Definitive Versions

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One of many versions.

Chances are your favorite game has at least seen a number of ports, re-releases, End of the Year editions, and more versions than you can shake a stick at. This is due to companies trying to either milk a franchise for all it's worth, expand their audience, or to introduce new-players on new consoles to their game.

While sometimes it is clear-cut as to which edition or port you should get, other times it's not that simple. A special edition isn't actually better when the game on disk is missing something that the original game had. New versions can sometimes end up with FPS issues, toned down features, bad camera angles, or even ugly graphics. There have been many times when JP and PAL regions have a more superior version of a game while others get mere scraps and vice-versa. Sometimes even ports make a difference with some ports of a game having extra features or being better designed just because it's on a different console. All of this can make a specific version more or less desirable than the others!

This page is made to help gamers sort through all the versions and editions of a game and pick out which one is the best out of the bunch. Please focus on games that have multiple editions/releases of the same game (ex: Game Of The Year, Special Edition, Anniversary Editions, HD re-release, ect) in order to select the best edition of that particular game. Things like statues and music CDs are nice, but fixing up gameplay, less lag, faster loading, adding new levels, more on-disc content and updating graphics is much nicer! Please note that HD graphics or more DLC by itself does not automatically make a game "better"- there need to be actual improvements to the on-disk game itself for it to be better than previous iterations. Bonus points for when an HD release actually has text that can be read on a smaller screen or a tube TV.

Please do not list entire series as one entry unless they were released as a collection. (ex: all Bioshock games in one collection). Break games up into their own entries.

ROM hacks that do not significantly change the base game and are of a game that actually was released are allowed here. For example, a hack that simply fixes bugs the in a company-released game is OK; however, a Sonic game that is spliced with Metroid would not be appropriate. If the company releases a new version on par or better than the hack, please replace the hack with the official version.

It's also fine to give out honorable mentions of other editions that might not be as great but are better than the rest and well-worth checking out as well.

Versions Better Due to Content

Base Game	System: Game Name (if different from Base Game name)	Description
Assassin's Creed II	PS3: Assassin's Creed Ezio Trilogy	Contains Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations, which completes the trilogy that is the second game... what? It doesn't matter, this has a ton of content. Now re-re-released on ps4 and xbone, but it's a bad port, because it's ubisoft.
Batman: Arkham Asylum & Arkham City	PS3 / Xbox 360 Batman Arkham Bundle	Collects Batman Arkham Asylum and Batman Arkham City. The series might be over-hyped these days, but it got that way originally for good reason. Two excellent games where you're THE GODDAMN BATMAN doing what THE GODDAMN BATMAN does. Both games include all DLC content, as they're based on the Game of the Year editions. Both games are ON DISC, (which is important to some people) and not simply downloads. If you hate Gamestop, get this used, because it's an exclusive in the US. There is a similar collection in Europe  which also has Arkham Origins, but it is not suggested for a few reasons, namely that the only game on disc is Origins (the first two games are downloaded through a voucher), and it doesn't include any of the DLC content. Most people also find Origins to be an overall inferior game (it wasn't made by Rocksteady). 10 / 10 / A BAM HAM Yet another collection re-re-released on new consoles, but with "better" graphics and more bugs/framerate issues!
Bayonetta	Wii-U: Bayonetta 2	Don't let the name throw you- this game comes with BOTH Bayonetta and Bayonetta two! The Wii-U edition runs better than all of it's predecessors, even though there are still a few issues with slowdown due to reusing old code. Throw in extra content like new weapons, new costumes and the ability to keep playing after the main story is over, and it's the best of the best. Fair warning though, Bayonetta 2 received a second print run in early 2016 to coincide with the character's inclusion in Super Smash Bros. These new copies do not include the bonus Bayonetta 1 disc, so be sure which version you're getting before you buy. Plus most 2nd hand copies will be minus the game anyway.
Bioshock 1 & 2	Xbox360 & PS3: Ultimate Rapture Edition	Bioshock 1 comes with the full game, new plasmids, a challenge rooms pack and an in-game museum showcasing the development aspects of the Bioshock series. Bioshock 2 comes with new updated voice acting Sinclair Solututions Tester, Rapture Metro, and the critically acclaimed Minerva's Den. It's all wrapped up in a nice double box with beautiful thematic art on the inside, a sliding dust cover and new verions come with Bioshock Infinite promotional stickers. YET AGAIN! re-re-released on modern consoles with "better" graphics... you know the drll.
Blazblue: Calamity Trigger & Blazblue: Continuum Shift	Xbox360 & PS3: Continuum Shift Extend	Play the first two episodes in the Blazblue series now all updated with higher quality sound, remastered full animations on story mode, smoother fighting animations, and new characters to try. The combat also has been rebalanced to amke things more fair. Also comes with a new Unlimted Mars mode (a 12-round advanced difficulty Endrance Trial), RPG-like Abyss mode with character upgrades, art book, soundtrack CD and a mini-calender. Supports DLC as well as multiplayer matches. Comes in a printed cardboard dust cover with the game and books inside.
Blood	PC: One Unit Whole Blood	If you've never played a 90's era shooter, this is a great place to start. The irreverent humor, buckets of blood, bizarre weapons and B-movie references you know and love are all here. One Unit also adds two expansions on the initial story in which our charismatic psycho, Caleb, continues to battle the Cabal though suburbia (complete with Civilians to slaughter) and the Carpathian mountains. Four new multiplayer maps have been added for your LAN parties and dozens of new enemies to slaughter as well as new quips help keep things fresh. Also includes a sound track and music video both courtesy of Type O Negative, the definitive Goth metal band of the 90's, as well as three guides. Best of all, it can run smoothly on modern systems thanks to Good Old Games and works fine over Wine for the Linux inclined.
Conker's Bad Fur Day	N64	While Nintendo were once known for having games toned down, the dawn of the new millennium saw them do the opposite, Conker's Bad Fur day is actually better on the Nintendo 64. The re-release (Live and Reloaded) censors some of the more mature content, cuts out sections of game play due to "content", and has clumsier controls than the original N64 version. The only thing close to improved in the remake is additional multiplayer maps, only good for local play now. If you're here for the hilarious story then the N64 version is the only way to go! Also re-released on Xbone via Rare Replay but it's just the n64 version, no enhancements at all, some minor issues too.
Earthworm Jim	Sega CD & Windows 95: Special Edition	A remastered redbook soundtrack, bonus levels, passwords to help skip levels, extra upgrades and new endings - what more could you ask for? The Windows 95 version requires a DLL(wail32.dll), which necessitates copying the CD's contents onto your hard drive, and replacing its packed-in version of that DLL to get it working. Also runs better if you run it from "WORM.EXE" in the "Assets" folder. The '95 version has slightly better sound effects, and is generally cheaper, but both are equally valid. Ignore the 'HD' remasters!
Final Fantasy IV	Nintendo DS (also on iOS) / Runner-up: FF4 Complete Collection (PSP)	First off, take a look at this page: http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_IV/Version_Differences For First-Timers: If you want more story about FF4 alone and a bit more depth from it, the DS is the way to go. If you want more content and gameplay hours, along with a smoother experience, go PSP. Broadly speaking, the DS/iOS version tends to ironically be appreciated more by those who have played FF4 before and looking for a more challenging rematch. The PSP version is geared towards first-timers who also love post-game challenges. The DS version has superior storytelling overall and bosses and enemies provide more challenge. The cinematics and "thought bubbles" especially stand out. The Augment System in DS is a nice addition, but you don't get the most out of it until DS's New Game +, as there aren't a lot of augment options to spread between allies until then, and then in NG+ it's only for thrashing the same dudes again, save for 2 new optional superbosses. The iOS version is mostly the same as DS, but a bit inferior as noted in the above link, yet has an added Normal/Hard difficulty option. FF4CC has more content overall with much more challenging bonus dungeons and bosses making up for the main game being easier on PSP (vs DS). The Interlude chapter, which ties into FF4: The After Years, uses the same gameplay as in FF4. TAY may or may not appeal to you, but if you're looking more challenges and bosses to face, it has several. The bonus dungeons and bosses really test your mettle, as you can't simply power-grind to beat them.
Ico / Shadow of the Colossus	PS3 The Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection	Collects both masterpieces and ups the resolution to 1080p. Also features 7.1 stereo surround sound, and stereoscopic 3D if you're into that. No changes were made to the gameplay of Shadow. On the other hand, Ico is based on the European release, rather than the JP or NA. This is considered a good thing, as the EU version included some extra content and tweaked puzzles (for the better). The graphics of both have only been tweaked to the point of making them look good in HD. The best feature is that each game runs at a solid 30 frames per second. Shadow of the Colossus was infamous for pushing the PS2 hardware, and the frame rate would often stagger during colossus battles, sometimes dropping to 15 frames or less when action was peaking. There are no such issues here. If you think the cover art is hideous, you can reverse it for the originals. Also includes some digital knick knacks, like XMB themes.
The Legend of Zelda	NES	While it has been "remade" for the Satellaview, the sucky thing about it was that there were split into two maps, the first map being dumped during the third week (meaning incomplete) while the second map is technically complete, yet wasn't dumped for a long time until sometime in 2008. Not only that, but the maps, both overworld and dungeons, have been rearranged for each map, and has a timer that affects the entire game at certain time-frames (i.e. power-ups, stuns, etc.) for a limited time. Refer to this link for more info. While the link provided does contain pre-patched roms (kinda legal, considering the situation with Satellaview games), it should be said that playing this "remake" isn't really ideal for newcomers of the series, so its best to just play the NES original (there are patches that enhance this version - like this one for example). However, if you are curious about the Satellaview "remake", try the Map 2 version with both a Fourth Quest romhack and a "FourthQuest - Thirdquest overworld/dungeon data" patch.
The Legend of Zelda:A Link to the Past	Super Nintendo	If you want the full game with the best graphics, play the original SNES version. The Gameboy Advance port was made for portability sakes and includes a multiplayer game, the Four Swords. However, the NEW Nintendo 3DS (n3DS) allows SNES Virtual Console emulation, so the GBA port is considered useless, but if you only have a GBA or DS with GBA compatibility and want to play ALttP on the go, then it'll have to do.
The Legend of Zelda:Link's Awakening	Gameboy Color Link's Awakening DX	Other than the game being entirely in color, there's also several additions to the games, including bug fixes, so obviously there isn't any reason to get the original version other than for collection's sakes.
The Legend of Zelda:Ocarina of Time	3DS Ocarina of Time HD	The N64 classic was ported to the GameCube (through emulation nonetheless) and includes the Master Quest version (a harder version of OoT), and later was "remade" (actually ported and re-engineered) for the 3DS, and includes better graphics, gyroscoping, a touch interface (thank God), and a "smooth" 30 fps as opposed to the N64 original's 20 fps (17 fps in PAL regions) and also includes Master Quest. The downside is the 3DS' small screen and the fact that you have to beat the game for the first time to unlock the Master Quest. There's also mixed opinions on the remake's cosmetics. Overall, the 3DS version is more preferable to the N64 original.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask	3DS	Same with as predecessor OoT, except with the 3DS version, as not only does it have similar changes, but also changes to its save feature, bosses, implementation of a third-person camera system (assuming you have a n3DS or a regular 3DS (o3DS) with a Circle Pad Pro) and fishing, and much more. It should be noted that the 3DS version is based on the Japanese 1.1 version, which is considered unpolished compared to international versions of the game. And just like OoT3D, MM3D also has mixed opinions on the remake's cosmetics, mostly the atmosphere, kinda like with Metro 2033 case. So if atmosphere is more important than gameplay and visual overhauls, stick with the international N64/GC/VC versions, but for the rest, stick with the 3DS version. Note: The N64 games do contain censorship, with Ocarina of Time being raped the most, and have been carried over through ports and the 3DS "remakes", so if you hate censorship (don't we all?) and want to emulate the N64 games on your computer, then there is a solution. A fine gentleman by the name of Aroenai from the Krikzz forums has made patches for the GameCube "ports". You can get 'em here. Keep an eye for updates until they say that it is finished.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker	Wii U The Wind Waker HD	While the original game has aged very well in the visual department after 2003, the Wii U version has some changes and extras that improve the game's pacing and uses gyroscope for aiming similar to OoT3D. If you do not have access to a Wii U, yet have a decent PC and not allergic to emulation, there's a mod for the GC original that implements some features from the Wii U port.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess	Wii U Twilight Princess HD	Same as Wind Waker. Originally developed for the Gamecube yet was released on the Wii first, the Wii U version is more ideal due to being based on the superior Gamecube version with extra features and some changes to make the game have a better pacing. It's still Ocarina of Time 2.0 with some untapped potential to many, so your mileage may vary.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild	Switch (graphics) Wii U (Mods)	While you can't go wrong with any version of the game, but the Switch version is generally better due to being on a slightly more powerful and portable system, though the Wii U has a homebrew community, meaning a potential modding scene for the Wii U version. Includes an expansion pass, so who knows when a GOTY version will come.
Lumines	Xbox360, PS3: Qubed (Lumines Live!)	Qubed expands on not one but three games to bring you better graphics, higher quality audio, and smoother gameplay than ever before. Although Extend Every Extra and Rez HD are also good, Lumines Live is where this game really shines with the same levels you know and love in glorious HD visuals and HQ sound as well as new multiplayer competitive modes, more puzzle modes, more characters, and the ability to purchase brand new level packs to easily double or triple your available songs. This game comes with just a regular Xbox disc, no frills, but is still very worth it for lovers of puzzle and rhythm games.
Metal Gear Series (Kojima)	PS3 Metal Gear: The Legacy Collection	The Legacy Collection contains HD remasters of all of Kojima's Metal Gear Games plus two digital comic books and an physical info book. It's a great entry point to the series and a must for those who feel that Metal Gear ended when Kojima left Konami. Games included: Metal Gear Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake Metal Gear Solid Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker Do keep in mind that, despite that MGS2 and 3 are now in HD, the ports are by no means perfect. There are some visual bugs and fuck-ups here and there, some of which are still not patched in recent updates. This may be inconvenient for purists and speedrunners, so if minor technical issues like these piss you off, you're better off sticking with one of the versions below. See here and here for more info.
Metal Gear	MSX 2	Play the Japanese version on MSX2 with an English translation and the DynamicVsync patch. While the re-released version has an official translation and has a save feature, what not many people seem to realize is that the original MSX2 version runs at a smoother framerate, while the re-released port on consoles doesn't.
Metal Gear Solid	PlayStation 1	The English version on Playstation is a pretty safe bet. Stable, fairly fast, and fairly smooth. The PC version is okay, but it may not work well on higher operating systems unless you use a patch (no widescreen hack unfortunately), not to mention the whole Psycho Mantis fight with a keyboard. Don't even get me started on the Gamecube version. The PS1 version is also downloadable on PS3. The MSX version lags like crazy unless you add patches like the Turbo patch (which fixes the game's speed) and a card patch that makes it similar to the PANCards from MGS2 and The Twin Snakes. The MSX2 was programmed on an HP-64000 computer, which is not an MSX computer, meaning that, when playing (or emulating) on one with an 3.5Mhz Z80A chip, it runs a helluva lot slower than its predecessor (with the elevators being an exception), and if running on a 7Mhz MSX2 or turbo-R, the game runs too fast. This happens because its timing routine has a bug that allows it to run at 2x or even 3x the target framerate if the CPU can handle it (ref).
Metal Gear Solid 2	Xbox 360 Metal Gear HD collection	The Xbox360 and PS3 ports lose the skateboarding minigame, but make up for it in other degrees like better framerate and less lag. The Windows port is apparently not so good (although that could be changed), as is the original Xbox port.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater	Playstation 2	Loses the Snake vs. Monkey minigame due to licensing issues, but keeps the free camera and now runs at 60 frames per second. The 3DS version is okay, but adds crouch walking and moving while aiming - while these seem like good additions, it's similar to how MGS: The Twin Snakes had first person shooting which broke the game.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker	PS3 Legacy Collection	Why buy one game when you can have them all? It just makes sense! The PSP version is portable, but it's not the best in the world. The hardware is weaker and the game suffers for it.
Metal Gear Solid V: the Phantom Pain	PC	You really can't go wrong with any of the versions, but the PC version is pretty good thanks to the modding community and the ability to tweak the game's performance to your liking.
Ōkami	Ōkami: PS2/Wii	We know you're here for the pretty graphics as much as the gameplay on this one so, depending on which is most important, we have two winners: PS2/PS3 and Wii. If you're looking for the real credits and beautiful rice paper-filter graphics, stick to the PS2 version. If you want the game in 1080p, the PSN store has a HD downloadable version with waggle support. The Hong Kong version comes with fully compatible English, if you want a physical PS3 copy (you can also turn up the paper filter in the options). If you're less worried about pretty filters and prefer better controls, stick with the Wii version as being able to use the Wii-mote as your "brush" is much easier, faster, and more fun than trying to use analog sticks to do the same thing. The PS3 version has Move support as well, however, in combat the "waggle to attack" mechanic is much less precise than simply tapping a button, and makes some weapons nearly useless because they require timed inputs to continue combos. If you hate Capcom for their injustice to Clover Studio, buy a PS2 copy pre-owned and don't buy Okami-den, despite the fact it's really quite good.
Silent Hill 2	PS2: Silent Hill 2	While Silent Hill 2 still plays better on the HD collection than Silent Hill 3, it's akin to saying that being lit on fire is a better fate than being pissed on and then lit on fire. The HD collection is somewhat of a poor porting job in general, and the remastered graphics and redone voice acting are actually inferior to the original. Again, the original is your best bet. THANKS KONAMI
Silent Hill 3	PS2: Silent Hill 3	A masterpiece with fluid controls, fast loading, few glitches, good cameras, and few clipping issues. Hard copies often come with the sound track as a free bonus! The HD remaster actually downgrades the camera in an attempt to be "scary" while adding rougher controls and various clipping issues and bugs. It feels sort of rushed like they did Silent Hill 2 first, then hurried to remaster Silent Hill 3. It's a shame. Stick with the PS2!
Tales of Vesperia	PS3 - JAPAN ONLY	The PS3 version contains additional content like more scenarios and more monsters. Sadly, it is currently unavailable in NA/EU with no announcements regarding any western release. Get the import anyway and add the full translation patch! http://www.romhacking.net/translations/2777/ As Many JRPGs have been headed to pc there is a very good chance this will also appear, though quality of the port may be up for discussion.
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter	PC version	Excellent AI, great first-person controls, NPCs using real-life military tactics and micro-management of your squad like the older Ghost Recon Games make this version more interesting, deep and fun than the others.
Vampire the Masqurade: Bloodlines	PC: Wesp5/GoG version	A unique horror-RPG in which you play a vampire of one of several clans. These clans count as your "character class" and will change your abilities, speech options, action options, and even your entire path through the game depending on the clan you choose! The unpatched version is a notorious broken mess. Thankfully one crazy dude named Wesp5 released a fix patch that corrects and expands on an already massive (for the time, anyway) game. Buy the game on Good Old Games and it comes with the patch- no hunting required! Want more? Add the Plant Vampire upgrade to GoG's version: http://archive.planetvampire.com/Bloodlines/files/patches/
Virtua Fighter 5	Xbox 360 & PS3: Final Showdown	VF5 Final Showdown is the same on both 360 and PS3, so just get that. If you want to get picky, however, The best port of the game is the 360 port, which is based on the arcade Version C, as opposed to the PS3's port of Version B. Also, it's online and the netcode is damn good.
Zone of the Enders 1 & 2	Varies	While the HD Collection for the Xbox 360 and PS3 should generally be the definitive collection, there's the small problem that High Voltage Software, a generally bad developer, ported the collection. As such, you might get frame rate problems. Only the PS3 version was patched, and only for ZOE2 at that, so if you have the PS2 it's recommended you get the original versions. If you don't, make due with the HD Collection.

Games to add: most 16 bit games, every 'Tales of' entry and a shitton more.