PS1 vs. Saturn: A Digital Foundry Throwback
Ever wondered how Digital Foundry’s iconic video game analysis would have looked in the golden age of 3D gaming, the 90s?
Well, wonder no more! A new series from Digital Foundry called "DF Retro" is taking us back to the epic battles of the fifth generation of consoles: Sega Saturn and Sony PlayStation.
A Different World of Game Development
These weren’t the days of unified hardware like we see today with Microsoft and Sony consoles. Back then, each platform was a unique beast. Playstation relied on triangles for 3D visuals, while the Saturn used squares. Developing for both meant a completely different approach, with developers employing innovative solutions to make their games work on both platforms.
The concept of a "lead platform" also played a crucial role. Games were often developed with one system in mind, maximizing its strengths. This led to some interesting results: Sony exclusives like WipEout and Destruction Derby eventually appeared on the Saturn, though PlayStation was generally seen as the stronger platform for these titles.
Challenges of Retro Analysis
Another fascinating aspect of DF Retro is the technical challenges involved. Capturing high-quality video footage from the 90s is not an easy task.
While HDMI mods have made capturing Playstation footage easier, the Saturn presented a much bigger challenge due to its unique video output. Digital Foundry had to use a creative workaround with the RetroTink 4K, which processes and scales the Saturn’s RGB signal to a level that allows for analysis.
Even then, the footage wasn’t perfect. Digital outputs derived from analogue sources often meant manual frame-by-frame verification was necessary, adding another layer of complexity to the already difficult task.
The Surprising Gems of Multi-platform Gaming
Despite the challenges, Digital Foundry’s "DF Retro" is offering up some truly insightful insights into how multi-platform games of the 90s unfolded.
Interestingly, while Playstation often took the crown for graphical fidelity, the Saturn delivered some stellar ports in specific genres. Racing games like "Need for Speed" and "Road Rash" actually performed better on Saturn, showcasing the platform’s unique strengths.
The series dives deep into various genres, highlighting the innovative approaches developers took to achieve the best possible experience on both platforms. It’s a fascinating journey into a forgotten era of gaming and a testament to the technical ingenuity of the developers who made it all possible.
Want to see how the battle between PS1 and Saturn unfolded for yourself? Watch Digital Foundry’s "DF Retro" episode on multi-platform racing and driving games on YouTube.