So now that Soul Reaver is (finally) on GOG, I have a choice to make: buy the PC version from GOG or the "PSOne Classic" version from the Playstation Network. My preference would normally be GOG, but I want to get the best possible Soul Reaver experience. Are there any significant differences between the two that make one superior to the other?

Personally, I like the PC version better. True, the PS1 had nicer videos but I think there was a patch for that, if I'm not mistaken.

The PC version has nicer graphics but only marginally because it supported 32bit colors and higher resolutions.

The PC version is faster, though, and there are trainers, if you're into cheating. ;-)

The best solution is the Dreamcast version :), but out of the two - I would go for the PC version. But it comes to preference.

The downsides of PC version are:
1) reduced soundtrack:
PC uses a few 'ready' tracks. PS1 has dynamic music.
2) problems with gamepads:
It doesn't like gamepads with analogue sticks, so either you'll have to use Xpadder or play with a keyboard (mouse not supported)

The main difference is the graphics. While the assets are the same, PC has no resolution restrictions (and a aspect ratio hack). Both versions again are locked at 30 fps, but again - for PC it can be modded.

The videos with the bink support (included in GOG release) make high resolution FMVs possible (including a high quality intro that was added as a bonus for PS2 version of Soul Reaver 2).

Edit (Firek): Please don't post links to copyrighted stuff.

The PC version has a faster frame rate and no real slowdowns, improved draw distance so no fake fog again unlike the PS1 version, the sound quality is better/less muffled then the PS1 version, and the graphics are much improved.

PC:
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/9673/33541535.jpg

PS1:
http://img.gamespot.com/gamespot/images/screenshots/3/197763/legacy2_screen002.jpg

The only advantage to the PS1 version is the native controller support while do to how it works in the PC version sadly you have to play around with it a bit since it's doesn't like controllers with analog sticks. I have no trouble since I have a old analog less usb controller from my old windows 2000/XP computer handy. But again for those who don't have that luxury using X padder or a similar program also fixes that issue. You like the Dreamcast version,we get it.

It's not the thing that I like it. I don't even own it. It's the fact that it is objectively better.

Yes, yes but was it necessarily to bring that version up when someone was asking about just the PC and the PS1 version? I could understand if he was asking what version of Soul reaver was better but he wasn't all he wanted to know which of just these two versions is better, so there was no point to even bring it up.

Necessary? No. But I don't see why it shouldn't be mentioned since we are comparing different versions. Many people are not even aware of the fact that DC version existed (and the fact that for some reason it isn't even listed on Eidos website doesn't help).

Were not comparing versions for the sake of comparing though,we were comparing versions to help someone with a purchase and said person has settled on either Version A or Version B as those are the versions he can easily get.

It's like someone asking what computer version of Ultima 4 is better out of the Apple 2, C64, or PC versions as he is looking to get one and me saying "Well the Sega Master system has the better version of Ultima 4, but out of the versions you listed.."
there is no point to it as it's irrelevant to the question, yeah it brought to light the fact there was a SMS/Mark 3 port of Ultima 4 and while it is the best port of the game with the FM towns version being second(and hardly anyone know these versions existed) it doesn't help him in any real way and so was pointless and unnecessary.

I'm not trying to be rude or anything, I was just saying it wasn't necessary to bring up the Dreamcast port in this thread.

So by the same rule you should provide screenshots of PSN version, not the PS1. I highly doubt it's in 320x240 and doesn't have texture filtering. Neither am I. I see your point and stated my reasoning. Now let's not go any further off topic.

GOG version is actually a bit disappointing. It's basically tha same as my old CD version - no improvements. Some people (like me) experience annoying sound crackling issues, gamepads in analog mode don't work properly, It does have better graphics, but the PSN version might be improved in comparison to the original PS1 version, I don't know.
For me one HUGE immersion breaker is the effed up music in some key moments. Compare the two (minor spoilers):
PS1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=U7jhw2wdctw#t=1980s
and PC:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn3lMHTml2k

In the vids you can also see the difference in graphics.

Considering that the PSN version is just the orginal PS1 version running under a emulator no there is no real improvements. Also you bought the GOG version of the game expecting it to be improved? Seriously? GOG is not in the business of making any kind of cosmetic improvements to a game they only apply any fixes, tweaks, and patches to ensure compatibility with newer PC hardware nothing more, nothing less.

If your looking for hd remakes or graphical improved titles your in the wrong place.

Boxed version doesn't have Bink support out of the box.

I said that the music in PC version is reduced but I did not mention how much. Basically all spectral realm music is gone, Glyph music is gone and all bosses have the same theme.
It's 30 minutes of music vs 10 hours of music.

I'm perfectly aware of what GOG is and what it does, SERIOUSLY. When I buy a GOG release I expect, like you said, modern hardware compatibility (the disappointing part is about gamepad support and sound crackling issues).

I do not expect texture work or changing music to be tha same as in PS1 version.

Basically =/= exactly

To the OP: PC music worse, PC graphics better.

I don't think GOG have the access to source code of the game, nor the rights to do so. But they can at least make the game run with modern system. Native gamepad and sound crackling are the developer responsibility. Best hope is fan made fix / patch.

Does the Dreamcast version have dynamic music like the PS1 version?