The Definitive Way to Play Sonic Adventure

There's a new way to experience Sonic Adventure DX.
Jump right to the tutorial: 3:59
Jump right to the comparison: 12:52
Links:
-- SADX Mod Loader
info.sonicretro.org/SADX_Mod_L...
-- BetterSADX
steamcommunity.com/sharedfile...
-- Dreamcast Conversion Mod
www.moddb.com/mods/sadx-dreamc...
-- SADX Palette Lighting Mod
forums.sonicretro.org/index.p...
-- SADX Input Mod
forums.sonicretro.org/?showto...
-- SADX Fixed Edition
forums.sonicretro.org/?showto...
The text version of the installation tutorial is too big/complicated for a video description, so I've written it up over on my personal blog. Click here:
blazehedgehog.tumblr.com/post/...
PATREON: / blazehedgehog
TUMBLR: / blazehedgehog
TWITTER: / blazehedgehog
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER: www.bltn.net/
SHIRTS: www.bltn.net/shirts

[@BlazeHedgehog]

Notice: BetterSADX now contains an option to install the Dreamcast Conversion automatically, making the tutorial part of this video a bit obsolete.

[@CheatFreak47]

Thanks for that pin, sorry if it inconveniences you in any way, Blaze, but the fans have spoken, and they spoke loud. (we held a poll and adding them to the mod had absolutely overwhelming support of the idea) Some additional insight: We did implement it in an optional manner though, users that prefer the DX look still have a install setting for them, and we even reached out to the Speedrun community to make BetterSADX runner friendly. Component install was something I had in mind for a long time so we could appeal to the speedrun guys- we only now just were able to realize it efficiently, along with making other improvements.

[@pablodelatorregalvez4260]

But that option of automatic installation is only for the Dreamcast Conversion mod or also for the Palette Lightning mod?

[@CheatFreak47]

It's for both.

[@pablodelatorregalvez4260]

It makes more sense that way. Thanks!

[@gilition]

BlazeHedgehog I recommend downloading betterSADX because the look around button doesn't work on the PC

[@SomecallmeJohnny]

Gave these mods a whirl a week ago, and I just can't go back after experiencing it. I always loved the original Dreamcast version, and I'm happy I can play a near-perfect, cleaner looking version of it on my PC.

[@moesabally1502]

Wish I had a PC that wasn't shit at playing games.

[@Kuzamer]

SomecallmeJohnny When the BrainScratch Crew & Gareth do the SA1 Revisit, you guys should use this mod!

[@RyuuSix]

Super Sonic in Adventure showcase for SGB?

[@apollomaster9301]

OHHH MY GOD HI JOHHNY :D

[@CMSonYT]

easy if you build one

[@justrobYT]

I think this is the first time I've heard someone actually say "personal computer" out loud.

[@RosheenQuynh]

"Watch out! You're gonna crash! AHHH!" I don't care what people say, these lines are great. Silly but still nostalgic.

[@Devixicus]

sonic.exe has stopped working Windows is checking for a solution to the problem...

[@Safalmao]

@@Devixicus sonic.exe scary

[@eddieolivas4804]

Seriously though, I like the better models because of how less distracting their animations are. I know that Cybershell doesn't like them, and the lighting DOES make them look like plastic, but the newer models still look A LOT better than their older ones.

[@RosheenQuynh]

@@eddieolivas4804 I think both have their value

[@Safalmao]

​@@eddieolivas4804 i just don''t like how they are shiny and glossy, and i just like the way sonics dreamcast model looks

[@Kuzamer]

Fantastic video. Extremely helpful and this mod is awesome. Pretty much how SADX should have always been.

[@h-6613]

does it have any viruses

[@SkullboyMus1c]

@@h-6613 nah man

[@drifter402]

That explains why DX has aged so horribly.

[@greenfiretornado]

You can't really blame hardware as as reason why SADX aged horribly. I'll admit, it has aged pretty badly but even then I still enjoy it despite all the massive flaws. Modders usually put in a lot of work to make games look either better or make it even smoother. This however isn't really "the game aged badly because the graphics were crap" but rather a restoration mod. Restoration mods have been around since I'm fairly certain 2009 with many graphics restoration as well as sound restoration.

[@ThatOneSeong]

Pretty much this ^^ SA, for its time, did what it could to look decent (Even though it was rushed [which I didn't realize until now]), and DX was more than likely due to Sega's... err, "lack of foresight" with their conversions; generally being simply "good enough" for the time and nothing more. It's not bad (I.E. Arkham Knight, RE4 SourceNext...) but not great either (*Insert decent PC port here*). This goes for both SADX, Heroes, and Phantasy Star Online (And hell, to an extent, even SA2 2012). Still, fun games. And restoration projects are just added cherries to the whole experience.

[@Tailslol]

yea the bad handling by amateurish programmed ports... this is why sometime emulating is better. but sadly the dreamcast emulator is not in good shape... but if you want the best dx experience,dolphin is the way to go instead of steam version...but i am now glad the steam version can be moded to restore some dignity to the game with this dreamcast mod.

[@ThatOneSeong]

It's a tough sell even when it comes to the Adventure titles alone on PC, since SADX is the most "amateur" of the ports on the thing with many a dropped aspect, subtle or otherwise. There's also the fact that Adventure is, no matter how you spin it (ha), a rushed 3D Sonic title and it feels like it. Though, I won't admit there's a sickeningly endearing charm to that for a number of reasons. But because of the slap-dash porting job in the first place, it makes the game harder to mod for systems that should feasibly run it. Namely, the palette lighting mod kills performance on Integrated Graphics-based systems. But, at least the Dreamcast textures make up for (most) of the look lost in the conversion. It's funny to bring up emulation because, even on a PC, if you can't run Demul then it's basically impossible to have half-decent performance AND compatibility. Which is a shame. (Though I would argue BetterSADX + DC Conversions is a better method than DolphinSADX) But hey, at least SA2 made the transition fine. . . Several years late. (Thoughitsmypersonalfavoritesoitmaybetotallynotbeabias)

[@Tailslol]

Seong's Songs cant say it was rushed...it was a 98/99 game,outside n64 platformer,not a lots of games was that good,the psx was still there with dated graphics,the ground breaking ps2 was not out yet. it is true the 2 was a better game and sequel but mostly because it was years later and the industry had matured...

[@AimlessTheDev]

Ok since the video says this,here you go mobile users: The tutorial was started in 03:59 The comparison was in 12:52 Thank me later.

[@Guts-the-Berserker]

*As someone who has only played the original dreamcast version.... HOW DID THE FUCK UP THE COLOR PALETTE SO BADLY!? YOU HAD ONE JOB SEGA!*

[@Cubester64]

I like this mix of SADX models and SA1 lighting and textures. It looks good.

[@Kuzamer]

Cubester64 Indeed.

[@CEAONtheCeaon]

Can't thank you enough for this, Sonic Adventure DX is kinda gross looking imo.

[@kittbluevenom2384]

That moment when your tutorial is unfortunately rendered completely useless because the mod is intergrated into BSADX

[@unchallengedmediocrity7886]

You weren't kidding when you said this was the definitive way to play Sonic Adventure! This mod not only restores the Dreamcast textures, lighting, and general look, but also adds beautiful HD textures and Widescreen! Something I could never get with Dolphin! Thank you so much, dude!

[@recnepsrc]

Wow. This is inarguably the best-looking version of Sonic Adventure.

[@nicknackue]

10/10 Sonic doesn't look like a glazed donut anymore.

[@Siriuss2009]

I prefer the glazed donut look since most older game characters look either soaked in water or glazed and has more of a nostalgic look

[@maximiliosa2669]

Your voice is so soothing.

[@N3thStudios]

Sarcasm?

[@shannonhill3356]

No, not at all. There's just something... Calm and almost nonchalant about it. I'm no Sena fan, thought I'm a game documentary enthusiast for sure. Most out there are yelling, sarcastic, try-hard to be funny "games" channels - this dude is just to the point and nearly... Clinical lol

[@shannonhill3356]

I'm not the OP, I just agree, and don't see them responding after 2yrs 🤣

[@justsoup3726]

I was thinking the exact same thing...

[@palmpilot304]

You're kidding, right? Great video but this nigga sounds like Carl Wheezer.

[@robertwhitaker6452]

wow, i grew up with the gamecube edition. had no idea it was an inferior port. those dreamcast textures look a lot more cartoony and pleasing to look at. i might give this mod a try.

[@LightspeedAdventurer]

Port of a port of a port of a port of a port of a game... *falls down stairs for 8 years*

[@WilliamMcCarthyIII]

I love how this look and feels like a tutorial that came with the game

[@ElekiSerket]

Lol at how Japanese original Sonic smiles at Tails crashing.

[@Dr-N.-Gin]

If I had a nickel for every time I had to use mods to fix a remaster I would have two nickels. Thats not a lot but its funny that it happened twice.

[@sonicfreak94]

Very nicely put together. Really nicely summarizes the issue with the port of a port of a port of a port. Had I tried to do it, I'd end up with an hour long video displaying everything wrong with just the Steam version compared to the original PC port alone. lol

[@BlazeHedgehog]

The intro retrospective was actually originally twice as long before I re-wrote it. Something I try to keep in mind is only needing to hit 2-3 of the biggest, most important things and leaving the rest up to assumption.

[@YellowDice]

The steam port is a pile of crap, I remember I couldn't even run it on an old pc that could run the original port.

[@ogbobbysteiger5820]

I love this video, but people seem to ask questions here a lot, so here is a list of questions and answers that I got from the guide for the mod loader and some from the comments themselves. Enjoy! Q: Can you use WinRAR? A: Yes, you can. Q: Does the Dreamcast Conversion remove the Game Gear titles? A: No, the Game Gear titles stay. Q: Do I lose my save data? A: No, you keep your save data. Q: The installer says I don't have Sonic Adventure DX on Steam installed even though I do. A: Uninstall the game and Install it again through the Steam client. Q: My Google Chrome says your hotpatch is malicious! Is it? A: No, it's absolutely not, Google Chrome seems to mark installers in this size range that delete files (Something the hotpatch needs to do to update you to the latest version) as potentially harmful. Our patcher only modifies files for Sonic Adventure DX. In addition, we also scan all our patches with VirusTotal just to make sure and provide you with certainty that there is absolutely no way these files can harm you. You can see the latest scan for the hotpatch here. [www.virustotal.com] Q: My textures seem screwed up and my characters are invisible! How do I fix this? A: Typically the reports of this are solved by disabling Raptr's Overlay feature or closing that game client entirely while running the game. It seems to interfere with the game's renderer. If you don't have Raptr and experience this, please comment below with the information detailed above under Troubleshooting. Q: Where are the save files located? A: Inside the SteamApps/common/Sonic Adventure DX/SAVEDATA/ folder. You can jump to the install directly by choosing "Browse Local Files" in the properties menu for the game. Q: The Game Crashes when tabbing out of true fullscreen, how fix? A: There isn't any way to fix than by playing in windowed fullscreen, which we recommend, we can't correct this issue, unfortunately. Q: How do I uninstall BetterSADX? A: Well, if you want to uninstall BetterSADX and use the Steam port instead, we would like to know why, so leave a comment below if you would. The process for removal is simple, uninstall the game through either the system uninstall menu or choose to delete local content inside of steam for the game. After this, simply delete the "Sonic Adventure DX" folder from your SteamApps/common/ folder. Note that doing this will also delete your BetterSADX save files, but won't delete your Steam version saves, which are saved in a different location. From there, simply reinstall the game via Steam. Q: My controller isn't working for the game or I am experiencing issues with the camera spinning, how do I fix this? A: If your controller isn't working at all, it may be because the Input-Mod doesn't understand your controller type, and you will need to provide an SDL2 mapping for it. You can make one and provide it to the game by following these steps Download this SDL2 Gamepad Tool[www.generalarcade.com] and extract the zip file into a suitable location. Run the tool and click "Create a New Mapping" and press the equivalent buttons as shown on the screen, pressing skip if your controller lacks the appropriate button, and name the mapping after the type/brand of controller you have. Click on "Copy Mapping String" Open the Sonic Adventure DX Mod Manager by clicking configure for the game in steam. Click on the "Open Mods Folder" button in the Mod Manager. Open the folder called "Input-Mod" Right-click in the folder and create a new text file. Name it "gamecontrollerdb.txt" and open it. Right-click in the text file and paste the mapping string into the text document and save it. Your gamepad should now (In theory) work properly with Sonic Adventure DX. If the controller is simply rotating the camera, it likely means the input-mod isn't loading at all due to a missing dependency. You are probably missing the Visual C++ 2015 x86 redist, which you may install manually from here.[www.microsoft.com] Patch 3.3a and above now does this automatically, so I would instead recommend you download our latest hotpatch and run that instead to ensure you are using the latest version and fix this issue. Q: The menus are tiny! Help! A: That's normal, if you want them to be larger, you can play in a lower resolution, such as 854x480. The in-game hud can be scaled with the Mod Loader, it's in the options tab. Proper scaling for menus is planned, but currently not actively worked on, it'll get done when it's done. I'll try my best to answer any more questions.

[@BlazeHedgehog]

If KZbin let me pin multiple comments, this is something I'd definitely pin. I think by replying to this, and hearting it, it'll keep it close to the top of the stack, at least.

[@ogbobbysteiger5820]

@@BlazeHedgehog Thanks! Just trying to help.

[@HedgeFlix]

Cool

[@MicklePickle]

I’m probably extremely stupid but when I try and play it says “MSVCP140.dll is missing, try and reinstall the program” btw I’m using the 2004 PC edition

[@MicklePickle]

I have even tried reinstalling sonic adventure but nope. If you can give any help soon I would appreciate

[@justinhurowitz70]

I never noticed how much better the Dreamcast version looked until now

[@TheDiego908]

This guy's voice becomes 40% sexier at the end of every sentence

[@xJoeyScoops]

Lmfaoo

[@bluelobsterguy]

I can't unhear it now.

[@SonicBoone56]

I have a greater appreciation for the Dreamcast version now

[@Danny28x]

Two days ago I finished Adventure mode, and now I find this video. Playing with a ps4 controller was painful most of the time, keyboard didn't make it better, but I wanted to test this mods, and somehow they fixed the gameplay, it makes it feel so much better. and it made the graphics of the game more enjoyable. Because of these mods playing trough the adventure mode again is totally worth it, thanks for the video! Easy to follow and really well explained!

[@valdo8881]

The dreamcast conversion mod looks amazing

[@14onyx]

I saw in the comments section remarks and teasing about your voice or whatever, those are sad people seeking for attention. I found your voice very calming and professional for video tutorials as a matter of fact. Your entire video not only saved me forever searching for getting the mods (I was specifically looking for super sonic) but you made everything clear about what each thing is intended for. And you actually gave me new info about the Dreamcast version. I never knew there was such a major difference in shaping and lighting and would never think about having that. I found your video to be the only one comprehensive enough. thanks for everything

[@BlazeHedgehog]

Honestly, it's fine. It's continually weird to me that most people only talk about my voice in reference to other people I sound like, but only a few are ever actually rude. And there will always be a rude person out there, somewhere. Thanks, though.

[@14onyx]

@@BlazeHedgehog alright. I wouldn't say weird but different in a way you actually manage to pass the info needed for the tutorial. most of the vids I've ever seen regarding to sonic were tiresome with lots of inside jokes and just rushing through in an arrogant way as if we all know that already haha just noting

[@kyoujinn5174]

I love how the conversion looks. I like it because the original dreamcast was running on it's native resolution on 480p, but because it's ported on PC/Steam, the native resolution will be 1080p, so that means not only higher resolution, but also cleaner and crisp-ier UHD textures :3

[@DeskoDev]

Actually, the textures are the same, it's just the HUD that's changed.

[@LukeMM95]

Even though I grew up with the Gamecube version, I always thought there was something off about the look of the game when I compared it to footage of the original Dreamcast version. Bless the guys who worked on this mod. Definitely need to check it out once I get a better computer.

[@CookieCookGames]

Seriously I think this is a matter of perspective, dreamcast purists "believe" the dream cast version is best because that's the first one that they played, that and when they came back to the game years later on either the GameCube or Xbox 360 they refused to believe the game had aged really badly seriously this is just sad sonic adventure isn't that great in the meantime I'll keep playing sonic 2 3, & generations waiting hopefully for the day Sega strike gold again

[@BlazeHedgehog]

Except that's not true at all -- Sonic Adventure DX makes more than just arbitrary art direction changes. Obviously I wasn't about to replay the entire game three or four different times to compare every single piece, but just playing each version of the game up to the first boss, every single cutscene in DX is not only different, but slightly broken in a new way. Watch the comparison montage at the end, specifically the part where Sonic and Tails encounter Knuckles. When it flips to the footage for Sonic Adventure DX, Sonic is actually facing the wrong direction. And then there's this: blazehedgehog.tumblr.com/post/155452467831/everything-is-normal-for-roughly-3-4-frames That entire cutscene is full of tons of tiny errors that quickly stack up: twitter.com/BlazeHedgehog/status/817015569358737408 I'm sure there are way more than that, but replaying Sonic's story 3-5 times to document them all was well outside of the scope of this video (which was already almost 15 minutes long and serves three different functions). The overall point here is that Sonic Adventure DX is a sloppy update that makes a messy game look even messier. The two or three things it legitimately enhances aren't worth everything it takes away or breaks. Also, art direction is very important. There's a reason I bring up the Star Wars Special Editions. Using CG to add windows where there didn't used to be any, or insert new characters in to old scenes creates a jarring, ugly disconnect where two styles mismatch and clash against each other in a distracting way. A lot of DX's visual changes don't even make any sense, and only serve to make the game look washed out and more simplistic. If you prefer the look of DX, that's fine, but there's no shame in trying to restore what has been broken.

[@CookieCookGames]

BlazeHedgehog hey thanks for replying I just want to clear something up I first owned played and completed sonic adventure on the dreamcast and then the same on the GameCube while I agree with you on the cutscenes the GameCube version made the bad dreamcast cutscenes even worse but the game it self in my opinion looked Ran and played better on the GameCube, I laughed so hard when I saw the cutscenes on the GameCube with sonics crazy eyes and ears, seriously tho no matter which version you play there is no fixing that camera sonic adventure needs a proper remaster would love to see that

[@oscar9680]

Mate the current Steam version of Sonic Adventure DX is a disaster. BetterSADX is absolutely necessary to enjoy the game. Instead of letting it age in the fridge, they kicked it around in the sun and when they got tired of it they were like "alright just throw what's left of this on steam" Also i agree with you, last time sega stroke gold was with Generations. It's a shame they keep fucking up the open world games tho.

[@ThatOneSeong]

This whole DCvsDX situation really comes down to the fact that when they went back to port the game over to GCN/PC, they more-or-less completely forgot what the hell their vision was, started half-assedly making new models and sticking them in, and just assuming that "Hey, if it worked before, one little change or fifty won't make a difference, right?" Except, yeah, it was bundled together with cheap adhesive and one of Duke Nukem's spare drawing boards to begin with. Making sloppy changes without retooling the game to accommodate for said changes sort of ruins the image that's left. Really, most of the charm that comes from SA1(DX) is popcorn humor; its somewhat broken nature is kind of appealing in a sinister way, and it just happens to be bundled up with a good OST and decent visual design to wrap it up (Which the mods do a good enough job of [more or less] restoring). Of course, whether people will realize this -- or even agree with it -- is subjective. (I also realize I basically just agreed with/restated what you said already, so this is a bit redundant, haha) But eh, I was more an SA2 person myself. And that game has its own silly quirks so nothing's perfect, ze?

[@Devixicus]

I do not agree with that at all. I grew up with Sonic Adventure DX and didn't even know what the original looked like until about 5 years ago and I love the more lush environments, more sophisticated lighting, and overall darker yet deeper look. DX looks like a poorly made cartoon. I hate the shallow and same-y environments, the slightly off model characters, the ugly shine they put on whatever they wanted to... The original game had a charm in it's low poly character models, and the original textures look great. SADX is just a messy visual replacement with no vision.

[@ThatOldSchoolMagic]

Dreamcast version is the best imo

[@bruhluigi4436]

Yeah

[@BigSmoke-xh5hi]

Nah

[@lilman8720]

Facts

[@icee1683]

I disagree

[@sunnyd4038]

If you mean better in terms of appearance than the Dreamcast version trumps SADX. But if you include the definitive modded edition, that blows dreamcast out of the water.

[@metalgamerjonny6410]

13:00 man...can i just get something out there real quick? This is what i consider good editing. Of course, showing the before and after but also CUEING EACH VERSION TO THE SONG. you made it look so satisfying to watch and so much more enjoyable. Thank you so much!

[@cracklasco]

Imagine if they released the HD ports of Adventure 1&2 on the switch, and tweaked everything to their og state, along with keeping the added features of the GameCube versions such as the Chao gardens content and features. That’d be awesome.

[@PapyMouton99]

while it seems this video is outdated i would recommend the AI HD textures and the AI HD FMVs mods to improve the game textures and FMVs to make them more on par with today's standards

[@GuillermoSmyser]

Thank you so much. The tutorial is so thorough and doesn’t make assumptions about what I know. I know functionally nothing when it comes to mods. It’s truly appreciated

[@Bluerush1992]

Really great video. Hearing the story of the how the PC and new ports were made was so interesting. I actually didn't know that. And now with this tutorial I can finally play a version closer to the dream cast edition! :)

[@premydaremy]

Really looking forward to trying this, I didn't realise how significant the lighting effects were on the Dreamcast version. Plus I've always had minor stuttering on the Steam port, and it's not my PC, so hopefully this mod fixes that.

[@nagisahazuki54]

I'm completely fine with the DX Port, but I can't deny that the Dreamcast original has better lighting, shading and more natural looking colors. I don't see the appeal about the models though.. The DX Port's character models just look so much more natural to me.

[@eddieolivas4804]

By they way, there are a lot of things that a lot of people fail to point out about DX. There's something better in the DX version about the story presentation than the DC version. "One thing that annoyed the hell outta me in the original game is that every time a character spoke, the game had to load it, and thus the disc reader made a large amount of loud, distracting noise. For one reason or another, the DX version doesn't have this problem." Sure, the lighting on the newer models does make them look like plastic, but these newer models still look a lot better than their older ones. Besides, you can SKIP THE DAMN CUTSCENES which the DC version doesn't let you do. Also, the graphics can go farther off into the distance without getting blurry. On the DC version, when you look at the things from far away, everything gets blurry. While pretty much all the colors are brighter in DX, it definitely feels like I CAN ACTUALLY SEE THE GAME. AND the game maintains a mostly solid 60fps. The Chao garden especially is so much better, and we even got a new Mission Mode. Sure, the Mission Mode is just OK, but overall though, it's a nice improvement over the original game that's there for whoever wants it.

[@jballs5434]

I really wish I had a Dreamcast and a copy of Sonic Adventure. Nonetheless, I'm glad that the fanbase is slowly making that dream come true. Thanks for sharing this. :)

[@Light-Rock97]

To think that my first and only contact with Sonic Adventure was the PC version is shocking. Even more shocking is that I thought it was magical, and incredibly atmospheric, and fun to play. So from where I come from, I'm going from the worst possible version to the very best, which is super lucky, if you ask me.

[@tadashi_senpai1907]

*messes with the files and does something stupid* Sonic: WATCH OUT, UR GONNA CRASH! AHH- *glitches*

[@mspeter97]

You know you fucked up when your HD remaster has worse texture than the dreamcast original. Also, the hell happened to the lighting in DX?

[@shinspidersonic]

I stumbled upon your video yesterday while looking at what kind of mods I could find for this game. Honestly, this is how every tutorial video should be done. Your explanations are crystal clear and very detailed, all the while being really easy to follow. Great job! :)

[@ABlob]

It's a shame that water effects from Emerald Coast, better collision detection or cutscene errors will still be a thing even with the mod since the mod only seems to enhance the lighting and change out the textures to better textures. I guess, at least it does that but the definite version would still be the Dreamcast original because of e.g. the collision detection. And it only works on a North American CD? That's kinda... disappointing. I have a European one... I guess I'd have to rebuy Adventure on Steam then. Still a good video though.

[@MarioTainaka]

A Blob you can just look for a us no cd. there should be one on main memory his site

[@Clownacy]

I... don't recall the collision engine being different between DX and Dreamcast. It was the level collision that was changed. For some reason, DX made a lot of the collision 'weaker', leading to stuff like being able to clip through the wall of the tunnel before the snowboard section in Ice Cap. Also, yes, the requirement for the NA version only extends to the EXE. MainMemory, an SADX hacker, supplies the required EXE on his website. coughmm.reimuhakurei.net/misc/sonic-U-crack.7zcough

[@blealleal7676]

The collision is fixed with the levels being readded I thought

[@WaddleDee105]

As long as the original Dreamcast release has unskippable cutscenes, it will always be the worst version imo. ;)

[@DarkAura19]

There are mods that convert the Steam version to the 2004 CD version out there.

[@n_dinardo01]

Sega just needs to remaster sa1 and sa2 imagine how much money they would make.

[@abunchofrandomgarbage23]

From the looks of the video, and the version i'm using, it seems that they made an update to this where it changes the character models as well. I love this mod. It converts the DX version back to the original, while adding some new features (like widescreen & HD) and keeping the few improvements that the DX version had (like skipping cutscenes and the game gear ports) With that said, this is, in my opinion, without a doubt, the absolute best way to play Sonic Adventure.

[@spindash64]

You can also choose to just use the old textures with the new models, which is also quite nice

[@abunchofrandomgarbage23]

@@spindash64 Yeah. I know I'm 2 months late but screw it I'll still make a reply. I personally prefer the original models, but I know there's people out there who like the DX models way better, but I'm pretty sure everyone agrees that the DX textures look disgusting. Sonic's arms in the DX version look like spaghetti to me. The option to use the DX models and make them use the old textures is always nice for the people who prefer the DX models.

[@Knux576]

Wow, this is pretty neato. The DX character models actually look pretty great with the Dreamcast lighting engine.

[@hobbitjaffa]

Thank you. I first got this game from one of those school catalogs in kindergarten and I loved playing this game! I couldn’t remember the name of it for a long time, and the original disc I had was unfortunately destroyed. This game was very nostalgic for me. Appreciate this upload!

[@soridosuneku]

Honestly I can see the benefit for the DX versions and the Conversion Mod. While the CM makes the shadows more complex and less cel-shaded/plastic-looking, such shadows also make scenes look darker than the scene suggests. Sure the cel-shading had its issues but it also made the characters look closer to the official art. I will agree that backgrounds easily improved for the CM. . . . It would be better to have a remaster that builds the game's graphics from the ground up

[@alexsilva28]

Just revisited this vid after finally deciding to give SA1 a go and was pleasantly surprised to see BetterSADX and the Dreamcast conversion were made into one mod. Worked like a charm!

[@danielbueno8474]

Yo, great video, man! So glad I bumped into this, was about to play the 2004 version I found in the HD of my old computer, but then I decided to search for a widescreen fix and stumbled upon your video. It will be a way better experience now. Thank you for making this!

[@zorochii]

WATCH OUT! MY PC IS GONNA CRASH AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!111

[@forgot2poop]

i hate myself for laughing so hard at this

[@markedison200]

Dreamcast all the way. The horrible next gen port has now imbedded a misconception that this game was never good. Everyone is playing the wrong version!

[@beta511ee4]

Mark Edison Not like everybody owns a Dreamcast.

[@LuneNova]

I was born in 1998, I only play this game in 2006-2007. I was born when modern style appear, I mean that's cool because Adventure's serie was the best modern Sonic games ever!

[@Kuzamer]

Damn, this comments section turned into a real cesspool since this video's original release.

[@valenzuelasstudios1838]

I like the dx models have Dreamcast lighting and textures on them compared to unmoded one. Plus all the Dreamcast textures (on patches of this mod) are redone to look hd and looks great. Widescreen is great for this and isn't cropped compared to other games. The only issue is the draw distance is still crap on Dreamcast and dx. If the draw distance is better and has much less pop in, the game would be easier to find power ups far away amd for 4k PCs.

[@RedHatGuyYT]

This adds back in the neon cowgirl sign as well

[@valenzuelasstudios1838]

How? That is only in Japan.

[@hellkrai]

Great video! Definitely overlooked some of these as a kid but love that I can experience what is basically the original game in HD with its original visuals

[@Xjp190]

Has anyone noticed in the comment section there are kids trying to hip and cool by saying Sonic Adventure is a bad game?

[@KasbashPlays]

To the top you need to go.

[@Xjp190]

Ashwath Nair Okay?

[@Clownacy]

THANK you.

[@lucasmilton6516]

I came to this channel originally because i was looking for a remix of Chaos Angel that was used in a fangame. Sadly, you weren't the BlazeHedgehog i was looking for. As far as i know. But, you were the one i deserved.

[@BlazeHedgehog]

It's possible I am both. soundcloud.com/blazehedgehog/chaos-angel-zone-act-3-2017

[@bluedragon9925]

Now the mod looks even better! In the latest version of betterSADX, they've included an update to the Dreamcast conversion mod that *restores the original water effects in Emerald Coast!*

[@shintonbean]

You are late, my man. PkR just released an update that takes control of the Lantern Engine's new api for boss palettes. Download this: ci.appveyor.com/project/SonicFreak94/sadx-dc-lighting to see the new changes. Also do NOT update over the experimental version. P.S: PkR recommends just getting SADX vanilla instead of using BetterSADX

[@bluedragon9925]

You mean go back to playing SADX with horrible optimization, downgraded lighting, downgraded water effects, ugly textures and and no proper support for 16:9 resolutions? Thanks, but no thanks. I'd rather go against PkR's supposed "recommendation" and stick with BetterSADX 4.1 with the Dreamcast Conversion Mod. (Unless by "SADX Vanilla", you're referring to the hard to legally obtain for a reasonable price original 2004 PC port and not the vanilla Steam version. In that case, I'd still have the Dreamcast conversion mod installed because "Vanilla" SADX really is that much worse of an experience to me.)

[@shintonbean]

I mean the 2004 SADX

[@shintonbean]

PkR doesn't approve of modpacks, and uses the 2004 version with the mod. You could download the 2004 version since you bought the game on Steam, but a safer alternative would be to just disable all of the unnecessary mods and just use the conversion. By unnecessary I mean stuff like the BetterSADX core and SADX Fixed Edition, but you can use fun mods like "Pause Hide" (restores the ability to hide your pause screen like in the Dreamcast) and "Idle Chatter" (Makes your character talk in game) EDIT: www.ebay.com/itm/SONIC-ADVENTURE-DX-DIRECTORS-CUT-PC-CD-ROM-FREE-POST-FAST-DELIVERY-/122537372807?hash=item1c87cbec87:g:1IoAAOSwnHZYl2jO

[@shintonbean]

BetterSADX is also just the 2004 version with a modpack, so downloading the 2004 version is literally just downloading BetterSADX without mods

[@RosettaGXA]

A port of a port of a port of a port.

[@RoseSupreme]

Jesus, the Dreamcast textures look SO much better! Mystic Ruins had trees?! Jeez! 14:38 WAWTCH OWT, YAWR GAWNNUH KURASH. AAAH.

[@ScapeVEVO]

Damn, Emerald Coast, and Mystic Ruins... I forgot how good Sonic Adventure looked on the Dreamcast. It was my first console too. Makes me wanna go back and play through again...

[@timgoldberg3333]

And this is why PC is the definitive platform for everything.

[@Drakkona123]

Because it has worse versions of console games?

[@supersegafan123]

If anything, it just proves that the dreamcast is the definitive platform.

[@Ashon3D]

Incredibly well made video and tutorial! I really appreciate the detail and easy instructions provided. Thanks!

[@dee-jayluig-jay5352]

Your voice is amazing btw! But thanks for this tutorial ive been looking forward to doing this mod for quite some time.

[@SwordfighterRed]

Wow, I didn't realize they changed so much for the DX version. Well, I might just have to hunt me down a Dreamcast and an original copy.

[@Xjp190]

Good luck with that

[@aquamidideluxe5079]

To be completely honest, I ended up getting the Dreamcast version and playing it on my Dreamcast and it was pretty much as glitchy as Sonic Adventure DX. Well to be fair I didn't buy a copy but burned it to a CD (which I'm pretty sure created some glitches that weren't in the original; certain textures or music didn't load or was the wrong audio which I think might be because the file I found to burn to disc had those elements removed so it'd fit on a 700MB CDR?), but most of the glitches with wonky collision detection and camera, which are my main concerns with Sonic Adventure, seem to be present in both the Dreamcast and DX versions.

[@memebot6490]

Yeah, the fact that the DX version is buggier is simply a myth.

[@Mittens0407]

@@memebot6490 Ehhhh I dunno. I played the GC version first, and I couple times I just spin dashed out of existence.

[@SJC82]

Good Great Awesome Outstanding AMAZING

[@Genericname]

Jasoncrafter82 nice reference

[@youtuberobbedmeofmyname]

wATcH oUt YoUR'rE gONnA CraSH! AH

[@riftshredder5438]

Woah, you actually got it to where you can play the game in HD widescreen? That's so awesome!!!!

[@DarianWade]

As someone who has only ever played the GC version, I cant get over how Sonic looks in the Dreamcast version

[@ViviSectia]

You should see what Chaos looks like in the Dreamcast version vs the GC version especially perfect Chaos. He was made specifically to show off some of the new graphics technology of the Dreamcast because changing fluids in 3D weren't possible until that point. No port afterwards has had the same technology and they never bothered to fix his model to work properly with newer technology.

[@RedHatGuyYT]

BetterSADX makes Emerald coast look like an '06 level lol

[@geoflashadventure409]

I have cool mod about chaos 0

[@yoshimasterleader]

This needs to be done with SA2 especially since the sound mixing got worse with each port.

[@RAFMnBgaming]

What!? I can't hear your comment over the music!

[@eddieolivas4804]

Well, I own SA2 on Steam, and I compared the audio to walkthroughs of the DC version, and I can CONFIDENTLY say that I can't notice any big differences. It was already kinda loud in the DC version to begin with.

[@Syogren]

My apologies that it took over a year for me to try out this conversion mod. I was here the day you posted this video, and I had been super excited to play it. Unfortunately I got wound up in various things, and I was not able to use it until now. Now that I have, however, I am really enjoying it. As someone who only ever grew up with the DX version of Sonic Adventure, I have been fascinated by the original Dreamcast version ever since I had learned that the game hadn't, in fact, been originally made for the GameCube. In particular, it looked very different. The models, textures, and lighting had all changed, and so I was curious as to what it would be like to play that version of the game. I have to say I prefer the "new" lighting. Really makes the game look more modern and up-to-date. I had always felt like the game had aged weirdly, but it turns out that it was just the lighting tricking me. I can't seem to get the original textures working, but...eh. Me growing up with the DX version obviously clouds my judgement here, but a lot of these old textures seem...out of place? The beauty of this mod, however, is that I can turn those off if I wish, giving me the best of both worlds. --- Now a lot of you in the comments section seem to be either joking about or are serious about three questions: "Why bother using this mod if you can just play the regular Steam/PC version?", "Why not just play the Dreamcast version?", and "Why play Sonic Adventure at all?" In response to "Why bother using this mod if you can just play the regular Steam/PC version?", there are two reasons. One is for people like me to have a new way to play the game that I've enjoyed for so long. Two is for those who actually manage to notice the differences between the different versions of the game (I never noticed the changes between the GC and Steam versions until pointed out by this video, and still can't afterwards). This mod rewinds the clock and lets them play something that closely approximates the original version that they prefer. Which moves nicely into the second question: "Why not just play the Dreamcast version?" Well as someone who has never owned a Dreamcast in my life, it would be rather hard for me to play that version of the game. In addition, and I think BlazeHedgehog himself stated this down below, Dreamcasts aren't gonna last forever. Everything decays, and with a limited number of Dreamcasts today, it will one day be impossible to play the original Dreamcast version on an actual Dreamcast. This mod mostly salvages that original version and makes it playable on a PC. This also has the additional benefit of being able to play the game on your laptop wherever you go, something you can't do with a stationary home console like a Dreamcast. --- Finally, the last question: "Why play Sonic Adventure at all?" It's no secret that Sonic Adventure and its various DX ports could have been coded better. You'll encounter all sorts of weird bugs during your time with the game, its physics can feel wonky at times, and the cutscenes are...awkwardly paced and animated. Thing is, there's more to Sonic Adventure than technical issues. Honestly, I find the complaints levied at the game to be old and tiring at this point. I've only heard that sentiment a hundred times by now. Yes, we get it, Sonic Adventure could have aged better. That doesn't change the fact that there really isn't a game like it, so if this is the kind of game you're interested in, then you're stuck playing it. You could always play newer Sonic games, sure, but those newer games don't play like Adventure. I personally like the newer games as well, but there's been a heated debate among the Sonic community as to which Sonic games are the "best," and why. While I personally have no interest in said debate, what I get out of it is that every Sonic game has some sort of appeal, technical execution or otherwise. Sonic Adventure is no exception to this, as it's really the only Sonic game with a puzzle piece storyline, six different gameplay styles, hubs to explore, a relatively complex lore that builds off of previous games and in turn provides fuel for the stories of future games, several different minigames, character themes, funky music, 90's cheese, and more, all at the same time. While other games in the series may have one or more of these traits, no other entry has all of them together. Each video game has its own unique personality. Its own unique feeling. Its own unique energy. And to discard Sonic Adventure entirely robs us of the opportunity to experience all that. If the game bothers you or otherwise doesn't appeal to you for any reason, you're under no obligation to play it. Really! You can play whatever you like. It's your world, and you are its king. But not everyone is going to feel that way. Some of us feel it's worth putting up with Sonic Adventure's downsides, because we love its upsides that much. And that's also fine. Ultimately though, if this were just a matter of opinion, I wouldn't be wasting my time justifying why I'd want to play Sonic Adventure. Because frankly, I need no justification. I'll do whatever I want to do, and if that involves playing Sonic Adventure, then nobody can stop me and nobody can tell me otherwise. The problem is that, ever since games like Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations hit the scene, older Sonic games have met unusually harsh criticism, much moreso than before these two games. Some of them, like Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic '06, which were critically panned at the time of their release, are understandably still disliked to this day. However, Sonic Adventure, along with Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic Heroes, weren't stuck in the same boat until recently. More and more, the attitude surrounding these games seems less that they suffer in the technical execution department (which they do, and that's a fair thing to point out), but that these games' ideas are inherently bad and that they shouldn't have been made in the first place. I find this attitude dangerous. These games (and most Sonic games, for that matter) offer experiences that no other does, and many such as myself find these experiences genuinely enjoyable. Taking those experiences away, along with the ideas that come with them, is potentially damaging to the video game industry as a whole, which depends on new ideas to continue being relevant. In fact, bringing back some of the ideas these games offered may not only help modern-day Sonic, but possibly even completely unrelated games from unrelated series. Not many games out there have the sort of puzzle-piece plot that Sonic Adventure does, and I'd like to see more games do that. Not many games out there have several different gameplay styles in the way that Sonic Adventure does, and I'd like to see more games do that. Not many games out there have--okay I don't even need a third example I think I made my point. Ultimately, it's less about Sonic Adventure itself and more about what Sonic Adventure represents. Can you think of another 3D platformer that does what Sonic Adventure does? Not just in one aspect, but in several or even most? Because to my knowledge, no other 3D platformer has. Maybe back in the day, when 3D was new, platformers were more willing to experiment, but nowadays? It seems as if they're not experimenting all too much anymore, at least partially because most 3D platformers don't exist anymore besides Mario, Sonic, Ratchet and Clank...and I'm sure there's others, but they're not coming to me at the moment. This has only changed in the past year or so, with games like Kirby's Blowout Blast (which seems to foreshadow Kirby finally sucking it up and making the leap to 3D), Yooka-Laylee, A Hat in Time, Super Mario Odyssey, and the like. Super Mario Odyssey in particular may be the closest we've gotten to another Sonic Adventure in...how long, at this point? And I don't know about you, but Super Mario Odyssey is looking fantastic. For all these reasons and more Sonic Adventure is still relevant. And it will probably always be relevant. If a game has managed to keep an audience for nearly 20 years after its release, with people STILL modding the game after all that time, it has to be doing something right. So sure, Sonic Adventure may be rough around the edges, but it really should be no surprise why that wouldn't stop everyone from playing it. Generally the people who are still playing Sonic Adventure have already had this entire debate with themselves by now, so trying to convince them that the game has aged horribly probably won't stop them from continuing to do so. At most, they'll probably just be annoyed at being told that for the hundredth time.

[@smonkponk]

Not sure why exactly, but your voice reminds me of the way Otacon from the Metal Gear series sounds (which is a good thing :P). Thank you for the very informative video!

[@BigGeekEmpire]

dude I was thinking the same shit

[@mrratchet]

Still happy with my DC copy. It's great that modders have enabled SADX users to experience the DC version in a better way.

[@samred2412]

This was an amazing tutorial! It went in depth and helped me out a lot. Thanks. Earned a sub.

[@daegan_ftw]

I am so glad to own a Dreamcast.

[@shilohr7284]

the end was beautiful

[@maryma1013]

Thank you for the video, i have discovered it not too long ago but it has helped in terms of not only the better way to play the game, but also to add mods in general because i didnt know how to add mods on sonic adventure lol

[@musicmanjoe7117]

I remember watching this video when it came out and playing sonic adventure the definitive way. SADX PC was my childhood game, and it was nice to see the mod manager improve it so heavily. Although sometimes I like to turn off fixed edition to do speedrun tricks. Otherwise, a great video and I highly recommend to anyone wanting to try this game out.

[@megus_vae]

Heads up : there is a new SADX mod installer for both Steam and 2004 PC versions , that automatically sets up everything covered in Blaze's video + some extra mods (like the Dreamcast Characters Mod). Grab it here : www.moddb.com/mods/sadx-dreamcast-conversion/news/new-mod-installer-now-available1

[@Lunchbillion]

I always thought DX looked a little off. Nice to know I'm not crazy! Also your voice is real nice to listen to

[@CodesTheOtaku]

Quackbillion The DC models, tho... *shudder*

[@ccateni28]

Codrian Drasil DC? HAVE YOU SEEN THE ORGINAL?

[@CodesTheOtaku]

***** I have seen the Dreamcast models. They're overly blocky and jagged. O.o

[@SuperGamer61499]

I would call it a enhanced port not per say a "remake". It certainly doesn't remake the game in a superior manner like Ocarina of Time 3D and RE-make but it's a serviceable way to play it. If you don't mind how it plays or how shiny the models are then the GC version is alright. Though, Adventure 2 I admit had a better GC enhanced port than Adventure 1 did. I felt like it was half assed in a lot of areas.

[@bamxmejia]

Thanks for the help! Didn't realize I needed this until I tried it.

[@agoodname1775]

Better Sadx has all of these pre installed now

[@kyanoang3l0_old]

This's one of the first games I've installed on my new GTX 1050 notebook, cos why not? Hehe. Can't help but feel that old games like SADX are shorter than I remember. For instance, with Mega Man Legends, I've recently managed to beat the story and all side missions, explore everything and got all of the Buster parts and special weapons within a week. I remember spending 1+ month to do all of that as a kid. Felt really weird. Prolly because I've gotten better at playing them?

[@djandcj]

“ where ya goin ya big drip”

[@griqs]

reading about all the glitches and techs really makes me want to play sonic adventure adventure again great video

[@FordGTmaniac]

The unmodified versions of SADX have inferior quality lighting and shadows compared to the Dreamcast version, and the character models look like they're made of plastic. The Dreamcast conversion fixed all of that while keeping the higher polygon models and revamping the color so it isn't as saturated. Goes to show how much better SADX could've looked if Sega hadn't rushed it as much.

[@gamesergeanthd]

My god, why can't we have nice things. People often misjudge Sonic Adventure for being a crappy game thanks to the DX version.

[@spartanq7781]

This game and Adventure 2 need hd remakes. As in not just slapping hd models but fixing the numerous problems. Perhaps even adding new things.

[@Talis7212]

We need the original level designers back, and they should make two more bonus open world hubs with five new levels

[@RetroJedi9]

Thanks for making the video I had no idea about these mods and it inspired me to give the PC version another chance. I got the Dreamcast at launch so I was very disappointed with the other ports of this game. All I had to do was install BetterSADX which did everything else automatically.

[@pkoutlawog4536]

wow bro props on some astoundingly interesting research , i wondered why i didnt get quite as much of a migic feeling when i play on pc i have got to get a dream cast and original sonic

[@jaye5716]

The actual way to play sonic adventure. Play sonic adventure, its the dopest shit despite its flaws, on either version.

[@misterhimura036]

「Retro Drive System」 The actual way is playing the DC version, not the shitty DX port.

[@i1730]

+SpardaGuy 2003 I don't want to play a speed based game at 30fps, thanks.

[@oceanman7336]

j you barely even notice it i played the game on the Dreamcast

[@DeskoDev]

i It's hard to even notice that it's running at 30fps.

[@xXOpenYourHeart759Xx]

i think my only complaint with the overall result is that the modded character models dont look as pudgy as the original dreamcast version. while the new character models look really nice, i think the concept of "playing the game as it was originally intended" would be more realized if the original models were recreated to look the same but with a higher polygon count. part of me thinks it would be better if he didnt even have individual fingers if only just to keep close to the original. other than that i think this video is well done and the end result looks great!

[@nine2five_]

Just so you know (I'm late to this comment, I know), there's a mod you can put in the mod loader/manager that lets you replace the DX models with the Dreamcast models.

[@grant3009]

This video was very helpful. I think you have a comfy voice

[@Winnetou64]

Thank you for this! I never realized how different DX looked compared to the original. Always thought they only added better character models. Gotta have to play that modded version now, I guess! Haven't played the original in over a decade 'cause I thought the HD version was the best around.