The Emulation Scene

Lately the majority of classic video game fans seem to be caught up in this frenzy known as video game emulation. This is the use of console/portable games (ROMs) on a PC, through a program called an emulator. Game producers and companies are trying to crack down on this, with not much of a case. If they discontinue making the games, show little support to replace old batteries in games that require a back-up, and almost seem embarassed to acknowledge the system that revolutionized video games and put their company on the map; why should we sit and not play those great games?

Emulation definately has it's ups. The ability to save screen shots, record movies and sounds, and save your spot are great. Previously unreleased games show up from time to time, and translation patches for Japanese ROMs give us the chance to play games that never made it to the Western hemisphere. Plus, who doesn't enjoy a good hack?

However, I am not exactly a total fan of emulation. Most people abuse websites for their ROMs, and visit just for the games. Take Virusalpha's 8-Bit Xtreme for example: He has an excellent page, it truly is one of my favorites; but he also has over 500 NES ROMs and copies of Gameboy games in the triple digits. It's just sad that most people skip the real content of his page, and just head for the ROMs.

And what is all this about save game files available on sites??? If you want to experience an ending to a game, beat it for Christsakes! Games are supposed to be fun and challenging, not something you skip through! Do you skip to the end of a book, or just watch the last 20 minutes of a movie? Truly, the most unromantic of all mediums.

Emulation Links

Zophar's Domain- This is the place to start for all your emulation needs. Zophar has every emulator ever released for any system. No ROMs you leeches!

KeNNy ZeRo's Program Page- A pretty nice collection of ROMs.