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Does anyone smarter than I know if there is a place where I can download, both legally and while paying for, an Old school, 2D, sidescroller Metroid game?

For research purposes for my game making.

I don't think a legal version exists.

Closest that I know of is that Super Mario Bros. Crossover game.
Only because it has Samus in it and she controls the same as in the first Metroid.

Slarg232 wrote:Does anyone smarter than I know if there is a place where I can download, both legally and while paying for, an Old school, 2D, sidescroller Metroid game?

Nope.

If you own a copy of any of the old Metroid games, and you can still provide proof of purchase, it is perfectly legal to download them from any source and play them on a NES or SNES emulator (provided you also own a NES or SNES). So, therefore, if you can find a copy of the game you want and own the system it was originally for, there are absolutely no legal issues with using torrents and other forms of filesharing.

Once you start downloading things you don't actually own, then it becomes illegal, so tread carefully.

Afterall, who doesn't still have their receipt for Metroid from 1986?

A receipt is not necessary, only the proof of purchase (barcode) that is on the box that it came in. If you can show that you own a hard copy of the game (even without the box), that's nearly as good. It's difficult to find NES and SNES games in their original packaging anymore, so any case against you wouldn't hold up so long as you can show that you have the cartridge.

Also, receipts tend to fade after about six months because of their method of printing, so they're never good for very long.

Super Metroid is available as a download on the Wii, and I think the original is as well. If you're really set on playing a classic Metroid game legally, this is the only option (apart from finding a SNES and cartridge).

Chrysaor686 wrote:A receipt is not necessary, only the proof of purchase (barcode) that is on the box that it came in.

You must be a hit at parties.

Of course the Wii has the Virtual Console, but I believe the OP was wanting it for the PC.

Ahtman wrote:
Of course the Wii has the Virtual Console, but I believe the OP was wanting it for the PC.

Well, then his only legal option is to move to Laos and download it there, as Laos has no copyright laws.

Ahtman wrote:You must be a hit at parties.

You must get hit at parties.

Clarification of copyright laws is important, as even the most minor misunderstanding can lead to a major fine or prison time. There's no need to be a dick about it.

Ahtman wrote:but I believe the OP was wanting it for the PC.

Indeed. I was wanting to try a nice, 2D Sidescroller on the PC that wasn't Megaman, just to have another referance to go by. I have finally picked the game I am going to try to create by myself, a good old fashioned 2D sidescroller.... but I can't decide if I want it like Metroid/Castlevania (free roam) or Megaman (Choose the stages).

Anyway, thanks for your help, guys.

Chrysaor686 wrote:even the most minor misunderstanding can lead to a major fine or prison time.

Prison time? Really?
"What are you in for?"
'I downloaded Metroid without saving my box with proof of purchase from the 80s'

And the retro gamer dies two days later.