What about making demos / partials for testing multicart variations? (LTO / Backbit / RTO / CC / etc?)

[8bitwidgets.com]

Hey everyone, so I came across Robotron 2084 for the 2600 (to test out my 2600 coupler i make now among others) which has a ROM version available for it.  What I realized is that they also have a demo version of the game you can download for free.  This serves two purposes.. one to try something before you buy.. perfectly fair.. but (to me) more importantly, it lets multicart owners try a game out before buying to see if the game will run properly for it.  

This also helps so that if a problem were to be identified, based on my experience with backbit, typically the issue can be resolved through cart developer support.  

 

I realize this might take a little time for the developer to produce a second rom, but really, even if the thing just reboots after 1-2 levels, no one is going to mind.. it doesn't have to require new menus / graphics..  just some simple "if this, then that" and the game would just reset..   I see so many pros to this vs. any cons.  

 

Thoughts?  

[bikeguychicago]

I'd like to see the Intellivision Collector and Intellivision Revolution sites adopt this. Give us a demo ROM to try and then have a purchase link to the full ROM on the same page. A good example of how to successfully do this would be the Champ Games website. 

[8bitwidgets.com]

16 hours ago, bikeguychicago said:

Champ Games website

yea this is fantastic...  https://champ.games/downloads 

 

I know it's still asking people to do stuff (update a website, compile some roms, etc), but it seems like a relatively easy ask and just insures people can try things for themselves..  before any purchases (and possible disappointments) occur.  

 

[bikeguychicago]

It would also be nice if the sites I mentioned included screenshots and gameplay videos, as AA does. Both sites give you a picture of the box, a price, and an order button. It's a pain to go to YouTube each time to search for gameplay videos, only to determine afterward if the game is worth your time and money.