Board Thread:Fun and Games/@comment-32378630-20180311153045

Round 1: Graphics

The graphics are all good if you take into consideration the limitations and capabilities of each console. The 360 port uses some shading effects on the character models to make it look more realistic and was the first game in the series to be playable in HD, which is funny because Season 3 of AF marked the transition to HD for the show. The Wii's models look the most accurate to the cartoon. The PS2's graphics are okay given its limitations, but the models, especially Ben's and Humungousaur's, don't look all that great. The PSP graphics are passable, given its low screen resolution, but it's all grainy. It looks like someone buried the toys in sand for many years and were only recently recovered. The DS graphics are recycled from Alien Force's DS port, and look pretty good for the system, with great attention to details, such as when Upchuck's stomach glows green when he swallows enemy fire.

Best graphics goes to 360.

Round 2: Presentation

The 360, Wii, PS2, and PSP ports all have the same cutscenes and UI. There's noticeable grain in the PS2 and PSP ports, but the 360's cutscenes look amazing, with the Wii coming in at a close second. The DS uses still images with text. And with no voice-overs, it loses its charm fast. It makes up for it by having a cool touch screen showing the inside of the Omnitrix.

Best presentation goes to 360.

Round 3: Sound

The console versions have all the same music and sound effects. Doesn't sound so good on PS2. Sounds nice and clear on 360 and Wii. The PSP rectifies this by allowing you to use headphones. The DS version has different music and SFX, and the DS music is memorable. Definitely an underrated soundtrack. The console version's music is atmospheric. I may not listen to it when I'm not playing the game, but it sets the mood for the game's morbid universe. I prefer the 360/Wii's sound effects and the DS's music.

Sound is a tie.

Round 4: Gameplay

They're all hybrids between beat-'em-ups and puzzle-platformers. They both have RPG elements such as gaining experience points and using them to level up Ben and his alien forms. The core difference is that the console version is 3D and the DS version is 2D. Controls are fluent in all versions, but the console version is noticeably easy considering the player is given unlimited lives. The DS version is much more difficult given that you start out with 5 lives (can collect a maximum of 9). Lose all your lives anywhere and you have to start that level from the beginning, but you have unlimited continues. That isn't to say that the console version presents no challenge whatsoever. The puzzles are all fun and not simplistic. Though the platforming, especially on Vulpin, can make you wanna yank your hair out. Both versions are single-player, and unless you have other people to pass the controller on to, it can get repetitive.

Gameplay is a tie.

Verdict:

With only some things done better on the console versions and some on DS, best Vilgax Attacks is a tie. 