The world of retro gaming has just received a remarkable addition, thanks to the efforts of coder, developer and veteran demo scener h0ffman. His latest project—a Metal Gear port for the Sega Mega Drive / Genesis. This ambitious undertaking is a port of an Amiga version, which itself was a port of the original MSX release of Metal Gear. So yes, a port of a port.
A Faithful Recreation with FM Soundtrack
Unlike previous adaptations, this version of Metal Gear aims to stay true to the MSX original, while incorporating enhancements from the Amiga iteration. One of the standout features of this port is its FM-based soundtrack, which takes advantage of the Mega Drive’s Yamaha YM2612 sound chip to deliver a rich, immersive audio experience.
Development and Bug Fixes
The project was showcased on h0ffman’s Twitch stream about a month ago, where he demonstrated the game’s progress and discussed the challenges of porting it. Since then, additional bug fixes have been required to refine the experience and ensure smooth gameplay.
Flash Carts Over AliExpress
For those eager to play the game, h0ffman has advised against purchasing cartridges from AliExpress, instead recommending the use of a flash cart to run the game on original hardware. This ensures compatibility and avoids potential issues with unofficial reproductions.
His previous port,s such as Shinobi and Golden Axe were followed by a torrent of sellers on the Chinese selling platform offering MSX carts of his titles.
Other Projects and Demo Scene Contributions
H0ffman is no stranger to the game development and demo scene. He has worked on several other ports and projects, contributing significantly to the Amiga and Mega Drive communities. Among his notable works are his port of Knightmare, a classic Konami title, and his Amiga adaptation of Cecconoid, a fast-paced shooter inspired by Cybernoid and Robotron. His involvement in Revision, one of the most prestigious demo scene events, has further cemented his reputation as a talented coder and developer.
“The NES Version Can Get in the Bin”
H0ffman has made his stance on the NES version of Metal Gear quite clear, famously stating that it “can get in the bin.” This sentiment reflects the common criticism that the NES adaptation strayed significantly from the original MSX version, altering key gameplay elements and level designs.
Where to Follow H0ffman
Those interested in following his work can check out his Twitch channel, where he regularly showcases his development progress, including his Wednesday dev streams.
For those eager to play this new port, you can head on over to his itch or even go old school and download it from the Retro32 BBS https://www.retro32.com/retro32-bbs
