The SNES port was quite impressive, in a "Look what we can do by just adding a single chip to the cartridge!" sort of way.

This is hands down, one of the greatest fighting games ever made, with one of the best arranged soundtracks in gaming.

100 has two zeroesThe 100th Battle of the Ports is Zero 2 Coincidence?

In the snes version, the speed is set to turbo 1. If you go in the option menu and set the speed to turbo 2, the game will be as fast as the arcade version.

Street Fighter Alpha 2 Gold for the PS1 has a properly rendered intro like the Saturn. Gen's stage water reflection isn't the only detail missing on the PS1 version. In Ken stage when you do a super, Strider drops the teddy bear in the air, it happens in the Saturn, but not on the PS1. I think Rolento's stage had some missing stuff on PS1 too. There is probably more missing detail in other backgrounds.

-Consoles only: .First place: Sega Saturn. .Second place: PlayStation. .Third place: SNES (Quite impressive for a 16-bit cartridge).

Just a small correction, as seen in a video by ModernVintageGamer, has been recently discovered that the "loading" on the snes version is not related to graphic decompresion or even the special chip itself but to the game sending the fm samples to the audio chip before the fight starts. Some hackers have hacked that game to make the game skip/not play the sounds and the rounds start inmediately without stops.

I agree, the Saturn version looks better than the other home versions of the game.

That FM music on the mobile java version is awesome.

I still believe the loading in the Super Famicom port is caused by the loading of the audio into RAM, not the the graphics. This is evident when you play SFA2 in an emulator that doesn't have the SDD-1 emulated and yet the load times are still there (to load the audio because that still works). The SDD-1 is designed to decompress graphics in real time (i.e. no load time) since there isn't any RAM in the SFC to act as a giant cache for graphics like disc based consoles require. On the other hand, the Nintendo S-SMP (the SFC audio chip) can ONLY play back audio from its own RAM and is physically connected to the SFC as an external device like a Roland MT-32 and we know how long it takes to load samples into the MT-32's RAM when playing those old Sierra adventure games on the PC. If you recall, Street Fighter II Turbo and Super Street Fighter II also had load times on the SFC to load in the announcer voice because there is only enough RAM in the Nintendo S-SMP to hold the samples needed for the music, character voices, and sound effects (and only the Round announcement in Street Fighter II Turbo, and no Round announcement at all in Super Street Fighter II to prevent what's happening in the Street Fighter Alpha 2 port at the start of a round).

Definitely the best game of the Alpha series, still, Alpha 3 comes close, love watching these older CPS 1/2/3 botp videos Mark! :)

This is a very underrated channel. The marketing for this channel needs to be kicked up a notch. I can only do so much, as a fan.

Capcom was so at home with Saturn and Dreamcast.

As much as I rave on about how good Alpha 3 is, I can't deny how awesome this game is, driving around during work I still love to crank up Sakura & Guys theme! :)

Seems the Sega Saturn had the best versions of every single fighting game out there, especially the Capcom ones. I'll bet if those games were released in the West, the Saturn would've sold better probably. We could only wish for games like this. 🙁

Another very good episode of battle of the ports !! Love the saturn port of this game !!

Congratulations on making 100 shows.

my favorite game in the alpha series.. LOVED the alpha counter and the awesome new backgrounds in this game.

My favorite of the SF series, but this video made me realize how many copies of this game I own: Saturn (JP two times including Gold on the Street Fighter Collection, one USA), SNES (Two copies), PS1, and Windows 95.

Thank you for making these videos, as i am getting back to old fighting games that i never played, this helps a lot. I wish if you could make one for CvS2 as well, have a great dat mate.

Zero 2 Dash is called "Alpha 2 Gold" outside Japan. It's available as the second disc in the Street Fighter Collection. It was released individually for the Saturn in Japan in 19 December 1998. I don't know why would anyone in Japan be buying that if he/she already has Street Fighter Collection for the Saturn prior to this date.

Alpha 2 on the snes is one of my favorite snes games of all time regardless of how, not arcade perfect it is. But damn alpha 2 and alpha 2 gold on the Saturn down to the character shadow transparent sprites. Masterpiece

Another nice comparison video Sir. Congratulations on show #100.

5:30 MVG explains the loading was because it load the music instead of graphics and the prototype has the same loading but no SDD-1 chip on the cart

5:38 This is pure bollocks, you can see that the sprites all loaded in. Star Ocean used the SDD-1 and it didn't have load times. For anyone saying the SNES version has loading times because of the SDD-1, they should think again. It was because of sloppy SPC700 audio code. The SDD-1 decompresses data at DMA speeds.

love these videos Mark..u made one of our child dreams come true...🥂🏆

Not one of my favourite games, but I played a lot in the psx, because it's very rarely to find a SF Alpha 2 arcade machine in Venezuela arcades, mostly I found SF 2 and sf2 turbo machines, which were more popular, then came Mortal kombat trilogy, Tekken series, VF, so I guess that's why they don't bring a lot to my country. I didn't know it existed a windows version of the game, that surprised me, I only knew of pc versions of megaman X (rockman x in japan). What I like of the alpha series is the redesign of the character, and that design were included in marvel vs capcom, which is one of my favourite fighting games. I'm really glad you make it to the 100th episode of BoP, truly a marvelous work my friend! with this shows I can fulfill that part of me who like to live more for the video games, specially 80s-90s japan games which is the most awesome period for me in that aspect! so thank you Mark! really an impressive job! hope you make it to the 1000th and keep Retro Core Volumens too!

Useful information: the pc version is a direct port of the playstation version, with the same issues. It is a very decent version, but saturn's version is the best home port of this game.

100th episode! Keep up the good work.

Happy new year mate! Ahhh, SF Zero 2 ... one of my alltime favorites! I LOVE this game. I even own it in different versions: Saturn PAL, Saturn Collection JP, PS1 from PS-Store, PS2 PAL Anthalogy, SNES PAL, Windows (which I played with the sidewinder back in the day) ... and I want more!

The PS2 version is emulation, for those who might get confused from the video. It is NOT the PS1 version at all. Now one could say the Saturn pad is better, but then again Sega did make a Saturn like pad for PS2, so no excuses. :) And yes, one day I want one of those pads, though they aren't that cheap. And I didn't see the annotation the first time (had them off), did spot it the second time. So it's all good. PS: Saturn version does have one thing going for it, close to arcade proper resolution, something the PS2 could not achieve. I do have Alpha 2 for Saturn and PS1, and Gold for PS1, warts or not, I play them all, frame rates don't bother me as I pretty much play them solo anyway. To me, it's all about if the game entertains me, and surprise, all ports do.

Shin Akuma has been found in SNES 25 years later

What an amazing job they did for the snes version. I really enjoy renting it when I was young

What I've learned from this video is that you are much better at Street Fighter 2 than any other fighting game.

Arcade & PS2 get 5 Stars automatic Saturn more like a Arcade unbelievable excellent ports + very good 2D game excellent gameplay PS1 good graphics and excellent gameplay sad missing animation still not bad SNES very good ports + good gameplay sad missing animation and loading before fight that's not good

The PS1 version of Zero Dash/Alpha Gold features a proper sprite based intro but still has no reflections at Gen's stage. Also, the PS2 version is based on the arcade version, not the PS1 version and is considered the best port available. What frames of animation exactly are missing from the PS1 version? I always see this mentioned everywhere but no one seems to be able to point out exactly what's missing.

The SNES port is a real accomplishment. Looks more impressive than the GBA Street Fighter Alpha 3 game. I had a Java version of Street Fighter Alpha 1 on my Nokia N97, it missed some characters and frames of animations, but the graphics were sharp, and I don’t know what black magic they used to have the touch screen control on a resistive screen work so we’ll, but the game was very playable.

Are you sure the PS2 version (in Alpha Anthology) is just the ps1 version running on 2? It seems much better, and there are reflections in the water on Ben's stage. Great video, at any rate. Probably my favorite in the Alpha series.

Christmas 96 I was torn between this game on the snes or donkey kong country 3, they were both the same price, £60, I know it wasn't a bad port for the snes but I'm really glad I chose donkey kong country 3 over it. I already had street fighter 2 turbo anyway

Hey mark the softbank wide version optimized for WQVGA display phone such as Sharp SH-911 flip phone

Street Fighter Zero 2 Dash was known as Street Fighter Alpha 2 Gold in North America.

Hey Yaku what is the extra in the Dash version of the saturn, I want it but is difficult to find it because is some kind greatest hit or whatever is called there in japan.

this was my favorite in the alpha series especially the gold version. the saturn and ps2 versions with updated music mostly.

In case it`s wasn`t said yet, in Rolento`s Stage when the elevator going up "stops", in both arcade and Saturn versions it restarts showing a panoramic view of what looks like New York (or at least the Chrysler Building is visible) on PS1 it just stops never to start again...(I own Zero 2` on both Systems by the way, bought the Sat version first but came across a super cheap PS1 copy of SF Collection, who could resist? ^^)

Any plans to do Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo on a later episode?

As usual, the Saturn owns.

I have the Windows version through Good Old Games (GoG). It's playable but as expected the Saturn version kicks it all over the yard. The Saturn version I played to death back in the day. These days I have the Street Fighter Alpha collection for the PS2, which isn't bad though it makes me with I were using a Saturn controller with it.

For me, saturn port is the best. But the snes port is fascinating

Excellent comparisons as usual, and the Saturn version is definitely the finest. There are more than a few differences between SFZ2 and SFZ2'(dash) though. As well as adding new characters (classic Sakura, and the others) and game modes (shin-gouki mode, dramatic battle, survival etc.). They also tweaked and re-balanced quite a lot - I can't remember everything but for sure they did the following; weakening Alpha/Zero counters (they use more of your super bar), added new moves and supers for most characters, the custom-combo command changed. There was a book released listing all of the other changes (in Japanese of course). Sorry for commenting on something from a year ago haha - but going through these vids on a quiet weekend is fun.

I'm about 3 years late to the party, but what version of the arcade SFZ2 is that? Sodom's background has a number of differences than all the other versions and the win qoutes were in English for example.

My favourite games of the series and I loved my Saturn Version, made me glad I bought a Saturn over a Playstation. Gotta commend the Snes version tho, quite impressive.

note: the pc port has corrupted colors on modern windows versions if you want to play it with the correct ones, you need to kill the explorer before starting the game, done easiest by a bat or cmd file

You still gotta hand it to them. The SNES port is very impressive! The game on SNES is awesome!

Very well done ! I had the same issue with the controls in windows. I figured out how to get it to work with the keyboard but ended up using Xpadder with it. I Can't remember how though .. it was too long ago. :(

Did you try to run the setup.exe file for the Windows version ? This might help you.

"zero" in the logotype and alpha in the background? (press start screen arcade)

It starts off with zangief vs gen on the much touted gen stage that was focused on for each port in the battle of ports video

Let's not forget the PS2 ports that featured both CPS1 and CPS2 sound engines. Personally, I love CPS1. And image filters to make it look either crappy or smoothy and other features like Dramatic Battle mode out of nowhere in the menu to choose and being able to play it through with any character of your choice. The Saturn version outright beated and made the PS1 version an embarassment because it was a powerful 2D machine. We all know that. Though it made me dissapoint over the Waku Waku 7 and other ports sporting largely pixelated backgrounds over Arcade ones. I'm still surprised and amazed how did they fit the (almost) whole game in a SFC cartridge, besides of the chip used for decompression. I think the long loading times would have been saved with a faster CPU (SNes/SFC sports a merely 3mhz CPU, so go figure why it takes a bit to load). When I found out about the SFC version, I was amazed, but then I thought "IF Capcom had the ability to port both RE 2 disks into one N64 cartridge, yeah, they had the ability to port SFZ/A 2 in a SFC cartridge" just like they did with SuperSF2. This is the only and, nowdays rare, game you could find along with Konami's Sunset Riders in the SFC, along with other titles.

Is the psp a port of the ps1 version?

Been waiting for this one. Use to drive me nuts back when this came out how ps1 version streamed instead of looping as well as the awful loading times Art gallery was cool in Saturn version which I own along with snes version which is feat on the system itself. I'm probably only person who likes sfa2 better than alpha 3. Just something about the graphical art style and fighting system. Never realized PS2 street fighter alpha/zero collection used ps1 version.

The SNES port is a Capcoms miracle and show why Súper NES is the Best 16 bit consolé...

I believe the Playstation 1 Japan had a special re-release of Zero 2 that had newer port that was similar to the Saturn version you have shown. I remember owning it and playing it. Hopefully I can find it. The re-released PS1 version finally had a fully animated in game intro, and not a compressed video. And yes, the PS1 had reflection in Gen stage. Too bad this was never released to North America.

If I may ask what exactly is the difference between the original Saturn version of zero 2 and the Dash version of zero 2?

Does anyone know what's up with the Fujitsu logo (around 12:57) ? Usually the Japanese are pretty strict using real world logos so this would suggest some tie between Fujitsu and the game, but the only mention i could find that it was just product placement on tvtropes. If that's all that is, it's a pretty weird piece of product placement.

I just had to get the sfc port. It's a great game and I have not regretted the purchase at all. Perhaps the most impressive sfc game ever.

I have this game for the SNES the your music seems to be missing a few instruments.

Nowadays with MAME its easy as pie to play the perfect version but as we all know the holy grail of Alpha series was Saturn, all from Alpha through to Alpha 3 (with RAM cart). My opinion is still split about Alpha 2/3 as I found the final game to be a bit too difficult.

I always wondered if the PC version was actually doing some primitive emulation of the ps1. I had PC/ps1 versions and they are so incredibly similar that it feels like emulation. also you may have got some bad info because the alpha anthology disc is using emulation of the arcade roms and is the best version of all of those games outside of ggpo.

is there any different for the street fighter alpha anthology for ps 2 ??

It still boggles my mind that nobody talks about the biggest flaw of the SNES version: Everyone is missing their close standing normal moves.

Street Fighter Alpha 2 Gold version on PS1 which was packaged with Street Fighter collection the same as the Saturn dash edition mentioned here? Only reason why I suspect that is because the intro runs as smooth as saturns + having Cammy as a guest character.

Arcade AND Saturn

The Saturn version of SFA2 is the best one I prefer to play it over the Arcade version since it had many of the features that were supposed to be just for SFA2 Gold like more colour palettes swaps for the characters. I wonder if the Saturn extras were backported to the Arcade Street Fighter Zero 2 Alpha Also, I prefer the music in the Saturn game since it was the first version I played I like it more than the Arcade version too. The Sega Saturn controller makes the game superb to play it has the perfect controls for Arcade games

Can you do a "Battle of The Ports" video for Vampire Savior?

Yay, I am on video 100!! More 60+ to go!! While SFA2 is not my most favorite game in the Alpha / Zero subseries it's certainly not bad. And its ports are actually not bad too from the look of it. SNES port is basically a little technical wonder, which demonstrates that this hardware was much more capable of, than people usually give it credit for. If only they talks with Sony about CD addon did not fail...

The water is animated in Gen's stage in the PSX port.

**reads description** Wrong, that was actually an arcade ROM running on the PS2.

The Gold version for the PS1 version got the arcade intro and some added frames. In almost all the PS1 ports of CPS2 games, playing P1 and 2 with the same character unlock the full animation and sound (saturn 2 actually for games without cart). This is most obviously visible in Pocket Fighter which is a better port for the PS1 since even with the 4meg cart you still don't have the good sound quality (taking both P1 and 2 unlock the good quality sound for the Saturn but let's be honest, that's stupid...).

Hey mark the ps1 and saturn version feature an arranged soundtrack

Hey mark fujitsu is also shown on the game stages

Happy New Year (and 100th episode) The Saturn was a 2D monster and had a dedicated 2D video processor plus more ram than the PS1, allowing for these extra frames of animation. I believe Capcom also brought out a memory expansion cart for use with some of it's 2D fighters on the Saturn which made the animation pretty much arcade perfect. I never had Alpha 1 or 2 (think i was more of a Virtua Fighter fan then) but did have X-men Children of the Atom which had incredible 2D visuals and animation on the Saturn.;)

11:39 - This is completely incorrect. The PS2 is the definitive home port of SFA2, since it is indeed a direct arcade port of the arcade version. It is NOT the PS1 game ported into PS2. In fact, all the games on anthology are direct arcade conversions. Not sure where you got that information.

for me it's the best sf2 ever. :) in the saturn version maybe for the loading optimisation, the digital voice quality is low. if you take the same character for versus you have a better sound.

Hey mark the java version have speech in the video mark recorded the gameplay on the phone that have video output

The GoG rerelease of Alpha 2 did fix a number of control issues, but still has problems in that department. The control setup was originally designed for someone that owned the Gravis GamePad Pro or MS Sidewinder Gamepad (hi!). While I can get my Xbox 360 stick working, I need the XBCD stack to play the game with it. It only accepts directional movement on the traditional x/y axes, and not the POV hat (which a 360's dpad is seen as). It's an alright port on a Win98 machine with the expected controllers, but still has graphical issue on later systems.

I think the Saturn Version is the best. How did you capture a old mobile Phone? Never played a street fighter game on mobile?

If only collecting games for the Saturn wasn't ridiculusly expensive I would get the capcom fighters for the system.

The Saturn port certainly looks like it's missing more than just a frame or two next to the Arcade version. I could be wrong, but I would say that the Playstation version looks like it's only missing a couple frames compared to the Saturn version.

Show number 100

Got the arcade pcb of this game on CPS2 hardware. If you leave the attract mode on for more than a few minutes the slightly mispronounced "Street Fighter Alpha/Zero 2" voice will drive you bananas.

NES unlicensed version is missing in this video...

Sega Saturn was the best port, but Windows version, if you have a good components, was another decent port. Super Nintendo make a titanic work, I dont belive when I saw at my friend home O_O. Incredible. But the cart where in flames jajaja. Good battle!

You said the Super Famicom version of Gen stage had no puddle reflections but the game footage shows that it does though, there are reflection of the sign post on the puddles just like the other versions. Only thing the Super Famicom/SNES version didn't show was the dripping animations. Also Sodom had his name altered to Katana in the SNES western release due to Nintendo publishing that version in those regions.

I'm very surprise capcom manage to make this game for the snes.

wow alpha 2 looks 100% same as alpha one at least on the snes

I still have the Playstation 1 version of the game, It was alright I think

I know this video is old, but It has to be corrected seeing as if it's not it's literally spreading misinformation. The PS2 version of SF Alpha/Zero 2 is not a port of the PS1 version. The PS2 version that I am referring to is called Street Fighter Zero Generations it's the Japanese version of the "Alpha Anthology" that was released here in USA. It is a direct port of the original arcade version and it's the best home version of the game seeing as it's arcade perfect. The intro is EXACTLY like the arcade version (not the crappy compressed video that the PS1 version has), it has everything that the arcade version has including all the graphical effects and frames of animation (yes it also has the reflections in Gen's stage with animated water). I'm not sure if this was just a honest mistake or just pure fanboyism to favor the Saturn version. Or maybe he just never played the actual PS2 version? I'm not really trying to blame him so I will give him the benefit of the doubt and say that he was just simply misinformed. I feel like when people make comparisons like these it is crucial that they own the actual systems that these games were ported over to, and actually play the games themselves. Otherwise you will just spread misinformation which is cool homie. Anyways just wanted to clear that up no hard feelings homie. With that said I do agree that the Saturn version (especially for its time) was an excellent port of Alpha/Zero 2, however the PS2 version (the one included in SFZ Generations) is superior and makes the Saturn version obsolete aside from the novelty of owning the Saturn version of course.

the jumping thing could have been a calibration issue...

Hmmm the link appears to be blocked but just look up the title Street Fighter Alpha Anthology Playstation 2 Gameplay (Capcom 2006) (HD) for the video

It's funny how the intro on the SNES port is more accurate than the Saturn intro. Also next time play the PS2 port instead of assuming it's just the PS1 version, because Alpha 2 on PS2 is easily the best, basically arcade perfect.