I've done a bounty of Quake 2 using a Source Port and started a Diablo playthrough with an HD mod that might as well be a Source Port, but then I wondered if I should just play the vanilla games. (unmodded) I'd like to hear what other people think of this. If you had to play a game to finish or completionate it, would you prefer using a Source Port or playing the vanilla version we had back then? (that is, if it runs)

If you don't know, here's what I'm talking about.

A Source Port is usually a fan-created way to play an old PC game with a modern system. Probably the most popular is GZDoom for the original Doom games. This is so, in Doom's case, you don't need to run DOS box or anything like that and can run Doom anytime easily. The downside is some source ports fix bugs and add things. (JUMPING in classic Doom) Which, lets be real doesn't sound like a downside, but a lot of people I think prefer the vanilla feel of games no matter how bad.

If I need to add or explain more, I'll try when I can. I know this may be an obvious choice, but I'm pretty sure they'll be different.....right? :P

If nothing else, one of the major benefits to these ports are the ability to easily set up and play multiplayer games. I haven't used one in years, but it was a blast being able to quickly get going on a co-op run of Doom + Doom 2 using Zandronum.

I think the only change that really weirded me out was the ability to mouse aim since the games weren't designed for it the way modern shooters are. Not that it's a totally bad thing though! I avoided playing Doom with the mouse back in the 90's because of how awkward it controlled.

Generally speaking, I try to play vanilla for my first playthrough. I don't really care about graphics, so having HD mods and such isn't really important to me, but I am very interested in making sure a game controls in a somewhat modern fashion. The biggest mod I've ever used is the Doomsday Engine for Doom / Heretic and the like. It's a pretty slick engine and although it does provide upgraded graphics, I mainly used it for excellent control customization.

I've been wanting to play Brutal Doom, just for funsies, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.

I played Diablo (and the Hellfire expansion) a few years ago and used the vanilla versions with no issues. I thought it held up pretty well, but the UI is certainly showing its age these days.