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)
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.
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!