Play boring old games one more time! (Nesticle)

Member Name: jeremyf

Product:	Nesticle
Date:	17/06/00 (954 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Looks like the real thing, supports almost all games, Internet play and game genie support, very easy-to-use interface

Disadvantages: Doesn't support some games, copyrighted games are illegal:), playing old games gets pretty boring

Like just about any freeware games, playing around with Nesticle can be fun for a lonely few nights, but after a while you certainly won't miss it...

Nesticle is a NES emulator; it pretty much converts your PC into an old Nintendo and allows you to play software files ("roms") that contain NES games. Literally every NES game ever published can be found on the Internet -- it's only a matter of trying.

Some websites contain NES roms, but usually they don't have too many and they don't last too long because hosting these files is illegal (the warnings that "you may legally keep these files for 2 days" or "you may only download this if you contain the legal copy" are BS -- using them is flat out illegal). The websites usually don't disappear due to Nintendo or other companies trying to force legal action; they're not making money off 15 year old games anyway! They usually disappear due to web hosts who don't want anything illegal, no matter how small, going on on their servers.

You will be able to find NES roms aplenty on web sites or FTP sites that are run on ppl's own private servers. These are typically hard to find; large ones pop up but tend to vanish due to lack of funds (advertisers won't pay to advertise on "illegal" sites), and these sites tend to become very popular very quickly.

Do some web searches for the games you're looking for, or, if you have IRC access (see my other article) try channel #emu or #roms on EFnet for all the games you'll ever want.

Anyway, sorry for all the illegal advice:), it's just to explain what this software does. Like Napster, it's used almost solely for illegal methods.

So anyway, if you manage to perform some copyright violations to get the old games you're looking for, what are you in for? Nesticle has a nice GUI interface that is VERY easy to use. The games on Nesticle are almost
identical to the old NES games. Some games aren't quite right; a few of my favorites (like almost all by Technics) tend to be very blocky and unreadable. If you try Super Punch Out the intro screen will be almost unreadable. For most of your favorites, though, you'll have a near perfect copy with all the graphics, sound, and functionality you've grown up loving.

You can take a nice little stroll down memory lane playing Excitebike and Super Mario 2, but soon you'll realize why you stopped playing these games so many years ago. They tend to be pretty boring! Some of them, especially your old favorites, can hold your attention for a day or two, which is why I think it's worth the download, but old games are old games.

There are some great features packed into Nesticle specifically, however. A little known feature is that you can play two player over the Internet. I had some pretty fun times playing River City Ransom over Nesticle with a friend of mine.

Nesticle also has Game Genie support, so you can cheat all you want without having to buy a seperate tool. You can find Game Genie and other hints and tips at www.gamefaqs.com, the modern day Nintendo Power.

How does Nesticle compare with other emulators? Well, there are other emulators, but they really don't stack up at all. They don't support as many roms, and they don't nearly have all the features or the easy-to-use interface. Only look for another emulator if you don't use Windows or DOS.

Nesticle is a great trip down memory lane, but soon that's all it will be. Don't expect a source of long-lasting entertainment unless you're a real freak for old games. Have some fun!

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