Submitted 3 days ago by bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.works to retrogaming@lemmy.world
I have a cart of Star Control that refuses to read. Ive cleaned multiple times. It does sound like something small is loose inside the cart which I find weird. Going to take it apart to see.
Anyone else have this game ?
It’s not one I own, but as to what could be lose inside, possibly bits of the horribly corroded battery cell, when they go it tends to be a bit nuclear.
Do only certain genesis carts have batteries ?
Only games with save features and I believe Star Control was one of them.
Not in this instance in particular, but I have a copy of Fantasia (i.e. the recalled/rareish game, which makes this even more annoying) which also refuses to boot. I’ve never been able to determine why. The contacts look good, all the traces look good, no part of the board is cracked, and staring at it under magnification doesn’t reveal any of the pins on the chips lifted or anything. It’s the only cartridge game I have for any system that doesn’t work. 'Tis a mystery.
Maybe try REALLY cleaning it with deoxit and maybe a light non-abrasive scrub pad if you really want to give it a try. Genesis games are the most picky carts I’ve ever experienced other than maybe the OG NES.
Star Control was on the Genesis? 😮
Yes and damn is this game amazing!
EvilBit@lemmy.world 3 days ago
Great game. Play the sequel.
I think sometimes loose noises may just be plastic tabs, but doesn’t hurt to check.
One thing you can try is DeoxIT. It’s a non-conductive corrosion cleaner than you can go nuts with on contacts.
It’s expensive, but this is enough to last you roughly forever unless you’re a hardcore electronics refurbisher (~1250 drops, you’ll use just a few at a time):
caig.com/product/deoxit-d100l-25c/
JohnnyEnzyme@piefed.social 2 days ago
Just adding on that I’ve found white eraser to also be very effective on contacts, altho getting the right size for the cart can be somewhat of an issue, depending. But they’re cheap, last a long time, and are very gentle on contacts. You might think of it as a first or second-line cleaning tool, before breaking out the DeoxIT.
@bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.works
bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.works 3 days ago
Had no idea it had a sequel! Thank you much I will for sure get it.
Ah I actually have some de ox. I usually use 99% isopropyl
EvilBit@lemmy.world 3 days ago
Update: SourceForge Link
sc2.sourceforge.net/downloads.php
EvilBit@lemmy.world 3 days ago
Duuuuude. It’s literally one of the greatest games ever made. It’s not a strategy game though. It’s a space RPG/adventure with the same combat. It’s insane and it’s one of the biggest inspirations for Mass Effect.
Plus, the music is incredible. The Steam version lost permission for a few of the songs, but you can find it in SourceForge and I think you can get it with the original tracks.