later on my blog

The only thing I don´t like about Dreamcast version is the heads of Raziel and Kain, they just don´t look right... everything else is awesome.
Strands Of Night, I think you nailed the way I feel about it. There is something... nostalgic and awesome about Raziel´s simple yet effective model from ps1, which DC model just doesn´t cut, its head just looks bad, especially the eyes.

Limaj_daas: it seems to me that CD was contracted by Sega to release an exclusive improved version of SR for Dreamcast, while PC got a rushed bad port.

Mr.Milky: I don´t think it´s about the controller that much, it´s super easy to use xpadder with SR, my main point is the lack of music altogether in the pc version and no improvements like DC version has.

Marcelo_20xx: yes, DC version has 60fps and looks awesome in movement (you know it by looking at how fast the wraithblade coils - this can only be achieved by that widescreen patch/fps unlocker for pc).

[Mr.Milky]

I must say that I fail to notice how using a gamepad/xpadder is an argument against "keyboard not sophisticated enough for SR" :P