http://www.eurogamer.net wrote:http://www.eurogamer.net/forum_thread_p ... _id=138474ICO - PAL vs NTSC? PS2
rodpad
04 Feb '09 14:20:02
Other than the PAL version's much better picture, does anybody know what other differences there are between the two versions?
Blerk
04 Feb '09 14:21:48
The PAL version is actually finished and not just a 'get it out for Christmas' rush job.
Plus it has the two-player mode, the Yorda translation mode, etc. It's the best version.
JetSetWilly
04 Feb '09 14:23:04
The PAL version has the infernal piston puzzle.
Blerk
04 Feb '09 14:28:04
When I played it again recently, I did that puzzle first time. It was weird. I got stuck there for 20 minutes the first time around.
Obiwanshinobi
04 Feb '09 14:44:58
Reportedly PAL and NTSCJ versions have improved AI, optional multiplayer mode, Yorda and Queen lines translated, optional film effect post-processing and additional secret weapon (lightsaber) after the first playthrough, more complex shadows, some locations/puzzles modifyied (waterfall)... Nevertheless, one bloke on certain forum claimed that US version looks "prettier" (in places). Apparently distant textures are more detailed when zoomed in US version.
JetSetWilly
04 Feb '09 14:47:06
I thought I was going mad when I encountered it. I didn't realise it wasn't in the NTSC version, so when I capitulated and crawled off to the NTSC walkthroughs on gamefaqs I was tearing my hair out!
Blerk
04 Feb '09 14:47:19
Why would they ever lower the texture detail for the other regions?
valli
04 Feb '09 14:55:27
I think it has to do with the ugly PS2 filtering at distance. Certain textures (with grid structures, lines, checker boards) look weird on interlace CRT TVs.
The NTSC signal benefits of this by providing a more stable 60Hz picture, as opposed to PALs 50. It does make a minor difference, esp. when viewing side by side.
valli
04 Feb '09 14:56:12
PAL has more lines and better colour rendition!
Obiwanshinobi
04 Feb '09 15:00:38
Blerk wrote:
Why would they ever lower the texture detail for the other regions?
Well, I haven't seen it. I'm only reporting what that bloke claimed. Note that distant objects in PAL version lack some details, which is a typical optimisation trick. When zoomed, they are still less detailed compared to the same objects watched from near. If I understood correctly, zoom in US version switches those details back on. It's about scaling the level of details.
valli wrote:
I think it has to do with the ugly PS2 filtering at distance. Certain textures (with grid structures, lines, checker boards) look weird on interlace CRT TVs.
The NTSC signal benefits of this by providing a more stable 60Hz picture, as opposed to PALs 50. It does make a minor difference, esp. when viewing side by side.
Ico PAL has 60 Hz option. 50 Hz in this particular game is pure evil though.
Edited by Obiwanshinobi at 15:10:51 04-02-2009