Noteworthy Mods & Hacks of Classics
Jan 20, 2018 21:11:07 GMT -5
Post by Ex on Jan 20, 2018 21:11:07 GMT -5
We were talking about modding games via hacks in another thread, I thought it'd be cool to have a dedicated thread to that concept. So this thread is about sharing hacks and mods you think are noteworthy, particular for well known classics. I think it's cool to replay a game you've always loved, but remixed, or with improvements. It's brand new déjà vu!
I'll start with these:
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Castlevania II English Re-translation (+Map)
I love Castlevania II, but some people don't because reasons. Well, this hack attempts to fix all those reasons. Check it out:
This is an English re-Translation of Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest. In additon to translating the ROM, an in-game map is added, and the Japanese staff credits were re-added to the game. The patch is for the NES version. The translation is based on the original Japanese text. According to the author, extensive research was performed on the meaning of the sometimes cryptic original Japanese text in the game, and special attention was paid to make sure that all the translated text makes sense and is understandable, without undermining the loyalty in translation to the original Japanese game.
Features include:
NTSC version (there is also a PAL option)
MMC1 chipset (there are also MMC3, MMC4, MMC5, UNROM and VRC6 options)
Added dialog in select locations - Small changes that will improve the game experience without changing the nature of the game.
Reintroduced some features that the English releases removed from the Japanese version - Includes the extended ending text, as well as Konami-style Start text on the power-on screen.
Map function - An in-game map is included. It helps understand the layout of the game world, and to know the name of whichever place the player currently is in. It compensates for the lack of actual game manual, which in the Japanese releases included a map. Press the select button to view the map in the game.
SRAM save function - Game can be saved at any time into internal battery-backed memory and loaded later.
Advanced password encryption - Passwords that are encrypted with extended functionality, can be decoded by the original (unhacked) versions of the game. The function expands the repertoire of passwords.
Language - English.
For more patching options see the following link: bisqwit.iki.fi/cv2fin/
There is also a document that lists in detail all the dialog in the original English and Japanese versions of the game, explains their meaning, and takes educated guesses on why certain lines were translated the way they were: bisqwit.iki.fi/cv2fin/diff
You can get the hack here.
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Wrecking Two
This is a hack that makes Wrecking Crew into a two player simultaneous game! More info:
Wrecking Two is a two player co-op hack of Wrecking Crew.
A second player is required to play.
Wrecking Two contains the following new features:
Spike is controlled by player two.
All 100 levels redesigned.
Steadily increasing difficulty curve.
Purple wrench enemy is stationary.
The original Wrecking Crew has a lot of mechanics that are either under-utilized or not required to solve puzzles. This hack aims to teach these mechanics to the players as they master 100 new levels built to test their knowledge of the game.
This is a co-op game experience with player one as Mario and player two as Spike. Mario and Spike have different properties so switching characters after one playthrough is recommended to get the full experience.
Pausing the game allows player one to scroll the level up and down to see things off-screen.
There is a known issue where Spike’s controls are wonky on bonus stages only. This doesn’t impact regular gameplay.
Select “1 Player Game” on title screen to play.
You can get the hack here.
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Let us know your favorite hacks?
I'll start with these:
-
Castlevania II English Re-translation (+Map)
I love Castlevania II, but some people don't because reasons. Well, this hack attempts to fix all those reasons. Check it out:
This is an English re-Translation of Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest. In additon to translating the ROM, an in-game map is added, and the Japanese staff credits were re-added to the game. The patch is for the NES version. The translation is based on the original Japanese text. According to the author, extensive research was performed on the meaning of the sometimes cryptic original Japanese text in the game, and special attention was paid to make sure that all the translated text makes sense and is understandable, without undermining the loyalty in translation to the original Japanese game.
Features include:
NTSC version (there is also a PAL option)
MMC1 chipset (there are also MMC3, MMC4, MMC5, UNROM and VRC6 options)
Added dialog in select locations - Small changes that will improve the game experience without changing the nature of the game.
Reintroduced some features that the English releases removed from the Japanese version - Includes the extended ending text, as well as Konami-style Start text on the power-on screen.
Map function - An in-game map is included. It helps understand the layout of the game world, and to know the name of whichever place the player currently is in. It compensates for the lack of actual game manual, which in the Japanese releases included a map. Press the select button to view the map in the game.
SRAM save function - Game can be saved at any time into internal battery-backed memory and loaded later.
Advanced password encryption - Passwords that are encrypted with extended functionality, can be decoded by the original (unhacked) versions of the game. The function expands the repertoire of passwords.
Language - English.
For more patching options see the following link: bisqwit.iki.fi/cv2fin/
There is also a document that lists in detail all the dialog in the original English and Japanese versions of the game, explains their meaning, and takes educated guesses on why certain lines were translated the way they were: bisqwit.iki.fi/cv2fin/diff
You can get the hack here.
-
Wrecking Two
This is a hack that makes Wrecking Crew into a two player simultaneous game! More info:
Wrecking Two is a two player co-op hack of Wrecking Crew.
A second player is required to play.
Wrecking Two contains the following new features:
Spike is controlled by player two.
All 100 levels redesigned.
Steadily increasing difficulty curve.
Purple wrench enemy is stationary.
The original Wrecking Crew has a lot of mechanics that are either under-utilized or not required to solve puzzles. This hack aims to teach these mechanics to the players as they master 100 new levels built to test their knowledge of the game.
This is a co-op game experience with player one as Mario and player two as Spike. Mario and Spike have different properties so switching characters after one playthrough is recommended to get the full experience.
Pausing the game allows player one to scroll the level up and down to see things off-screen.
There is a known issue where Spike’s controls are wonky on bonus stages only. This doesn’t impact regular gameplay.
Select “1 Player Game” on title screen to play.
You can get the hack here.
-
Let us know your favorite hacks?