I love this game but it is hard to say what is truly the best port of it. I played every version and they all have strengths and weaknesses unique to that version.
Arcade - probably the worst because it's too hard and forces you to start levels over on continue.
X68000 - Better than arcade in everyway possible and the one I'm leaning on being the best version because its not as hard as the others. You get to rapid fire by holding down the shoot button since specials are a seperate button. Some bosses in the middle have been replaced with more interesting fights. Cotton's flying animation in the ending credits is very charming and I love it.
Turbo Grafx-CD - Best version of the soundtrack, includes voice acting but still has the arcades difficulty problems.
Playstation - Second best version of the soundtrack, easier difficulty than the arcade and some cool visual effects added.
Neo Geo Pocket Color - Just an adorable 8-bit adaptation. I love this version because its just neat that they made a cute little demake and its difficulty is pretty balanced.
Arcade - probably the worst because it's too hard and forces you to start levels over on continue.
X68000 - Better than arcade in everyway possible and the one I'm leaning on being the best version because its not as hard as the others. You get to rapid fire by holding down the shoot button since specials are a seperate button. Some bosses in the middle have been replaced with more interesting fights. Cotton's flying animation in the ending credits is very charming and I love it.
Turbo Grafx-CD - Best version of the soundtrack, includes voice acting but still has the arcades difficulty problems.
Playstation - Second best version of the soundtrack, easier difficulty than the arcade and some cool visual effects added.
Neo Geo Pocket Color - Just an adorable 8-bit adaptation. I love this version because its just neat that they made a cute little demake and its difficulty is pretty balanced.