MFGG phpBB Message Boards Archive
https://phpbb.mfgg.net/

Allowing Rom Hacks
https://phpbb.mfgg.net/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=20855		 Page 1 of 4
Author:  Dustinvgmaster [ Thu Nov 16, 2017 7:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Allowing Rom Hacks
Alright, I know it's been discussed before in other topics. But I've been thinking recently that this is the most obvious, direct way to increase MFGG's scope without losing its focus.

What I would propose is a separate submission type on the mainsite, likely right under "games". My main logic for this being that the games remain standalone in a way hacks really can't be.

When submitting a hack, you would have to fill in three fields (at least): Completion (as with games), Hack Type and Base Game. Completion is pretty self explanatory and base game would refer to what game the hack is based off of and what game it'd need to be patched to.

Hack type is a bit more complex, however. It would basically refer to what extent the hack modifies the original game. Cruise and I narrowed it down to about three, as far as I know: Cosmetic (visual/audio tweaks only), Hacks where the original levels and progression are mostly the same, but with gameplay changes (like the Sonic hacks that add in new moves and characters. Definitely need a snappier name for this one) and Full Conversion (where a hack tries to be a whole new experience).

Hack-related resources, such as music and graphics, could likely be easily worked in to existing areas with a few new categories.


So yeah, please voice your opinions on this, if you want. Did I overlook anything? Any tweaks you'd prefer to see? Rather not see it happen at all?
Author:  Yoshin [ Thu Nov 16, 2017 7:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Allowing Rom Hacks
I think that you should add "homebrew" to this for people who want to host their homebrew mario-related games.
Author:  Pedigree [ Thu Nov 16, 2017 7:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Allowing Rom Hacks
Let's do it

I wouldn't even wait for MFGG3 to add it

even if adding sections in taloncrossing might be difficult
Author:  Dustinvgmaster [ Thu Nov 16, 2017 7:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Allowing Rom Hacks
Yoshin wrote:
I think that you should add "homebrew" to this for people who want to host their homebrew mario-related games.

Yeah, I thought about things like Classic Kong and where they'd fit into this. Could probably just add a "homebrew" base game and an "other" hack type.

Also, one other plus to this is, afaik, there's no general Mario hacking hub. SMWCentral and things like SM64 Hacks are more focused on specific games, so MFGG could fill the niche of being the Jack of All Trades.
Author:  Kritter [ Thu Nov 16, 2017 8:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Allowing Rom Hacks
As long as the ROM itself isn't provided I don't see a problem.
Author:  Dustinvgmaster [ Thu Nov 16, 2017 8:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Allowing Rom Hacks
Kritter wrote:
As long as the ROM itself isn't provided I don't see a problem.

Yeah, I'd imagine we'd stay firmly away from that.
Author:  Syaxamaphone [ Thu Nov 16, 2017 8:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Allowing Rom Hacks
I'm gonna upload a ROM
Author:  DarkSideStrike [ Thu Nov 16, 2017 8:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Allowing Rom Hacks
I fully support this development. Also, you should be able to add in tags and fields that show what the game is a modification of.
Author:  Willsaber [ Thu Nov 16, 2017 8:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Allowing Rom Hacks
Hosting source ROMs could make hacking here more accessible than SMWC.
Author:  Pedigree [ Thu Nov 16, 2017 9:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Allowing Rom Hacks
no please no uploading or offering source ROMs that's asking for trouble

as said in the QC thread, "Should not contain a ROM or instructions on how to obtain one"
Author:  Super Mario WTL [ Thu Nov 16, 2017 9:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Allowing Rom Hacks
Not really sure what distinguishes a standalone "homebrew game" from a "fan game". I guess cuz you'd need an emulator? Shouldn't we already accept games that require some kind of runtime though?
Author:  Dustinvgmaster [ Thu Nov 16, 2017 9:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Allowing Rom Hacks
Yeah, hosting roms is not gonna happen, I imagine.

dont sue, nintendo
Author:  Yoshin [ Thu Nov 16, 2017 9:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Allowing Rom Hacks
Here's a writeup I did about BPS files and patching, if anyone has anything theyd like to add or change speak your mind.

Quote:
What is a .BPS file?
A BPS file is a patch containing modifications to a ROM. When you apply the BPS patch to a ROM you should get any changes made, so long as you use the correct ROM as a base.

How do I use a .BPS file?
To use a .BPS you need the following:
-An unmodified ROM of the game the BPS file is for
-Floating IPS(Flips)
-The .BPS file
Firstly, open Floating IPS. It should look something like this:
{FLIPS_SCREENSHOT}
Now hit “Apply Patch” you should be prompted to choose the .BPS file, find and select it. After this you should be prompted to find the ROM file, find and select that. Now the ROM file contains all the changes contained within the .BPS file, you are now free to play the ROM in the proper emulator.

How do I create a .BPS file?
To create a .BPS you need:
-The modified ROM you created
-The unmodified base ROM you used
-Flips
As with before, open Floating IPS. Now hit “Create Patch” you should be prompted to choose the original unmodified ROM file, find and select it. After this you should be prompted to select your modified ROM file, find and select that. Finally, you are given a save prompt for your file, save it somewhere convenient,

Notes:
-Always patch an unmodified ROM, if you patch a ROM that has been modified in any way it may fail to patch or corrupt the file. For similar reasons, only apply the .BPS to the correct ROM.
-Try to avoid submitting .IPS patches. While similar to .BPS they are not recommended for a variety of reasons
-Floating IPS is a multiplatform utility and runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux and BSD
Author:  Zero Kirby [ Thu Nov 16, 2017 10:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Allowing Rom Hacks
I like the idea myself. Obviously we should only host the patches and provide instructions on how to apply them, but they'd open up a whole host of opportunities for the site, not just for content but we could have hack competitions/more hack collabs than the single one we have going right now.

Quote:
Hosting source ROMs could make hacking here more accessible than SMWC.


For all of the two days before Nintendo murders the site, maybe
Author:  SuperArthurBros [ Fri Nov 17, 2017 7:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Allowing Rom Hacks
ROM Hacks are fangames, aren't they? So yes!
Author:  CM30 [ Fri Nov 17, 2017 7:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Allowing Rom Hacks
Yeah, I'm all for allowing ROM hacks here. I mean, for all extents and purposes they're fan games, and so should be accepted on the same site as them under the same rules.

Similarly, I also feel that Super Mario Bros X episodes should possibly be added to the mainsite at some point too. Like with hacks they do have a site specifically for them, but again, they're basically just fan games built on an existing engine and should probably be fine on the main site as well.
Author:  Pedigree [ Fri Nov 17, 2017 9:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Allowing Rom Hacks
The difficulty of adding a new category to Taloncrossing Content Management System may mean that Rom Hacking will not be available as a submission type unless MFGG3 makes its debut.

Just so everyone knows.
Author:  littlelum [ Fri Nov 17, 2017 9:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Allowing Rom Hacks
I think we should only stick to hacks of Mario games. SNES rom hacks should signify whether a header is required. Also, there should be ips patch source(the most popular patch type on romhacking.net, and the only one I heard of) and region is important too
Author:  Sloshy [ Sat Nov 18, 2017 12:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Allowing Rom Hacks
i voted no. part of the point of mfgg is to help ppl learn game development techniques. even making fangames u still learn crucial and universal info that can be passed on to a legit carreer because theyre still legit software. u cant really thrive off being a rom hacker
rom hacking has rly no room for growth. u cant make it a real career in the long run and u point and click to make ur levels and u have a mario game that anyone can make. ive worked with lunar magic once and this single time i managed to make something sufficient. but the idea that any1 can make it made it so boring that i didnt even release it
encouraging rom hacks on mfgg is the same as encouraging making hello clones and will rsult in more boring clones made from point and clicks that could be amde by literally anyone. this encourages lazyness and complacency that mfgg combats

this is a quote from a reply on somebodys premade engine and it hits the nail right on the head
DJ Coco wrote:
you aren't contributing with actually teaching programmers, but just spoiling them

^ this is exactly the problem hosting rom hacks will contribute to. it will send a big message saying its ok to neglect pushing forward to improve development skill cuz u can just dl a rom editor and click around without a challenge
Author:  Willsaber [ Sat Nov 18, 2017 1:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Allowing Rom Hacks
Sloshy wrote:
u point and click to make ur levels and u have a mario game that anyone can make. ive worked with lunar magic once and this single time i managed to make something sufficient.

To be fair, that's how you make levels in basically any game engine, too.
Page 1 of 4 All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/