La Play Generation

Another development in classic gaming augments these dusty old machines even more. At least two websites on the web (NES Reproductions and Play Generation) have begun creating authentic cartridges for modified, rare, or unreleased games on each respective system. Read about a game that never made it state-side? These custom-made cartridges might be able to make this game a domestic possibility.

The way that these reproductions work is rather simple. The internet is riddled with emulators (computer programs that "trick" your computer into operating like a particular video game system) and ROMs (computer files of video games that you open through your emulator). ROMs can vary from a copy of a game as basic as Super Mario Bros. to as rare as Snatcher, with custom hacks and "lost," unreleased games littered in between. In years past, it was only possible to play these ROMs via emulators, but reproducers have changed everything.

Utilizing flash technology, those who create the reproductions do either one of two things: Take the route of NES Reproductions and use pre-existing game carts, stripping out the old game and modifying the cartridge to play the game on the ROM. Or, specific flash carts can be used, again allowing the cartridge to tap into the ROM (a la Play Generation). Neither method is better or worse than the other.

As far as the particular vendors go, each website has its pros and cons. NES Reproductions gets the nod in terms of library of titles. They are more open to utilizing custom games and hacked titles (for example, they offer a version of classic Tecmo Super Bowl with rosters updated for the present NFL season) and they have a higher quality selection of unreleased titles to work with. However, the lack of any sort of packaging and the fact that you have to supply your own cartridge detracts from NES Reproductions.

On the other hand, Play Generation has its own positives and negatives. This site details with the Sega Genesis and they have less of an unreleased or custom library to work with. They also refuse to make copies of hard-to-find rarities, which is commendable in that it does not cheapen the value of the games. This limited selection is made up by the fact that each game has its own professional packaging and manual. Where NES Reproductions feels very much like a used game vendor, Play Generation would have to be considered a source to purchase new games.

It should be noted that the pros for both websites far outweigh the cons. They provide yet another source to add to your old-school gaming library. In fact, visiting these sites should be a prerequisite for anyone who fancies him or her a classic gamer.