As much as I hate to make this, the vibe continues to deteriorate. So just in case Twitter disappears:
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Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997, Konami) - PS1
Sharp Pixels vs. PS1 Composite via Sony KV-13M51
This could be my new favorite. Notice the way composite color bleed turns a single pixel into red eyes, or the way the scanlines give definition to Dracula's lips and teeth.
Chrono Trigger (1995, Squaresoft) - SNES
PC Emulator vs. SNES S-Video via Sony PVM-20L2MD
I know we've been looking at a lot of portraits and S-Video this week, but I just grant me one more!
Final Fantasy VI (1994, Square) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony KV-27S42
This is the same TV I first played FF6 on and the softer brush strokes of Terra's portrait immediately feel so right to me.
Streets of Rage 2 (1992, Sega) - Genesis
PC Emulator vs. Genesis Composite via Sanyo DS-13320
Trying to think of thing to point out, but I really just love everything the CRT is doing here!
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997, Konami) - PS1
Sharp Pixels vs. PS1 Composite via Sony KV-13M51
This has to be one of my all-time favorite sprites, period. The almost painterly nature lends it really well to a CRT display.
Super Mario 64 (1996, Nintendo) - N64
Sharp Polygons vs. N64 S-Video via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Been really enjoying revisiting this game lately and while I think its visual style actually works really well in HD, I think it also works great with the N64's anti-aliasing.
Breath of Fire (1993, Capcom) - SNES
Raw Pixels vs. PVM-20L2MD S-Video
Breath of Fire's emulated color palette always felt off to me and now I completely understand why.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997, Konami) - PS1
Sharp Pixels vs. PS1 Composite via Sony KV-13M51
Dracula popped off so I thought you'd appreciate Richter as well. I especially love how soft his lil curls appear on the Trinitron!
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994, Sega) - Genesis/Mega Drive
Sharp Pixels vs. Wii S-Video via Sony KV-27S42
One of my favorite consoles just turned 15, so in celebration of its massive and continued benefit to retro gaming, this week's examples will be taken from the Nintendo Wii.
Tales of Phantasia (1995, Namco) - Super Famicom
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony KV-27S42
Honestly ready to capture every character portrait in this game at this point.
Chrono Trigger (1995, Squaresoft) - SNES
PC Emulator vs. SNES S-Video via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Wanted to do an update of this example since I feel that my photos have improved a lot, but also because Chrono Trigger rules.
Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (1993, Sega) - Genesis/Mega Drive
Sharp Pixels vs. Genesis Composite via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Thank you for your patience and kind words! We're back and Shinobi-posting once again! Let's kick things off with a new crunchy Genesis waterfall!
Super Street Fighter II (1994, Capcom) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Super Street Fighter II probably has my favorite character portraits in the series and to me they never look quite right on anything but a CRT.
Tales of Phantasia (1995, Namco) - Super Famicom
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony KV-27S42
Cress's hair is what obviously stands out here, but I am also drawn to the difference in the fabric of his headband.
Final Fantasy IX (2000, Squaresoft) - PS1
Sharp Pixels vs. PS1 Composite via Sony KV-13M51
Lots of interesting observations here. Zidane's eyes look more detailed in the raw image, but the impression feels more natural on the CRT.
Dragon Quest (1986, Enix) - Famicom
Sharp Pixels vs. AV Famicom composite via Sony KV-14M10
The first Dragon Quest is a game I’ve always preferred a sharper look for, but I can’t deny image 2 is much closer to how I remember first experiencing the game I bought an NES for.
Super Metroid (1994, Nintendo) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES RGB via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Proof that I scale my screenshots and post more than composite, for the folks who still say I do neither.
Super Smash Bros. (1999, HAL Labratory) - N64
PC Emulator vs. N64 via Sony KV-13M51 Composite
Composite is absolutely the reason I remember the N64 looking better than it does today.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997, Konami) - PS1
Sharp Pixels vs. PS1 Composite via Sony KV-13M51
Symphony of the Night is such a master class in art in general, so I'm sure we'll be looking at it plenty more in the future.
Pokemon Snap (1999, HAL Labratory) - N64
PC Emulator vs. N64 Composite via Sony KV-13M51
I have been waiting for today for literally 2/3rds of my life.
Gyruss (1988, Konami) - NES
Sharp Pixels vs. AV Famicom Composite via Sony KV-27S42
This one isn’t meant to be zoomed in on unless you want face full of warped corner convergence, but the Discord really liked this so I thought I’d share.
I can’t believe this is still happening in 2022. No, this does not preserve look of the original art or how it appears on a CRT, so please don’t use my posts to defend it.
Tactics Ogre is a very important game to me so this breaks my heart.
Street Fighter Alpha 2 (1996, Capcom) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony KV-27S42
I’m a bit rusty, but trying to get back in the saddle. Street Fighter Alpha 2’s SNES port has been really impressing me lately, what an accomplishment.
I've been debating saying this for a while, because RetroArch is so popular, but I genuinely believe RetroArch has made the emulation scene a worse place for everyone, on top of being so unweildy to use.
Please support the development of actual standalone emulators.
Super Smash Bros. (1999, HAL Labratory) - N64
PC Emulator vs. N64 via Sony KV-13M51 Composite
I know we love to dog on the N64's AA filter, but it sure does have a unique look that stirs some very strong nostalgic memories for me.
Sonic & Knuckles (1994, Sega) - Genesis
Sharp Pixels vs. Genesis Composite via Sanyo DS-13320
My very first Sonic game! I love how the shiny parts of this boss become so smooth through composite!
Worst TVs in existence honestly. If you’re getting into CRTs, avoid these projection TVs at all costs.
Folks in the replies sharing their cheap little childhood bedroom CRTs ironically had better displays than their parents did in the living room.
Super Mario RPG (1996, Square) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony KV-27S42
Since you all seem to love SMRPG Peach so much, have another one!
Resident Evil 2 (1998, Capcom) - PS1
Raw Polygons vs. PS1 Composite via Sony KV-27S42
So cool seeing this game on the exact TV I first played it on. No CRT or input can work miracles, but it amazes me how different PS1 games looked when we first played them vs. today.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992, Sega) - Genesis
Raw Pixels vs. Wii Composite via Sanyo DS13320
Sometimes I'm just playing a game for fun and notice something for the first time. Composite blending gives these leaves the Sonic waterfall transparency. Was this intentional?
Metroid (1986, Nintendo) - NES
Sharp Pixels vs. NES RF via Mitsubishi CS-1304A
I've been meaning to capture more NES on this 1986 set and with the reveal of Metroid Dread yesterday, I couldn't resist! The noisy, grainy picture really adds to that hazy atmosphere.
Super Mario RPG (1996, Square) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony KV-27S42
This set is one of the sharpest consumer CRTs I've seen and it's a very common set!
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards (2000, HAL) - N64
Raw Polygons vs. N64 S-Video via Sony PVM-20L2MD
I don't want to get too personal, but I'd like you all to meet my handsome son.
Street Fighter Alpha 2 (1996, Capcom) - Arcade
Sharp Pixels vs. MiSTer YPbPr via JVC AV-20D202
I absolutely love the way the JVC D-series softens up even the sharpest inputs. Here you can still see tons of blending despite using Component. Very similar to an arcade monitor.
Final Fantasy IX (2000, Squaresoft) - PS1
Sharp Pixels vs. PS1 Composite via Sony KV-13M51
One last FF9 example for now. I just love how much detail is crammed into every single one of this game's locations.
I hate that I have to do this, but apparently I do. If you EVER see an NFT based on my photos (like I've been messaged about) the images are stolen. I will NEVER mint an NFT.
Personally, I believe NFTs are dangerous and damaging to everything we love about video games.
Street Fighter II (1992, Capcom) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony PVM-20L2MD
I love the natural look of Chun-Li's individual hairs and the folds in the fabric of her hair buns here!
Star Fox (1993, Nintendo) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony PVM-20L2MD
My first SNES game looks great here. I typically prefer this one over composite due to all the dithering in the 3D visuals, but S-Video still makes for a great picture.
Mega Man X (1993, Capcom) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony KV-27S42
Forgot I took these! Might wind up doing all the Mega Man X bosses just for Content.
Final Fantasy VI (1994, Squaresoft) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony PVM-20L2MD
As much as I appreciate the effort of the new Final Fantasy remasters, I still can't help but feel that Square Enix's constant meddling with its original visuals is unnecessary.
The Ninja Warriors (1994, Natsume) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony PVM-20L2MD
My favorite SNES beat em up finally gets the comparison treatment. The art in this game is on another level. It could hold its own against pretty much any other game on the SNES.
Super Metroid (1994, Nintendo) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES RGB via Sony KV-27S42
Hope everyone enjoys Metroid Dread today! I don't know how anyone says that Metroid isn't a horror game, because this moment scared the absolute piss out of me as a kid.
Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness (1999, Konami) - N64
Sharp Polygons vs. N64 S-Video via Sony KV-27S42
I adore the Castlevania 64 games, but the dynamic day/night cycle makes making comparisons so tough! Still think I got a decent shot tho
Castlevania (1986, Konami) - NES
Sharp Pixels vs. NES RF via Sony KV-27S42
Happy Turkey Day everyone! Thankful for all the support you’ve given me through the roughest year of my life and that I can continue this project. Take it easy today and don’t forget to play some games!
U.N. Squadron (1991, Capcom) - SNES
PC Emulator vs. SNES S-Video via PVM-20L2MD
This game is just stacked with beautiful portraits and illustrations that look amazing on a CRT.
Sonic the Hedgehog (1991, Sega) - Genesis
Sharp Pixels vs. Genesis Composite via Sony PVM-20L2MD
I can't believe I forgot my man's 30th birthday! I've even had this post ready for months! Here's to 30 more years!
Pocky & Rocky (1992, Natsume) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES Composite via Sony KV-27S42
Pocky & Rocky has a lot of great enemies, but I've always especially loved this little guy, even if he was a pain in the butt to photograph.
Vagrant Story (2000, Squaresoft) - PS1
Native Polygons vs. PS1 Composite via Sony PVM-20L2MD
As much as I enjoy the dithered PlayStation look, Vagrant Story might make me fall back in love with PS1 Composite.
Mega Man 3 (1990, Capcom) - NES
Sharp Pixels vs. NES RF via Toshiba 14AF43
The way RF rounds off those sharp edges almost always means bits of detail are lost in the darkness in my experience, but to me something about it feels so right for NES games.
Public service announcement:
If you ever hop in my replies and shit on indie developers for choosing to make their games with a sharp, pixelated, or dithered look, I will personally come to your house and put your phone in the microwave.
Thank you.
Bulk Slash (1997, Hudson) - Sega Saturn
Sharp Pixels vs. Saturn composite via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Finding and leveling up your M.I.S.S.'s has become one of my favorite parts of this game. The hard drawn portraits look gorgeous over any input!
Business in back... Party up front.
12 consoles, a VCR, and the MiSTer daisy chained to 3 different TVs with every input from RF, composite, S-Video, RGB, and Component available at any time with almost no cables visible from the front of the display. Nearly a month of work.
Shiren the Wanderer 2: Oni Invasion! Shiren Castle! (2000, Chunsoft) - N64
Sharp Pixels vs. N64 S-Video via Sony PVM-20L2MD
One more late night Shiren post before October starts! Couldn't forget certified good boy and top-tier weasel friend, Koppa!
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards (2000, HAL) - N64
Raw Polygons vs. N64 S-Video via Sony PVM-20L2MD
There aren't many games out that I love every single aspect of, but Kirby 64 has got to be one of them. Always a pleasure.
Shiren the Wanderer 2: Oni Invasion! Shiren Castle! (2000, Chunsoft) - N64
Sharp Pixels vs. N64 S-Video via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Sorry for the delay folks, haven't been feeling very good this week. But you know what does make me feel good? This dumb cat.
Bust-A-Move (1994, Taito) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony PVM-20L2MD
I'm not sure how your day is going, but just know that Bub is rooting for you.
Chrono Trigger (1995, Squaresoft) - SNES
PC Emulator vs. SNES S-Video via Sony PVM-20L2MD
I love how the enhanced contrast makes the light from Crono's window even brighter!
Street Fighter II (1992, Capcom) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony KV-27V42
Apologies for the squashed CRT shot. This is a new set that hasn't been calibrated yet. I love the blending in Chun-Li's legs, but I like the difference in the background the most!
GoldenEye 007 (1997, Rare) - N64
Sharp Pixels vs. N64 S-Video via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Considering making a few GoldenEye posts this week. I feel its visuals have gotten a really bad rap in recent years due to being seen at much higher resolutions than intended.
Super Metroid (1994, Nintendo) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES RGB via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Since the RGB folks tolerate my RF posting, here's a little something more their speed lol
Devil's Crush (1990, Hudson) - PC Engine
Sharp Pixels vs. PC Engine Composite via JVC AV-20D202
A little late night post to welcome all the new folks and celebrate 66.6k followers. 😈 Still working on the revamp, see you soon!
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998, Nintendo) - N64
Sharp Pixels vs. N64 Composite via Toshiba 13A23
Spent some time cleaning up this cheap little set last night, only to notice the glass is scratched. Likely unusable for the blog, but it has a very nice picture.
Sonic the Hedgehog (1991, Sega) - Genesis/Mega Drive
Emulation vs. PVM-20L2MD Composite
My own rendition of the infamous Sonic waterfalls! These transparent waterfalls are only viewable through composite on a CRT, as are the "rainbow" effects.
Bahamut Lagoon (1996, Squaresoft) - Super Famicom
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony PVM-20L2MD
A beautiful game that's been getting me through this week. I adore how hand drawn the sprites feel on a CRT.
Silent Hill (1999, Konami) - PS1
Raw Polygons vs. PS1 Composite via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Silent Hill on a CRT remains rather sharp, but the biggest difference is how much the increased contrast changes the lighting and mood. Sorry about the Jack O Lantern reflection I missed lol
Valkyrie Profile (1999, Squaresoft) - PS1
Retroarch Beetle PSX Core vs. Sony KV-13TR20
(Submitted by
@junkbomb
)
Valkyrie Profile's portraits have always been one of the most striking CRT examples I've seen. Looking forward to doing my own as well.
F-Zero X (1998, Nintendo) - N64
Sharp Pixels vs. N64 S-Video via Sony PVM-20L2MD
The artist that converted this game's illustrations to pixels did a phenomenal job and the CRT and N64 hardware do a phenomenal job displaying those pixels as an illustration. Both are gorgeous.
Ristar (1995, Sega) - Genesis
Raw Pixels vs. RGBPi RGB via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Raw Pixels presented in 1:1 pixel perfect aspect ratio. Sega Genesis games actually get slightly squashed to 4:3 on a CRT and I think the star here illustrates the change in shape well.
The Guardian Legend (1988, Compile) - NES
Sharp Pixels vs. NES RF via Sony KV-13M51
The difference in Guardian's sprite here is impressive. On the CRT she almost appears to be an illustrated character rather than a sprite. The grass also gains a more organic appearance as well.
Tales of Phantasia (1995, Namco) - Super Famicom
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony KV-27S42
Lots of dithering being utilized here that doesn't quite disappear, but adds loads of texture to the walls and floors.
Demon's Crest (1994, Capcom) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs SNES Composite via Sony KV-13M51
Another Demon's Crest post just because I love its visuals so much. I could honestly do a whole month of just this game.
Hello and welcome to CRT Spooxels!
This entire month will be dedicated to celebrating horrific, monstrous, spooky retro games and the displays they were designed for! I hope you all enjoy! 👻📺
Final Fantasy VI (1994, Square) - SNES
Over the last few days I have seen these examples lifted from
@ruuupu1
and shared across multiple websites without credit.
If you happen see these anywhere, please credit them. This stuff is hard work.
Demon's Crest (1994, Capcom) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs SNES Composite via Sony KV-13M51
Even my mind is boggled at the tricks Capcom's artists used to make this Demon's teeth more separated and defined on a CRT TV.
"Why do we tolerate this? 'Harassment', 'online bullying'. How are these any different from terrorism, from someone grabbing a gun and taking the lives of others?"
RIP Near.
Final Fantasy IX (2000, Squaresoft) - PS1
Sharp Pixels vs. PS1 Composite via Sony KV-13M51
FF9 was always known for its more jagged appearance, even at release. A CRT isn't going to work miracles, but it still blends the 3D models and their textures with the backgrounds nicely!
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards (2000, HAL) - N64
Sharp Polygons vs. N64 S-Video via Sony PVM-20L2MD
I hope everybody has a safe, fun July 4th! Here's just a fun little relevant comparison from one of my favorite games.
Mega Man X (1993, Capcom) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony KV-27S42
All the enemies in this game move so fast this is the only one I could get to stand still long enough to photograph lol
Super Mario RPG (1996, Square) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony KV-27S42
Our last SMRPG comparison for a while! Couldn't move on without a look at the man himself! I've noticed this SNES model has issues with bleeding colors, even if I like its softer image.
Castlevania: Bloodlines (1994, Konami) - Genesis/Mega Drive
Sharp Pixels vs. Genesis Composite via Toshiba 14AF45
The way this set cleans up Genesis composite is phenomenal.
Harvest Moon: Back to Nature (1999, Natsume) - PS1
Raw Polygons vs. PS1 Composite via Sony KV-13M51
I love the way Back to Nature's 2D and 3D assets blend together so well and dithering just vanishes on a CRT! What a great game.
Star Fox 64 (1997, Nintendo) - N64
Sharp Pixels vs. N64 S-Video via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Thanks to those that suggested the new m64p release! Finally an emulator that can give us sharp examples that include the N64's native AA filter. This really shows how much the CRT cleans it up.