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 ?

EDIT: Took the cart apart (need security torx bit) and the rattling was just a couple broken plastic clips inside. It didn’t look that dirty but I really scrubbed at the contacts with q tips and some de-oxit this time, and I did have to re seat it a couple times in the genesis (as usual) but then it did work! And man, this game is worth it. Get the cart or the ROM if you haven’t and play it (I’m sure the Amiga version is probably the best since this was a port) but man this game really holds up today. If you like Asteroids (one of my favorites) at all, this is similar to that but on steroids. Such creative ships and gameplay, and awesome music, and 2 player to boot! Definitely underrated (i’d never heard of it)

  • EvilBit@lemmy.worldEnglish
    7·
    3 days ago

    Great game. Play the sequel, if you haven’t, free on Steam:

    https://store.steampowered.com/app/2645580/Free_Stars_The_UrQuan_Masters/

    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):

    https://caig.com/product/deoxit-d100l-25c/

    • JohnnyEnzyme@piefed.socialEnglish
      3·
      3 days ago

      One thing you can try is DeoxIT.

      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.

      @[email protected]

    • bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
      2·
      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.worldEnglish
        4·
        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.

        • bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
          2·
          3 days ago

          I had no idea how good this game is. Worth the amount I thought I overpaid… I finally got it workin! took it apart and gave it a good clean. This game actually does not have a battery in it.

          • EvilBit@lemmy.worldEnglish
            2·
            3 days ago

            Excellent! Now play the sequel and come back to tell me how amazing it is.

            Edit: if you need more enticement, it’s got way more ships too.

  • bishop@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    3 days ago

    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.

  • dual_sport_dork 🐧🗡️@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    3 days ago

    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.

    • bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
      1·
      3 days ago

      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.

      The funny thing is, i’ve NEVER had cart issues with either a 2600 or 7800. they work perfectly even being total grime. basically the ak-47’s of consoles, ha!