Prototype

Final

On the map screen, the image for the final round shows a rocket. There was a level with this rocket in it in the original version of the game, which is further proof that the map screen in this prototype is from the original version. The final changes the image so it shows the aerial fortress. You can also see the differences on the map itself, such as the prototype showing a base at the top which the final doesn't have.

Prototype

Final

This level is barely completed in the proto, and what is there looks nothing like the final. The proto is set during the day for a start, but the outside section has no enemies and things like the engines and cannons aren't there. There are no item boxes either, and the elevator stage is missing also.

Prototype

Final

The only hazards in the proto are the electric shockfields. The proto's exterior is so incomplete that there is a point where you cannot go any further without using the float jump with pad 2. In the final, everything is obviously ready.

Prototype

Final

The interior of the fortress is more complete in the proto, but there are still many differences between it and the final version. The colors are different and some of the graphics were also changed for the final. The proto is also completely lacking any item boxes.

Prototype

Final

Some of the walls in the proto do not have the shockfields on them in the proto. They do in the final.

Prototype

Final

The falling pillars have different sprites in the prototype. The red parts do not glow in the proto, in the final they do.

Prototype

Final

These falling platforms have completely different sprites in the proto.

Prototype

Final

The prototype has a wide corridor here, for the final version, you have to crouch to get through.

Prototype

Final

In the prototype, this area is missing the shockfields, and the moving platform just pops out of the wall. The final adds a space for it to appear.

Prototype

Final

The ceiling here is different between versions, with the final having a longer shockfield.

Prototype

Final

The is part is much easier in the prototype as there are no shockfields on the walls. The final adds them in.

Prototype

Final

The pillar is over a shockfield in the prototype, but in the final, it is over a bottomless pit. The ceiling is also different.

Prototype

Final

Again, what was a shockfield in the prototype became a bottomless pit for the final. Check the different ceiling between versions, also.

Prototype

Final

This is where this stage comes to an end in the prototype -moving right here leads to the boss. But in the final, there is door here, which will explode and lead to another stage where you have to move upwards before a moving wall crushes you.

Prototype

Final

When Shadow Master appears, he has different, brighter colors in the prototype. When the background warps you can move Joe around in the prototype, something you cannot do in the final.

Prototype

Final

The background isn't ready in the prototype, which changes to just some black background with gray spheres all over it, and no animation at all. The final's background is much more interesting. There is also a space in the background of the prototype you can move into that the boss cannot -it is located at the right of the screen. The boss can still hit you with his shuriken though.

Prototype

Final

When the boss powers up, the background does not go brighter briefly in the prototype like it does in the final. Joe can move around when the boss does this in the proto, but cannot in the final.

Prototype

Final

If you die against Shadow Master in the prototype, he'll keep trying to attack you anyway. But in the final, he'll stop moving and just fold his arms.

Prototype

Final

This boss changes color as he gets hit in the prototype. This doesn't happen in the final version.

Prototype

Final

When Shadow Master dies in the prototype, there are just a few slow explosions on him. In the final version, there are explosions all over the screen.

Prototype

Final

After Shadow Master dies, the prototype just fades to a black screen -and nothing happens. The ending sequence doesn't seem to be in place, unlike in the final version.