Category: hacking scene

  • Eight Thematic Mod Types Explored

    For NES and SNES

    For clymax’s projects, click here.

    This post explores eight types of mods for Nintendo consoles spanning the third and fourth generations of game consoles.

    Note that external mods aren’t covered in this post. Examples include randomizer websites, achievement sets, HD texture packs, widescreen mods, Archipelago integrations, and Lua scripts.

    Comparison Chart

    See the Legend table further below for type descriptions.

    RankTypeSystem(s)Modder(s)
    1ConversionNES to SNESinfidelity
    2ConversionNES to SNESRumbleminze
    3TranslationNES, SNESGideon Zhi
    4Super Acceleration 1 (SA1)SNESVitor Viela
    5FastROMSNESkandowontu
    6MSU-1SNESCubear
    7Save/LoadSNESBillyTime! Games
    8Save/LoadNES8-bit fan
    9Self-RandoNES, SNESclymax
    10LevelingNES, SNESclymax

    Legend

    RankTypeDescription
    1ConversionPorting a game from one system to another
    2TranslationTranslating a game from Japanese to another language
    3Super Acceleration 1 (SA1)Improving performance by retargeting certain operations to run on an acceleration chip
    4FastROMImproving performance by activating a higher speed of ROM access
    5MSU-1Adding support for CD-quality audio
    6Save/LoadAdding support for save files
    7Self-RandoAdding an internal randomizer
    8LevelingAdding a leveling system

    So, what do you think? Do you know of a mod type that should be added to or removed from the list? Which listed mod type is your favorite? Comment below, or come check us out on Discord.

    This post has been viewed 47 time(s).

  • Crowdfunding Practice Hacks for Speedrunning

    Donkey Kong Country 1 and 3 (SNES)

    Blueimp, a speedrunner and a trusted member of the DKC speedrunning community, has supported the community by creating a practice hack for DKC 2 (which you can check out here). You can follow Blueimp via YouTube, SRC, or Ko-Fi.

    A crowdfunding campaign has just been launched for the DKC speedrunning community to reap the benefits of having practice hacks for popular speedgames DKC1 and DKC3.

    The campaign has a target of $1,000 and is already 43% of the way there as of this writing.

    If the target is met, Blueimp, recognized for developing the freely released practice hack for DKC2, will take on developing and releasing the new practice hacks.

    Just like the existing practice hack, the new practice hacks will feature quality-of-life (QoL) features for speedrunning, such as the following.

    • Level warping
    • Retry on death
    • Retry on pressing L/R while paused
    • On-screen info
    • Options screen; and
    • Recording/deleting your best level times.

    These features can be seen in the following demo, which was graciously provided by Blueimp to readers of FFV Central.

    To support the campaign, please check out the Ko-Fi page here.

    Disclaimer: these practice hacks are unofficial and are not affiliated with Nintendo or Rare.

    This post has been viewed 54 time(s).

  • Comprehensive Final Fantasy Mods of Quality

    As Recognized by FF6 Hacking and the Broader Community

    For clymax’s projects, click here.

    With the Whirlwind mod being a recent addition to the list, the time is ripe for an overview of these mods.

    The mods below are deemed as complete hacks of recognized quality, by the FF6 Hacking community (unless otherwise specified), which you can visit here or by clicking the banner below.

    It has graciously supported the FFV hacking scene over the years in hacking knowledge and server costs for hosting the hacking wiki (to name two), so please show them your support as well.

    ReleasedModGameModder(s)Focus
    1998RPGe1VMyria, SoM2Freak, harmony7Translation
    2011Eternal Crystals*VIMetroidQuestOverhaul
    2017Brave New WorldVISynchysi, BTBOverhaul
    2018Ultima1IV8-bit fan, chillyfeezExpansion
    2020Return of the Dark SorcerorVIGi NattakSeries tribute
    2021Filly FantasyVIDrakeyCTotal conversion
    2021T-Edition1*VITsushiyExpansion
    2022Divergent PathsVIPowerPandaStory
    2022Final Fantasy Jobs*VIppmlSeries tribute
    2022ReCast: War of the MagitekVIC-DudeStory
    2023A Soldier’s ContingencyVILightning HunterExpansion
    2023AntinomiaVIFast MoonStory
    2024Whirlwind*VclymaxMechanics
    1. Editor’s note: FFIV – Ultima , FFV: RPGe, and FFVI: T-Edition were, by the editor and for this post, added as putative mods of like caliber as those recognized by FF6 Hacking, to round out the list for publication, bringing the total from ten to thirteen.
      * Asterisk denotes solo project. ↩︎

    For achievement hunters, check out our selection of achievement mods for FFVI hacks, with FFIV-V possibly on the horizon, all courtesy of our moderator solidification. They include many of those on the list, and you can access them here.

    So, what do you think? Do you know of a mod that should be added to or removed from the list? Which listed mod is your favorite? Comment below, or come check us out on Discord.

    This post has been viewed 280 time(s).

  • Life Force NES to SNES Port

    Plus MSU-1 Support for CD Audio

    Rumbleminze, a fan of all things retro tech, is co-author of the Kid Icarus Randomizer romhack and whose recent work includes porting NES games to run natively on the SNES. You can follow these and other projects via Rumbleminze’s IA, Github, YouTube, or Ko-Fi.

    Writes Rumbleminze, the port author, in his release post:

    Excited to release version 1.0 of my SNES port of the NES game Life Force! A classic Konami Shoot-em-up, now with no sprite flicker, no slowdown, FIVE sick CD Quality soundtracks . . . 8 palettes, difficulty selection, and optional lives adjustment!

    This post has been viewed 26 time(s).