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Arcade Collecting => Miscellaneous Arcade Talk => Topic started by: Level42 on December 20, 2007, 05:27:09 pm

Title: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on December 20, 2007, 05:27:09 pm
http://www.jeffsromhack.com/products/d2k.htm

or


http://arcadeshop.com/multi-pcb/dk2/dk2.htm


Now, if only I had a DK cab.......
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: JimmyU on December 20, 2007, 05:29:30 pm
Finally!! And I also need a DK cab.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: shilmover on December 20, 2007, 05:46:31 pm
Do you need a special board for it or will it work on the DK 2-board or 4-board (original)?
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Namco on December 20, 2007, 07:33:52 pm
I'm guess I'll ask what everyone is thinking. How long until this is dumped and playable in Mame?  >:D
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Kremmit on December 20, 2007, 11:09:50 pm
It's probably playable right now.  A set of DKII roms will probably run if you just rename them to dkong.zip.  If not, it can't be that hard to make a few changes to get them up and running.

But I hope nobody who buys a DKII kit will dump and distribute the roms.  If they spread on the net, the creator will know about it, and know he's losing money he ought to be making selling kits.  That's the kind of thing that can leave a bad taste in a guy's mouth, the kind of thing that can keep him from ever doing another similar project.  And I'd like to see more.

Besides, copyright theft from a mega-corp like Sony just isn't the same as copyright theft from some hobbyist guy.  I know they're both wrong, and both equal crimes in the eyes of the law, and blah blah blah.  But they're still not the same.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: polaris on December 21, 2007, 10:35:57 am
regarding what your saying there kremmit, how legal is dk II anyway,? does the guy making these boards, have/need permission from the original DK producers?
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on December 21, 2007, 10:42:04 am
But I hope nobody who buys a DKII kit will dump and distribute the roms.  If they spread on the net, the creator will know about it, and know he's losing money he ought to be making selling kits.  That's the kind of thing that can leave a bad taste in a guy's mouth, the kind of thing that can keep him from ever doing another similar project.  And I'd like to see more.

 :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud:
 :cheers:
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: JimmyU on December 21, 2007, 10:42:32 am
regarding what your saying there kremmit, how legal is dk II anyway,? does the guy making these boards, have/need permission from the original DK producers?
You would need permission to make anything with the Donkey Kong name since it's copyrighted by Nintendo.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on December 21, 2007, 10:45:22 am
True enough and while I am not completely sure of the true legal aspects, I do think that things are somewhat mitigated by the fact that you need an original DK boardset to use this -- it is an extension rather than a standalone (like the various highscore and enhancement kits out there).

EDIT: I do see a distinction between this and most enhancement kits, but there are some that add levels/features.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: JimmyU on December 21, 2007, 10:50:58 am
It also seems that Nintendo doesn't really care about its arcade past.  It doesn't even mention their arcade games in their history section (http://www.nintendo.com/corp/history.jsp) of their website, just their consoles.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on December 21, 2007, 02:41:23 pm
I don't give a ..... if it's legal or not. Nintendo has had 25 years to come with a follow up on DK and DKjr (I don't see DK3 as a real DK game personaly....) they didn't bother so .... them.

They're too busy producing Wii's anyway....

Oh and it looks that officially it's called D2K or DIIK.....
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: polaris on December 21, 2007, 02:58:23 pm
i dont give a ---fudgesicle--- either but i can see this being dumped and the ensing argument, will people respect the intellectual rights of the guy who made it with no legal right to do so
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: WunderCade on December 21, 2007, 11:13:17 pm
That's the kind of thing that can leave a bad taste in a guy's mouth, the kind of thing that can keep him from ever doing another similar project.  And I'd like to see more.

Ya..like perhaps a DK Jr. II in the future. I think this guy deserves to make some $$ without some wise guy screwing him over.

I see that this hack requires swapping out some roms on a Braze Kit. Now, if you go and buy a Braze wanting this hack included on it, I wonder if you can save money by buying both at once?
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Kremmit on December 22, 2007, 12:20:49 am
regarding what your saying there kremmit, how legal is dk II anyway,? does the guy making these boards, have/need permission from the original DK producers?

He probably needs permission to be strictly legal, and he probably doesn't have it.  And I definitely don't care.

Like I said before, it's different when it's a hobbyist and when it's a big corporation.  Not in the eyes of the law, but it's different all the same. 
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Namco on December 22, 2007, 01:29:07 pm
You see, here's the problem. Everyone assumes that dumping the roms and making it playable in Mame is strictly wrong and stealing on some level. Be it stealing justified because of his lack of license or not. What is wrong with the whole argument is that this ROM hack, this product, can only be used by those who have a working DK board, which is a very small number of us. However thanks to Mame, there is a great deal more interest in the set than there are people with DK cabs/boards. By releasing only a ROM chip set, the author has completely ignored a majority of his market, so it is inevitable that his work will be dumped and distributed freely eventually because the market demands it.

Now if he provided the means for demand to actually be met by selling ROM dumps to the rest of us who play DK in Mame, then it will allow him to make a little more profit, and will allow the honest DK fans who don't necessarily want to resort to stealing on some level to contribute. But he hasn't provided a way for that to happen. However if he sells his ROM dump independently from the ROM chips, then the plausible denability that he's only a hobbyist selling some chips is gone and now he's selling Nintendo's intellectual property. It's a double-edge sword with the inevitable conclusion of course being piracy on some level.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on December 22, 2007, 01:50:52 pm
By releasing only a ROM chip set, the author has completely ignored a majority of his market, so it is inevitable that his work will be dumped and distributed freely eventually because the market demands it.

Because we all know how willing MAMErs are to pay for their ROMS ...  ;) ... and, yes, I know some are (hey, I bought from StarROMS), but they are a definite minority, not a majority of the market. The folks on the dark side are more willing to pay for stuff like this, so I don't think that your assessment of the market is quite right.

Oh, and the ROMS are available from ArcadeShop (I missed that important point earlier). They sell them for use on their programmable multiboard.

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Namco on December 23, 2007, 09:52:54 pm
By releasing only a ROM chip set, the author has completely ignored a majority of his market, so it is inevitable that his work will be dumped and distributed freely eventually because the market demands it.

Because we all know how willing MAMErs are to pay for their ROMS ...  ;) ... and, yes, I know some are (hey, I bought from StarROMS), but they are a definite minority, not a majority of the market. The folks on the dark side are more willing to pay for stuff like this, so I don't think that your assessment of the market is quite right.

Oh, and the ROMS are available from ArcadeShop (I missed that important point earlier). They sell them for use on their programmable multiboard.

Oh, so dumps are are for sale then? I am mistaken then. Looks like my dk.zip file is need of an update  ;D

EDIT: Nevermind. $379 programmable multi-pcb jamma board only with the license key copied directly into EEPROM at the time of flashing. So all the Mame enthusiasts can just ignore this and let nature take its course. I'll just go out in the garage and play a little Street Fighter 2 Champion Edition - Rainbow - Red Wave and pretend I never saw this.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: RayB on December 24, 2007, 03:34:05 pm
Interesting project!  Anyone else puzzled as to why every single level uses only horizontal platforms?
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: nate1749 on December 25, 2007, 02:54:40 pm
I'm buying a chip for my DK cab, but I hope it's dumped in MAME too since I don't want to go to the machine every time I want to play it =) 

I've been waiting for this for a long time and so have the guys at my work (where the DK cab is).  Can't wait to install it.

Nate
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Haze on December 26, 2007, 12:51:46 pm
regarding what your saying there kremmit, how legal is dk II anyway,? does the guy making these boards, have/need permission from the original DK producers?

Extremely illegal.  It's utilizing all manner of copyrighted code and trademarked artwork.

Cool?  Yes.  Legal?  Nope.

Sure would like to play it, though.  :D



yeah, it's effectively nothing but a fancy bootleg with new levels.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: JimmyU on December 26, 2007, 10:41:44 pm
yeah, it's effectively nothing but a fancy bootleg with new levels.
Haze,
How interested is MAMEDev in this game?  I know that you guys have dumped bootlegs in the past, but not 25 years after the original was released.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on December 27, 2007, 03:21:38 am
regarding what your saying there kremmit, how legal is dk II anyway,? does the guy making these boards, have/need permission from the original DK producers?

Extremely illegal.  It's utilizing all manner of copyrighted code and trademarked artwork.

Cool?  Yes.  Legal?  Nope.

Sure would like to play it, though.  :D



yeah, it's effectively nothing but a fancy bootleg with new levels.

I disagree. A bootleg is a 1:1 copy of an original game. Very easy to do because you don't have to be creative to design levels, don't have to test drive and improve them, test again, improve further, add stuff that only appear in later levels etc. etc.  Basically this is a new game, using the same characters and basic game mechanics as an original.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on December 27, 2007, 10:03:47 am
Who cares if you disagree? 

I do ....  :'(
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Popcorrin on December 27, 2007, 10:08:36 am
Would Ms. Pacman be considered a bootleg of Pacman?
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on December 27, 2007, 10:52:19 am
Ms.Pac Man WAS a bootleg !! (Crazy Otto)

It was also immensely better than the original....

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Haze on December 27, 2007, 08:02:53 pm
regarding what your saying there kremmit, how legal is dk II anyway,? does the guy making these boards, have/need permission from the original DK producers?

Extremely illegal.  It's utilizing all manner of copyrighted code and trademarked artwork.

Cool?  Yes.  Legal?  Nope.

Sure would like to play it, though.  :D



yeah, it's effectively nothing but a fancy bootleg with new levels.

I disagree. A bootleg is a 1:1 copy of an original game. Very easy to do because you don't have to be creative to design levels, don't have to test drive and improve them, test again, improve further, add stuff that only appear in later levels etc. etc.  Basically this is a new game, using the same characters and basic game mechanics as an original.


Not really, a bootleg is a copy made without permission, regardless of if you modified it or not.  There are many other games which are technically bootlegs of existing titles, supported in MAME, Korea are famous for it (they practically built their entire arcade industry out of bootlegging games and disguising them as something new)

I don't argue that some creative effort has gone into making 'DK2', but it remains an illegally modified and distributed copy of an original Nintendo game, therefore it's still a bootleg.  Most bootlegs are _not_ 1:1 copies.


Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Kremmit on December 27, 2007, 08:33:16 pm
I believe this comes under the heading of a "Hack" rather than a "Bootleg".  A very extensive, very well done hack.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on December 28, 2007, 03:59:55 am
Whatever we call it I think it is totally fantastic that it's here. I think that it takes a little more than just "some" creative effort to design 4 new, challenging levels of DK game play, that as far as they look seem at least as challenging as the original levels. I would love it if we'd see this happen for more games. Of course DKjr comes to mind right away, but there are lots and lots of other possibilities. How about some new SW/ESB missions (hey, one can dream right ?)

If I'd own a DK cab, I would have pre-ordered mine already....

I say a big  :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: to the creator of this.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: RayB on December 28, 2007, 01:36:08 pm
"bootleg" is a term that means "counterfeit product" passed off as the real thing. So say if this guy went on ebay and sold these as authentic DK game boards.. well, they aren't authentic. I'd call em bootlegs in that context.

And the coding is a hack. Just like Ms Pac started as a hack, manufactured and sold as unauthorized add-on boards.

Any way you slice it or label it, it's not authorized, and IS infringing, but who cares other than Nintendo.

I doubt we'll see this in MAME though. Don't hacks like this end up in that other version of MAME... "WeirdMAME" or whatever it's called... LameMAME, HackYMAME.. crap I can't remember the name.

OH MISFIT MAME! that's it.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: bigh4th on January 08, 2008, 03:50:32 pm
D2K would fall under the "pirate-hack" category, which nintendo has and still does sue over, even for the NES.

There were plenty of them made for the NES and some still are.  Games like adventure island have super mario sprites hacked in and then the game is sold as super mario 11 or something.

This fellow is using Nintendo owned characters, music, and code and selling it without Nintendos permission.  For a hefty price, I might add.  Also, if you read carefully, he is also selling the orignial donkey kong as well (selectable via start-up menu)  without Nintendo's permission, which also puts this in the bootleg category and makes it more illegal.

Now had this fellow simply released this as a mame rom or was just charging for the cost of the parts, I wouldn't give a rip.  I actualy think what hes done to the game is pretty cool.   However, this fellow is trying to make money off of someone elses work both in bootleg and hack form, which makes it illegal enough that I will be forwarding his web address to NOA to see what they have to say about it.

-Harry
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 08, 2008, 03:57:59 pm
Uh, Harry ... I trust you're trolling ...

He isn't selling the original DK sprites or stuff because you need to have a board that already runs DK.

If you aren't trolling, then be sure to mention your MAME box to NOA.





Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: polaris on January 08, 2008, 04:03:51 pm
i'm sorrry i asked the question now.
this outcome wasn't my intention at all.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: bigh4th on January 08, 2008, 04:18:38 pm
No, not trolling at all.

He is selling both copywrited nintendo programming along with altered nintendo programming without permission.  Its no different than the mult-game boards that are not allowed to be spoken of on this forum, because 90% of them are illegal.

And yes, I'm sure my mamebox is illegal.  However, I have not and will not make any kind of profit from it as not only does it not contain the correct parts to receive coins, it has "credit" buttons mounted on the outside of the coin door.  I beleive charging people for something you do not own is much more offensive than some hick in the middle of nowhere playing downloaded versions of a 20+ year old game for free, especialy considering there is nowhere within 50 miles to play said games in arcade form, aside from the pizza place that is charging people to use an illegal multi-cade.

but, thats just me.

-Harry
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 08, 2008, 04:25:53 pm
Have a look around at all of the various coin-op multigames, hacks and enhancement packs hacks out there.

Read the 4-page article in Gameroom Magazine about D2K.

Look at the prices of other multigame and enhancement kits and you'll see that it is not a hell of a lot of money.

(http://happycampers.to/images/brick.gif)

Coin-op ain't consoles ...
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Barry Barcrest on January 08, 2008, 04:40:21 pm
I beleive charging people for something you do not own is much more offensive than some hick in the middle of nowhere playing downloaded versions of a 20+ year old game for free, especialy considering there is nowhere within 50 miles to play said games in arcade form, aside from the pizza place that is charging people to use an illegal multi-cade.

but, thats just me.

-Harry

So did you report the pizza place to the authorities? If so what did they say? Or did you as i suspect just build your own cab because you wanted something for free rather than paying for it. You can come up with excuses for your mame cab but at the end of the day you have broken the law. I bet if this gets released as rom by somebody even though the author has put a lot of work in you would happily download it and play for free but because you are having to pay for someones time and hard work you want to be a --cream-filled twinkie-- about. Way to go.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: bigh4th on January 08, 2008, 04:56:51 pm
Something for free rather than paying for it, huh?  You have no idea.

Come out to central virginia sometime and do a search for any place with arcades.  If there was anyone around that had something more than DDR or the ocasional Ms. pacman, I would gladly pay to play them.  The miniature golf place about 60 miles from here is the only place that has any choice of arcades, and the only things they have is Galaga, Ms.Pacman, the simpsons, and DDR.

In short, I built my cabinet to actualy BE ABLE to play the games.

And before you ask "why didn't you just buy the arcade machine itself", its because there are virtualy none in the area.  Ebay is a dud, and there may be 2 listed in a 2 month period on craigslist.

If it was released for mame, sure I'd play it.  People make romhacks all the time and post them for free.  Do a websearch sometime.  However, he is selling someone elses property for profit to people that could potentialy make profit from it in an actual machine.  Get my drift?

How is this any different from a multi-cade?

-Harry
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 08, 2008, 05:09:30 pm
You don't have any right to play those games just because you live in bumbleville ... if you want to play Donkey Kong on an arcade cabinet, the retail price is US$3500 (used cabinets and parts can, of course, be found for less). Nobody promised you the right to play these games or to find them at a price that YOU like.

If you can't see the difference between a multi-board that is mass-produced to plug into any JAMMA cabinet (kinda like your NES cart comparison) and a kit that has been designed by a hobbyist for other hobbyists that requires you to already be invested with a board that runs the base game, then there isn't much I can say except that you should do some research.

As for your turning him into NOA, make certain that you are consistent with your ethics and mention your use of unlicensed Nintendo ROMs and see if NOA cares where you live.

For my part, I'll be ordering my chips from Jeff ASAP -- before some clueless goofball messes it up for folks who really care about the games and this hobby (which is the part that has really raised my ire).

 :-\

EDIT: for spelling
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on January 08, 2008, 05:14:17 pm
Harry, everything you say to justify your Mame box doesn't make it anymore legal.

The guy that did DK2 put a load of work in it. I think it's fair he gets some money for it and I think the price is reasonable enough ($25,-)

I agree with every word Barcrest wrote.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on January 08, 2008, 05:17:43 pm
AND Cheffo....
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 08, 2008, 05:25:09 pm
Thanks Level42 -- I was feeling pretty unappreciated there for a minute ...

I think the problem is that somehow Harry has a lack of understanding about what the actual market for these kits is -- he seems to think that ops are going to grab these up and put a whole bunch of old DK machines on route with new chips.

Otherwise, he is pretty much saying that he would turn in all of the enhancement- and multi-kit vendors because they stand to make a profit helping people upgrade their cabinets and that those cabinets *could* end up out on route.

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on January 08, 2008, 05:38:42 pm
Yeah. I wonder if they care about tiny little fish like these....

If you see the number of on-line documents available everywhere (talking about service manuals, flyers, art etc. etc.) that IS still copyrighted that no-one does anything about, I don't think they're really interested.

Harry, to be honest, I don't like your double morality.....


Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 08, 2008, 05:45:04 pm
If I were Nintendo, I would be ecstatic about this and would feature a classic DK with the D2K kit at trade shows.

But I don't know if they are that cool.

On a related note, I read about Exidy releasing a bunch of ROMs (including never-released games) to the public domain.  :cheers:
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: missioncontrol on January 08, 2008, 08:26:53 pm
hell if I were Nintendo, I'd offer the guy a job revamping many of the other classics in need of an update, yet still close enough to its original form....
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on January 08, 2008, 09:04:06 pm
Go mind your own business and leave Jeff alone.  He's selling a ROM upgrade that requires that you own the original board to even use it (unless you decide to purchase a separate product from Arcadeshop to play it on).  It's people like you who cause good folks like Jeff who HELP the community to stop. 

EDIT: Cleaned up after realizing there is nothing that can be said that can do more harm to this guys rep around here than what he has said already himself...


Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: bigh4th on January 09, 2008, 12:23:55 am
I never said my machine wasn't illegal.  I just said that I'm much less of a threat than someone pirates and hacks someone's material and then sells it (for $40 according to his website).  As I said before, If he had released them for free, or at least for the cost of the parts, I wouldn't have given a rip.

And I'm sure Jeff put a lot of work into it, but I'm sure he didn't put as much into it as nintendo did, considering they created the game he hacked.

I don't think you guys are getting the big picture here.

This guy and people like him are not helping the community at all.  They're hurting it. Stealing someone else's stuff and selling it for profit is exactly why companies don't like their stuff being downloadable on the internet.   It makes it very easy for folks to do stuff like Jeff has.

Don't beleive me?  Go to an arcade auction sometime.  The one that just happened in Richmond had 5 or 6 brand new Multi-cades.  All illegal, all home-made, and all of them had a pricetag of $1200 or more, none of which the copywright owners will see.  At least one of them was running mame ( I saw the computer case through a gap in the cabinet).  Now, do you think all of those multi-cades had chips produced by the original manufacturer (assuming they even have chips), or chips with roms downloaded off the internet?

Thats what I'm getting at.  You can call me all of the cuss words you want, but if you sit down and think about it, you'll find I'm right.

-Harry
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on January 09, 2008, 12:40:53 am
If you had a problem with Jeff,  you'd discuss it with Jeff.  You wouldn't go cry to momma (NOA).  Do you really think Nintendo sells any more Donkey Kong stand up arcade games?  Give me a break.

How about this...mind your own business?  If you don't like the guy's hack,  don't buy it.  That simple. 

EDIT: Cleaned up after realizing there is nothing that can be said that can do more harm to this guys rep around here than what he has said already himself...
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: bigh4th on January 09, 2008, 12:46:01 am
http://www.amazon.com/Donkey-Kong-Mario-Bros-Donkey-Kong-Jr/dp/B000GF7L4M/ref=pd_sbs_sg_njs_title_2 (http://www.amazon.com/Donkey-Kong-Mario-Bros-Donkey-Kong-Jr/dp/B000GF7L4M/ref=pd_sbs_sg_njs_title_2) Yes I do.

You obviously need to grow up.

-Harry
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on January 09, 2008, 12:46:22 am

Don't beleive me?  Go to an arcade auction sometime.  The one that just happened in Richmond had 5 or 6 brand new Multi-cades.  All illegal, all home-made, and all of them had a pricetag of $1200 or more, none of which the copywright owners will see.  At least one of them was running mame ( I saw the computer case through a gap in the cabinet).  Now, do you think all of those multi-cades had chips produced by the original manufacturer (assuming they even have chips), or chips with roms downloaded off the internet?

Thats what I'm getting at.  You can call me all of the cuss words you want, but if you sit down and think about it, you'll find I'm right.

-Harry

Question Harry...how much profit do the original copyright holders see when people sell their 25 year old cabinets at an auction?  NONE!  NOT A DIME!  Why?  Because they ALREADY MADE THEIR MONEY when they sold it the first time!  Jeff isn't selling Double Donkey Kong cabinets out the door.  He is selling a hack to folks who HAVE a Donkey Kong that was paid for MANY YEARS AGO. 

Please point me in the direction of where I can pick up a minty fresh brand new Donkey Kong cabinet?   

Well?

Also,  please point out the profit that ANY manufacture makes off machines RESOLD at an auction...

Well?

Do you now see where your argument falters?   Sheesh...

Perhaps you may want to spend a little time here in this community before you make big decisions like going and tattle-telling on a well known and respected member of the arcade community (NOT the MAME community...the ARCADE community) to NOA...
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on January 09, 2008, 12:47:23 am
http://www.amazon.com/Donkey-Kong-Mario-Bros-Donkey-Kong-Jr/dp/B000GF7L4M/ref=pd_sbs_sg_njs_title_2 (http://www.amazon.com/Donkey-Kong-Mario-Bros-Donkey-Kong-Jr/dp/B000GF7L4M/ref=pd_sbs_sg_njs_title_2) Yes I do.

You obviously need to grow up.

-Harry

You gotta be kidding me.  I give up. 

PS: That DK/DKJr combo cab is a Namco product....perhaps you'd be best served reporting to them?
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: bigh4th on January 09, 2008, 12:53:53 am
Ok, how about the fullsize version: http://www.amazon.com/Brookstone-Donkey-Kong-Arcade-Game/dp/B000JJILMQ/ref=pd_sbs_sg_njs_title_1 (http://www.amazon.com/Brookstone-Donkey-Kong-Arcade-Game/dp/B000JJILMQ/ref=pd_sbs_sg_njs_title_1)

Nintendo (and in this case, Namco) are still making money from DK.

And until saint (the owner of the forum i.e. NOT you) tells me to take a hike, I'll continue to post.  If you don't like what I have to say, don't read it.

-Harry
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: RayB on January 09, 2008, 01:05:21 am
Harry, you're being totally misguided. The guy selling the rom hack isn't going to get rich, or even be able to afford himself anything more than dinner and movie once every 4 months.

Do you know how much it costs to manufacture custom circuit boards and roms in such small quantities? He's asking $40 for pete's sake. That's barely enough to cover his cost. If there's a any profit at all, it might cover the hours of time he spent making this, but nothing more.

Get a little perspective.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on January 09, 2008, 01:18:12 am
Funny thing Ray is that Jeff MAY sell,  I am guessing,  200 of these units....TOTAL?!  Lets say that he has a huge boom...what...500?

Jeff does the home arcade community a great service by engineering and producing freeplay hacks, etc...he's been around for years...



Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Singapura on January 09, 2008, 02:55:29 am
Quote
Question Harry...how much profit do the original copyright holders see when people sell their 25 year old cabinets at an auction?  NONE!  NOT A DIME!  Why?  Because they ALREADY MADE THEIR MONEY when they sold it the first time!

You're taking things out of their context. When you buy an arcade cabinet (or a CD or a book) you buy the right to use the content. You can transfer this right but not multiply or change the content.  Imagine if someone would change Tolkien's Lord of the Rings or recorded a sequel to Dark Side of the Moon without consulting with or getting permission from the copyright owners. He would be sued, wouldn't he? It gets worse if he decides to sell it on the internet because then it's not a non-profit operation anymore. Just because he's under the radar of a big corporation like Nintendo doesn't mean that they won't go after him. Nintendo did bring out sequels to Donkey Kong, just not in the arcades. Nintendo hold separate copyrights on the DK and Mario (Jumpman) characters and stills gets millions in revenue from them. Even using those in a complete rewrite of the DK game would make it illegal. Don't confuse legality with justice  ;)
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on January 09, 2008, 03:15:43 am
Harry, you're being totally misguided. The guy selling the rom hack isn't going to get rich, or even be able to afford himself anything more than dinner and movie once every 4 months.

Do you know how much it costs to manufacture custom circuit boards and roms in such small quantities? He's asking $40 for pete's sake. That's barely enough to cover his cost. If there's a any profit at all, it might cover the hours of time he spent making this, but nothing more.

Get a little perspective.

Actually, he is not selling a board, just the chips that carry the hacked program. The Braze kit that carries the chips are not Jeff's product AFAIK. That doesn't make your point less valid Ray. His costs were his hours spent to create it. (And the chips. And I also see that US shipping is included in the 40 bucks.)

I wonder if Harry has any idea how much hours this must have taken to create. He did a one-man job. You have to have a very good knowledge of the original program first. That takes a lot of time to figure out. Then go and think up new levels that are both fun AND challenging enough to play. Test-play, adjust, test again etc. etc. You think he did this in a couple of hours or something ? If you read this: http://www.hyperspacearcade.com/D2K1.html you'll get a first idea of how much work has gone into this.

Some important things: Nintendo sold the rights to the arcade games to Namco apparently, or at least licensed them. So Nintendo is pretty much out of the way in this story. Unless you include the fact that the Nintendo characters Donkey Kong and Mario are being used (although Mario is actually still Jumpman here). Now, to play this game, you need an original Donkey Kong PCB. If you own one, Nintendo made some money of that sold board (or the cab it came from) about 27 years ago.
The characters used in the hack that is called DK2 are ALL already present in the code on that board. The only thing Jeff did was re-arranging the game mechanics to create new levels. For his re-arranging work, he asks some money yeah. Do you work for free Harry ? Most people don't. He's not getting rich from this. I think Frizzle's number of sold units is pretty realistic.

The basic thing is that this is still a hack, not a new game.

The really funny thing about Harry's attitude is that he obviously wouldn't have "blown the whistle" (Nice analogy, ever seen Sound of Music ?) if Jeff would have given away DK2 for free.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 09, 2008, 06:50:06 am
It makes it very easy for folks to do stuff like Jeff has.

As I said, educate yourself before you continue to make ridiculous statements ... ever tried to write code and graphics in a 4K space ?

Go to an arcade auction sometime.  The one that just happened in Richmond had 5 or 6 brand new Multi-cades.  All illegal, all home-made, and all of them had a pricetag of $1200 or more, none of which the copywright owners will see.  At least one of them was running mame ( I saw the computer case through a gap in the cabinet).  Now, do you think all of those multi-cades had chips produced by the original manufacturer (assuming they even have chips), or chips with roms downloaded off the internet?

Clue in, noob! The people that you are arguing with are real collectors and we have been to the odd auction (where is the sarcasm tag when you need it). Again, if you would take the time to gain some experience and educate yourself, then you might have a chance at understanding what we are talking about.

You speak as if you are a console gamer who has played some MAME and been to an auction ... and it shows ... the point is that you can't see the differences in what you are talking about. After all Frizzle is the guy who regularly chastise folks on the multi-board issue ... I think he understands what they are. BTW, Multicade is a particular brand of cabinet that contains licensed games.

It is clear to me that you believe in what you say and think that you have thought it all out ... the difference is that you have an extremely limited view of the context in which this is occuring, so you can't see the differences and distinctions in the examples that you raise.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 09, 2008, 07:01:46 am
This guy and people like him are not helping the community at all.  They're hurting it.

I'll tell you what, you go over to RGVAC or KLOV and make this statement ... let's see what the people in the community actually think.

I'll make the popcorn ...

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: bigh4th on January 09, 2008, 08:02:39 am
I probably shouldn't be typing this, since I'm tired from being up all night with some bug I caught from the local chinese place.  But, here goes...

I never said what jeff did with the programming was easy.  I'm sure he spent many hours on it.  However, him or anyone else obtaining ROM information and burning a chip IS easy.  Any 12 year old who can read can figure it out.  Either way, that does not change the fact that:

He does not have nintendo's permission to alter and/or produce and sell their property.

He does not have nintendo's permission to use their characters in his own product.

He does not have nintendo's permission to download ROM information to his computer to alter it, either by using a chip reader or by downloading the ROM from the internet.

In doing so, he is BREAKING THE LAW.  THAT is why it make this community look bad.  For all nintendo or anyone else knows, he could've downloaded the ROMs from the internet, depsite what he says.

This all seems pretty cut and dry to me, but I'm not a game collector who would sell his first born to have a Starwars  cockpit, so how dare I let common sense get in the way of a few folks getting their fix on home-brew pirated goodness.

You know, I really like it here and there are a lot of good folks who have loads of helpful information to share (cheffro and frizzle included), and it has helped me a lot.  I'm thankful for it and try to return the favor whenever I can.  However, I find it very odd that a group of people who strongly hate multi-game boards as much as you guys do can condone esentialy the same actions on something that is just as illegal. 

-Harry
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 09, 2008, 08:20:46 am
However, I find it very odd that a group of people who strongly hate multi-game boards as much as you guys do can condone esentialy the same actions on something that is just as illegal. 

No one said that I hated multi-game boards ... again you really need some more background ... you are equating multi-game board with illegal xxx-in-board. I don't even hate some of the xx-in-1 boards. You need to learn more about what you are talking about before you sound off equating all of these things.

I, personally, love that people like Jeff put together hacks like this that we hobbyists can use to enhance our machines. You can tell that many others do as well.

People who would turn him in, when his pricing is reasonable and he is not making this available for mass distribution, disgust me, particularly when they are guilty of breaking the same laws (different paragraphs, but the same laws).

It seems cut and dry to you because you don't have the contextual experience to appreciate the differences between the things you are comparing (e.g. WTF do Jeff's ROM hacks have to do with illegal multiboards in your pizza place ?). You further complicate things with your "it's bad for him to make money from his illegal activities, but my activities, which encompass violating vastly more IP, are fine because I am in the middle of nowhere and not making any money".

I have no problem with your personal view on the subject. I disagree, but I understand.

I have a problem with you boldy charging in and saying that you are going to turn Jeff in to NOA because you disagree. Then you say that you know that you are breaking the law and rationalize it. Then you completely fail to accept anybody's rationalizations of what Jeff is doing and proceed to tell us how bad he is for the community (that we have all been part of for quite a while now).

I would just ask that you tone down your rhetoric, lest someone lob a brick at your glass house, and, more importantly, leave Jeff alone.

 :cheers:
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: saint on January 09, 2008, 09:16:02 am
I'm just not sure any laws are being broken here, leaving any moral arguments aside.  This hack only works if you have a DK board, and already own the intellectual property in question. I have not seen anywhere that says any of Nintendo/Namco's intellectual property is contained on the kit he's selling. If the kit is simply a new set of instructions telling the game how to present and manipulate the data on the legally purchased DK boardset, then I don't believe there is any illegality involved. People sell kits to modify products consumers own all the time, such as kits to modify cars. There are many different arcade hacks out there, such as chips that will enable free play. Without evidence of copyright infringement to the contrary, I think any claims of illegality are speculation, at best.

If he does have Nintendo/Namco intellectual property on the kit he's selling instead of just referencing the code on the original board, then the discussion changes. I'm not entirely clear what is and isn't allowable as a derivative work.

--- saint
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on January 09, 2008, 09:22:19 am
I never get personal on this forum, because there is never a need to really.

Most people here actualy _have_ some common sense and don't shout at eachother. Shouting is a sign of weeknes IMHO.

I'm done about this.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: polaris on January 09, 2008, 09:32:56 am
again i'm sorry dude, didnt mean to make the thread pollute like this with my question.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 09, 2008, 09:35:54 am
I would ask why saint makes so much sense and cuts to the real heart of the matter, but I guess that's why he is the Supreme Chancellor and I'm lumped in with the troublemakers.

 :applaud: :notworthy: :applaud:
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: ChadTower on January 09, 2008, 09:44:40 am
Having poked around in this space before on the Vectrex and 2600 (and having left because of being harassed by guys like bigh4th), let me tell you... what Jeff has done is no small achievement.  It's not only coding in a 4k space (though I would bet a DK board has more than that), it's coding in assembly on a 25 year old CPU.  There aren't exactly a wealth of resources out there on 25 year old assembly languages and there aren't that many people anymore with actual professional experience on them - which means if he's not one of a rapidly shrinking group, he had to extend a modern programming education back into far more primitive techniques and spaces - stuff they just don't teach in college anymore unless you look hard for it.  I'd love to hear from the guy how he went about it - whether he reproduced from scratch in assembly or if he located a disassembler, analyzed the results, and then went from there, as well as where he managed to find that compiler.

Since he's writing on a closed platform, the question would be does he owe any license fees to the copyright holders of that board layout.  Since there never was a licensing arrangement, and since it has been 25 years, I'd say no.  That leaves the two remaining issues of IP:  is he recycling pieces of Nintendo's original code and is he reproducing actual visual IP?  Both are possible, and not having seen this game I can't give a reasonable guess, but again... it's 25 years later and not being commercially produced.  There just isn't any profit being made, and therefore, it isn't worth the single hour a Namco retained attorney would spend drafting a C+D.... unless they decide to use this as demonstration of IP protection.  That could happen.  In trademark law, if you don't defend your trademarks, you lose them, even if the violators are hobbyists like this guy.  If he's going to have a problem that is where it will happen.

I love that people are still out there doing this and I really, really, really hope some bonehead with a poor understanding of hobby doesn't come along and dump these out for MAME. 
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on January 09, 2008, 09:50:56 am
Quote
Question Harry...how much profit do the original copyright holders see when people sell their 25 year old cabinets at an auction?  NONE!  NOT A DIME!  Why?  Because they ALREADY MADE THEIR MONEY when they sold it the first time!

You're taking things out of their context. When you buy an arcade cabinet (or a CD or a book) you buy the right to use the content. You can transfer this right but not multiply or change the content.  Imagine if someone would change Tolkien's Lord of the Rings or recorded a sequel to Dark Side of the Moon without consulting with or getting permission from the copyright owners. He would be sued, wouldn't he? It gets worse if he decides to sell it on the internet because then it's not a non-profit operation anymore. Just because he's under the radar of a big corporation like Nintendo doesn't mean that they won't go after him. Nintendo did bring out sequels to Donkey Kong, just not in the arcades. Nintendo hold separate copyrights on the DK and Mario (Jumpman) characters and stills gets millions in revenue from them. Even using those in a complete rewrite of the DK game would make it illegal. Don't confuse legality with justice  ;)

You quote one thing then argue another.  PER MY QUOTE,  if someone was to take their copy of Lord of the Rings and change it,  and sell ONLY THAT COPY at an auction... I doubt the estate of Tolkien would be there at the auction ready to bust the seller.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: shardian on January 09, 2008, 09:53:53 am
Chad,
There is a fairly in-depth article in Gameroom magazine in which the programmer details how he created each level. I suppose all of his info is also on his website, so it may pay to look there. According to the article, everything in the new game was already there in the source - even the pies. He basically "finished" a level that was already planned in the first place. Then he decided to go on and create a few more levels based on stuff that was there, but not implemented.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: ChadTower on January 09, 2008, 09:56:10 am
BTW, his analogy is completely flawed anyway... when you buy a cab you're buying commercial equipment, not just a license... it is nothing like a DVD or a book.  You are allowed to use that equipment for alternate uses if you wish.

Ah... so it sounds like he is definitely dipping into Nintendo's IP space.  Don't think Namco will care, really, nor do I...  I'm not sure when copyrights on embedded code expire, though, and 25 years does sound like an awfully long time in the technology sector.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: shardian on January 09, 2008, 09:59:37 am
He could have contacted Nintendo and propsed to do this under license, but would most likely not have been listened to. As we speak, Joymonkey is trying to license his Ms. Pac stencils. Will he be successful, who knows? Could this guy have gone the same route? Surely.

I think that unless Nintendo steps out and says otherwise, leave the guy alone.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 09, 2008, 10:03:47 am
In Jeff's own words:

http://www.hyperspacearcade.com/D2K1.html

I was mistaken in my assessment above ... the total coverage in GRM was 2 articles over 8 pages (only part of which is covered by the link above).
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on January 09, 2008, 10:05:36 am
I am not arguing about legality,  illegality,  etc.  I am arguing about the need for someone to go "tattle" to Nintendo of America over a product squarely aimed at the collector of 25 year old arcade machines.  It's not like Jeff is busting out Donkey Kong 2 disc's that can be played on the Xbox 360 or Playstation 3.  The guy is doing a service to the arcade enthusiast community and the last thing he needs is someone who hasn't a clue going and causing troubles for him.

Nintendo KNOWS about his upgrade.  There is a story on hyperspacearcade.com about how it was created and Scott mentioned about 2 weeks ago that a ton of Nintendo owned IP addresses were checking out that article on his site.  Jeffs "Foundry" hack has been around for a couple years now.  Nintendo has done nothing.  Perhaps they will though if some "genius" starts emailing his "outrage" to them?   Who knows.

The irony that a guy who has likely thousands of illegal ROMS sitting on his PC (along with an illegal version of Windows XP no doubt) is trying to somehow paint a picture that Jeffs single ROM hack is Satan Incarnate,  but his PC box chalk full of illegal software is somehow OK.

 :laugh2:
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 09, 2008, 10:26:55 am
This may not be strictly relevant, but in case the Nintendo folks come looking at this thread ...

I haven't had much to do with consoles in a number of decades. When I got my Apple ][, I pretty much lost interest in consoles. Further, at no point in time was I ever a fan of Nintendo games, either coin-op or console.

Decades passed and I got into this hobby.

My kids loved playing DK and Super Mario Bros on dedicated cabs. That interest has resulted in our acquiring a bunch of Nintendo consoles and GameBoys, along with the myriad cartridges to play on those units. We don't have a DS and don't have a GameCube, but have pretty much everything else.

For a guy who never really liked Nintendo games, I now have a lot of Nintendo gear ... all because my kids liked the original DK and SMB from my gameroom. And they are dying to play D2K (when they're not playing Super Mario Galaxy or Mario Party 8. ).

FWIW

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: saint on January 09, 2008, 10:39:54 am
(Looking around my house)

1 NES console
2 SNES consoles
2 Game Boy Advances
1 Nintendo DS
1 Donkey Kong arcade cabinet
1 Donkey Kong Jr boardset
2 Nintendo Vs. cabinets
1 Nintendo dual VS. cabinet
1 Nintendo Wii just purchased
Edit - forgot my N64

A brazillion games for all of the above.

.... Nintendo's gotten their money out of me :)
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: ChadTower on January 09, 2008, 10:49:38 am

Man, I don't even want to go to the effort of figuring out how much Nintendo hardware I have around... off the top of my head, and this is just at the moment:

6 NES + 500 NES games
2 SNES + 25 games
7 N64 + 150 N64 games
3 GC + 25 games
1 Wii + 4 games

6 Gameboys + many games
2 Gameboy Color + many games
2 GBA + a few games
2 GBA SP + a few games

That's not even taking into account the amount of Nintendo consoles I've found at yard sales, repaired, and sold on CL and Ebay, saving them from someone's trash bin.  That's got to be in the 50+ range for consoles and hundreds for games.

Let's just say that D2K isn't going to have any effect on my Nintendo console habits.



Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 09, 2008, 10:57:49 am
Let's just say that D2K isn't going to have any effect on my Nintendo console habits.

Yeah, but you're a Collector!

 ;)
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: ChadTower on January 09, 2008, 11:04:20 am

Consoles were my bridge drug to vid cabs which were my bridge drug to pins.  It's a vicious cycle.  I fear what may be next.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: saint on January 09, 2008, 11:06:49 am

Consoles were my bridge drug to vid cabs which were my bridge drug to pins.  It's a vicious cycle.  I fear what may be next.

BYOHD

(Build Your Own Holo-Deck)
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: ChadTower on January 09, 2008, 11:10:49 am
BYOHD

(Build Your Own Holo-Deck)

I was wondering if saint is where next is... writing a book/hosting a web community.   :laugh2:

Or maybe I started next working on old console homebrews and I wasn't hardcore enough to measure up.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on January 09, 2008, 11:28:37 am
Hey guys, someone is reproducing Nintendo restrictor plates.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=73374.0

Let's mail Nintendo about this criminal !!!




O, and wasn't Donkey Kong a hack of Radar Scope ?  :laugh2:
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: ChadTower on January 09, 2008, 11:48:45 am

Those plate are, ahem, already restricted.

 :woot
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: saint on January 09, 2008, 12:28:00 pm

Those plate are, ahem, already restricted.

 :woot

I need another new icon to go with my "annoyed" one. "Groan of the day."  Chad gets the first one.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: ChadTower on January 09, 2008, 12:31:06 pm

Maybe this one?

(http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Unhappy/you-fool-038.gif)
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: RayB on January 09, 2008, 01:11:12 pm
And a smiley just for Chad that says "+1"   ;)

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: ChadTower on January 09, 2008, 01:23:11 pm
(http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Unhappy/unhappy-plus-one-074.gif)

EDIT: can't find a happy +1
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: shilmover on January 09, 2008, 08:48:06 pm
Hey guys, someone is reproducing Nintendo restrictor plates.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=73374.0

Let's mail Nintendo about this criminal !!!


And every Repro Side Art, Marquee, CPO, Joystick, Button, Instruction Card.

While we are at it:
- Repro Coin Door
- Retro 25cent signs
- Monitor
- Cap Kits
- Inversion boards...


What about the Marquee Lights...   :dizzy:
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Pac-Fan on January 09, 2008, 10:51:35 pm
I'm just not sure any laws are being broken here, leaving any moral arguments aside.  This hack only works if you have a DK board, and already own the intellectual property in question. I have not seen anywhere that says any of Nintendo/Namco's intellectual property is contained on the kit he's selling. If the kit is simply a new set of instructions telling the game how to present and manipulate the data on the legally purchased DK boardset, then I don't believe there is any illegality involved. People sell kits to modify products consumers own all the time, such as kits to modify cars. There are many different arcade hacks out there, such as chips that will enable free play. Without evidence of copyright infringement to the contrary, I think any claims of illegality are speculation, at best.

If he does have Nintendo/Namco intellectual property on the kit he's selling instead of just referencing the code on the original board, then the discussion changes. I'm not entirely clear what is and isn't allowable as a derivative work.

--- saint


FWIW -- Namco has routinely gone on purge binges on eBay, shutting down auctions simply for having the speed chip installed in a Pac-Man arcade board (not a pirate board, just a new chip 6F on a real board that contains what? something like 2 bytes of code changed?).   I had bid on some that got cancelled for that reason back 2 to 3 years ago.

About 4 years ago when I sold a few items there, they even removed a Pac board that had a JROK ? replacement SBC installed, and was stated in the auction text as such. They claimed copyright infringement on that one since it duplicated their 'proprietary' code. They refused to provide any more information/justification unless I furnished them a laywer to go through.

Just unlucky enough to get caught in one of their enforcement acts. Of course they don't seem to do it constantly. Just more reason to avoid ebay to sell stuff besides being screwed by paypal and scamming buyers.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: cornishHen on January 10, 2008, 04:02:12 pm
Anyone know of other mini arcade cutouts similiar to:

http://www.jeffsromhack.com/products/d2k_cabinet.htm

??
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Kremmit on January 10, 2008, 11:50:11 pm
Anyone know of other mini arcade cutouts similiar to:

http://www.jeffsromhack.com/products/d2k_cabinet.htm

??

http://wayoftherodent.com/gd101/bs_paperarcade.htm
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: bigh4th on January 13, 2008, 07:08:48 am
Not really trying to stir the fire, but while I was searching for some shielded 6x9 speakers,  I came across this:

http://www.arcadeshop.com/multi-pcb/dk2/dk2.htm (http://www.arcadeshop.com/multi-pcb/dk2/dk2.htm)

So it would seem Jeff is not just selling nintendo's property to people who already have donkey kong pcbs.

-Harry
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 13, 2008, 08:31:47 am
My understanding is that you need DK installed on the board already (hence the reason that both Frizz and I included it in out arguments).
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on January 13, 2008, 12:34:43 pm
Not really trying to stir the fire, but while I was searching for some shielded 6x9 speakers,  I came across this:

http://www.arcadeshop.com/multi-pcb/dk2/dk2.htm (http://www.arcadeshop.com/multi-pcb/dk2/dk2.htm)

So it would seem Jeff is not just selling nintendo's property to people who already have donkey kong pcbs.

-Harry

Harry, 

You do what you want to do,  but I will tell you right now you are wasting  your time and breath (fingers?).  Arcadeshop has been selling their multigame boards for 3  years.  My understanding is they survived a Namco threat of lawsuit as well being they aren't selling the supported ROMS,  only the embty board.  The D2K ROM they do sell only contains the instructions to manipulate the Nintendo code that you need to supply yourself.

You aren't making any friends here with this rant BTW...none...and if you value the assistance of this community,   I'd suggest you rethink your position or at least keep it to yourself.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 13, 2008, 12:50:11 pm
I have no problem with Harry sharing his opinion here (gives us something to talk about), it's the "I'm going to turn jeff in, but I'm just speculating" aspect that I have had a problem with. 

As I have said too many times in this thread, it looks to me as if Harry doesn't "get" things yet ... in particular, the difference between the various types of multigame boards. And there is nothing wrong with not knowing that stuff, unless, of course, you choose to argue about those boards and the distinctions between them.

A little education goes a long way, but Harry has to want to do the learning (and since he missed the link to arcadeshop from the very first post in the thread, along with the subsequent responses concerning them, I am not convinced that he actually does).

Harry -- speak your mind, but please bear in mind that folks aren't just pulling stuff out of the air here and please consider that perhaps your footing isn't as secure as you think it may be.

And then leave Jeff alone anyway, because people who live in glass houses either need to stop throwing rocks or need to make friends with tommy.  :dizzy:

 ;)

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on January 13, 2008, 01:45:49 pm
(http://shifteightgeneration.com/smilies/db.php?txt=Cheffo%20loves\Tommy!!!!)
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on January 13, 2008, 03:21:31 pm
You know. If Jeff was like, one of these guys:

Shorten those links, dammit! (http://cgi.ebay.com/ATARI-CLASSIC-1984-STAR-WARS-ARCADE-GAME-PLAY-IT-NOW_W0QQitemZ140197333467QQihZ004QQcategoryZ50277QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p1638.m122)

I would actually agree with Harry.

But you know, Jeff is not like these ---uvulas--- at all.....he provided us, the classic games fans a very big favor and invested a lot of time in it. He's not here for a quick buck.I don't care about it being legal or illegal, I care about if I can justify it with my morality. I can, and I think most of us do here.

Problem is Harry doesn't see the difference. His problem.

O, and indeed, if you would have taken the little effort of looking on my initial post you would have seen 2 (two) links.......DUH !
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 13, 2008, 04:11:17 pm
(http://shifteightgeneration.com/smilies/db.php?txt=Cheffo%20loves\Tommy!!!!)

That's what I get for posting drunk at the fort ...  :cheers:
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: bigh4th on January 14, 2008, 05:58:04 am
Well, please explain what makes this any different or more moral than any other bootleg or hack?

Like I said earlier, I'm not trying to pick a fight.  I just don't see how someone spending a lot of time working on something illegal makes it moral.  I see it a lot like someone making moonshine.  It take a long time to make it, but its still illegal.

Also, you're right.  I didn't see the arcadeshop link the first time.  Sorry.

-Harry
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on January 14, 2008, 10:27:35 am
Well, please explain what makes this any different or more moral than any other bootleg or hack?

Please explain what makes your stealing ROMS any different than anyone else stealing ROMS? 

Quote
Like I said earlier, I'm not trying to pick a fight.  I just don't see how someone spending a lot of time working on something illegal makes it moral.  I see it a lot like someone making moonshine.  It take a long time to make it, but its still illegal.

If you are all about ETHICS,  please delete all your ROMS.  I know,  in your world it's OK to have them,  but in the LEGAL world they are just as ILLEGAL as what you are ranting on and on about.  If it comes down to ethics,  I'd suggest you get out of this hobby unless you have a lot of $$$ to own each and every game you have a ROM file for.  So,  knowing  you have ILLEGAL ROMS (no matter how you spin it) on your cabinet...how can you talk morals with a straight face?

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: bigh4th on January 14, 2008, 10:50:19 am
Now I understand the situation.

Jeff is part of the "club".  Anyone in the club can do what they like with what they like, no matter how illegal it is.  If someone outside of the club questions it, the club comes down on them like a ton of bricks.

You also seem to be under the impression that owning a game gives you a legal right to have rom files of said game.  It does not, and that is just as illegal.  Unauthorized ROM files are illegal, no matter if you own the PCBs, Cartridge, disk, or anything else.

Selling hacked versions of games (be it via a pass-through or whatever) does nothing but draw more negative attention to those of us who (while having illegal copies of games) actualy mean no harm to any of the copywright holders,  but would still like to play their games when we have no means of doing so otherwise.  See where I'm comming from?

You never did answer my question, by the way.

-Harry
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 14, 2008, 11:05:07 am
Now I understand the situation.

Jeff is part of the "club".  Anyone in the club can do what they like with what they like, no matter how illegal it is.  If someone outside of the club questions it, the club comes down on them like a ton of bricks.

Please, Harry, spare us the sanctimony about legality until such time as you have cleaned up your own house. *I* came down on you for reporting someone without understanding the background and while breaking just as many laws yourself.

You also seem to be under the impression that owning a game gives you a legal right to have rom files of said game.  It does not, and that is just as illegal.  Unauthorized ROM files are illegal, no matter if you own the PCBs, Cartridge, disk, or anything else.

Where the heck did you pull this from ? Please cite a specific reference.

I know lots of guys who've never once used MAME and have pulled ROM files from their chips in order to burn replacements or to install on replacement emulator-based boards. This is a well-established practice and I would like to know where your information is coming from since folks like Namco know about it.

Selling hacked versions of games (be it via a pass-through or whatever) does nothing but draw more negative attention to those of us who (while having illegal copies of games) actualy mean no harm to any of the copywright holders,  but would still like to play their games when we have no means of doing so otherwise.  See where I'm comming from?

Yeah, it's all about you being able to play your games (without having to pay what you consider to be an excessive price) and to hell with the rest of us.  :-\
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: bigh4th on January 14, 2008, 11:55:26 am
Quote
§ 117. Limitations on exclusive rights: Computer programs53
(a) Making of Additional Copy or Adaptation by Owner of Copy. — Notwithstanding the provisions of section 106, it is not an infringement for the owner of a copy of a computer program to make or authorize the making of another copy or adaptation of that computer program provided:

(1) that such a new copy or adaptation is created as an essential step in the utilization of the computer program in conjunction with a machine and that it is used in no other manner, or

(2) that such new copy or adaptation is for archival purposes only and that all archival copies are destroyed in the event that continued possession of the computer program should cease to be rightful.

--http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#117 (http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#117)

In short, you are only allowed to "archive" ROMs if you have a means to reproduce them on a chip to be used as a replacement for a defective chip.  You do not have the right to use a rom with an emulator or to alter it in any way.

Furthermore,

Quote
(b) Lease, Sale, or Other Transfer of Additional Copy or Adaptation. — Any exact copies prepared in accordance with the provisions of this section may be leased, sold, or otherwise transferred, along with the copy from which such copies were prepared, only as part of the lease, sale, or other transfer of all rights in the program. Adaptations so prepared may be transferred only with the authorization of the copyright owner.

So, D2K is illegal, and your friends who install them on emulator-based boards are breaking the law.

No, its not all about me being able to play games for a low price, its about people like me being able to play these games at all.  There is virtualy NOTHING for sale in virginia, as far as arcade games go.  Do a 75 mile search on ebay in arcades for zip 23841.  Hardly anything.

The majority of people (i.e. not you and frizzle) do not have $700 plus to drop on a ragged donkey kong machine that may or may not work, plus have the extra $$$ to have it shipped from out of state.

-Harry
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 14, 2008, 12:23:03 pm
Thanks for the link ... I'm not sure that I agree with your interpretation, particularly vis-a-vis emulation for those who have original licensed equipment, but I can see where you are coming from. I am also not convinced that your representation of what D2K is accurate (as per saint's post on the topic).

And my point about the availability is not that I think you should run our and actually buy every cabinet, but rather that your argument that they are not available holds no water as a legal defense (hence, the repeated queries about your apparent double-standard) and isn't much of a moral defense because you are just saying that you can't afford it.

At the end of the day, we're not questioning why you have a MAME cab -- we're questioning the your holier-than-thou attitude towards Jeff (including your intent to report him), who is clearly doing something that most of the coin-op hobbyist community seems to look very favourably on (so interfering with that would be harmful to the community), when you are happy enough to overlook your own violations.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on January 14, 2008, 01:25:45 pm
The majority of people (i.e. not you and frizzle) do not have $700 plus to drop on a ragged donkey kong machine that may or may not work, plus have the extra $$$ to have it shipped from out of state.

-Harry

I do have a Donkey Kong machine...well...a Double Donkey Kong machine,  but that is just as illegal I suppose.  Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.  The day you destroy your MAME cabinet is the day I start taking anything you say seriously.  You are a hypocrite. 
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: RayB on January 19, 2008, 06:10:04 pm
Harry, how hard is it for you to understand that the chips contain a set of data that alters the original board's data? That's not illegal.

The DMCA even provides exceptions for "obsolete" hardware and media.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: WunderCade on January 19, 2008, 08:31:28 pm
I just wish they'd sell the Braze Kit with the new DKII roms already installed (since one depends on the other) instead of pinching you for both separately.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 19, 2008, 09:42:26 pm
I just wish they'd sell the Braze Kit with the new DKII roms already installed (since one depends on the other) instead of pinching you for both separately.

Scott's kits do not depend on D2K -- they're a high score save / enhancement kit.

EDIT: I misread ... mea culpa ... Wunder wasn't implying a two-way dependance ... sorry ...
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Haze on January 20, 2008, 05:50:12 pm
Harry, how hard is it for you to understand that the chips contain a set of data that alters the original board's data? That's not illegal.

The DMCA even provides exceptions for "obsolete" hardware and media.


That's a common misconception.  The DMCA exceptions do NOT make it ok to ignore the copyright / hack the game code which is exactly what is being done here.  They make it acceptable to work around protection etc. on obsolete systems for interoperability purposes (basically the things MAME does)

Nintendo could quite easily shut down the entire DK2 thing, they'd be well within their rights to do so, and I wouldn't be surprised if they do if they become aware of it because it actually threatens their Donkey Kong trademark, something which they're *very* protective over.


Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: RayB on January 20, 2008, 11:50:43 pm
I never said the exceptions give right to copy the programming. I mentioned exceptions exist, and its up to the reader to go look up what the exceptions are rather than make assumptions.

Hacking game code isn't a copyright violation unless the chips being sold actually CONTAIN game code. If its just new level data, the new bits and bytes that dictate which graphic tile goes where is actually copyright of the guy who made this hack!

You know this [Haze]. MAME is still alive under the very same principle.

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: bigh4th on January 21, 2008, 02:17:55 am
Hacking game code isn't a copyright violation unless the chips being sold actually CONTAIN game code. If its just new level data, the new bits and bytes that dictate which graphic tile goes where is actually copyright of the guy who made this hack!


Ahh, but what is game code by definition?  Does Game code not dictate what graphic tile goes where?  Does game code not dictate what pallet is used to color said graphic tile?

In short, does D2K not alter DK's original game code?  Does D2K not contain its own graphics tiles which were not present in the original DK?

The DMCA does NOT provide exemptions on "obsolete" hardware or media in the case of alteration.  The DMCA only provides exemptions on "obsolete" hardware or meda to be able to accesable or useable.

Quote
Section 1201 divides technological measures into two categories: measures that
prevent unauthorized access to a copyrighted work and measures that prevent
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998
2“Copying” is used in this context as a short-hand for the exercise of any of the exclusive
rights of an author under section 106 of the Copyright Act. Consequently, a technological
measure that prevents unauthorized distribution or public performance of a work would fall
in this second category.

unauthorized copying2 of a copyrighted work. Making or selling devices or services that
are used to circumvent either category of technological measure is prohibited in certain
circumstances, described below. As to the act of circumvention in itself, the provision
prohibits circumventing the first category of technological measures, but not the
second.
This distinction was employed to assure that the public will have the continued
ability to make fair use of copyrighted works. Since copying of a work may be a fair use
under appropriate circumstances, section 1201 does not prohibit the act of circumventing
a technological measure that prevents copying.

Example:  you have a copy of joe blows checkers from 1992 on floppy-disk and you've lost the password to it.  Under this act, you can only LEGALY bypass the password system to make the game useable.  This does not give you the right to alter joe blow's checkers into john doe's chess.

Read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midway_Manufacturing_Co._v._Artic_International%2C_Inc. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midway_Manufacturing_Co._v._Artic_International%2C_Inc.)

D2K modifies the games code, so it is illegal.

-Harry
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 21, 2008, 10:55:43 am
/me throws his hands up in dismay when realizes that he tends to agree with PBJ ...

Many of us flirt with the illegalities and moral issues and some just step right over it. My personal view is that those running emulator-based cabs with a large collection of pirated ROMS are more in the wrong than folks like Jeff. 

I would like to see D2K and similar projects continue unimpeded because those are the projects that are useful to me. It is selfish vis a vis Nintendo's rights, but I think less selfish than someone who would say that Jeff is bad for the hobby, while downloading 4000+ pirate ROMS for their own illegal use.

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: RayB on January 21, 2008, 01:43:34 pm
Ahh, but what is game code by definition?  Does Game code not dictate what graphic tile goes where?  Does game code not dictate what pallet is used to color said graphic tile?
To answer the question, no.  The video hardware handles this.  But why don't you ask a programmer? Oh hey, I'm a programmer. Ask me.

I'm not going to bother explaining to a non-techy how the hardware and programming works just to try and change your preconceptions, that I sense is futile. But you can see for yourself from this list that each set of data is on its own chip(s): See here: http://www.brasington.org/arcade/tech/dk/

You could swap out a chip with your own set of new "moving objects" or your own set of new colors and there's absolutely nothing illegal about that. In fact, the new set of graphics would be copyrighted by YOU the creator of those new graphics.

It's only infringing if the DkII chip still has some original data on it. (Something we can't know for sure without dumping this new chip and comparing it with the original).

But picture this ok... you own a DK board but it's not working properly. You send it to someone to fix. In order to repair the board, Mr. Repairman must replace a few ROM chips. In order to do this, the replacement ROMs must be burned with the correct data. Since the old chips are broken or corrupt, where does this data come from? You cannot buy them from Nintendo. So the service person takes another working DK board, and dumps the data from those chips onto his PC. He then burns this data to the new chips, then installs them on the board. Game works like new again. He sends it back to you and you pay him for his services.

TECHNICALLY, if you want to be an ass about it, that repair person just broke copyright law TWICE. Once when he created a copy on his PC and a second time by burning the data to new chips. There's no way in hell Nintendo are going to provide repair services for a 25 year old game board. But people like HARRY would like to see Mr. Repairman turned in to Nintendo. How nice of him. (And don't try to say "well that's different, this guy is SELLING his hack". The repair man gets PAID too).
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Jdurg on January 21, 2008, 01:43:52 pm
This is where I feel that anyone making money off of property that is not theirs is worse than those who aren't making any money but enjoying the games.  E.G. someone who builds a MAME cab and charges people to play it are worse off than those who build a MAME cab for their own enjoyment.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on January 21, 2008, 02:30:23 pm
Hey Cheffo !

Christmas is over  :laugh:
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 21, 2008, 02:38:05 pm
This is where I feel that anyone making money off of property that is not theirs is worse than those who aren't making any money but enjoying the games.  E.G. someone who builds a MAME cab and charges people to play it are worse off than those who build a MAME cab for their own enjoyment.

To be clear, I was speaking specifically of people like Jeff, who are not selling MAME cabs (a point on which I would agree with you), but who support the coin-op hobby (e.g. there is more to the hobby than just MAME) with stuff like D2K.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Jdurg on January 21, 2008, 03:46:53 pm
This is where I feel that anyone making money off of property that is not theirs is worse than those who aren't making any money but enjoying the games.  E.G. someone who builds a MAME cab and charges people to play it are worse off than those who build a MAME cab for their own enjoyment.

To be clear, I was speaking specifically of people like Jeff, who are not selling MAME cabs (a point on which I would agree with you), but who support the coin-op hobby (e.g. there is more to the hobby than just MAME) with stuff like D2K.

No problem.  What he's doing by selling D2K is akin to the whole Galoob vs. Nintendo battle many, many years ago.  Galoob was marketing the Game Genie which ran on Nintendo's hardware but altered the way the hardware worked.  It was deemed perfectly legal because none of the Game Genie's hardware or code was taken from Nintendo nor did they break some type of encryption to get the Game Genie to work.

As long as he's not breaking any encryption to get his D2K modification to work, and as long as he's not using any of Nintendo's code, what he's doing is akin to what the Game Genie did and the Game Genie was deemed 100% legal.

Now those people who sell DVDs full of ROMS or cabs fully stocked with games should be drawn and quartered.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: bigh4th on January 22, 2008, 01:00:22 am
To answer the question, no.  The video hardware handles this.  But why don't you ask a programmer? Oh hey, I'm a programmer. Ask me.

I'm not going to bother explaining to a non-techy how the hardware and programming works just to try and change your preconceptions, that I sense is futile. But you can see for yourself from this list that each set of data is on its own chip(s): See here: http://www.brasington.org/arcade/tech/dk/

So what you're saying is the video hardware randomly guesses what tiles are placed where and what pallet is used, but it randomly guesses correctly every time?  There is no programming that tells the video hardware where to places the tiles and what pallet is used?  Bull.

All I see on the page you linked is examples of what happens if there are problems with the video hardware.  The games programming (or code, if you will) is telling the video hardware where to place things, but the video hardware can't do it due to a malfunction.

Quote
You could swap out a chip with your own set of new "moving objects" or your own set of new colors and there's absolutely nothing illegal about that. In fact, the new set of graphics would be copyrighted by YOU the creator of those new graphics.

How do you explain "crazy kong"?  How about the numerous pac-man maze hacks?. For some reason, they're illegal..

Quote
It's only infringing if the DkII chip still has some original data on it. (Something we can't know for sure without dumping this new chip and comparing it with the original).

Oh, please.  A look at a screenshot will tell you all you need to know.  Gurders, ladders, oil cans, etc. all look the same.  The DKII chip has PLENTY of original data on it.

Quote
But picture this ok... you own a DK board but it's not working properly. You send it to someone to fix. In order to repair the board, Mr. Repairman must replace a few ROM chips. In order to do this, the replacement ROMs must be burned with the correct data. Since the old chips are broken or corrupt, where does this data come from? You cannot buy them from Nintendo. So the service person takes another working DK board, and dumps the data from those chips onto his PC. He then burns this data to the new chips, then installs them on the board. Game works like new again. He sends it back to you and you pay him for his services.

TECHNICALLY, if you want to be an ass about it, that repair person just broke copyright law TWICE. Once when he created a copy on his PC and a second time by burning the data to new chips. There's no way in hell Nintendo are going to provide repair services for a 25 year old game board. But people like HARRY would like to see Mr. Repairman turned in to Nintendo. How nice of him. (And don't try to say "well that's different, this guy is SELLING his hack". The repair man gets PAID too).


No, that would not be breaking copywright law.  You are allowed to archive such material and use it for repair/replacement services.  You are not allowed to alter that material, or use that material on a device it was not intended to be used with.  Check one of my previous replys for the link to copywright.gov and do some research.

-Harry
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: bigh4th on January 22, 2008, 01:25:29 am
No problem.  What he's doing by selling D2K is akin to the whole Galoob vs. Nintendo battle many, many years ago.  Galoob was marketing the Game Genie which ran on Nintendo's hardware but altered the way the hardware worked.  It was deemed perfectly legal because none of the Game Genie's hardware or code was taken from Nintendo nor did they break some type of encryption to get the Game Genie to work.

As long as he's not breaking any encryption to get his D2K modification to work, and as long as he's not using any of Nintendo's code, what he's doing is akin to what the Game Genie did and the Game Genie was deemed 100% legal.

Now those people who sell DVDs full of ROMS or cabs fully stocked with games should be drawn and quartered.

You're right, D2k is like the Game genie thing.  The game genie was infact, illegal.  while it didn't use nintendo hardware, it did indeed bypass the NES' encryption by using the cartridge as a pass-through.  As a matter of fact, there are a few games that don't work with the game genie because it couldn't use the cartridge as a pass-through to defeat the encryption.  Castlevania 3 is a prime example.

The game genie also filtered and temporarily altered the games code, which is/was also illegal.

Nintendo lost that suit only because the Judge was ignorant and deemed that nintendo had already made lots of money on the NES, so the game genie wasn't a big deal.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galoob_v._Nintendo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galoob_v._Nintendo)
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on January 22, 2008, 08:48:11 am
Quote
How do you explain "crazy kong"?  How about the numerous pac-man maze hacks?. For some reason, they're illegal...

More talking out of your ass.  Crazy Kong was licensed from Nintendo. 

Quote
COPY OF: Donkey Kong

This game is not a bootleg, but a legitimate release licensed for non-US markets.

-klov

Why are we arguing over this crap?   Bottom line comes down to...

Do you want to be a dick?  Go report Jeff to NOA.   

I,  for one,  can say for sure that this little tantrum of yours has tainted my opinion of you to the point that I'd never offer any assistance for any future problem you may have.  Why help out a ---tallywhacker---? 

So do what you want to do... and just remember that karma is a ---smurfette--- bro...

EDIT: PS - I already have my DKII ...and it's one helluva upgrade!  Very enjoyable and I highly recommend it to any Donkey Kong fan.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: RayB on January 22, 2008, 01:04:30 pm
holy sh!t, lock this thread.

A judge found the Game Genie was not infringing, but because Harry says so, it is illegal.

I point Harry to a table that shows how the data is divided up among different chips, but harry's too stupid to understand how programming would LOOK UP the data and write it to the screen, so again, he's right, and those who know better are wrong.

He's either trolling, incredibly young or dumb...  Lock this thread before my brain explodes!

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on January 22, 2008, 01:26:32 pm
Yep, I played Crazy Kong like nuts because that was the only version around here in Europe. Officialy licensed by Falcon. That was also why I thought the level order on Donkey Kong on the Atari 8-bit series was wrong :D
(Fabulous conversion by the way, like DKjr.)

"Nintendo lost that suit only because the Judge was ignorant and deemed that nintendo had already made lots of money on the NES, so the game genie wasn't a big deal.  "


Mmmmm, what do you think ? Did Nintendo make lots of money on DK (the arcade game) ? One of the biggest arcade hits ever ? A game released over 26 years ago. Do you really think a judge is going to decide something else in this case ? The Game Genie probably sold a couple of million, or at least somewhere in the 100,000's. We're talking about, what 100-300 DK2's ?

Man, Nintendo is earning truckloads of money on the Wii and the DS these days, do you think they will loose a second of sleep over DK2 ? I don't think so.

But if you want to play saint (no not "our" saint) go ahead, but leave us criminals alone....
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: bigh4th on January 22, 2008, 01:28:41 pm
holy sh!t, lock this thread.

A judge found the Game Genie was not infringing, but because Harry says so, it is illegal.
Once again, do some research.  Nintendo sued Tengen and won the case because their games bypassed or defeated the encryption on the NES.  The game genie does the same thing, just in a different way.  The judge clearly said that nintendo had already made plenty of money on the NES, so she was gonna let the Game genie slide.  By law, the game genie is illegal, but the judge basicly didn't give a rip.


Quote
I point Harry to a table that shows how the data is divided up among different chips, but harry's too stupid to understand how programming would LOOK UP the data and write it to the screen, so again, he's right, and those who know better are wrong.

So now you're saying that the programming will look up the data (meaning, nintendo put that data there to begin with) and write it to the screen. Isn't data the same thing as code?  You just contradicted yourself and said the same thing I did in one of my previous posts.

Being that the Gurders, ladders, and all that other crap on D2K look the same as DK, would that not be using Nintendo's "data"?

Quit trying to blur the lines.  Anyone who can read and get their hands on legal documents can clearly see D2K is illegal, regaurdless of if the "club" thinks so or not.

-Harry
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: bigh4th on January 22, 2008, 01:43:53 pm
Mmmmm, what do you think ? Did Nintendo make lots of money on DK (the arcade game) ? One of the biggest arcade hits ever ? A game released over 26 years ago. Do you really think a judge is going to decide something else in this case ? The Game Genie probably sold a couple of million, or at least somewhere in the 100,000's. We're talking about, what 100,300 DK2's ?

I think a competent judge would realize that the law is the law and making a crap-load of money on something does not make the laws protecting it dissapear.  The judge in the galoob-vs-nintendo case was not competent.

Quote
Man, Nintendo is earning truckloads of money on the Wii and the DS these days, do you think they will loose a second of sleep over DK2 ? I don't think so.

I doubt they will either.  However, I do know that Nintendo doesn't like people making money off of their work.  Who would?

The double-standard at this forum is astounding.  You can't discuss anything that goes against the Mame dev's wishes, you can't discuss illegal multi-boards,  but advertising for a game that is illegal and that is sold on an illegal multi-board (unless they got nintendos permission to include DK on it) is perfectly fine, because Jeff is in the club.  Then when it is proven to be illegal, you guys try to mish-mash crap to make it look legal.

You guys need to get away from the solder fumes and get some fresh air.

-Harry
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on January 22, 2008, 06:11:34 pm
Yeah, and I guess you should go looking for another forum if you'd like some help/support in the future.

AGAIN you are mis-informed (to put it politely). Discussing x-in-1 boards IS ok here as long as you do not link or reference to sellers.

And I am not sure Jeff is on this forum. Let's hope not. For his sake that is.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: bigh4th on January 22, 2008, 06:17:54 pm

AGAIN you are mis-informed (to put it politely). Discussing x-in-1 boards IS ok here as long as you do not link or reference to sellers.

There is a link to the said illegal multi-boards on the first post of this topic, posted by you, no less.

So I guess its ok if you do it, because its all in the club, right?

-Harry
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on January 22, 2008, 06:57:31 pm
I'm just another member here, but -regretfully- yet another time, you are WRONG about being the Multi board from Arcadeshop being illegal. The board is sold EMPTY. You need to own the PCB of the game(s) (or at least the ROM-set) that you are going to put on it.

It's like selling a DVD player, you can put legal DVD's in them, but also copied one's.


But I guess nothing in the world is ever going to change your mind, which is fine because you are entitled to your opinion.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: saint on January 22, 2008, 06:58:47 pm

AGAIN you are mis-informed (to put it politely). Discussing x-in-1 boards IS ok here as long as you do not link or reference to sellers.

There is a link to the said illegal multi-boards on the first post of this topic, posted by you, no less.

So I guess its ok if you do it, because its all in the club, right?

-Harry

It is my understanding that that is a different multi-board than the 48-in-1's that include illegal ROMs. My understanding is that you have to own the ROMs and dump them into the board yourself to use it. It is not sold with ROMs. If my understanding is incorrect someone please inform me.

--- saint (isn't into double standards and doesn't appreciate the implication)

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: bigh4th on January 22, 2008, 07:11:51 pm
I do owe an apology here.  The multi-board doesn't ship with games on it.

However, the new version of the menu-system it has to use does indeed come with D2K, which is unlockable by paying a $25 fee for a keycode.

My understanding is D2K must be run with the orignial chips on a DK machine to work correctly.  If all you have to do is punch in an activation key on the menu system, would that not mean that the menu has either a hacked version of DK, or DK and D2k?

The site does not mention you having to have a copy of DK on the board to run DK2.

As far as the "double-standards" comment goes, that was not directed twords saint.

-Harry
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 22, 2008, 08:13:09 pm
The double-standard at this forum is astounding.

That's funny, I thought that it was your double-standard that was astounding --  "It's OK for Harry to break the law, because he's just a leech from bumblefart VA, but that guy who actually created something for the community, he should be drawn and quartered".

 :applaud:  :dizzy: :dunno
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on January 23, 2008, 02:31:42 am
Saint,

As the initiator of this thread, may I ask you to consider closing it ?

I intended to release the news of an exciting and fun product for all in this hobby, but it has turned into a pointless debate about legality that is going in circles.

Everything has been said.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: polaris on January 23, 2008, 08:57:04 am
you can lock it lev
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on January 23, 2008, 09:19:46 am
Quote
The double-standard at this forum is astounding.

Since we are all criminals,  and once you add on the fact that just about everyone here thinks you're a <--manual-censored--> ...

DON'T GO AWAY MAD...JUST GO AWAY!
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: shardian on January 23, 2008, 09:41:03 am
you can lock it lev

That ability was taken away a while back thanks to Mr. Koolmoecraig, I believe.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: polaris on January 23, 2008, 09:49:54 am
you can lock it lev

That ability was taken away a while back thanks to Mr. Koolmoecraig, I believe.
i just tried it on an old thread and i think it worked, i could lock it and unlock it, theres also a buton there to remove topic, didnt think that was possible.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on January 23, 2008, 10:08:08 am
I can't.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Jdurg on January 23, 2008, 12:03:30 pm
Mmmmm, what do you think ? Did Nintendo make lots of money on DK (the arcade game) ? One of the biggest arcade hits ever ? A game released over 26 years ago. Do you really think a judge is going to decide something else in this case ? The Game Genie probably sold a couple of million, or at least somewhere in the 100,000's. We're talking about, what 100,300 DK2's ?

I think a competent judge would realize that the law is the law and making a crap-load of money on something does not make the laws protecting it dissapear.  The judge in the galoob-vs-nintendo case was not competent.



-Harry

I would like to see the transcript from the Nintendo Vs. Galoob case.  You seem to be spouting off a lot of stuff like it's fact, but so far haven't given any proof.  Granted, you may indeed be correct, but I would like to see the court transcript to ensure that you are correct.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: ChadTower on January 23, 2008, 12:59:08 pm

An incompetent ruling would be easily won on appeal.  There are balances in place for that.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on January 23, 2008, 07:22:18 pm
People that have actually played Donkey Kong 2 - how is it?



Fun!  But hard!  Very hard!  I am at about 25,000 with about 30-35 games in to it.

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on January 23, 2008, 07:25:56 pm
I would like to see the transcript from the Nintendo Vs. Galoob case.  You seem to be spouting off a lot of stuff like it's fact, but so far haven't given any proof.  Granted, you may indeed be correct, but I would like to see the court transcript to ensure that you are correct.

Quote
Lewis Galoob Toys, Inc. v. Nintendo of America, Inc. (Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, 1992) was a court case which established the rights of users to modify copyrighted works for their own use.

Galoob manufactured an add-on product called Game Genie, which allowed users to modify video games by entering in certain codes; for example, a code might make the player invincible by negating the programming that updates the player's health amount. Nintendo, which sold a video game system and video games that could be modified by Game Genie, sued Galoob for copyright infringement, arguing that Game Genie made a derivative work, violating Nintendo's copyright in their video game.

The Court denied Nintendo's motion for a preliminary injunction, holding that Game Genie did not create a derivative work and also suggesting that even if it did, it might well be fair use. As the district court wrote, "Having paid Nintendo a fair return, the consumer may experiment with the product and create new variations of play, for personal enjoyment, without creating a derivative work."

See also Foresight v. Pfortmiller, 719 F. Supp 1006 (D. Kan. 1989). An earlier appellate case on similar facts came out the other way, favoring the monopolist in Midway Manufacturing Co. v. Artic International, Inc..

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: polaris on January 23, 2008, 07:36:05 pm
I can't.
have you been naughty ;)

down the bottom of the page on my threads it says lock/unlock, and remove thread
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Hoopz on January 23, 2008, 09:05:59 pm
The judge clearly said that nintendo had already made plenty of money on the NES, so she was gonna let the Game genie slide.  By law, the game genie is illegal, but the judge basicly didn't give a rip.

Frizzle's comment makes much more sense than your "analysis"
Quote
The Court denied Nintendo's motion for a preliminary injunction, holding that Game Genie did not create a derivative work and also suggesting that even if it did, it might well be fair use. As the district court wrote, "]Having paid Nintendo a fair return, the consumer may experiment with the product and create new variations of play, for personal enjoyment, without creating a derivative work."

bigh4th - Unless you have some years of law school under your belt, I would say your take on the case isn't worth much compared to the original judge and any appellate court that it went to, if any.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: pcb on February 03, 2008, 10:58:46 pm
I see that this hack requires swapping out some roms on a Braze Kit. Now, if you go and buy a Braze wanting this hack included on it, I wonder if you can save money by buying both at once?

Yes, it is a new pal and eprom for the Braze DK High score kit.  No, you won't save any money, the Kit is $45, the roms are $40.  $85 to get that game on a DK board.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: ArtsNFartsNCrafts on April 03, 2008, 12:21:17 pm
This may have already been asked.  Forgive me.  I didn't feel like sifting through the "legal vs. illegal" "bootleg vs. romhack" debates to look for this question:


If you install this on your DK board, can you still switch between playing D2K and regular DK?  Or does it make it dedicated D2K as long as the chip is attached?

Thanks!
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Lutus on April 03, 2008, 12:35:37 pm
You can switch in freeplay mode.

Press both 1 player and 2 player start button at the same time.

A graphic will come up basically saying... "want to switch?  hit the jump button"

Bingo.  There you go.

I can't get mine to switch while it is in "coin" mode though.

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: newkillergenius on December 20, 2008, 03:34:37 pm
Post nuked by saint. Morality decisions are your own, but the legality of the request is iffy at best. Not here please. ---saint
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on December 20, 2008, 07:10:36 pm
[Edit] Don't post with more than 3 beers behind you.

Let me say it this way:

I'm sad that some people are not willing to pay a little money to get a certain product that has been worked on hard and long by people who are trying to give our community a great product like DK2.

If people who initiate and create this products don't get a reasonable return for their work, these kind of projects will die.

Your goal is clear, you want to copy DK2 so you can play it on either a real board or on MAME without paying anything to the creator. I feel that's NOT "pretty much OK".
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on December 21, 2008, 09:15:58 am
Now I understand what you were reacting to, but this loses the simple elegance of the original response!

 ;)
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on December 21, 2008, 10:07:53 am
Now I understand what you were reacting to, but this loses the simple elegance of the original response!

 ;)
Wahahahaha ;) Simple yes, "elegant" no.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on December 21, 2008, 11:28:38 am
---steaming pile of meadow muffin---!  Missed the good stuff again. 

That said...my $.02.

Anyone one who runs DKII on Misfit MAME without first coughing up the small bit of dough Jeff is asking for is a lowlife scumbag of the highest order,  period.  Anyone who pulls that kind of crap doesn't give a ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- ONE for this community or the arcade community.  So,  to anyone who feels they should get DKII without contributing the tiny bit of dough Jeff is asking for...I say...

(http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/xsmall2/1732_.gif)(http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/xsmall2/1707_.gif)(http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/xsmall2/1359_infuriated_fuck_you_smiley.gif) (http://www.clipartof.com)(http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/xsmall2/1362_fuck_off.gif) (http://www.clipartof.com)(http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/xsmall2/1901_.gif) (http://www.clipartof.com)

(http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/xsmall2/728_guillotine.gif) (http://www.clipartof.com)(http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/xsmall2/724_noose_hanging.gif) (http://www.clipartof.com)
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Ummon on December 21, 2008, 02:54:33 pm
Hahahahahah. At least this way we can test-run it. It hasn't really struck my fancy, so I'd guess I'm in the clear.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on December 21, 2008, 03:54:59 pm
Hahahahahah. At least this way we can test-run it. It hasn't really struck my fancy, so I'd guess I'm in the clear.

Yeah, that's funny ...  'coz MAMErs are well known for buying after trying !  ::)

The point is that there are folks who try to create things for the hobby and, in this case I am talking about the broader definition beyond just MAME, and they spend tons of time and effort. Then folks come along and piss in their faces ,including, in this case, a MAMEDev who gets horribly bent-out-of shape with the way his own work has been misappropriated, but has no qualms about enabling the misappropriation of somebody else's work.

There are people who do things that are good for the hobby and people who do things that are bad. Pissing in the face of folks like Jeff is a bad thing and don't exactly encourage people to do good things.

I'm with Frizz and Level (particularly his pre-edit thoughts) on this.

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on December 21, 2008, 04:30:16 pm
Let's say that the tone of Frizz's post is pretty similar to my original one. Sorry you missed it Frizz. Anyway, the message stays the same.


Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Ummon on December 23, 2008, 06:41:46 pm
I think all sorts of people, in various camps, are too serious about all this.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on December 23, 2008, 06:51:07 pm
Let's remember that you were the guy complaining about objectivity in the MAMEY judging ... which makes you the resident expert on taking things too seriously ...
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on December 23, 2008, 07:19:43 pm
I think all sorts of people, in various camps, are too serious about all this.

I guess screwing over a guy friendly to the arcade community just isn't my "thing"... if that means I am too "serious" about the issue,  so be it.

I can't blame you for trying DKII... what with it being included in MisfitMAME and all... however if you DID like it you'd buy the ROM,  right?   ::)

Hows this for Irony... I bought and paid for the ROM for the AS multigame board...but I don't have full access to it... nope... I can only download to the board once per update of the installation software...
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Ummon on December 31, 2008, 04:11:41 pm
Let's remember that you were the guy complaining about objectivity in the MAMEY judging ... which makes you the resident expert on taking things too seriously ...

Not complaining, merely chiming in. I didn't start the thread.


I think all sorts of people, in various camps, are too serious about all this.

I guess screwing over a guy friendly to the arcade community just isn't my "thing"... if that means I am too "serious" about the issue,  so be it.

I can't blame you for trying DKII... what with it being included in MisfitMAME and all... however if you DID like it you'd buy the ROM,  right?   ::)

Hows this for Irony... I bought and paid for the ROM for the AS multigame board...but I don't have full access to it... nope... I can only download to the board once per update of the installation software...


I'm somewhat in the middle. I'm mildly pro access to anything provided online, but am not going to complain about lack of it. Your particular situation is a different kind.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: slasherman on January 12, 2009, 12:41:28 am
People that have actually played Donkey Kong 2 - how is it?



Fun!  But hard!  Very hard!  I am at about 25,000 with about 30-35 games in to it.


It's hard but not harder than Donkey Kong..DK2 is the game I play most these days..I never had the training from Donkey Kong so I'm a newbie...
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Ummon on January 13, 2009, 03:14:30 pm
People that have actually played Donkey Kong 2 - how is it?



Fun!  But hard!  Very hard!  I am at about 25,000 with about 30-35 games in to it.


It's hard but not harder than Donkey Kong..DK2 is the game I play most these days..I never had the training from Donkey Kong so I'm a newbie...

It's clunky compared to DK, though. And then the new pie factory or whatever is like a puzzle. I have no idea how to make the pully elevator be up so that I can jump across. This game would've totally died in the golden age.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: slasherman on January 14, 2009, 06:18:51 am
I have no idea how to make the pully elevator be up so that I can jump across. This game would've totally died in the golden age.
Take the last hart...
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Ummon on January 15, 2009, 08:07:43 pm
I have no idea how to make the pully elevator be up so that I can jump across. This game would've totally died in the golden age.
Take the last hart...

Maybe I missed it. Incidentally, I'm not saying this game sucks. It's cute, and interesting the choices and such the maker made. But it doesn't flow like, and doesn't have the elegance of, the original.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: RayB on January 16, 2009, 01:44:23 pm
I have no idea how to make the pully elevator be up so that I can jump across. This game would've totally died in the golden age.
Take the last hart...
Which one?
(http://www.tvshowsondvd.net/graphics/news3/HartToHart_S2_early.jpg)
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Level42 on January 16, 2009, 03:22:34 pm
Jeeeez, now there's a 80's memory I had forgotten all about !  :laugh:
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: slasherman on January 16, 2009, 08:52:11 pm
I have no idea how to make the pully elevator be up so that I can jump across. This game would've totally died in the golden age.
Take the last hart...
Which one?
(http://www.tvshowsondvd.net/graphics/news3/HartToHart_S2_early.jpg)

I dont know what level your talking about ...but take all the harts..
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Ummon on January 17, 2009, 03:59:09 pm
They were a dashing couple. I liked that show as a kid. Still love that hair of hers. She got no meat on 'er bones, though.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: calder on January 18, 2009, 01:33:31 pm
wow, on that link, there was a "build your own cab", at the bottom, just some paper cut out, do these exist for other games, if so, please link.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: saint on January 18, 2009, 01:50:52 pm
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,26252.0.html
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=22729.0
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: calder on January 18, 2009, 04:27:37 pm
sweet, thanks.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: pinballwizard79 on January 19, 2009, 09:47:27 pm
Forgive me for not knowing this, especially since everyone is all passionate & ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- about it but its hard to read through all this crap so I have to ask.

Can I download this from the author for a fee or not?

Or is it a find it on google, then buy the part so I don't feel like a jerk & etc sort of deal?

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: pinballwizard79 on January 20, 2009, 08:11:19 pm
LOL @ no response.

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on January 20, 2009, 08:35:40 pm
First link of the thread:

http://www.jeffsromhack.com/products/d2k.htm

And, yes, buy it so you don't feel like a jerk.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: stealthie on March 28, 2009, 09:10:25 pm
Man is this a tough game.  About my only thought is that they should have made the 1st levels a bit easier, then make them tougher the 2nd time around.  Like on the 5th screen with the treadmill things on the bottom, maybe not include the spring looking things the first time?  Other than that it's a great game and can only hope this spawns more sequels to these old great games.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Ummon on March 30, 2009, 03:58:00 am
I can't get past the fifth. I asked somewhere's and I forgot where and forgot what they said, but how do you get that last heart on level five - ie: where is it?
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Ummon on March 31, 2009, 05:19:55 pm
Never mind, I figured it out. I was missing/forgetting where the last heart was. Got to the next screen - weird elevators - but didn't get past it, and haven't yet tried again.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: stealthie on April 02, 2009, 07:50:11 pm
I got a question about the "official" rules for this game.  Are you suppose to start with 3 or 6 lives?  I have mine set to 3, but have seen a few youtube videos where they are using 6.

After playing it about 40 times I'v begun to get the hang of it.  A lot more enjoyable now.  I also like how DK jr makes an appearance.  A nice secretive touch.  So far I've only had one glitch on the 4th screen climbing on the final ladder to the right, when it moved up again Mario kept climbing an invisible ladder to the top of the screen.  Kinda weird, I wish I could have got a picture of it. 

Also I got a question after reading this thread.  My friend owns a small Pizza place and is interested in getting a D2K game at his Pizza place after playing mine for a bit.  Is it legal to have this game commercially?  He just doesn't want to run into any legal problems.  Thanks.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: SirPeale on April 02, 2009, 08:11:48 pm
I doubt there would be a problem with this on location.

1) The copyright police don't go around pizza shops checking for bootleg games.  It just doesn't happen.

2) AFAIK Nintendo is aware of this project and have given their blessing not only for the game, but for the use of the artwork.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: stealthie on April 03, 2009, 12:13:21 am
2) AFAIK Nintendo is aware of this project and have given their blessing not only for the game, but for the use of the artwork.

Really?  That's good to hear.  Some people in this thread made it sound like Nintendo isn't aware of this project and would take action when they found out. 
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Ummon on April 05, 2009, 04:47:01 am
Hey, I got past the weird-ass elevator level. Second time there, got it first dude (or last, depending on how you look at it - took me all six to get past the pie dumper level!). However, I jumped right in the first fire on the next board. But that one looks pretty easy, otherwise.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: TheShanMan on April 05, 2009, 08:13:28 pm
Sounds like you've given D2K a good try, Ummon. You did end up buying it, right???
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Ummon on April 06, 2009, 04:49:54 pm
Since you bring it up, I'll consider whether it's worth buying. Committee's in session.

stealthie: I wondered why it defaults at six men, but in the dip switches it's set for three. ??  The dip switch for extra men is at 7000, and indeed you get one then. I dunno.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: TheShanMan on April 06, 2009, 06:10:42 pm
Well hopefully you'll make your decision and if it's "no", you'll delete the rom. I haven't downloaded it and will probably just wait until I get a DK and just buy the chip at that point. But I think it's pretty reasonable to download the rom and buy the chip if you have no plans to buy a DK. I've only played 2 games on Frizz's machine but that was enough to sell me on it. It's only right to support the guys that contribute to our hobby, rather than rip them off!
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Ummon on April 08, 2009, 05:28:57 pm
Well, I think of it like this: If one was never going to buy a thing to begin with, then whomever created it isn't really missing out on any revenue.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: TheShanMan on April 08, 2009, 05:55:54 pm
Nice rationalization. Make a decision and either buy it or delete it! :angry:
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on April 08, 2009, 07:40:08 pm
Well, I think of it like this: If one was never going to buy a thing to begin with, then whomever created it isn't really missing out on any revenue.

Sounds like pretty much every MAMEr out there ...   :embarassed:
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: stealthie on April 08, 2009, 07:50:09 pm
Well, I think of it like this: If one was never going to buy a thing to begin with, then whomever created it isn't really missing out on any revenue.

Sounds like pretty much every MAMEr out there ...   :embarassed:

Sadly it does.  I currently play D2K on mame, but will buy it and the artwork once I buy a DK cabinet.  Hoping I will find one of May 2nd at Super Auctions.  I think he would sell more if he offered it on Mame, but along with that comes a whole bunch of new legal issues.  I did buy the DK Foundry for $10 a couple years ago when he was selling them. 

Does anyone know how long the D2K artwork is planned to be produced?  It does say limited and I want to make sure I get them.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: TheShanMan on April 09, 2009, 11:57:28 am
Well, I think of it like this: If one was never going to buy a thing to begin with, then whomever created it isn't really missing out on any revenue.

Sounds like pretty much every MAMEr out there ...   :embarassed:

Yes... An example of why many in the arcade game collecting community look down upon MAME and the MAME community. :'(
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on April 09, 2009, 12:22:39 pm
To be fair (did I just say that?) there are a number of different mindsets at play and each draws different lines to be crossed.

Most of the collectors that I know (myself included) have no compunction about buying a 48-in-1 or 60-in-1 board, which are ripped-off versions of MAME and include non-licensed ROMS. A fair number of those folks recondition cabinets using those boards and sell them, sometimes to fund true preservation initiatives.

Most of the non-collectors that I know feel the opposite way and take great offense when talking about ripping-off the work of the MAMEDevs. At the same time, they see no problem in downloading eleventy brazilion ROMsets.

For my part, I want to support as many people who do good works for this hobby as I can, with the caveat that it makes little sense for me to build a MAME box to play the games on a 48-in-1 or 60-in-1. If the MAMEDevs would accept a $5 donation for every 48-in-1 or 60-in-1 board I use, I would be glad to make the donation. Of course, that route is fraught with legal troubles.

To the extent that "MAMErs" see ripping off the MAMEDevs as bad, I see it as worse when people do the same with the folks who are generating new works. D2K may be a "hack" or a "bootleg", but it is a genuinely new coinop experience. Is it more important to recreate the old or create something new ?  :dunno

Ummon and I are decidely on different sides of the line, but I can't overlook the fact that I run a pair of cabinets with multiboards instead of investing the time and effort to build MAME boxes to do the same thing.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: TheShanMan on April 09, 2009, 01:21:37 pm
I don't have a multi-board, but the difference I see there is that while I imagine MAMEdev disapproves, they don't make money off of MAME so there is no loss of revenue nor any "gray area" in regard to revenue (Ummon's "I wouldn't buy if that was my only option, so it's OK to use it without paying" argument).

And just to add to my earlier comment, I don't think all the reasons arcade game collectors look down on MAMErs are valid (some certainly are though). For instance, some arcade game collectors look down on MAME but have multi-boards! :dizzy:
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on April 09, 2009, 02:27:36 pm
Well, I think of it like this: If one was intending to steal a thing to begin with, then whomever created it isn't really missing out on any revenue.

Fixed...
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Ummon on April 10, 2009, 08:18:32 pm
Well, I think of it like this: If one was intending to steal a thing to begin with, then whomever created it isn't really missing out on any revenue.

Fixed...

Hahahahahah.


Incidentally, most of what I do for people - outside of the things I sell, which are scant and few - I do 'for free'. My training vids and information, for example. I'm in no way inferring a 'tit-for-tat' in that statement, but rather indicating how I operate.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: TheShanMan on April 10, 2009, 09:32:45 pm
What does that have to do with ripping off D2K? ???
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on April 11, 2009, 11:22:49 am
I guess because he "gives away" stuff,  he feels it's OK to "take" stuff from others?    ???

I dunno.  From my perspective... if Jeff were to decide to "give away" his work,  that would be OK... but since Jeff clearly wishes to be compensated for his hard work (and it's not like he's asking MAJOR DOUGH)... I think the "right thing" to do would be to pay the man.

You're obviously going to do what you want... just remember... karma's a ---smurfette--- sometimes.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: isucamper on April 11, 2009, 01:25:57 pm
There are two points of view on media "sharing", and unfortunately, it's not black and white.  There are lots of ways to look at it, but in my own (very humble and non opposing) opinion, it boils down to the "corporate" point of view vs the "freedom" point of view. 

The corporate point of view is:  "We own this art.  If you want to experience it, give us some damn money for it.  If you steal it, we're going to frack you up good and make an example of you."   All well and good.  Certainly, you can debate that the original artist is entitled to compensation (if he/she wants it) if his/her art is making people happy. 

However, the freedom point of view (also known as the "Woody Guthrie" point of view) is that... "THIS IS ART."   Intrinsically, art is not owned.  If you created this art for the purpose of making money off of it, then you did it for entirely the wrong reasons.

Furthermore, if the art is actually good, the artist will be compensated for it regardless of whether you force people to pay money to experience it.  For instance, there are countless CDs I have purchased only after getting hooked on a musician when I downloaded some of their music.  I never would have discovered them if I hadn't downloaded their songs and I never would have bought any of their CDs.  In that case, they actually made more sales BECAUSE I downloaded their music.

As it applies to our hobby, I would have never dreamed of collecting arcade cabinets before I built my MAME cabinet.  Now I find myself preparing my basement for just that purpose.  Having these games, and playing these games, has made me appreciate them more, to the point that I want to own the actual art in their original forms. 

Just my two cents.    There's a great song by the band Wilco called "White Light" which kinda puts it in perspective.   

"And if the whole world’s singing your songs
And all of your paintings have been hung
Just remember, what was yours is everyone’s from now on"

Makes more sense and seems more just than Lars Urlich crying that he can't put another golden toilet into his golden bathroom because someone downloaded a Metallica song.  The freedom point of view forces the art to stand on its own.  People will pay for it because they want to, not because you are forcing them to.  If your art hasn't inspired people to pay for it, then you shouldn't force them.  It probably wasn't that good to begin with.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on April 11, 2009, 02:40:43 pm
While I think that isucamper puts forth an interesting posit, I think that it misses what, for me, is the germane issue -- these works are put together by people and those people have their own views as to how they feel when their works are "shared" and how they are "shared".

Jeff was, quite rightfully, pissed at how D2K came to be included in misfit MAME.

For me, the issues are very simple:

- Jeff is, and has been, a force for good in this hobby
- Will Jeff stop doing cool things as a result of what happened with D2K ?

If the answer is "Yes", then we, as a hobby, have lost and I, for one, dislike seeing people dismiss the feelings of those good folks (and, yes, I do the same exact thing to the MAMEDevs when I use an xx-in-1 board).

For me, it would be a similar issue to saint rolling up the tent because somebody did something to piss him off enough that he just didn't want to bother continuing putting out the effort and $$$ to support us as he has.

We have far too few resources in this hobby and the people who "put up" are often uncompensated and do it as a labour of love. Most often they do this at their own expense, be it monetary expense, time take away from family or other more immediately personal measures. Those who do charge for things often estill end up taking a "net loss", when you look at it.

Whenever we make decisions that benefit ourselves, whether it be to buy an xx-in-1 board, download ROMS, play D2K without paying, etc. there are consequences.

I don't think that the MAMEDevs are going to stop developing MAME simply because I buy a 48-in-1 to replace my vertical MAME box.

OTOH, I'm not convinced that Jeff is going to put forth as much effort as he has on coin-op projects.

I would gladly make a donation to the MAMEDevs for using a 48-in-1 and I suspect that there are those who would say the same thing about D2K (and some have).

It would be interesting to see how many of us actually would, if we had the opportunity.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: isucamper on April 11, 2009, 04:06:25 pm
Jeff was, quite rightfully, pissed at how D2K came to be included in misfit MAME.

If this is true, I think Jeff needs to do some soul searching and ask himself:  What's really important?  That he makes a few bucks for his effort, or that a larger number of people are playing his game? 

Honestly, if money was his motivation to begin with, and his motivation to continue, then I doubt we will be missing much from his future efforts.  Artistically, you can't really, truely, be inspired by money.  It has to go deeper than that. 

Money is a thing.  He will get it money, he will spend it, and it will be gone.   However, if what he has created is good, people will play his game and he will be remembered for that far longer than his money lasts.

Different strokes for different folks... but anytime I create something and send it out into the ether, the only thing I care about is that people experience it, and get the enjoyment from it that it was intended to give.   The only time I feel loss, is if people don't discover it.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on April 11, 2009, 04:27:10 pm
Jeff was, quite rightfully, pissed at how D2K came to be included in misfit MAME.

If this is true, I think Jeff needs to do some soul searching and ask himself:  What's really important?  That he makes a few bucks for his effort, or that a larger number of people are playing his game? 

Are you really defending the lies, attempts at extortion and other crap that happened ?

You seem to be hung up on the money and that isn't what I am talking about (although I would contribute to MAMEDevs for my 48-in-1s) -- I can count on two hands (and some toes) the number of folks that have contributed money to this place, but I used saint as an example.

The entire point is that if folks piss off the people who do good to the point that they don't want to bother, then what do we do ? I'm presuming that arcadecontrols.isucamper.com isn't an option.  ;)

Honestly, if money was his motivation to begin with, and his motivation to continue, then I doubt we will be missing much from his future efforts.  Artistically, you can't really, truely, be inspired by money.  It has to go deeper than that. 

Money is a thing.  He will get it money, he will spend it, and it will be gone.   However, if what he has created is good, people will play his game and he will be remembered for that far longer than his money lasts.

Different strokes for different folks... but anytime I create something and send it out into the ether, the only thing I care about is that people experience it, and get the enjoyment from it that it was intended to give.   The only time I feel loss, is if people don't discover it.

Again, you miss the point entirely ... even if EVERYBODY that downloads D2K were to pay Jeff, he still wouldn't make much money.

The point is that folks are blatantly disrespecting him.

I seem to recall something similar happening at KLOV recently ... and I think that we are all poorer for the fact that Peter Hirschberg was disrespected to the point that he withdrew.

You seem to think it is all about money, and it isn't.

EDIT: I'm actually pretty pissed at this and can't just let it go

Quote
then I doubt we will be missing much from his future efforts

because it points out, as TheShanMan points out above, one of the reasons why the coin-op collector community gets so upset with the MAIMers. I can't see how anybody can say something like this about Jeff. How many of you have played his version of Dragon's Lair ? Or otherwise benefited from work he's done, particularly vis-a-vis Laserdisc games. It certainly seems that isucamper has with his playing of these games via Daphne.

Has he let his domain registration expire ? Coincidence or pissed off ? Sad in either case
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: TheShanMan on April 11, 2009, 04:54:41 pm
Isu, more power to you if you want to do stuff for free. But don't expect others to do so. There is absolutely nothing wrong with making money from a creation, and to imply that the arcade game community would be better off without D2K because he charges for it is ridiculous. I am SURE that if anyone has thought about doing a creation along the lines of D2K they have given thought to the fact that their work will inevitably be ripped off for use in a MAME derivative like MisfitMAME.

It may be "art" but it's also "hard work". He's choosing to trade hard work for money. Something I'm sure you do as well. Don't tell me that you put in your 40 hours for free because money is just a "thing".
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on April 11, 2009, 05:00:59 pm
What worse is that Jeff has done FAR more stuff than D2K and provided it for free ... freeplay for Phoenix, Frogger, Kangaroo and something else ... the enhancements for Dragon's Lair and Space Ace ... some awesome tutorials for hacking ROMs for use in MAME.

 :'(

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: isucamper on April 11, 2009, 05:36:22 pm
Of course, I aboslutely do not defend lies, extortion, or people disrespecting other people in any fashion.  The point I wanted to argue isn't how his work got shared, that was inevitable.  I was talking about overall philospohy of how to deal with it now that it's out there.  If he was disrespected, that's personal, something for him to deal with.  But the fact that his work was shared, that would have happened eventually with or without him being disrespected.  It doesn't mean he should stop working if it's something he likes to do and it is something he's passionate about.  Thats just stupid.  It's not like his work was plagerized or like he isn't getting credit for what he did (which is a far more damnable offense). 

I can count on two hands (and some toes) the number of folks that have contributed money to this place, but I used saint as an example.

I thought I was contributing when I bought his book.  :)

because it points out, as TheShanMan points out above, one of the reasons why the coin-op collector community gets so upset with the MAIMers. I can't see how anybody can say something like this about Jeff. How many of you have played his version of Dragon's Lair ? Or otherwise benefited from work he's done, particularly vis-a-vis Laserdisc games. It certainly seems that isucamper has with his playing of these games via Daphne.

I'm not sure what you're saying here. 

Isu, more power to you if you want to do stuff for free. But don't expect others to do so. There is absolutely nothing wrong with making money from a creation,

Absolutely not.  I guess I just feel that if someone creates something and then makes me pay for it in order to experience it, if it ends up being crap (which is usually the case these days in the film and music industry), then it is actually me that has been stolen from.  Where as if you are more generous with your creations, if you are desearving, you're rewards will come anyway.  And if they don't come, they what you created wasn't worth peoples time or money to begin with. 

There's a whole... machine... out there that is designed to steal from us.  They create art for the purpose of holding the copywrite and charging you for it.  Then, when they don't get their payoff (because what they were selling was crap anyway), they blame the internet for it.  (I'm not at all saying any of this applies to the DK2 situation)

and to imply that the arcade game community would be better off without D2K because he charges for it is ridiculous.

I never said anything of the sort.  Its at this point in Internet arguements, when people start putting words in my mouth, that I usually take my leave. 

I am SURE that if anyone has thought about doing a creation along the lines of D2K they have given thought to the fact that their work will inevitably be ripped off for use in a MAME derivative like MisfitMAME.

And hopefully, the fact that their game would be available to a very wide audience makes them happy.

It may be "art" but it's also "hard work". He's choosing to trade hard work for money. Something I'm sure you do as well. Don't tell me that you put in your 40 hours for free because money is just a "thing".

Do not confuse work with art.  There is no love put in to a janitor scrubbing a toilet (that's not my job by the way).  The janitor doesn't feel a special bond with the toilet when he's done cleaning it.  We're talking about something, completely, totally different.  Just because you work hard on something, doesn't mean you have the right to anyone's money.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on April 11, 2009, 06:01:25 pm
I can count on two hands (and some toes) the number of folks that have contributed money to this place, but I used saint as an example.

I thought I was contributing when I bought his book.  :)

Winner ... I totally overlooked that.

 :applaud:

because it points out, as TheShanMan points out above, one of the reasons why the coin-op collector community gets so upset with the MAIMers. I can't see how anybody can say something like this about Jeff. How many of you have played his version of Dragon's Lair ? Or otherwise benefited from work he's done, particularly vis-a-vis Laserdisc games. It certainly seems that isucamper has with his playing of these games via Daphne.

I'm not sure what you're saying here. 

Sorry to be obtuse ... was just trying to make the point that we are talking about someone who has done a TON for this hobby and made things freely available that have benefited the majority without any charge. Have you played the DL and SA enhancements ? How about the other Laserdisc games that you wouldn't be able to play in Daphne without his prior efforts ?

To say something like "I doubt we will be missing much from his future efforts" when, it seem pretty clear that you have completely failed to recognize his previous efforts makes me ill.

Have you benefited from any of the stuff Jeff has done ?

Look into it and answer honestly.

THEN tell me if you would view his withdrawal from the community as a loss ...
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on April 11, 2009, 06:31:08 pm
and to imply that the arcade game community would be better off without D2K because he charges for it is ridiculous.

I never said anything of the sort.  Its at this point in Internet arguements, when people start putting words in my mouth, that I usually take my leave. 

I was going to make a clever(ish) striekout / fixt quote and be done with it, but it seems to me that you are commenting (hence putting words in your own mouth) where you don't really know the story.

I'm totally fine with having the debate you seem to want to have (I might not even be on the opposite side), but that isn't the discussion here -- we're talking about a specific guy and his specific work.

Any other baggage belongs to the rest of us.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: isucamper on April 11, 2009, 07:03:54 pm
I'm totally fine with having the debate you seem to want to have (I might not even be on the opposite side), but that isn't the discussion here -- we're talking about a specific guy and his specific work.

I started in on this thread when TheShanMan was putting some pressure on Ummon that rubbed me the wrong way (you downloaded it, you owe money).  If that was off topic, I apologize.

As far as the Daphne stuff:  Daphne is a great great wonderful incredible program that I love.  AND.  I don't remember having to pay to it to use it.  However, it's a different beast than an original work.  There's very little creative expression involved in making or enhancing an emulator.

Regardless, it is an incredible tool that I'll end up donating to as I finish up my cab.  And I wonder how Don Bluth feels about that?
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: TheShanMan on April 11, 2009, 07:32:51 pm
Isu, more power to you if you want to do stuff for free. But don't expect others to do so. There is absolutely nothing wrong with making money from a creation,

Absolutely not.  I guess I just feel that if someone creates something and then makes me pay for it in order to experience it, if it ends up being crap (which is usually the case these days in the film and music industry), then it is actually me that has been stolen from.  Where as if you are more generous with your creations, if you are desearving, you're rewards will come anyway.  And if they don't come, they what you created wasn't worth peoples time or money to begin with. 

There's a whole... machine... out there that is designed to steal from us.  They create art for the purpose of holding the copywrite and charging you for it.  Then, when they don't get their payoff (because what they were selling was crap anyway), they blame the internet for it.  (I'm not at all saying any of this applies to the DK2 situation)

No, you have not been stolen from when you watch a bad movie - it was your choice, and it's up to you to choose wisely.

And no, the "machine" doesn't steal from you either. You're under no obligation to buy something if you don't think it's worth it. And if you do think it's worth it, then they certainly aren't stealing from you. You may find that some things that you like are more expensive than you're willing to pay, but to call that theft on their part is ridiculous.

and to imply that the arcade game community would be better off without D2K because he charges for it is ridiculous.

I never said anything of the sort.  Its at this point in Internet arguements, when people start putting words in my mouth, that I usually take my leave. 

You may not have said it in so many words, but this sure seems to imply it:

Quote
Honestly, if money was his motivation to begin with, and his motivation to continue, then I doubt we will be missing much from his future efforts.

I am SURE that if anyone has thought about doing a creation along the lines of D2K they have given thought to the fact that their work will inevitably be ripped off for use in a MAME derivative like MisfitMAME.

And hopefully, the fact that their game would be available to a very wide audience makes them happy.

I hope so too, but I fear that too often they would be discouraged enough to not even bother.

It may be "art" but it's also "hard work". He's choosing to trade hard work for money. Something I'm sure you do as well. Don't tell me that you put in your 40 hours for free because money is just a "thing".

Do not confuse work with art.  There is no love put in to a janitor scrubbing a toilet (that's not my job by the way).  The janitor doesn't feel a special bond with the toilet when he's done cleaning it.  We're talking about something, completely, totally different.  Just because you work hard on something, doesn't mean you have the right to anyone's money.

There's love put into my job. Does that mean I shouldn't expect to be compensated for my hard work? Of course not! And ABSOLUTELY just because you work hard on something you DO have the right to charge whatever you want for it, and at that point people can decide whether it's worth it to them!
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: TheShanMan on April 11, 2009, 07:39:48 pm
I started in on this thread when TheShanMan was putting some pressure on Ummon that rubbed me the wrong way (you downloaded it, you owe money).  If that was off topic, I apologize.

Sorry for not saying that it's OK to steal. :dizzy:
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: isucamper on April 11, 2009, 07:47:42 pm
Sorry for not saying that it's OK to steal. :dizzy:

You haven't read a single word of what I wrote today.

And if you don't feel cheated and stolen from when a marketing company guises up a crap product, then, I guess capitolism loves you.  Unless you have ESP, there's no way to know if something is "good" until you experience it yourself.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on April 11, 2009, 07:52:43 pm
 :angry: :dizzy: :blah: :banghead:

More important issue is *did* Jeff quit ? Anybody talk to him lately ?
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: fixedpigs on April 11, 2009, 10:53:30 pm
And hopefully, the fact that their game would be available to a very wide audience makes them happy.

um...wouldn't jeff have allowed it to be downloaded for free from his site if this was what he wanted...?
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Ummon on April 12, 2009, 04:55:15 pm
What does that have to do with ripping off D2K? ???

I was subtly hinting that you're spinning your emotional wheels. As is everyone else in some manner in this portion of the thread.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on April 12, 2009, 05:17:30 pm
What does that have to do with ripping off D2K? ???
I was subtly hinting that you're spinning your emotional wheels. As is everyone else in some manner in this portion of the thread.

It wasn't subtle, you were implying that because you do things for free that you feel comfortable not paying for something provided by someone who has asked for payment. I would suggest that many folks here (myself included) are already comfortable in that role.

Jeff asked for payment and was obviously upset by how D2K came to be included in MisFit MAME. Jeff being pissed off is, to my mind, more important than anything that the rest of us have to say on the topic.

 If he quits, as have others before him, then the hobby as a whole is diminished.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: TheShanMan on April 12, 2009, 06:14:04 pm
Sorry for not saying that it's OK to steal. :dizzy:

You haven't read a single word of what I wrote today.

And if you don't feel cheated and stolen from when a marketing company guises up a crap product, then, I guess capitolism loves you.  Unless you have ESP, there's no way to know if something is "good" until you experience it yourself.

Oh, believe me. I read every word. And no, I'm not happy if I buy a crappy product, but I do take responsibility for my choices, and part of making a choice like that is finding out what kind of return policy there is, and then deciding if it's worth the risk. We're getting way off topic though, so that's the last I have to say on the subject.

Ummon, any "emotion" involved relates to the sadness over how some of you spit in the face of people like Jeff, and most likely kill motivation for some to contribute cool new things to our community. Clearly, bringing that to your attention doesn't bother you. You've got what you want, everyone else be damned. So since this is just "spinning my wheels", I'm done. The end result for me is that I've pretty much lost respect for you (not that there's any particular reason you would/should care since I'm just a voice on the internet).
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Hoopz on April 12, 2009, 08:25:15 pm
Has anyone pointed Robbertt (or whatever spelling he uses on this board) to this thread?  Since he is responsible for Misfitmame, perhaps he should be included?

I haven't downloaded this rom as I don't believe it should be freely available whilst the person that created is still trying to make money off of it.  In my mind, I do see a distinction between that and other roms that I've downloaded before.  To be fair, I don't currently have a MAME cabinet but I don't think that's necessarily relevant. 

I'm probably justifying not playing this while playing others.  But, the games I did play when on my cabinet, weren't games that were new, created by a person or institution and made available to others for a fee.  They were older games that aren't available in other formats or systems.  Again, I'm justifying it. 

Just my two cents.   :dunno
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on April 13, 2009, 07:32:23 am
FWIW, Jeff's site is back ... and that's a good thing.   :applaud:
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Ummon on April 14, 2009, 04:12:59 pm
Sorry for not saying that it's OK to steal. :dizzy:

You haven't read a single word of what I wrote today.

And if you don't feel cheated and stolen from when a marketing company guises up a crap product, then, I guess capitolism loves you.  Unless you have ESP, there's no way to know if something is "good" until you experience it yourself.

Oh, believe me. I read every word. And no, I'm not happy if I buy a crappy product, but I do take responsibility for my choices, and part of making a choice like that is finding out what kind of return policy there is, and then deciding if it's worth the risk. We're getting way off topic though, so that's the last I have to say on the subject.

Ummon, any "emotion" involved relates to the sadness over how some of you spit in the face of people like Jeff, and most likely kill motivation for some to contribute cool new things to our community. Clearly, bringing that to your attention doesn't bother you. You've got what you want, everyone else be damned. So since this is just "spinning my wheels", I'm done. The end result for me is that I've pretty much lost respect for you (not that there's any particular reason you would/should care since I'm just a voice on the internet).

Shan, I care about everyone. However, while I may express my care about them, and may offer assistance and such in cases, they are their own entities.

Cheffo, no. I covered and explained that. My point was that I'm not emotionally attached to the points in this topic (at the very least).
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on April 14, 2009, 04:17:04 pm
Cheffo, no. I covered and explained that. My point was that I'm not emotionally attached to the points in this topic (at the very least).

"Your honor... I wasn't emotionally attached to the [enter whatever you wish here] that I stole,  therefore I should not have been arrested or tried for said theft."

Ah... I see.

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: isucamper on April 14, 2009, 09:16:51 pm
Sorry for not saying that it's OK to steal. :dizzy:

"Your honor... I wasn't emotionally attached to the [enter whatever you wish here] that I stole,  therefore I should not have been arrested or tried for said theft."

Ah... I see.

Are you guys seriously going to sit there and point at Ummon and accuse him of stealing?   Hypocritical much?  Do you guys own MAME cabinets?  Do you own licenses for all the ROMs that you run?

You've made your own justifications about why it's ok to download a 20 year old ROM and why we should lock up Ummon for trying out DK2.  But you can't judge a single other person based on a justification you make about what is right and wrong for you.  They are your own justifications.  Period.  They have no bearing on any law or constitutional amendment. 

The only black and white truth is that ANY downloading of copywrited material is illegal, and if you've done it, you've got no right to sit here and tell someone that they've stepped over an imaginary line that you drew for yourself.  The line Ummon drew is a bit different than yours.  Guess what?  Neither one of you has any right to judge the other. 

Anyone who wants to continue this argument, start by listing the EXACT urls of where you downloaded your ROMs at.  If you hesitate in doing this, ask yourself why you are hesitating.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: TheShanMan on April 15, 2009, 12:39:20 am
Well for one, it's against forum rules to post locations of roms. For another, I didn't say anything about law or jail. And it's not hypocritical at all when you take lawfulness out of it. It's really a totally different situation. The creators of all the old arcade games not only do not make money from those games, they more or less don't even care about us playing the games through MAME. Vastly different than stealing a game from someone who recently made it, is trying to earn money for it, and who does VERY MUCH care about people playing it in an emulator.

Oh, and just for good measure, I have every right to judge. I don't know where the notion that people don't have the right to judge the actions of others came from, but I'm perfectly free to say that an action is wrong.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on April 15, 2009, 02:55:01 am
I've not suggested Ummon (or anyone) need be charged with a crime... I simply said if he keeps the ROM he should step up and pay for it.  I am guessing "reading comprehension" isn't your forte?


Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on April 15, 2009, 07:01:39 am
The only black and white truth is that ANY downloading of copywrited material is illegal, and if you've done it, you've got no right to sit here and tell someone that they've stepped over an imaginary line that you drew for yourself. 

Actually, I download copyrighted material every day ... legally ... even stuff I don't pay for ... and I would bet that you do as well.

But I understand the point you are trying to make since I already made it.

On the rest of it, I've said my piece and and am tired of beating my head against the wall to try to get people to respect Jeff.

 :dunno

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: isucamper on April 15, 2009, 08:25:32 am
Well for one, it's against forum rules to post locations of roms.

And why do you suppose that is???  Cause... I don't know... it's illegal to make copies of copywrited material?  Or it's unethical to download something that you haven't paid for?  Explain it to me ShanMan, why would it be against the rules to post locations of ROMs?  And then why is it ok for you to have a MAME cabinet with a bunch of ROMs on it but Ummon is out of line for downloading DK2?

The creators of all the old arcade games not only do not make money from those games, they more or less don't even care about us playing the games through MAME.

You are being so frustratingly short sighted.  The only difference is that you are closer to Jeff and you can see a more direct effect that downloading has on him.  How can you sum up the thousands of other game creators out there with one flippant statement?  How the heck do you know what they think? 

Oh, and just for good measure, I have every right to judge. I don't know where the notion that people don't have the right to judge the actions of others came from, but I'm perfectly free to say that an action is wrong.

Really?  Honestly?  When you were a kid, did your mother teach you to sit on the top of the hill outside your house and point at everyone that walked by and describe to them everything that was wrong with how they were living their lives?  This is really a suitable way to conduct yourself in your opinion?  You have no legal basis for your judgments (at least, no basis that isn't 100% hypocritical).  These are morally grey areas in which you have no right to tell someone that they are wrong based on a justification you have made for your own life.   
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: isucamper on April 15, 2009, 08:31:00 am
I've not suggested Ummon (or anyone) need be charged with a crime... I simply said if he keeps the ROM he should step up and pay for it.  I am guessing "reading comprehension" isn't your forte?

Reading comprehension.  Hilarious.  And I'm sure you sent Shigeru Miyamoto (creator of all the old Nintendo games who IS still compensated when his company repackages and sells his old arcade games on new platforms) a kick back for each of his games you've downloaded.   Or the countless other developers out there who you guys are lumping into the "don't care" category without any real basis for doing so.

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on April 15, 2009, 08:54:31 am

You are being so frustratingly short sighted.  The only difference is that you are closer to Jeff and you can see a more direct effect that downloading has on him.  How can you sum up the thousands of other game creators out there with one flippant statement?  How the heck do you know what they think? 


Please point me in the direction of a vendor that sells BRAND NEW original N.I.B. arcade PCB's where the original copyright holder gets their dough TODAY.

I am interested in picking up a Donkey Kong boardset.  I'd also love to pick up a N.I.B. Centipede...  Where can I pick a brand new Centipede up... now Atari needs to get some of that dough...er...wait...you mean THAT Atari isn't around any longer?

Hmmm....

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on April 15, 2009, 08:55:46 am
I've not suggested Ummon (or anyone) need be charged with a crime... I simply said if he keeps the ROM he should step up and pay for it.  I am guessing "reading comprehension" isn't your forte?

Reading comprehension.  Hilarious.  And I'm sure you sent Shigeru Miyamoto (creator of all the old Nintendo games who IS still compensated when his company repackages and sells his old arcade games on new platforms) a kick back for each of his games you've downloaded.   Or the countless other developers out there who you guys are lumping into the "don't care" category without any real basis for doing so.



I don't care about new and exciting platforms... I want a NEW IN BOX Nintendo Donkey Kong to put in my Nintendo Donkey Kong cabinet.  I don't think a Wii version will work.   Apples to Oranges.



Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: isucamper on April 15, 2009, 12:16:09 pm
I don't care about new and exciting platforms... I want a NEW IN BOX Nintendo Donkey Kong to put in my Nintendo Donkey Kong cabinet.  I don't think a Wii version will work.   Apples to Oranges.

GUESS WHAT?!  What you want doesn't apply to ANYTHING.  It's still infringment to download Donkey Kong. 

It's Nintendo's right to offer their copywrited material in any form they want to.  Right now, they want you to download the original Donkey Kong on the Wii Virtual Console for 5 dollars.  Tell me.  Did you send in your 5 bucks when you downloaded to your MAME cab instead?  <GASP> <POINT> That's stealing!!!

You know, you just offered the perfect analogy to Ummon downloading DK2.  It wasn't in the format that he preferred to play it, so he downloaded it.  It's like, EXACTLY how you just justified your downloading of the original.  This hypocracy on here is just maddening. 

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: TheShanMan on April 15, 2009, 12:22:29 pm
You are being so frustratingly short sighted.  The only difference is that you are closer to Jeff and you can see a more direct effect that downloading has on him.  How can you sum up the thousands of other game creators out there with one flippant statement?  How the heck do you know what they think? 

Actually I'm not close to Jeff at all. And ditto what Friz said. The copyright holders on those games have made no notable attempts to put the brakes on MAME all this time.

Oh, and just for good measure, I have every right to judge. I don't know where the notion that people don't have the right to judge the actions of others came from, but I'm perfectly free to say that an action is wrong.

Really?  Honestly?  When you were a kid, did your mother teach you to sit on the top of the hill outside your house and point at everyone that walked by and describe to them everything that was wrong with how they were living their lives?  This is really a suitable way to conduct yourself in your opinion?  You have no legal basis for your judgments (at least, no basis that isn't 100% hypocritical).  These are morally grey areas in which you have no right to tell someone that they are wrong based on a justification you have made for your own life.   

Really. Honestly. Everyone makes judgments all the time. You've never said to yourself "it would be wrong of me to do (such and such)"? That's making a judgment. I never said anything about outwardly pointing out the wrongs of everyone that walks by. But Ummon has stated that he doesn't see the need to pay for it, and I'm perfectly free to say why I think that's wrong. "legal basis" - I don't know why you keep coming back to this. I'm just talking about right and wrong, not whether something is technically legal or illegal.

Once again, I have every right - I don't have a clue as to why you think I don't.

By the way, feel free to judge my actions (and in fact you are doing just that) - it is totally your right to do so.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: isucamper on April 15, 2009, 02:07:11 pm
But Ummon has stated that he doesn't see the need to pay for it, and I'm perfectly free to say why I think that's wrong.

I agree with you 100%.  But... I think it's wrong for you to point at him and say "that's stealing" as you did here: 

Sorry for not saying that it's OK to steal. :dizzy:

when you've done the same thing with hundreds, if not thousands of other ROMs.  It's not any different.  Nintendo, Namco, and other publishers are still trying to make money off these old games just the same as Jeff is. 

We all make justifications for ourselves about what's appropriate in this gray area. The issue is when you try to go around and hold another person to a justification you make about what's right for yourself.    Feel free to disagree (and voice your disagreement) all you want, but don't go around accusing people of stealing.  "Steal", in this context, means a something a little bit different to everybody here. 
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on April 15, 2009, 05:17:40 pm
You're right.  It's all stealing.  The difference,  from my point of view,  is that downloading ROM's (ie STEALING) from a company that is often times (A) large, (B) foreign, (C) a corporate entity, etc. is a much different ballgame than downloading the D2K ROM (ie STEALING)  from Jeff,  a friend of the community,  a person who's done more than one "solid" for the Arcade community.

I guess that's just me though...


Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: RayB on April 15, 2009, 11:02:40 pm
Why we cheat or steal:

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/dan_ariely_on_our_buggy_moral_code.html

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: TheShanMan on April 16, 2009, 03:20:02 pm
Nintendo, Namco, and other publishers are still trying to make money off these old games just the same as Jeff is.

I may just be uninformed on this, and this is a legitimate question. Are these publishers trying to make money off of the original games or some derivative (sequel or remake kind of thing)? I would certainly consider purchasing licenses if that legally entitled me to play the original game in my cab, much like owning physical roms is generally considered to be the "legitimate" way to permit you to play a game in mame. I'm guessing that doing so wouldn't entitle me though. In other words, if becoming legal with some of these other games is as simple as it is with D2K, then I'd say you have a legitimate criticism to level against those of us who are vocally against stealing D2K.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Ummon on April 16, 2009, 03:35:58 pm
isu: dude, whoa. People have various ways of feeling about all kinds of things. And they'll say all kinds of things about them. Let them. It usually helps. If they're being particularly nasty, casually let them know. No one's being nasty here.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: isucamper on April 16, 2009, 05:00:35 pm
isu: dude, whoa. People have various ways of feeling about all kinds of things. And they'll say all kinds of things about them. Let them. It usually helps. If they're being particularly nasty, casually let them know. No one's being nasty here.

They weren't being nasty, just snidely sarcastic... which got me going more than I should have let it.  Sorry guys.

Shan, yeah, publishers are releasing their old games all the time, usually using some verison of MAME to run them.  Namco and Williams release museum collections for every generation of consoles.  Xbox Live, PSN, and Wii Channel all have arcade sections with the actual old games available (not remakes).  However, the way licensing works, it only entitles you to play those games on the platform you purchase it on.  It'd be great if there was some itunes like service on PC where we could get our ROMs for a reasonable price, but oh well.

In fact, one of the reasons I built my MAME cabinet was to cure myself of the sickness of endlessly buying arcade collections for the various consoles (I can't count how many times I've bought Smash TV... or Joust).  I'd always get excited to play them but they always are a dissappointment with a gamepad. 

PS:  I just counted how many times I've bought Smash TV:

once on Super NES
once on Midway collection for Dreamcast
once on Midway/Williams Arcade Classics collection for Xbox 1
once on Xbox Live
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Hoopz on April 17, 2009, 09:19:45 am
Shan, yeah, publishers are releasing their old games all the time, usually using some verison of MAME to run them.  Namco and Williams release museum collections for every generation of consoles. 
Really?  You know that they are, in fact, using MAME in the products they are selling?
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on April 17, 2009, 09:51:21 am
I would have thought that would be against the MAME license ...  ::)
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: SirPeale on April 17, 2009, 11:02:28 am
There are a lot more emulators than just Mame.  Most of them are scratch wrote, but I'm sure the programmers use Mame frequently as a reference.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: RayB on April 17, 2009, 11:19:57 am
If you guys think there aren't any "behind the scenes" deals with MAME, you are deluding yourselves.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: orion on April 17, 2009, 12:21:01 pm
Forgive me, this is a bit off topic. I can understand game devs not wanting their roms downloaded even though the game hasn't been in production for 25 years or so. What really gets me scratching my head is some of the companies being so protective of their cabinet art work. The only thing people could possibly use that for is to restore machines that they do in fact own! What gives with that???
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: isucamper on April 17, 2009, 12:59:00 pm
Really?  You know that they are, in fact, using MAME in the products they are selling?

I don't.  Was often rumored though. 
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: TheShanMan on April 17, 2009, 01:26:11 pm
Ah, this discussion is finally getting interesting. If these companies are in fact making behind the scenes deals with the mame team, wouldn't that imply that they recognize and accept that their games are being played in mame by people like us without licenses? Seems almost like a trade off - you let us use mame in our console arcade games and we will accept the reality that the small niche of mame cab owners are playing our games without being licensed. Yeah, it's total conjecture, but how bothered can they be if they actually wouldn't have a product without mame?
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Namco on April 17, 2009, 01:35:06 pm
Forgive me, this is a bit off topic. ...


Don't worry man, it's been off topic since I derailed it 5 pages ago  ;D
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: BUCKETHEAD on May 24, 2009, 07:22:33 pm
On a lighter note.

Here is me, Playing a little DK2.

Not pretty, But i made it through.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71vmFvCgWNQ&feature=channel_page[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8ztVI1MUNg&feature=channel_page[/youtube]
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Ummon on May 25, 2009, 06:18:45 pm
Hey, that was some nice work on the the pie/heart screen. Also, the way you did it cuts the time in half. I had been waiting through two rounds of pies and springies. Very smooth on the springie board after that, too. Mm, jumping that oil bucket at the bottom of board seven is a tight ---maternal-smurf---. And once you get past the pie maker, it seems pretty easy-peasy. Later (exclamation) - on board eight, does he crawl back up if you don't jump on him??
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: BUCKETHEAD on May 25, 2009, 07:46:33 pm
Thanks for all the Compliments!

Quote
on board eight, does he crawl back up if you don't jump on him??

No, It does that by itself, Kinda like another intermisson.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Bender on August 12, 2009, 01:11:28 pm
look if you use DK2 you should send some cash to Jeff. (PERIOD)

there is a donate button on his site

if you use his work and don't pay him something, your just lame. shame on you!


I bought the physical rom for my DK board and still donated some $ when I downloaded it for my mame machine
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: TheShanMan on August 12, 2009, 02:09:53 pm
Bought a DK from Frizz a few weeks ago, and just got my D2K multigame kit to pop in there on Monday. Hopefully tonight I'll have time to plug it in and play! 8)
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Ummon on August 12, 2009, 05:10:37 pm
Bought a DK from Frizz a few weeks ago, and just got my D2K multigame kit to pop in there on Monday. Hopefully tonight I'll have time to plug it in and play! 8)

Well, that brings to mind an interesting question. Should the new owner of a used set pay a donation?
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on August 12, 2009, 05:24:45 pm
Bought a DK from Frizz a few weeks ago, and just got my D2K multigame kit to pop in there on Monday. Hopefully tonight I'll have time to plug it in and play! 8)

Well, that brings to mind an interesting question. Should the new owner of a used set pay a donation?

How does that spring to mind ?

Nobody bought a used one, but I would have to say no ... since it is hardware.

Have you paid for your copy yet ?
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: ChadTower on August 12, 2009, 06:58:51 pm

I would anyway because it's still pretty freakin cool.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Jack Burton on August 15, 2009, 05:03:10 am
*adds more to the flames*

I've  played dozens of SNES and NES rom hacks.  Most of them probably took months if not years to create.  Many are as good as or better than the original game. 

Charging for ROM hacks is beyond taboo in the ROM hacking community.  Anybody caught doing so or even attempting it would be publicly ostracized.  The ROM hacking community says that if you want to charge for ROM hacks, no matter how good they may be, they don't need you or your contributions.

I feel the same way about this Jeff guy.  He should never have charged for his hack, he never should have planned to charge for it. 

"What about all his hard work?"  "Shouldn't he be rewarded?" "Shouldn't he be compensated?"

Yes, with gratitude from fans and the satisfaction that his work is being played and enjoyed.  But no money.  Money only brings about scenario's exactly like what has transpired, and it is hypocritical to ask for it in exactly the way isucamper has mentioned. 

Did DrewSeph ask for money for Super Metroid: Redesign? No.  Fusoya for Super Demo World? No.  Euclid for Zelda Parallel Worlds? No.  No major ROM hacker has ever charged for his work.  This situation is atypical for the community.  The fact that hacking arcade games is uncommon is probably the reasoning for this. 

Charging for ROM hacks is foolish.  The very same people who have no qualms about downloading thousands of IP's of million dollar corporations will have absolutely no problems with downloading yours.  To expect any less is insanity.  This is another reason why ROM hackers have traditionally never attempted sales. 

AT BEST the only thing I could see Jeff charging for is the service of selling complete DK2 kits or ROMs pre-flashed that could be installed on a board whilst offering the ROM for free on his website.  I do not believe this would affect his sales significantly.  This is quite acceptable in the ROM hacking community as there is a small economy of people who reprogram and sell custom cartridges for a small fee.  In this way they are charging for the service of preparing the cartridge, and not for the ROM itself. 

If I download DK2 I'm not gonna pay for it.  I'm an ---uvula--- like that.  If I really like it I will send the creator an email detailing my experiences with the game and my thanks.  I won't send him any money because it's against my beliefs.  If he can't handle that then I guess that is just something I can't change and I'll leave him alone. 

I probably won't even download it though cause I don't even wanna bother with the whole situation and I'm not bored of DK1 yet.



Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on August 15, 2009, 09:12:48 am
It is an interesting dichotomy -- we get the console guys talking about how charging is unacceptable in the ROM hacking community and the coinop guys saying how pirating this particular ROM is unacceptable in the coinop community (whose ROM hacking predates the console world).

Different worlds converging because of MAME.

Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: TheShanMan on August 15, 2009, 12:29:20 pm
Jack, I find your reasoning to be so utterly ridiculous (but hey, it does justify stealing it in your mind I'm sure), especially since Jeff got permission from Nintendo, that I don't even think your points merit response (not like it would add anything new to the debate anyway).
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Jack Burton on August 15, 2009, 02:27:53 pm
Jeff's "permission" is non-existent. 
It's more like they don't care about the amount of money such a small project can make. 

If somehow Jeff got into some legal trouble concerning this hack Nintendo would deny ever even having any knowledge of it, or even take legal action against him just to save face.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on August 15, 2009, 03:12:26 pm
Jack, I find your reasoning to be so utterly ridiculous (but hey, it does justify stealing it in your mind I'm sure), especially since Jeff got permission from Nintendo, that I don't even think your points merit response (not like it would add anything new to the debate anyway).

To be clear... Jeff did "not" get "permission" from Nintendo.  Nintendo was/is aware of the project and unoffically indicated that they'd have no financial motivation to go after Jeff.  A big difference.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Jack Burton on August 15, 2009, 03:59:57 pm
I'll add one final statement relating to the ROM hacking community. 

The #1 reason that ROM hackers have traditionally done their work as for free is the belief that large corporations have less of a problem with tributes that are given out for without charge than they do with someone who is trying to make money off of their IP. 

This is merely theoretical, and it seems that it may not even be the case.  It would have absolutely zero merit in a court of law.  The recent controversy over Chrono Trigger: Crimson Echoes is evidence of this.  This was a full hack of Chrono Trigger that completely redesigned and rewrote the game that was to be released free to the public that Square-Enix squashed very harshly.

But it still seems to the be the rule that thousands of people in the ROM hacking community live by. 

Now, there is one other issue, and that is whether or not hacks like D2K can even be construed as illegal at all.  A ROM hack that is distributed as a patch to the original ROM is not illegal as long as it contains no code or imagery that is copyrighted by the original copyright holder.   At least that's one way of interpreting the law.

There is some controversy over the ideas of derivative code, copyright protection circumvention, and how to make legal back-ups and use them, but that is all DMCA nonsense that is self-conflicting anyway.  Let's avoid it. 

If somebody wanted to be a rebel and flout the ROM hacking communities rules, and fight for the right for their ROM hacks to be published then more power to them.  I wish them success.  But at the same time I also hope that they do not makes things worse than they already are.  I contradict myself here, but those are my feelings. 
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on August 15, 2009, 04:32:43 pm
If somebody wanted to be a rebel and flout the ROM hacking communities rules, and fight for the right for their ROM hacks to be published then more power to them.  I wish them success.  But at the same time I also hope that they do not makes things worse than they already are.

Coinop and console are very different worlds. You refer to your more familiar turf as if the other did not exist and apply those rules blindly. Similarly, I apply the standards from the coinop world with only slightly more regard.

One of the big differences is that the coinop community doesn't have enough people like Jeff that we can afford to kiss them off.

We're also a bunch of grumpy old ---daisies--- who see you johnny-come-lately hippies for the anarcho-romantic-metrosexual-lawn-stepping-communists that you are!  ;)

I contradict myself here, but those are my feelings. 

In this hobby, I think we all do at some point ... I know I do all the time

 :cheers:.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: TheShanMan on August 15, 2009, 09:13:12 pm
To be clear... Jeff did "not" get "permission" from Nintendo.  Nintendo was/is aware of the project and unoffically indicated that they'd have no financial motivation to go after Jeff.  A big difference.

I stand corrected. Luckily that is not the basis for my view of this issue. ;D
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Ummon on August 16, 2009, 07:44:35 pm
Heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh. Gooood stuff.  Anyways, I obviously mis-read what Shan said about his D2K kit. I thought it came with the machine.

Jeff: I'm waiting for the Singularity, when none of this will likely have any relevance....if it really does right now.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: newkillergenius on November 16, 2009, 01:34:19 pm
After reading all this- I just have to ask-

Do all of you MAME users on this forum own the actual PCB for the ROM files you have crammed into your MAME machines?
And why do we actually give a ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- about a rom hack?  He didn't have permission from Nintendo!  Period!  I'm not paying him for ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---!
Is this anything like paying 100$ for a 60-1 jamma multigame board that is also manufactured without permission?

(cue the hurricane)
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: CheffoJeffo on November 16, 2009, 02:10:04 pm
Lots of people here justify downloading ROMs by thinking that the format is obsolete and/or it doesn't hurt the owners of the IP. That may or may not be true and there are arguments for both sides.

The point that has been made over and over again is that Jeff is "one of us", has done great things for the community and that ---smurfing--- him over is a bad thing.

Buying a 60-in-1 or xxx-in-1 disrespects the MAMEDevs, which is why we don't discuss sources for them here, but a number of folks here have them (myself included). For my part, I already had a vertical MAME cabinet and just replaced the PC with the 60-in-1 -- no real change in effect on anything, except that I got to repurpose the MAME rig. Some folks would disapprove, but I am able to justify it to myself.

OTOH, there are enthusiasts in this hobby who do great things and pissing them off doesn't encourage them to continue. If that doesn't bother you then fine, but it bothers me, as it does many others. The sad thing is that most of the disrespect comes from emulation folks, which is just another reason for the divide within the hobby.

EDIT: I should allow that the disrespect thing goes both ways -- it is mostly the real coinop guys who use the xx-in-1 boards and that pisses off the MAMEDevs.

An alternative to your 60-in-1 analogy would be the case of cloning boards designed and manufactured by hobbyists, which does happen and, yes, people in the hobby do get pissed off when that happens as well. If someone were to clone jrok's SYSFPGA board, I would be rather pissed off. Same thing with Dave Widel's 440 Multi kit (although that is licensed by Exidy, so he would have a legal leg to stand on).

It all depends on what is important to you.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: FrizzleFried on November 16, 2009, 02:18:00 pm
After reading all this- I just have to ask-

Do all of you MAME users on this forum own the actual PCB for the ROM files you have crammed into your MAME machines?
And why do we actually give a ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- about a rom hack?  He didn't have permission from Nintendo!  Period!  I'm not paying him for ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---!
Is this anything like paying 100$ for a 60-1 jamma multigame board that is also manufactured without permission?

(cue the hurricane)

(http://carlnet.no-ip.org/troll.gif)
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: isucamper on November 16, 2009, 03:08:05 pm
Yeah.  Why are we bringing this up again?  I think we all settled on agreeing to disagree.  As Cheffo said, arguments on both sides of a pretty gray area. 
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: RayB on November 16, 2009, 04:21:54 pm
Yeah.  Why are we bringing this up again?  I think we all settled on agreeing to disagree.  As Cheffo said, arguments on both sides of a pretty gray area. 
Cuz Mods didn't lock this thread like they should have.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: newkillergenius on November 16, 2009, 04:33:39 pm
After reading all this- I just have to ask-

Do all of you MAME users on this forum own the actual PCB for the ROM files you have crammed into your MAME machines?
And why do we actually give a ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- about a rom hack?  He didn't have permission from Nintendo!  Period!  I'm not paying him for ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---!
Is this anything like paying 100$ for a 60-1 jamma multigame board that is also manufactured without permission?

(cue the hurricane)

(http://carlnet.no-ip.org/troll.gif)
Yeah.  Why are we bringing this up again?  I think we all settled on agreeing to disagree.  As Cheffo said, arguments on both sides of a pretty gray area. 
Cuz Mods didn't lock this thread like they should have.

erm- because this is a discussion forum?   :soapbox:

And as far as your troll comment- doesn't bother me.  I just was curious to see how everyone justifies their owning copyrighted material.  I have to admit I thought I was purchasing a licensed board when I bought a 60-1 board, but found out that this was not the case.  Just keeping it real-  :applaud:
Jeffo thanks for your post though-
NKG
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: RayB on November 17, 2009, 01:52:07 pm
What's the inevitable result of this? 

BACON!
(http://blogchef.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/crispy_bacon_1.jpg)
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: Ummon on November 17, 2009, 04:47:02 pm
BACONNNNNNN. BACON BACON BACON BACON!.......

I think that's not too done.....ah lahk mahn flappae yoo knoww.
Title: Re: >>>>> Donkey Kong II released <<<<<<<
Post by: flashiv on November 19, 2009, 01:07:38 pm
What's the inevitable result of this? 

BACON!
(http://blogchef.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/crispy_bacon_1.jpg)


I have to agree Ray.  Bacon is the answer.