HRG FAQ
Dec 27, 2017 1:16:44 GMT -5
Post by Ex on Dec 27, 2017 1:16:44 GMT -5
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the point of Hardcore Retro Gaming?
This forum was created as a sanctuary for retro video gaming discussion. While there are other "retro gaming forums" on the internet, none of them exclusively cater to pure retro gaming discussion. (The only exception I know of are the Tokugawa Corporate Forums, but those fine folks solely discuss retro Japanese computer gaming.) After having personally grown frustrated over the years seeing so many "retro gaming" forums' diluted by members freely discussing disingenuous modern gaming, I'd decided I'd had enough. Something had to be done. I wanted to see retro gaming discussion integrity. That is why I created Hardcore Retro Gaming. HRG is a forum where true lovers of vintage video games can come and discuss their passion, without fear of off-topic irrelevant compromises. Hardcore Retro Gaming isn't so much meant to be a haven for graybeard gamers, but rather the last bastion of legitimate classic gaming conversation. Anyone regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual preference, whatever, are welcome here. 06/26/19 Update: Anyone who wants to deeply discuss modern games must use the "HRG - Modern Gaming" section of this board exclusively.
Why does "ten years" count as retro?
The concept of "retro" is subjective, but ten years is generally enough time to exclude the present video game generation.
Do ports of 10+ year old games count as retro?
If you're playing a port of a retro game on a modern platform, but the retro game itself remains unchanged, then the port counts as a retro game. (Say playing a NES game via Virtual Console.) If however you are playing a remake of a retro game, the remake does not count as a retro game, unless the remake itself is ten or more years old.
How strict is the over 10 year old rule if it's off by a few months?
To keep things simple, HRG goes by the original release year only. For example, if a game were first released in 2008, upon 2018 it is considered a retro game by HRG. HRG does not worry about specific months and dates versus current months and dates, we're not that pedantic about it.
What about remasters versus remakes?
If a game was not released in English until recently, should the original date be counted?
HRG always references the original release date of a localized game insofar as its retro status compliance. For example; if a game were released in Japan in 2006, but not localized into English until 2016, HRG would still consider this game to fall under retro status. This means that the constant stream of fan translated retro games are viable. After all, it wouldn't make any sense to say that a 1993 SFC JRPG translated into English in 2017 is not a retro game. Of course it is, even if the translation itself isn't as old as the game is. This logic extends to professional release dates as well. If XSEED were to localize a 2001 Japanese PC game in 2018, upon western release HRG would consider the 2001 release date of the original Japanese PC game to be its retro reference point. If you are unsure of the status of any particular game which was recently localized, feel free to consult the moderation team for clarification.
Calling an old game "retro" is a misnomer isn't it?
Technically speaking, yes. A legitimately old video game isn't "retro" in and of itself. Rather the act of playing an old game is a "retro" activity. As a matter of convenience, HRG uses the terms "retro gaming" and "retro video game" entirely colloquially. The implication is either to reference a video game that is at least ten years old, or of playing a video game that is at least ten years old.
Why three strikes and you're out?
Three strikes proves willingness of a member to consistently disregard the core principles of HRG. The easiest way to avoid this situation is to follow the rules. If you are unsure about anything you are about to post, please check with the moderation team for clarification first. You won't get a strike unless you really deserve it, we do warn folks first.
Is this forum for discussing retro PC gaming too?
Yes! Feel free to discuss retro PC games on HRG, in addition to consoles, handhelds, or even vintage mobile games.
Are we allowed to talk about emulation on HRG?
HRG allows discussion of emulators, links to emulators themselves, and instructional usage of said emulators. HRG does not allow members posting links to download ROMs, ROM archives, disc images (ISO, cue/bin, etc.), or any illegal software downloads whatsoever. Our forum host provider doesn't smile upon such things.
How can I make my username not always show up in lowercase letters?
Users can change their DISPLAY names to include uppercase, spaces, etc. by editing their profile, and going to the "personal" tab.
Can't you do something about the ads? Are you making money off this forum?
First off, NO, I (Ex) am not making money from HRG. This is a labor of love for me. This admin has no intention of ever making money from this forum, actually. The ads you see are rather the result of this forum being hosted via a free forum hosting site. That is to say, Proboards makes money off the ads, not me. However, should Hardcore Retro Gaming become a popular enough forum, I would be willing to pay the ~$72 a year to remove Proboard's ads from HRG. I'd pay either out of my own pocket, or from a community fund drive. If you want to get rid of the ads, help make HRG popular enough to be worth the effort to do so. Thanks!
I really like the concept of HRG, what can I do to help?
The worst thing you can do to HRG is just lurk as a guest, read other people's posts for your own entertainment, and then contribute nothing. The best thing? Talk on HRG, and tell other people about HRG. If you want this forum to survive and be fun, it takes effort from you too. Hardcore Retro Gaming is only as healthy and interesting as its members are multitudinous and talkative. The best way to make HRG better and more popular, is to make new threads, be talkative in the threads, and help us grow the active member base. The best way to grow our active member base, is for our existing members to invite new members to HRG. More active users = livelier active forum. It's a self perpetuating cycle!
---
If you have any questions that weren't answered here, please consult Ex via private messaging to get an answer. Thanks!
What is the point of Hardcore Retro Gaming?
This forum was created as a sanctuary for retro video gaming discussion. While there are other "retro gaming forums" on the internet, none of them exclusively cater to pure retro gaming discussion. (The only exception I know of are the Tokugawa Corporate Forums, but those fine folks solely discuss retro Japanese computer gaming.) After having personally grown frustrated over the years seeing so many "retro gaming" forums' diluted by members freely discussing disingenuous modern gaming, I'd decided I'd had enough. Something had to be done. I wanted to see retro gaming discussion integrity. That is why I created Hardcore Retro Gaming. HRG is a forum where true lovers of vintage video games can come and discuss their passion, without fear of off-topic irrelevant compromises. Hardcore Retro Gaming isn't so much meant to be a haven for graybeard gamers, but rather the last bastion of legitimate classic gaming conversation. Anyone regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual preference, whatever, are welcome here. 06/26/19 Update: Anyone who wants to deeply discuss modern games must use the "HRG - Modern Gaming" section of this board exclusively.
Why does "ten years" count as retro?
The concept of "retro" is subjective, but ten years is generally enough time to exclude the present video game generation.
Do ports of 10+ year old games count as retro?
If you're playing a port of a retro game on a modern platform, but the retro game itself remains unchanged, then the port counts as a retro game. (Say playing a NES game via Virtual Console.) If however you are playing a remake of a retro game, the remake does not count as a retro game, unless the remake itself is ten or more years old.
How strict is the over 10 year old rule if it's off by a few months?
To keep things simple, HRG goes by the original release year only. For example, if a game were first released in 2008, upon 2018 it is considered a retro game by HRG. HRG does not worry about specific months and dates versus current months and dates, we're not that pedantic about it.
What about remasters versus remakes?
A "remaster" of a ten year or older game that doesn't change the source material (aside from perhaps increasing the resolution, or upgrading the audio fidelity), is still considered the same game as its original self insofar as HRG cares. So if Game X released in 1999, but Game X HD released in 2018, but nothing about the HD version changed aside from say higher resolution or increased audio fidelity, then Game X HD is still considered on equal HRG-kosher footing as Game X.
However a "remake" of a game, meaning an old game that was completely remade with new graphics, new audio, and/or additional content, is no longer considered the original "retro" game it reiterates. Not until said remake is actually ten or more years older itself.
If a game was not released in English until recently, should the original date be counted?
HRG always references the original release date of a localized game insofar as its retro status compliance. For example; if a game were released in Japan in 2006, but not localized into English until 2016, HRG would still consider this game to fall under retro status. This means that the constant stream of fan translated retro games are viable. After all, it wouldn't make any sense to say that a 1993 SFC JRPG translated into English in 2017 is not a retro game. Of course it is, even if the translation itself isn't as old as the game is. This logic extends to professional release dates as well. If XSEED were to localize a 2001 Japanese PC game in 2018, upon western release HRG would consider the 2001 release date of the original Japanese PC game to be its retro reference point. If you are unsure of the status of any particular game which was recently localized, feel free to consult the moderation team for clarification.
Calling an old game "retro" is a misnomer isn't it?
Technically speaking, yes. A legitimately old video game isn't "retro" in and of itself. Rather the act of playing an old game is a "retro" activity. As a matter of convenience, HRG uses the terms "retro gaming" and "retro video game" entirely colloquially. The implication is either to reference a video game that is at least ten years old, or of playing a video game that is at least ten years old.
Why three strikes and you're out?
Three strikes proves willingness of a member to consistently disregard the core principles of HRG. The easiest way to avoid this situation is to follow the rules. If you are unsure about anything you are about to post, please check with the moderation team for clarification first. You won't get a strike unless you really deserve it, we do warn folks first.
Is this forum for discussing retro PC gaming too?
Yes! Feel free to discuss retro PC games on HRG, in addition to consoles, handhelds, or even vintage mobile games.
Are we allowed to talk about emulation on HRG?
HRG allows discussion of emulators, links to emulators themselves, and instructional usage of said emulators. HRG does not allow members posting links to download ROMs, ROM archives, disc images (ISO, cue/bin, etc.), or any illegal software downloads whatsoever. Our forum host provider doesn't smile upon such things.
How can I make my username not always show up in lowercase letters?
Users can change their DISPLAY names to include uppercase, spaces, etc. by editing their profile, and going to the "personal" tab.
Can't you do something about the ads? Are you making money off this forum?
First off, NO, I (Ex) am not making money from HRG. This is a labor of love for me. This admin has no intention of ever making money from this forum, actually. The ads you see are rather the result of this forum being hosted via a free forum hosting site. That is to say, Proboards makes money off the ads, not me. However, should Hardcore Retro Gaming become a popular enough forum, I would be willing to pay the ~$72 a year to remove Proboard's ads from HRG. I'd pay either out of my own pocket, or from a community fund drive. If you want to get rid of the ads, help make HRG popular enough to be worth the effort to do so. Thanks!
I really like the concept of HRG, what can I do to help?
The worst thing you can do to HRG is just lurk as a guest, read other people's posts for your own entertainment, and then contribute nothing. The best thing? Talk on HRG, and tell other people about HRG. If you want this forum to survive and be fun, it takes effort from you too. Hardcore Retro Gaming is only as healthy and interesting as its members are multitudinous and talkative. The best way to make HRG better and more popular, is to make new threads, be talkative in the threads, and help us grow the active member base. The best way to grow our active member base, is for our existing members to invite new members to HRG. More active users = livelier active forum. It's a self perpetuating cycle!
---
If you have any questions that weren't answered here, please consult Ex via private messaging to get an answer. Thanks!