So, Game Hut released the following video: I decided to take a gander at this with a few others (TheStoneBanana, B0M, and Mr. Potatobadger), and after taking a look, we have determined the images shown are of the binary data of the ROM converted to black and white squares. Each white square = a set bit, and each black square = a clear bit. This was found after deciphering the header: Code (Text): OH IT'S ONLY PUGGSY PROTOTYPE BUILD The vector table also strikingly resembled the final build of Puggsy's vector table. Work is still being done to completely decipher everything shown in the video.
HERE IT IS! Do note that the checksum is considered incorrect. I did check each image shared and it did seem to match our converted versions just fine. Jon Burton in the video did put this out: As for putting it on Hidden Palace, to be honest, I dunno where to begin putting stuff on there. EDIT: For those who want it, here it is with the checksum "fixed". Don't forget, I collaborated with Mr. Potatobadger, B0M, and TheStoneBanana. Couldn't have done this without them.
It's certainly a... unique way of releasing ROM dumps. I don't have high hopes of those Sonic R prototypes being released this way though :v:
Unfortunately, I think the reason we got Puggsy over something like a Sonic or a Mickey prototype is for legal reasons... I seriously doubt he could release a prototype for an IP he doesn't have some control over without some serious consequences. But OH MAN would I love to be proven wrong... The fact that we got something at all was pretty neat!
Regarding the checksum error, reportedly, other people also been getting incorrect checksum messages when running the ROM. Currently awaiting Jon's response on this.
https://twitter.com/JonTt/status/911785758377238534 Even his twitter mentions he might've made a mistake. Like TheStoneBanana said, I betcha it's within the ROM, especially considering multiple people have reported it. Seems likely.
Awww, I'm really disappointed... ...When he said "It'll take some coding genius to decode this puzzle", I was expecting him to link a fully encrypted ROM to be deciphered, not some silly screenshots of am obviously ROM in binary =(
Might as well put some raw footage of the ROM here: Also regarding the checksum thing again, I completely forgot in his video of the Puggsy prototype, he put this out: Mystery solved I guess. EDIT: Confirmed by Jon. UPDATE: The ROM shared has no wrong bytes.
This has probably been the most original way of releasing a prototype, ever. Jon Burton is officially one of the coolest game devs ever. ...Why would anybody?
This has to be the best way that anyone has ever released a prototype of a video game. Impressive work you guys!
This is just amazing....most original way to release a prototype EVER. Good job to all involved in deciphering this!
