Prototypes and Homebrews

[Vector2013]

SF2 Turbo (yes turbo on md) the colors, to music to lack of voice country samples (there are many voices in game though) to more old schoolness = best sgf2 on md. Only a blanka ground stage glitch (sometimes) , boring blue m bison sky and gray bonus car sky, but rest of colors graphics (dhaslim stage), music are better imo than other md versions. Been playing the shit out that demo for hours on Everdrive. Ken = God mode in sf2t on md.

[Barone]

I'll point the best ones IMO... It's like a roadmap to anyone interested.

Completed/Almost completed but unreleased:
- Stone Protectors (Genesis): almost 100% finished (feels like the scrolling is a bit buggy in comparison to the SNES version) beat'em up; it would be a good one to show IMO.
Real hardware gameplay - in 50 Hz though: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIb-u1mrFYU
More info: http://segaretro.org/Stone_Protectors
- Mr. Nutz 2 (a.k.a. Mr. Nutz: Hoppin' Mad) (Mega Drive): this is actually a very good game IMO, much better than the first one (which was released both for the SNES and the Mega Drive) and it's also better than the Amiga version in some aspects. Very interesting game for such a Game Sack episode.
Longplay video using emulation: Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR8bL9dMuHI | Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMhr5TuKIVQ
More info: http://segaretro.org/Mr._Nutz:_Hoppin%27_Mad
- ResQ (Genesis): I think this is the game old man was referring to... It's another one which is said to be completed but it was never released.
Star Fox-like 3D bonus stage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sXgFmZ-tM0)
More info: http://segaretro.org/ResQ
- Flash Point (Mega Drive): Port of an arcade (System-16) puzzle game by Sega that is based on Tetris. I think it was planned to be released only in Japan, as the arcade game, but it didn't happen at the time. The Mega Drive version was included, along with the arcade one, in Sega Ages 2500 Series Vol.28: Tetris Collection for the PS2, however, most of Genesis and Mega Drive owners don't know about it.
Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjUcPX-erDw
More info: http://segaretro.org/Flash_Point
- Wacky Races (Mega Drive): The highlight of this game IMO is the software implementation of a "Mode-7"-esque effect for the tracks, which allows you to see the other side of the turns unlike in all those line scrolling-based games. It also has a 2P mode.
Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly8FqQQ2HIQ
More info: http://segaretro.org/Wacky_Races_%28Mega_Drive%29
- BeastBall (a.k.a. Brutal Sports Football) (Genesis): This game was released in several other platforms (including the Jaguar) and it's fun to play IMO. This version is complete but rough around the edges (it has black borders and runs a bit slow)... Anyway, it's a cool game.
More info: http://segaretro.org/Beastball
Gameplay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvrlceDHmYA
- Prince of Persia 2: The Shadow and the Flame (Genesis): The music (using only one channel) is awful, as the sfx. There's also a bug, something like the need to perform an ultra long jump in one of the stages, which makes it impossible to complete the game without using cheats (however, it's said that it can be completed if you skip to the next level at that part using a cheating device). The interesting thing about this port is that it's far more faithful to the DOS version than the SNES port.
Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJXP8HRowdA
More info: http://segaretro.org/Prince_of_Persi..._and_the_Flame
Passwords for each level: http://popuw.com/pop2genesis.html


Early prototypes:
- Soulstar X (32X): Well, it's like a single level demo but it's Soulstar, dangit!
Gameplay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2LSnUCPRjY
More info: http://segaretro.org/Soul_Star_X
- Sonic 2 Beta (Genesis): The Sonic hacking scene actually got this big partially thanks to all the stories and drama surrounding it. If you want to understand what's this is all about, read it here:
http://info.sonicretro.org/S2Beta:Main_Page
http://info.sonicretro.org/S2Betaownloads
The most interesting part is the levels which were removed from the final release. However, the Sonic 2 "Nick Arcade" Prototype is the jackpot here but it doesn't run in real hardware and it's almost unplayable for the most part. So, your best bet is the Sonic 2 Delta hack, which includes all the levels presented in those early prototypes and also includes the ones which never passed the conceptual stage (based in magazines' screenshots and interviews with the developers). It runs in real hardware and it's the best way to demonstrate those levels and concepts in your show.
All the info is here:
http://info.sonicretro.org/Sonic_2_Delta


Hacks which heavily change the content but are good to play in real hardware:
- Rock n' Roll Racing (v15 alpha ! rev08) (Genesis): This is a-w-e-s-o-m-e. Some new characters (but they fit the mood of the game, you'll see) but a ton of major improvements and some great new options. Highlights: six in race cars (it was four), improved color palette (looks very close to the SNES version now, cool!), code optimization (almost no slowdowns anymore), controls improved (closer to the SNES version and debugged), new difficulty level, dozens of new well designed tracks and Sega CD support for music (in other words, you can burn an audio CD with the SNES tracks, put it into the Sega CD and the game will use it to play the music tracks instead of the chiptunes while you're playing the game from the flashcart).
All info: http://homepage.corbina.net/~lich/romhacks.html
- Sonic Classic Heroes (Genesis): This is pure madness and great fun at the same time. No changes to the levels, a lot of bug fixes and little tweaks to improve the game... Best part: it up to 3 simultaneous players using the Team Player and you can choose the Chaotix team as well. It's awesome, really. It's super fun to be able to playthrough Sonic 1 and 2 with 2 friends and using the Chaotix team (it has the character specific moves, yes, and the animation quality is great; good palette conversion as well). Superb hack.
All info: http://info.sonicretro.org/Sonic_Classic_Heroes
- Sonic the Hedgehog Megamix (Genesis/Sega CD): The levels are a bit too long IMO but it does have a lot of great stuff and a huge fanbase in the Internet. The last version to be released for the Genesis was the 3.0 and for the Sega CD the 4.0b.
All info: http://info.sonicretro.org/Sonic_the_Hedgehog_Megamix
- Streets Of Rage 2: Syndicate Wars (Genesis): "Syndicate Wars lets you play with any character of the game, including bosses and thugs." - it says it all. It's awesome in terms of replay value and the job done here was really great, it doesn't look off or unbalanced. It also includes an exclusive version of Adam Hunter and it's amazing to playthrough the whole game with him. Tons of fun.
All info: http://www.soronline.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=367
- Bare Knuckle III: Director's Cut (version 1.5.1) (Genesis): "This ROM hack makes many changes in order to enhance the original game. Most notably this includes having the lost Round 6 hidden areas and the deleted motorbike stages restored into the game! Finally, we can play Bare Knuckle III uncut, as it was originally intended!". It's really an awesome hack despite a few little bugs, I really enjoy it. The version 1.5 is more common but the 1.5.1 has some valuable bug fixes, so use the link that I'm providing and not the romhacks one:
More info (sendspace link still works): http://soronline.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=16
- NHL94-91 and NHL94-14 (Genesis): It's a superb job done by people crazy about Hockey and the NHL94 game... These hacks fix a lot of bugs which were present in the original game, add support for the 6 Button controller and make tons of improvements in terms of giving the game a better presentation and gameplay based on the seasons that they represent. My favorite one is NHL94-91 but to be able to play with the today's teams is also great.
Here is all the info about them:
http://www.pixelpuck.com/
http://pixelpuck.com/?p=2748
http://pixelpuck.com/?p=3396
- Mortal Kombat II Unlimited (Genesis): It brings the Genesis version closer to the 32X one in terms of sfx and content (all voice samples included now and the intro/bio/vs screens too), makes all bosses and hidden characters playable from the select screen and adds the MK1 backgrounds (which is not a good thing IMO). You can also enable a combo system option and other stuff like that. I like it but I think it's a bit rough around the edges (it would have been beyond awesome if the hacker cared about improving the color usage in the backgrounds, especially in the MK1 ones and make the health bars less fugly).
All info: http://translate.google.com.br/trans...1-0-62&act=url

Hacks which preserve most of the original content but improve the gameplay:
- Sonic 3 Complete (Genesis): This one is by far the best IMO. It fixes a ton of bugs and glitches present in Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles, merge both games in the best way possible and provide some tweaks in the gameplay which hugely improve the pleasure in playing the game IMO. You can also apply some customization patches in order to make the game match your own preferences in the best way possible. It feels like an official product IMO.
All info: http://info.sonicretro.org/Sonic_3_Complete_%28hack%29
- Contra Hard Corps (MIJET Enhancement Hack + Hit Points Hack): It makes the game as less-difficult as the Japanese version and also fixes a lot of bugs and makes everything better IMO.
Hack 1: http://www.romhacking.net/hacks/450/
Hack 2: http://www.romhacking.net/hacks/797/
- Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (Elektropage's 4MB Hack) (Genesis): It's a Russian hack but not that stupid unbalanced shit that UMKTrilogy is, and this one runs in real hardware. This hack squeezes everything which could be included from the arcade in 32 Mbit respecting the original gameplay. It also fixes a lot of glitches and bugs, like one of the music tracks which were in the cart but wasn't used (it is present in the SNES version though). Bosses and secret characters selectable; secret menus available.
All info: http://translate.google.com/translat...1-0-28&act=url
- Bare Knuckle II (Ivex Hack 2012 + gsaurus update) (Mega Drive): This great hack makes the gameplay faster (now you can run, for an example) and puts more enemies against you at once, it's awesome! It was made by a Chinese guy and released in a Chinese forum. You can easily find the 2011 version and the gsaurus update here. The Ivex's 2012 version is even better and the gsaurus update (which fixes glitches and bugs) also works with it but you'll not find it anywhere else since you'd need to register, login and follow a few steps in the Chinese forum. So grab the 2012 patch file from this link, 'cause I did that painful process already for us all:
2012 Ivex Hack link (to be applied over the Streets Of Rage 2 (JE) ROM; apply the gsaurus update after this one): https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0c...it?usp=sharing
Gameplay: http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMjkxMDIxNDI0.html
- Mortal Kombat 3 (Elektropage's Hack) (Genesis): Bosses and secret characters selectable; secret menus available.
All info: http://translate.google.com/translat...1-0-33&act=url
- Streets of Rage (Turbo Hack) (Genesis): "Made all characters slightly faster, producing a more fluid gameplay. This particularly improves Adam which is the slowest character in the original game.". It plays better than the original IMO, especially after you getting used to the quicker gameplay of the sequels.
All info: http://www.soronline.net/forum/viewt...4a7ec578451f8c
- Shinobi III Enhancement Hack by M.I.J.E.T. (Genesis): "One of the biggest features this patch provides is the ability to emulate a "no-shuriken mode" as used in Shadow Dancer. Other major features include six-button-controller support and more flexible Hassou Shuriken.". It's even more pleasant to play than the original game (yes, it's possible).
All info: http://mijet.eludevisibility.org/Shi...obi%20III.html
- Zero Tolerance (Sega Mouse Hack) (Genesis): Yes, play Zero Tolerance using the mouse. The best mixture is probably arcade stick + mouse.
All info: http://homepage.corbina.net/~lich/romhacks.html
- Earthworm Jim (Weapon Select Hack) (Genesis): It's a simple change but it greatly improves the gameplay.
All info: http://homepage.corbina.net/~lich/romhacks.html
- Earthworm Jim 2 (Weapon Select Mod) (Genesis): It fixes the major drawback of the Genesis version when compared to the SNES one.
All info: http://translate.google.com.br/trans...-0-110&act=url
- Vectorman 2 (Form Select Hack) (Genesis): It's pure fun and makes the gameplay less repetitive IMO. The equivalent of the Earthworm Jim hack.
All info: http://homepage.corbina.net/~lich/romhacks.html
- El Viento Enhancement Hack by M.I.J.E.T. (Genesis): Lots of glitches and bugs fixed with an easier-to-read text font. Allows you to play a secret developers-only level. Perfects what was already awesome.
All info: http://mijet.eludevisibility.org/El%.../ElViento.html
- Rock n' Roll Racing (Ctrl Fix v2) (Genesis): Brings the controls of the Genesis version closer to the SNES one, fixes a lot of bugs and reduces/remove the slowdown.
All info: http://homepage.corbina.net/~lich/romhacks.html
- Warsong/Langrisser (Graphics Hack Patch by M.I.J.E.T. + D's text hack): It just makes the whole thing be like it should be.
All info: http://mijet.eludevisibility.org/Warsong/Warsong.html

[retrospiel]

Maybe. I'm still not sure. If we can find enough protos (not just for Genesis, but for SNES, NES, SMS, Turbo/PCE and even N64) then yeah protos should get their own show.

I will try to make sure to find enough protos for you to make a dedicated episode out of this.

I'm willing to include a few hacks but they need to be REALLY noteworthy. I tried a few on the SNES last night. Mario Dinosaur something-or-other, Super Metroid Redesign, some other Mario thing and I just didn't like 'em. I didn't feel they were worth discussing.

There are a couple of good hacks for every console, but they do not mix too well with protos or homebrew.

i.e. PS1 retranslation enables FM sound in PS1. Pretty neat!
some hacks are new games, really, i.e. Sonic Megamix or Hyper Metal Sonic.
I am sure people could point you into the right direction for an entire episode about translations and hacks here.


Edit: did not notice Barone's post. I'd agree that these are noteworthy MD protos:

Mr. Nutz 2
ResQ
Flash Point (along with Tetris)

and yeah, that Street Fighter 2 beta ("ST2 Turbo") is pretty awesome

[sheath]

^

Holy crap how did I miss all of these Streets of Rage hacks? The ones I have tried didn't really impress me because they didn't add Adam back in to the game. How does Adam in Syndicate wars play in comparison to Streets of Rage Remix? Dang, these hacks are awesome!

[Barone]

Mr. Nutz 2
ResQ
Flash Point (along with Tetris)

Tetris was released... In a very very small run but it was (anyway, I think it would be great to have both in the show for obvious reasons).

Holy crap how did I miss all of these Streets of Rage hacks? The ones I have tried didn't really impress me because they didn't add Adam back in to the game. How does Adam in Syndicate wars play in comparison to Streets of Rage Remix? Dang, these hacks are awesome!

It's the cream of the crop IMO.
I admire the efforts in Streets of Rage Remix but I much prefer the Genesis hacks made by soronline community; to play in real hardware using a CRT TV is priceless.
All that I know is that it's very pleasant to play as Adam in SOR2. I like the new exclusive sprites they used...

[TmEE]

http://www.tmeeco.eu/SMD/GBMD11.RAR

Glass Breaker MD is now 60Hz compatible. My second ever MD thing. I'll do a source release sometime, so you people can see how not to code LOL
I was 16...17 when I made it, I have come a long way since then haha.

[goldenband]

Great list from Barone! I'll throw in one that hasn't been mentioned yet: The Itchy & Scratchy Game for Genesis. I'm not saying it's a great game -- it's not, at all -- but it probably deserves a mention in the video.

It was finished but, for reasons that aren't clear to me, some copies of the ROM have a bug that makes the 4th level boss fight impossible to finish (the boss stops moving but the death sequence doesn't play); I don't know whether someone fixed it or whether there are two different dumps. Otherwise the game seems to be 100% done, though I haven't yet played the SNES version to compare.

BTW I haven't played the rest of the game, but that El Viento hack opens up a secret stage, a kind of designers' playground that's fun to check out (and brutally difficult).

[Joe Redifer]

Awesome, thanks guys! I'm thinking of having the homebrews with some time to demos and hacks in one episode and prototypes in the episode following that. The homebrew one will be on the 22nd o' December and the prototype one 2 weeks after that. We've already got an episode we're working on that most people won't watch for the 8th.

[Barone]

Great list from Barone! ...

Thank you guys for the kind comments and rep points.
I just updated my post to fix some typos/Engrish and to include the info you mentioned about El Viento (though, it's described in the MIJET page already).
I didn't know about The Itchy & Scratchy Game (you have mentioned it already but I never played it and just forgot about the whole thing), I'll have to check that one, thanks!

Awesome, thanks guys! I'm thinking of having the homebrews with some time to demos and hacks in one episode and prototypes in the episode following that. The homebrew one will be on the 22nd o' December and the prototype one 2 weeks after that. We've already got an episode we're working on that most people won't watch for the 8th.

Sounds awesome... Can't wait!
Let me know if you need any links or instructions about those hacks/protos. And don't forget to check that Splatterhouse hack for the PC Engine, it brings the game closer to the arcade version.

[Shapey Fiend]

That's a helluva post Barone. I'm going to be coming back to that when I get an Everdrive.

What Hombrew games come highly recommended? I'm not much interested in Pier Solar, more of an action game fan. I've seen bits and bobs around the place since I joined last week but nothing in the way of summary.

[midnightrider]

Holy crap how did I miss all of these Streets of Rage hacks?

Sometimes you have to visit fan sites.

[sheath]

Sometimes you have to visit fan sites.

[Joe Redifer]

Definitely won't be talking about Pier Solar. I consider that and other games that were released to buy as unlicensed commercially released games. They've transcended the homebrew status. Also I have only like 3 games that fit this category.

[old man]

It was ResQ that I was thinking about. Thanks guys.

[retrospiel]

Definitely won't be talking about Pier Solar. I consider that and other games that were released to buy as unlicensed commercially released games. They've transcended the homebrew status. Also I have only like 3 games that fit this category.

What do you mean? Commercially released homebrew games ?

From the top of my head:

Dreamcast: Last Hope, Rush Rush Rally Racing, Feet of Fury, GunLord, (Re)DUX, Sturmwind
MD: Pier Solar, Oh Mummy, Uwol, (Beggar Prince, Wukong, Star Odyssey)
NES: Battle Kid 1 & 2, Nomolos: Storming the Catsle (sic), Glider
countless stuff for Atari, Commodore, etc.