RetroArch

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This community is unofficial. Let me know if a developer of RetroArch wishes to have a Lemmy community.

RetroArch is a frontend for emulators, game engines and media players.

It enables you to run classic games on a wide range of computers and consoles through its slick graphical interface. Settings are also unified so configuration is done once and for all.

RetroArch has advanced features like shaders, netplay, rewinding, next-frame response times, runahead, machine translation, blind accessibility features, achievements, and more!

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Save help / warning to other n00bs (infosec.pub)

submitted 2 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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So recently had a hankering for some Pokémon hacks so booted up my old Pokémon Storm Silver ROM (using retroarch with Desmume as emulator).

I spun up a new game and played a bit, but it wouldn't let me save a new game since the ROM had my old save data. I decided to just save the game state with the built in retro arch save state functionality. So beat the champion using save states as alternative save feature with 60 hours on game clock (probably MUCH less due to my abuse of ffw feature).

But when you beat the champion, it dumps you back to the title screen. From there, I can only load my old data (since my current play isn't properly saved in the game data). As such, I can't play any of the post elite four content.

Anyone aware of a workaround where I can erase the games data from a save state? Kinda feels like I'm just SOL.

If I am, let this stand as a warning to other Pokémon fans. Always take the time to clear your old data!

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (3 children)

What? Pokemon should always allow you to overwrite existing save data. It just asks you to confirm you're sure before you overwrite. That's been a thing since gen 1.

Also, the save data isn't baked into the ROM. Save files and save states are stored as separate files from the rom itself.

It sounds more like RetroArch doesn't have rights to overwrite files wherever you have your save data saving to. Or maybe you set that particular file to read only.

Edit: there may also be an issue with compatibility with the romhack and the emulation core. It's unlikely, but around 8 years ago I think I remember there being some issues with DS emulation and certain Pokemon romhacks. Best to make sure retroarch and your cores are up to date.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago (2 children)

Pokemon should always allow you to overwrite existing save data. It just asks you to confirm you're sure before you overwrite.

It looks like for a little bit in the Nintendo DS era, they were looking to make that erasure more difficult (I'm not going to postulate as to why). For HG/SS you had to return to title screen and hold up + SELECT + B and that would take you to a hidden menu for deleting save data. (Forum board explaining the steps, as proof)

Obv this won't work in my case since I can't return to game once I hit the title screen.

Also, the save data isn't baked into the ROM. Save files and save states are stored as separate files from the rom itself.

I was not aware of this. Thanks for pointing me in a direction!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

Maybe I didn't make this clear: by default, in ANY Pokemon game you shouldn't need to erase the existing save to overwrite it with a new save. The whole "erase" option was really only for if you were selling the game I guess. Whatever you find regarding that isn't really applicable to your situation.

Whether the save is from a different "run" or not you should just get the same prompt as normal asking you if you're sure you want to overwrite the existing save.

Unless the rom hack maker did something absurd, the issue you have is something to do with things outside of the emulated game. That being the emulator, its settings, or folder/file permissions on where the saves are being stored as files.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago

Right. I've only played till soul silver of the "real' games and I'm pretty sure Soul Silver is the only one that has that "feature"

Its not something the hacker built in. Apparently the instructions were included in the paper booklet that came with the game. Just pulled up a soft copy and the instructions are on page 10.