While I don't know about many of you, ever since 2003 I've been involved in the ROM hacking scene. I've always thought it to be interesting, since being one of those who enjoys a good romp on the Genesis or Gameboy every now and then, finding new challenges and art is always a welcome surprise. However, when I joined, the hacking scene was limited to mostly palette changing, level design, translations, and maybe some graphical modifications.
Now, ASM has replaced hex editing as the main tools of trade. And while changing hex values allows you to adjust already available variables (health, water height, physics, etc), ASM allows you to do ANYTHING. And I say that with the upmost emphasis on the Caps Lock. People are now adding custom bosses, making new abilities, creating time-changing palettes, and other incredible stuff. I'm going to point out some of the more awesome projects out right now.
Brutal Mario
Quite possibly the most epic project I've ever seen. EVAR. Carol, the name of the creator, has added bosses from several games to SMW (Metaknight, Quickman, and Marx to name a few) who have been programed to almost exactly the same as their original game's behaviors. What's awsome about this is that you have to figure out how to beat them using the SMW game engine. It's not exactly like Mario can throw barrels at K. Rool or shoot Dr. Wily. Also included are ported graphics and enemies from other Mario titles, level redesigns, and new moves (leaf shield and fire flower/cape combo for example). This is truly an epic hack among hacks.
Metaknight vs Mario (Youtube)
Kirby 2nd form, Ultima, Dragon from Seiken Denseitsu 3 vs Mario (Youtube)
SRW: Alpha Gaiden (Translation)
While not exactly a ground breaking project, Gideon's been promising this game for a while, and any fans of giant mechs should be excited. That means you guys. For those unfamiliar with the SRW series, the basic premise is to take all the giant robot series that are considered "hot", mesh all their storylines into one Kingdom Hearts-esque crossover, and give them signature attacks that rival the battle graphics found in the Disgaea series. I won't be surprised if Gurren Lagann winds up being in the next upcoming SRW title. Also for those of you wondering, Evangelion and it's storyline both make an appearence in SRW Alpha, which Gideon is also finishing a translation for at the moment.
Demo Video (Youtube)
Moemon
If you hang around Kotaku all day like you geeks are supposed to, then you'll know about this. If not, then the basic idea is someone released a patch for the Japanese versions of Pokemon Fire Red/Leaf Green that changed all those poket monsters into what might be the cutest reindition of a anthro/loli's dream. I'm not joking when I say this is what rekindled my love for the game ever since I beat Pokemon Gold a while back. There's also a translation patch floating around somehwere apparently, so that means you can play this in english. Ain't that hunky dory?
Bottom line: if you don't like this, you're a communist and have no soul.
Promo Video with Japanese Pokerap (Youtube)
