Both of you told:
1)
>What about adding an extra filem instead of changing
> the original ROM?
> Like this:
>
> nemesis2.rom <- The original, unmodified .ROM image
> nemesis2.crc <- The file containing CRC and additional info.
2)
> As far as I can see, there are two possibilities:
>
> 1. Extending the .rom format.
>
> 2. Keeping a seperate file with a list of CRCs and mapper information.
This
> has proved to be a bitch to maintain (since the user-base isn't that
> big I suppose). MESS uses this. :)
>
So, Why discuss if you can use both solutions?
That is:
-If you want separate files:
Nemesis2.rom
Nemesis2.inf (any .ext you want)
-If you want a single file:
Nemesis2.xrm = Append(Nemesis2.rom + Nemesis2.inf)
And you always can pas from 1 file to 2 files, and from 2 files to 1 file.
Another idea: In the extra data, you can include a list of related files.
That is:
(Example)
GOLF.XRM ( Extended Rom, or what name you want)
0..16383: Original ROM data
16384.. : Extra info
- CRC, Mapper, Name, Year, ..
*Note: Use 2 different CRC: One for the ROM data, other for the Extra
info !!!!
- ASCIIZ text for comments. p.e.: "Nice Golf game, but quite simple..."
*Note: Don't use CRC for this ASCIIZ text.
- ASCIIZ text for a file list:
Contains:
- GOLF.JPG : JPG with image of the game
- GOLF.EMU : Extra info for emulators
- GOLF.ICO : Icon
- GOLF.HLP : Playing guide
- GOLF.XXX : Other file ...
This way, you can know if there is any file related to a ROM. And you can
add more files in the future.
But this starts to become a bit complex. A too complex format will
complicate the development of Romloaders. So, if MSX emulators' authors want
to add more information, it's better to add a 'second ending header' instead
complicating the first heading. That is:
1) Original ROM Data (.ROM)
2) Extra info for LoadRoms (.LRM)
3) Extra info for Emulators (.EMU)
And more:
1) Original ROM Data (.ROM)
2) Extra info for LoadRoms (.LRM)
3) Extra info for Cheats (.CHT) : To include 'All lives', 'start stage',
...
4) Extra info for Emulators (.EMU)
Of course, you can work with the 4 separated files, or 1 single file (by
adding the 4 files into 1)
Hope to have helped with my ideas.
Bye.
Daniel Zorita.
--
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