View Larger / An example of the magic of ROM modification, featuring: Super Mario Land 2, enhanced with color. (credit: Nintendo/Toruzz)
In the past, if a vintage video game needed adjustments or you envisioned an alternate version and sought community input for improvements, RomHacking.net was your go-to destination. However, following recent announcements this week, players will need to find alternatives.
This platform has stood as a significant hub for nearly two decades—home to outstanding remakes, translations, patches, and creative experiments in game design. Examples include a version of Star Fox running at a smooth 60 frames per second; an adaptation of Super Mario Land 2, now presented in full color; enhancements addressing smoke effects in Super Mario 64; and even a “demake” of Pac-Man, which Namco ultimately polished up for resale—this only scratches the surface when considering various projects that were removed due to corporate legal actions. It’s truly an extensive archive that embraces both niche titles and beloved classics—the preservation of which is invaluable.
The legacy may endure elsewhere since the content remains available; tragically though, it appears that RomHacking’s operational era is winding down. The founder recently shared a farewell message on Thursday evening that expressed gratitude towards dedicated community members while also criticizing some individuals within it. Furthermore, they hinted at exciting prospects for “the next generation.”
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