ScummVM 0.5.0 Out, With Some Official Game Support

Ndr_Amigo writes "ScummVM (an interpreter for several different adventure game engines, like Simon the Sorcerer 1 and 2, the LucasArts' SCUMM adventures and Beneath a Steel Sky, earlier Slashdot story) just released version 0.5.0. Among the usual bugfixes, new game support, etc, the interesting thing about this version is that the developers of one of our target games (Beneath a Steel Sky, by Revolution Software) actually supported us. To the extent of not only supplying us with the original assembly source code, but later deciding to release the game as Freeware to coincide with our reimplementation of their engine. This is a complete turnaround from our prior experiences, and shows that there are still a few smaller active game developers out there that are willing to help keep the classics alive for their fans... And of course you can download ScummVM and the freeware release of Beneath a Steel Sky from the ScummVM homepage :)"

Comments

Re:Open letter to Lucas Arts

[slavemowgli]

You think the monkeywrench gag was evil? Try figuring it out in a localized version, when no translation of "monkeywrench" exists at all that would give the joke any meaning. :)

Re:I love it :)

[Bananenrepublik]

I think a lot of companies think along the lines of "If we give away our old games for free, why would anyone buy our new games?"

Given the level of innovation in recent games, I think this might be a valid concern for most game publishers.

Only right thing to do

[Jugalator]

I think Revolution Software is only doing this right thing by releasing it as freeware. I mean, does those old Sierra games even *work* on a modern Windows installation to 100%? They aren't sold and build on ancient technology, so why should they not just upload it all to their FTP and say "here you go, if anyone want it"?

I just find what many game companies do with those ancient games no one will ever care about again being so incredibly silly...

Are there any new games for it?

[vadim_t]

I mean, did anybody write a completely new game for ScummVM? Or, are there any tools for making them at least?

Re:I love it :)

[Mprx]

Chronoicles and Anthology are inferior to the original SNES versions, with longer load times and lower frame rates. There is still a market for the SNES carts.