Forums > MobyGames > Game splits/merges - 2019
MAT (240968) on 12/20/2018 8:27 AM · Permalink · Report
This is rather straight-forward since Nox Quest, while new gameplay mode, is actually added to base Nox game via update patch. It isn't a DLC but a patch (if I remember correctly, it was verison 1.30, not sure why that number popped up, but before merging and adding this to patch release info, I'll do some research to be sure about the game version).
Ah, it's mentioned in the description, it's version 1.2 update :p
If there is a reason why these two shouldn't be merged, please reply to this.
MAT (240968) on 12/20/2018 8:31 AM · Permalink · Report
We have Shivah and Shivah: Kosher Edition as two separate entries. But the GOG release of Shivah: Kosher Edition contains both updated remake as well as original release, as mentioned in the description.
So, GOG release should be split apart into a new entry called the same but marked as a compilation. Similar how this Broken Sword GOG release was split because it also included original game as well as remake.
Any reasons why GOG version of The Shivah: Kosher Edition shouldn't be split?
Toy Man on 12/27/2018 5:30 PM · Permalink · Report
Mission: Humanity and Exterminacja should be merged: https://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/mission-humanity https://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/exterminacja
Rwolf (22823) on 1/25/2019 3:02 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
(Hmm, I note the Steam Humanity promo pics looks like they are from another game, compared to ingame screenshots. Could there maybe be a mixup with two similar titles here? edit: Yup those are for another game;'Humanity Asset' (which already has these promo pics). Pruned promo pics from entry.)
The games perspective seems to me like the ground is a top-down square grid, with isometric objects/buildings/soldiers placed on the grid. Not sure what to put here - one entry has isometric, the other birds-eye view.
(I also see in the approver comments that the two games have been marked for merging since 2018-10-02: it will happen when some higher admin has time for it)
Kam1Kaz3NL77 (569120) on 2/9/2019 8:45 PM · Permalink · Report
Merger complete: https://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/mission-humanity
Kam1Kaz3NL77 (569120) on 2/8/2019 8:29 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
I've submitted a correction for this to be handled in fashionable order, but mentioning it here anyway to bring it under everyone's eyes.
https://www.mobygames.com/admin/game/edit_game_correction/gameId,82128/spi,91/
Android/iOS version need to be split from the Switch/Mac/Windows version since the mobile versions each have their own "channel"/ and therefore own entry:
Cooking: http://appshopper.com/games/youtubers-life-cooking-channel Gaming: http://appshopper.com/games/youtubers-life Music: http://appshopper.com/games/youtubers-life-music-channel
The Win/Mac/Switch version is the OMG version, which is all of the three channels combined into one pack!
Kam1Kaz3NL77 (569120) on 2/8/2019 8:32 PM · Permalink · Report
Well the Win/Mac OMG version is the upgraded version
Kam1Kaz3NL77 (569120) on 2/18/2019 4:34 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
https://www.mobygames.com/game/c64/softporn-adventure_ and https://www.mobygames.com/game/softporn-adventure
Aren't these the same?
EDIT: Oops didn't read thoroughly - Unofficial port for the C64
Alaka (106092) on 3/16/2019 6:18 AM · Permalink · Report
NES version should probably get its own game entry. Being that the description on file is so generic it can be reused on the new game description too.
Barbarian_bros (15187) on 3/18/2019 7:29 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
As said in the description : 1994 Mac/DOS/Gameboy versions of Pac-in-Time are US reskin of the original 1993 European Amiga/DOS/Mac "Fury of the Furries" game. (https://www.mobygames.com/game/pac-in-time and https://www.mobygames.com/game/fury-of-the-furries)
But as said on the description about the 1995 SNES version of Pac-in-Time : "However, SNES game, despite using the same basic gameplay mechanics, is an entirely new game using a different game engine and aesthetic"
So the SNES Pac-in-Time should have is own entry.
MAT (240968) on 3/26/2019 2:37 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
Different aesthetic and game engine aren't reasons to split if the game is still the same. Maybe sprites are slightly different, but if the rest of the game is the same it probably shouldn't be split. Unless story and levels are entirely different. Do you know if levels are different?
Plok (213888) on 4/22/2019 9:51 AM · Permalink · Report
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Stronghold Crusader HD should be merged with Stronghold Crusader Extreme - as discussed among staff
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Soldier of Fortune: Tactical Low-Violence Version should be merged with the Soldier of Fortune entry, as it doesn't differ in content, just the dismemberment option permanently disabled. If we got censored releases their own entries, we wouldn't be done before man walked on Mars for the first time - as discussed among staff
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StarCraft: Anthology should be merged with StarCraft: Battle Chest.
Plok (213888) on 5/1/2019 12:18 PM · Permalink · Report
- Unreal Tournament 2004: Editor's Choice Edition should be merged with Unreal Tournament 2004, since there is an official free-of-charge patch which brings Editor's Choice Edition content to the original release.
Foxhack (32100) on 5/7/2019 8:42 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Plokite_Wolf wrote--]* Unreal Tournament 2004: Editor's Choice Edition should be merged with Unreal Tournament 2004, since there is an official free-of-charge patch which brings Editor's Choice Edition content to the original release. [/Q --end Plokite_Wolf wrote--]This shouldn't be done. The patch does not include the bonus DVD with Unreal Engine video tutorials.
If anything a separate listing should be made for the ECE with no tutorials, because that's how it's sold at GOG.
Edit: Also, by your reasoning we should merge Unreal II with Unreal II Special Edition because the SE content is available via a patch. :P
Foxhack (32100) on 5/9/2019 5:26 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Plokite_Wolf wrote--] [Q2 --start Foxhack wrote--] Edit: Also, by your reasoning we should merge Unreal II with Unreal II Special Edition because the SE content is available via a patch. :P [/Q2 --end Foxhack wrote--] Precisely. [/Q --end Plokite_Wolf wrote--]hoses you down with a spray gun
No.
Foxhack (32100) on 5/9/2019 6:02 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Plokite_Wolf wrote--]Excuse me, where were you when the discussion regarding this took place in the approver forum? And do you have any realistic reason to back up your position? [/Q --end Plokite_Wolf wrote--]How about that the upgrade patch is completely optional for physical releases? If it were a forced update (like you'd get on Steam) then I'd agree, but this is optional. Plus, you can't update the Xbox version to XMP.
Plok (213888) on 5/9/2019 6:06 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Foxhack wrote--]How about that the upgrade patch is completely optional for physical releases? If it were a forced update (like you'd get on Steam) then I'd agree, but this is optional.[/Q --end Foxhack wrote--] Irrelevant. Patches are "optional" for retail releases anyway, and digital releases always auto-apply them.
[Q --start Foxhack wrote--] Plus, you can't update the Xbox version to XMP. [/Q --end Foxhack wrote--] Then the Xbox one will stay on its own.
MAT (240968) on 5/10/2019 12:34 AM · Permalink · Report
Digital releases indeed always auto-apply them, but they are not there from the start. Also, if you get the original digital release before the patch and are offline it'll never get patched to new release. For GOG.com case, I have many older non-patched-to-special-edition games stored on my HDD just so I don't have to be forced to play some enhanced version that was auto-patched and original removed.
In digital releases that actively creates new game entries for mobygames.
See Trine for example, after it became enhanced Trine: Enchanted Edition on GOG.com it was available as original Trine and as such has two game entries and covers under both, different covers, of course.
I probably should've done the same with Wing Commander 1+2 which we have under single entry with clarification in description. At first there were only base games, later they added all DLCs as well. However, even from the very start they advertised the DLCs and there were link in the game menus, only there were no DLCs installed.
Anyway, please don't merge game that becomes another game after applying a patch to it.
In theory, if you could patch Red Alert game to change it into Tiberian Sun game, those two shouldn't be merged. The patch info would be added under Red Alert patches. If digital release would be auto-patched to TS game, then that would create new "download release" release info for TS game from the date of auto-patched new release.
Plok (213888) on 5/10/2019 5:38 AM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start MAT wrote--] In theory, if you could patch Red Alert game to change it into Tiberian Sun game, those two shouldn't be merged. The patch info would be added under Red Alert patches. If digital release would be auto-patched to TS game, then that would create new "download release" release info for TS game from the date of auto-patched new release. [/Q --end MAT wrote--] Define "another game". UT2004 and UT2004 ECE are the same game, just that the latter gets new maps and maybe a few game modes. That's the same reason you merged Nox and Nox Quest for.
MAT (240968) on 5/10/2019 6:22 AM · Permalink · Report
No, reason I merged Nox and Nox Quest was that Nox Quest wasn't a game but a patch that added that game. Jim Leonard back then allowed this as an exception seeing how Nox Quest had enough new content to feel like an add-on, but it was not, it was in fact a patch 1.3 or something like that.
Online games like Star Trek: Online or World of Tanks add whole new stories and missions and levels through patches, yet they are all just patches, not DLCs or new game entries. However, in case patches add much new info, we can treat them as a "new game" in terms of adding screenshots, meaning each huge patch can get up to 50 shots on its own if it's big enough.
One of the reasons why PS4 release of World of Tanks has 175 screenshots is because of many patches. First 50 are for the base game, the rest are for various patches with patch version prefix in screenshot description. Not all patches have great many new content, but for some that do I've added a couple shots, so it piled up over the course of past 3 years.
If someone (perhaps Picard user) who played Star Trek Online kept track of all those new patches, that game could probably have over 500 shots by now. Needless to say, MMORPG and any other such games like World of WarCraft could have many shots where each patch adds new monsters, regions, and whatnot.
So, Nox Quest is not a game. It's a new game mode that becomes available in Nox game after applying patch 1.3 or whatever was the patch's number. Actually, I didn't merge the two, I just deleted Nox Quest entry after moving some of it's info to Nox game.
Plok (213888) on 5/10/2019 6:25 AM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start MAT wrote--]No, reason I merged Nox and Nox Quest was that Nox Quest wasn't a game but a patch that added that game. Jim Leonard back then allowed this as an exception seeing how Nox Quest had enough new content to feel like an add-on, but it was not, it was in fact a patch 1.3 or something like that.
Online games like Star Trek: Online or World of Tanks add whole new stories and missions and levels through patches, yet they are all just patches, not DLCs or new game entries. However, in case patches add much new info, we can treat them as a "new game" in terms of adding screenshots, meaning each huge patch can get up to 50 shots on its own if it's big enough.
One of the reasons why PS4 release of World of Tanks has 175 screenshots is because of many patches. First 50 are for the base game, the rest are for various patches with patch version prefix in screenshot description. Not all patches have great many new content, but for some that do I've added a couple shots, so it piled up over the course of past 3 years.
If someone (perhaps Picard user) who played Star Trek Online kept track of all those new patches, that game could probably have over 500 shots by now. Needless to say, MMORPG and any other such games like World of WarCraft could have many shots where each patch adds new monsters, regions, and whatnot.
So, Nox Quest is not a game. It's a new game mode that becomes available in Nox game after applying patch 1.3 or whatever was the patch's number. Actually, I didn't merge the two, I just deleted Nox Quest entry after moving some of it's info to Nox game. [/Q --end MAT wrote--]
The ECE isn't a game either. It's a bonus pack. That you get for free. Same with XMP.
MAT (240968) on 5/10/2019 6:37 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
When re-release includes some bonus content but doesn't change title, say some release includes soundtrack, then we don't even create new entry.
For DVD Special Edition, I guess that one has its own title and is special edition due to DVD.
For ECE, this is more about the included maps. That is bonus content, new content, and because it is with the game it has a new entry.
Like we discussed for digital releases, auto-patched games gt new entry because f new content. So, say if Nox got re-released with patch 1.3 which includes Nox Quest, it would/should have new entry and not be together with base retail one which needs patch to look the same.
Oh my God!!!!!!!
I just realised that all those MMORPG and even games like World of Tanks which add new content through patches all the time would actually by this logic have to be split to new entry after almost any bigger patch. We'd probably have to have 40 World of Tanks game entries for PS4/XB1 alone because how game looked back in December 2015 and now is entirely different, and there's no way to download just starting version anymore. Not even to play such game without the latest patch.
It all made sense how we treat other games with bonus content, but thinking of MMORPGs where new content is done via patches yet we keep it under single entry... I have no words, no idea how to solve this without breaking our entire system.
Thinking any further on this would just create a SYSTEM OVERLOAD ion my head. Oh hell, we really need to do something about this and many other things. We need a coder, and not one who will just look at fixing bugs but try to change the system, if there's a way to do it iteratively!
----------EDIT-------------
Okay, the only think I could think of is to stop splitting any re-releases and describe differences in the description. Or maybe have a section beside descriptions which would be called "Release Differences" where we could have a brief info on various releases of the same game (remakes would have new entries, of course).
Or we could have a "Release Differences" mentioned in description so it could have something like this for UTC2004 game entry...
Below is a description for UTC2004 base game if we'd simply put all re-releases and special editions under same entry. They'd still have their place in covers, screenshots, release info, etc.. BTW, this approach would also help reduce duplication of various scraped promo shots which are often the same :)
Game description template for game entries with multiple different releases/versions:
UTC2004
base game description for the entry
UTC2004 (DVD Special Edition)
re-release on a DVD with bonus content including blah blah blah
UTC2004: Editor's Choice Edition
re-release with latest patch and bonus maps introduced in blah blah... this release also comes with bonus DVD with something something
Plok (213888) on 5/10/2019 4:41 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start MAT wrote--] Like we discussed for digital releases, auto-patched games gt new entry because f new content. So, say if Nox got re-released with patch 1.3 which includes Nox Quest, it would/should have new entry and not be together with base retail one which needs patch to look the same.[/Q --end MAT wrote--] Such a release happened. Twice. Nox on Origin and on GOG.
[Q --start MAT wrote--] Okay, the only think I could think of is to stop splitting any re-releases and describe differences in the description. Or maybe have a section beside descriptions which would be called "Release Differences" where we could have a brief info on various releases of the same game (remakes would have new entries, of course).
Or we could have a "Release Differences" mentioned in description so it could have something like this for UTC2004 game entry...
Below is a description for UTC2004 base game if we'd simply put all re-releases and special editions under same entry. They'd still have their place in covers, screenshots, release info, etc.. BTW, this approach would also help reduce duplication of various scraped promo shots which are often the same :) [/Q --end MAT wrote--] We would, however, have to limit this to releases which can be updated to a newer version in some way or another. Releases such as Age of Mythology: Extended Edition which have a lot of underlying code changed and are entirely incompatible with the old versions must not be eligible for this change.
MAT (240968) on 5/11/2019 12:01 AM · Permalink · Report
If Origin and GOG version of Nox is latest patched version with Nox Quest, then it's the same case as UTC2004 ECE and should either be split like that, or UTC2004 ECE should be merged with base entry.
It's a difference with updated releases and patch-updated releases. There are many updated ports which alter some stuff and add some new and are split for that (i.e. PC vs console ports of erotic visual novels), and then there are simply games that are re-released with latest patch. Don't think they should be really split.
But what when a patch doesn't add new things or patches existing game but changes the entire base game to a new engine and graphics, like Trine to Trine: Enchanted Edition? Would those still be better merged? I guess they could be, and we could allow 50 shots for both versions, same as we allow for any patch on MMO games that adds plenty of new content.
I remember adding "Singles+: Flirt Up Your Life!" covers and AKA title as "Updated release" to the base game. I think there were some additions added like photo-mode or kitchen set or whatever, and the game also had latest patch. That too could have been split... and at one point I tried to but couldn't find release info of that updated version so left it.
But yeah, I would like to make a new policy about patched games on a single platform so we stop splitting those and simply have all patches listed. Covers of re-releases could have comments like "Updated release with patch 1.8a" or something like that. And patches info page will give all the info about each patch (in perfect case scenario, every game would have a patch list with descriptions like World of Tanks on PS4, but they rarely do). But at least these bigger patches would have the info, or even in game description for re-releases.
Plok (213888) on 5/11/2019 7:40 AM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start MAT wrote--]It's a difference with updated releases and patch-updated releases. There are many updated ports which alter some stuff and add some new and are split for that (i.e. PC vs console ports of erotic visual novels), and then there are simply games that are re-released with latest patch. Don't think they should be really split.
(...)
But yeah, I would like to make a new policy about patched games on a single platform so we stop splitting those and simply have all patches listed. Covers of re-releases could have comments like "Updated release with patch 1.8a" or something like that. And patches info page will give all the info about each patch (in perfect case scenario, every game would have a patch list with descriptions like World of Tanks on PS4, but they rarely do). But at least these bigger patches would have the info, or even in game description for re-releases. [/Q --end MAT wrote--]
This is what we agreed to in the approvers forum, dude...
Rwolf (22823) on 5/7/2019 4:02 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
The promo pics seem similar in style, especially these two:
https://www.mobygames.com/game/xianjian-qixia-zhuan-6/promo/imageType,1/promoImageId,484706/
https://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation-4/sword-fairy-6/promo/promoImageId,490779/
The PS4 trailer start uses the electronic cover of the Windows title, with the same Chinese title showing.
A similar English title is also used on both, so I'd say yes.
Foxhack (32100) on 5/7/2019 8:38 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
Apparently Cyberball needs to be split into two, possibly THREE listings:
It turns out the original Arcade version has these variants: Cyberball, Cyberball 2072 and Tournament Cyberball 2072, with there being upgrade kits for the original Cyberball. The games also added new options, plays, and graphics, similar to how Street Fighter II / Champion / Turbo worked.
As of right now, it's likely that we will need a listing for OG, one for 2072, and one for Tournament (for Arcade + Lynx versions.) Depending on the release date for the other platforms, they can be moved to the respective versions.
Edit: Okay I found the operator manuals. The differences are that Cyberball 2072 had more plays, different teams, and a beginner mode added, while Tournament had a Vs Coach feature added and a "Game Breakers" game mode where you complete challenges or something. I need to dig into this, so I'll start working on the game entries.
Rik Hideto (473490) on 5/8/2019 6:09 AM · Permalink · Report
Mar 23, 2017: https://www.mobygames.com/game/switch/new-frontier-days-founding-pioneers
Jul 27, 2017: https://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/new-frontier-days-founding-pioneers_
Should be merged.
MAT (240968) on 5/9/2019 12:34 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
Dragon's Lair: Deluxe Pack for Windows...
https://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/dragons-lair-deluxe-pack
...and Dragon's Lair Trilogy for Switch / PS3 / PS4 / Wii...
https://www.mobygames.com/game/dragons-lair-trilogy
I dunno about the Windows bundle, but the trilogy version has all three games from a single interface menu and they can be played in both full screen or like on an arcade backdrop. I am guessing original Windows version just has them as three separate games and playable probably in full-screen only.
Still, would that be enough of a different to warrant two entries? I would personally merge them and adjust description to reflect that.
Anyone else thinks these should be merged?
Patrick Bregger (301024) on 5/9/2019 6:00 AM · Permalink · Report
Pro merge
The cranky hermit (2926) on 5/9/2019 1:00 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
There's two important differences. First, the Wii trilogy is based on the HD remastered, and is higher quality than the laserdisc originals, even though it isn't HD itself. Second, it incorporates a number of features that were introduced to the 20th Anniversary DVD version, such as move guides and Arcade/Home gameplay selector. Though the DVD version had extra Dragon's Lair 1 scenes that aren't in any other version.
I don't know if that's enough to keep it separate or not, but it's something to consider. That said, is there a reason to keep the GBC port separate? I'm assuming the Amiga port is separate because it has fewer scenes.
Deluxe Pack is playable windowed. I had it back in the day, and fullscreen didn't work for me.
Side-note, the Wii trilogy is one of the very few ways you can play Dragon's Lair 1 remastered in its correct 4:3 aspect ratio, and only if you have the system set to 4:3 mode. It's got separate widescreen and 4:3 video files on the disc, and selects based on your system settings. The only other way that I'm aware of is "Dragon's Lair HD" DVD-ROM (not to be confused with HD-DVD) for Windows. All other remastered releases force a cropped 16:9 aspect ratio on you, and the 4:3 mode, if there is one, just crops the widescreen back down to 4:3, meaning it's cropped on all four sides.
MAT (240968) on 5/10/2019 12:26 AM · Permalink · Report
Thank you for all your feedback guys. This was most helpful. This is the true way of perusing forum, to get such detailed answers that clarify the problem at hand. Thanks a lot!
More new scenes could be enough to keep something separate (although we have many Windows / other platforms visual novels where Win version has extra scenes, namely adult ones, lol, together in a single entry). Then again, we still have GBA release of Defender of the Crown together even though it has new mace battle scene (after you fall off a horse in jousting) that was not in any previous versions.
BTW, guys, SD and HD is never a reason to split games. Some game may be release as HD version, and that just means it has higher resolution. That in itself is no reason for separation since when it comes to PC games, you can often play the same game in 640x400 with low-quality everything or pump it to 1920x1080 with high quality everything. That's just the resolution difference, and is never reason for separation. Having entirely new textures and audio and all that, would be a reason, since it would feel more like an enhanced port or a remake.
Then again, if levels are the same, we may not even have a reason to split that either, we have many cases either way.
Anyway, keeping Dragon's Lair games separate for now, if only for the fact that this new Trilogy release may come out for Windows platform as well, if it didn't already ;))
The cranky hermit (2926) on 5/19/2019 1:15 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
"BTW, guys, SD and HD is never a reason to split games. [...] Having entirely new textures and audio and all that, would be a reason, since it would feel more like an enhanced port or a remake."
In Dragon's Lair Trilogy's case, I think there's a pretty strong case that this is more akin to a remake. It's not as clear cut as having all-new textures and models, but fact of the matter is that the Trilogy is using art assets that didn't exist prior to 2006. This even goes for the non-HD Wii port.
It's a very unusual situation for a video game. There's more going on than your typical SD->HD conversion. Dragon's Lair is all video files, and you can't make old video files look better just by cranking up the resolution as you would with an old PC game. But it's also not a total remake, because they didn't re-animate the scenes either. It's one of very few video games where "remaster" is actually the most appropriate term, because they went back to the raw source material and rescanned it at better than laserdisc quality.
MAT (240968) on 5/10/2019 2:01 AM · Permalink · Report
I just noticed we have a third Windows trilogy as a separate entry here...
https://www.mobygames.com/game/la-triloga-dragons-lair
...could that be merged with the old Windows release?
As for new Dragon's Lair Trilogy, I found it exists for Windows even on GOG.com (https://www.gog.com/game/dragons_lair_trilogy) so I'll be adding that as a platform to the newest release.
Foxhack (32100) on 5/10/2019 4:35 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start MAT wrote--]I just noticed we have a third Windows trilogy as a separate entry here...
https://www.mobygames.com/game/la-triloga-dragons-lair
...could that be merged with the old Windows release?
As for new Dragon's Lair Trilogy, I found it exists for Windows even on GOG.com (https://www.gog.com/game/dragons_lair_trilogy) so I'll be adding that as a platform to the newest release. [/Q --end MAT wrote--]Trilogia predates the 20th Anniversary release by a whole year, and does not include the bonus disc. Additionally the game box says that the game is translated to Spanish, it has the three games on separate discs, and it also mentions Macromedia on the packaging, so it might be a completely different release from all the other ones since it was one of FX Interactive's in-house ports. The box shares the same features as 20th Anniversary, so... who knows, maybe DL used that as a base?
I wouldn't merge this with anything, though.
Deleted (15788) on 5/10/2019 11:16 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
Are these 2 games one and the same or should the latter be considered an enhanced remake?
MAT (240968) on 5/11/2019 12:04 AM · Permalink · Report
Here it doesn't really matter since both versions exist for same platform, which is Windows, so two different games, remakes or not, cannot be merged like that. Unless old version can be patched to look like the latest release. If it can't, if they run on different engines, etc., then they should be split.
If, however, new release runs ported old version in an emulator or something on those newer platforms, then it should be merged.
Plok (213888) on 5/12/2019 3:24 PM · Permalink · Report
Tomb Raider 2 for 1 Value Pack
2 Games: Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation / Tomb Raider Chronicles
Same thing, different platforms. The games that these compilations contain have all platforms in one respective entry. Objections?
MAT (240968) on 5/13/2019 1:08 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
Yup, definitely to-be merged. Edit PC description to reflect the PDF manual refers to PC release. Not that it even needs to be mentioned, could as well use PSX description that lists games in a compilation.
BTW, if you're new to merging, this will be done with one-click since there aren't things to be moved and there are no overlapping platforms. Just remove duplicates like two descriptions or whatever else may be duplicate.
Foxhack (32100) on 5/31/2019 12:03 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
Ittle Dew 2+ for Switch should probably be merged with Ittle Dew 2 (PC/Mac/Linux).
2 PC was upgraded to 2+ a few weeks ago, and the devs said the previous version would be available to play for speedrunners in the future.
MAT (240968) on 5/31/2019 7:44 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
Not a question about splitting, just info on a game I recently split...
...had trivia mentioning that retail release additionally includes episode 0. I've just recently installed and played through my copy of retail release and since it was indeed a compilation of two episodes, I've created split entry and moved retail info to this entry...
...the "1" and "I" aren't typos, game uses roman numerals for episodes in-game as well as on digital covers, with exception to retail release where it has 1 instead of I on the cover.
MAT (240968) on 6/3/2019 2:01 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
Cryo's Atlantis trilogy are known as...
- Atlantis
- Beyond Atlantis (aka Atlantis 2)
- Beyond Atlantis 2 (aka Atlantis 3)
Now, we have this game entry called Atlantis II & Atlantis III...
https://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/atlantis-ii-atlantis-iii
...and this game entry called Beyond Atlantis 1 and 2...
https://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/beyond-atlantis-1-and-2
...however, neither description nor covers match this second game entry. We don't have US covers to check, but I wonder if AKA titles, description and covers are wrong and main title should just be moved to the other game as AKA and this entry renamed to one of it's AKAs since it contains game 1 & 2 and not game 2 & 3 as the name implies.
Foxhack (32100) on 6/3/2019 2:30 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start MAT wrote--]Cryo's Atlantis trilogy are known as...
- Atlantis
- Beyond Atlantis (aka Atlantis 2)
- Beyond Atlantis 2 (aka Atlantis 3)
Now, we have this game entry called Atlantis II & Atlantis III...
https://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/atlantis-ii-atlantis-iii
...and this game entry called Beyond Atlantis 1 and 2...
https://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/beyond-atlantis-1-and-2
...however, neither description nor covers match this second game entry. We don't have US covers to check, but I wonder if AKA titles, description and covers are wrong and main title should just be moved to the other game as AKA and this entry renamed to one of it's AKAs since it contains game 1 & 2 and not game 2 & 3 as the name implies. [/Q --end MAT wrote--]
Beyond Atlantis 1+2 does exist: https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Sealed-2-for-1-Beyond-Atlantis-Beyond-Atlantis-II-The-Adventure-Company/123701363088
However the covers on file for that listing are for Atlantis 1+2. The package name is "The legend of Atlantis 1&2" I think, I can't read German.
MAT (240968) on 6/3/2019 5:05 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
Thank you. I see back cover says 2003 or so, so will have to delete US release date that says 2000 and will just move AKA title to another entry. The rest should be in place.
Okay, left US release info but rejected AKA titles. The source for US one was not really a visual one, plus user mentioned in US the games had Beyond prefix, so that was probably the other compilation. I couldn't find non-German compilation for first two games so left German as primary title there.
As for US title for BA compilation, there wasn't any so used our syntax for such compilations: "Game 1 / Game 2".
Thanks Foxhack!
MAT (240968) on 6/5/2019 7:46 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
This game entry...
Alone in the Dark: The Trilogy 1+2+3
...mentions "Jack in the Dark" included game which isn't on any retail covers. I recently purchased GOG.com release and didn't see install files for that game either. Maybe it was included with one of the three main games, will install and check, if there isn't any, will probably split GOG.com release.
However, since none of the covers mention that fourth game we have listed, can anyone who has physical copy of this trilogy confirm that the fourth game is really there and this isn't just an error in the description?
Danfer (33092) on 6/5/2019 4:36 PM · Permalink · Report
"Jack in the Dark" is a bonus content on the Alone in the Dark 1 CD-Rom
https://www.mobygames.com/game/alone-in-the-dark-the-trilogy-123/cover-art/gameCoverId,112153/
chirinea (47495) on 6/5/2019 11:34 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start MAT wrote--]This game entry...
Alone in the Dark: The Trilogy 1+2+3
...mentions "Jack in the Dark" included game which isn't on any retail covers. I recently purchased GOG.com release and didn't see install files for that game either. Maybe it was included with one of the three main games, will install and check, if there isn't any, will probably split GOG.com release.
However, since none of the covers mention that fourth game we have listed, can anyone who has physical copy of this trilogy confirm that the fourth game is really there and this isn't just an error in the description? [/Q --end MAT wrote--] I have the GOG release and I have Jack in the Dark. If you install the first Alone in the Dark, the launch menu gives you the option to play AitD 1 or Jack in the Dark.
Foxhack (32100) on 6/15/2019 7:37 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Alaka wrote--]Sky Kid may need looking into, [/Q --end Alaka wrote--]It looks to me like we should add a separate listing for Sky Kid Deluxe.
From what I played, Vs. Sky Kid (Arcade) is just the NES version of Sky Kid, but modified to run on the Vs. System.
Foxhack (32100) on 6/25/2019 10:08 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
Raiders of the Broken Planet = Spacelords
The game became F2P and was rebranded this. So... I'm not sure if Raiders and Spacelords should be merged or not. At the least, they should be added to the same game group.
MAT (240968) on 6/26/2019 2:23 AM · Permalink · Report
We have regular first season (digital, released before all episodes were out, but were all included for download as they came out)...
https://www.mobygames.com/game/hitman-the-complete-first-season
...and we have retail version which was released after everything was already out...
https://www.mobygames.com/game/hitman-the-complete-first-season-steelbook-edition
...should these two be merged? Or is there are different content that warranties a split?
firefang9212 (81827) on 6/28/2019 1:15 AM · Permalink · Report
As mentioned in its description, the Steelbook Edition includes one of the DLC packs (the Blood Money Requiem Pack) which wasn't included with the regular first season. As such they should remain as they are.
MAT (240968) on 7/3/2019 12:48 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
Why are these two same games split?
https://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/3-skulls-of-the-toltecs
https://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/3-skulls-of-the-toltecs_
Shouldn't they be merged? GOG.com also added that game recently, BTW.
MAT (240968) on 7/3/2019 6:07 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
But is user interface reason enough for a new entry? I mean, many PC/Console games don't have same user interface yet we didn't split them.
Also, Shadow of the Comet has different user interface for CD version (mouse interface) while Floppy Disk version doesn't have it, but that too is simply mentioned in the description.
UI is rarely identical between platform ports. I don't think this is a remake game.
Anyway, looking at screenshots, I don't see UI difference (unless you count different font reason to split entries)...
Steam/GOG Windows shot...
Original Windows shot...
EDIT: Graphics may use some blur filter or other filter to make the game less pixelized in fullscreenmode, but that too is no reason for split. Many GOG.com DOS games support various filters that change graphics yet we never split them. Don't think this game has any new gameplay content that requires splitting, imho.
Foxhack (32100) on 7/3/2019 10:10 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start MAT wrote--]Also, I don't think this is a real remaster version, neither title nor graphics suggest it is. [/Q --end MAT wrote--]The dev posts imply that this new version has been rebuilt from the ground up.
Again, I'm not saying it should stay split, I'm just saying what they're saying. :P
MAT (240968) on 7/4/2019 12:16 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
Does the rebuilding refer to graphics or code?
Old Windows game was for Windows 95 and ran in Windows mode. Couldn't run on Win 7 or Win 10 platform. So it could be they've rebuilt the engine so it supports latest Windows systems as well as larger resolutions.
I actually bought the game the moment I noticed it on GOG.com since it was on my wishlist for many years... let me go and install it and see how it feels.
EDIT: Okay, tested the game. The engine no doubt seems new (even though I never played the original Win95 release). It supports and runs fine on 4K native resolution as well. Gets a bit more blurry, but remains more or less the same.
Interface seems identical. Action buttons (i.e. Use, Talk, etc.) and inventory item icons. Also, dialogue is the same and has A B C D buttons that reveal answers. Graphics look pretty identical to the original, though naturally more stretched on higher resolution (but seeing how it wasn't pixel graphics in the original... at least it doesn't look that way, stretching doesn't really change the original feel).
When the game starts there is language and voice-acting language select screen with several options and game settings uses different interface and maybe some other options that weren't originally available such as Motion-Blur and support for various full-screen resolutions. But is that the reason for a new entry? Unlike original Win95 release, this game runs in fullscreen mode only, the original in Window mode only (judging from the shots).
Bottomline, playing old DOS/WIN release on some 14" CRT monitor doesn't feel any different than playing new WIN version on 27" LCD 4K monitor. So I would vote to merge thee entries and just updates the description.
This feels more like a port, but not from different platform to different platform, just to different OS version. Like a port of Win 95 game to Win 7 game.
We could allow for 50 shots of each version under same entry if necessary, but I really don't see the reason for splitting.
Now that you have all the info, let's hear another verdict. Should they remain split or can we merge them? My vote goes for merging.
You don't see any more graphical difference than on, say, WIN95 release of Gabriel Knight 2...
...and GOG.com release of GK2...
MAT (240968) on 7/4/2019 12:50 AM · Permalink · Report
Yes, that pretty much subs it up. Okay, we can keep it as remastered release although it feels more like a port with higher quality resources (something like Resident Evil 4 HD versus Resident Evil 4, and though HD has higher quality resources and maybe better sounds, there wasn't a new entry for it).
Even Resident Evil Origins Collection which included a couple minor extras in HD release like new costumes.
But I see how 3 Skulls can be split or merged and feel correct in both ways.
Okay, dropping this topic and leaving it as is for now. Hopefully in new site version we'll have better way of grouping such games together along with all the DLCs.
Sciere (930489) on 7/4/2019 7:14 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
Especially because grouping game entries where both games are released for the same platform, makes differentiating between credits, tech specs, screenshots of the versions much more difficult. I feel more lenient when the remaster constitutes a new and different platform, even though I'd keep it separate even then.
MAT (240968) on 7/5/2019 7:22 AM · Permalink · Report
That too.
But many older DOS games have Floppy and CD-ROM releases and CD-ROM usually has more cutscenes, slightly animated graphics, full voice-acting etc., yet we don't split those. I think credits are probably mixed from either floppy or CD release or both.
Some such DOS examples: The Adventures of Willy Beamish, Shadow of the Comet, Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, Lands of Lore, etc..
In many such cases, GOG.com often includes both versions in a single game entry/purchase (can see that in Windows screenshots I submitted for Willy Beamish and Shadow of the Comet).
There are many imperfections in how our game database is structured... I really hope that will be fixed somehow... hopefully during my lifetime :)
Patrick Bregger (301024) on 7/6/2019 6:40 AM · Permalink · Report
I feel the need to add that no one should buy either the remaster or the original because it is one of the worst games I have ever played.
MAT (240968) on 7/8/2019 12:28 AM · Permalink · Report
Are you refering story-wise?
I did get it for just a few bucks on GOG.com since I wanted to play it since the day original came out and it was rather obscure title to find to buy retail.
I didn't play more than 15min, just for the sake of checking what is so "remastered" about it. It seemed like a typical point-and-click adventure with non-pixel graphics. Dialogues also sounded fine. Those remastered options were crap, though. I mean, turning "Motion Blur" option leaves 5 separate frames of your character while it moves, it's terrible, like the computer is too weak to handle it, lol.
But gameplay wise, looked like a typical point-and-click adventure. Maybe something like Detective Gallo in art style. I have no idea about the story though.
Deleted (13945) on 7/4/2019 10:45 AM · Permalink · Report
The MySims games play vastly differently on the Wii and DS, with most of them featuring completely different plots and gameplay. However, with the exception of the first game, they are all listed as under the same game entry - should this be changed?
MySims Kingdom Wii - the game is very similar to the first one and resolves around collecting "essences" and building objects and houses DS - the game is less focussed on object/house creation and more so on minigames and sim interaction
MySims Agents Wii - the game takes place in a variety of locations and has the player solve puzzles in a number of ways, including lock-picking and chemistry. The player has their own HQ they can decorate, which is shared with other agents who can be sent on missions for rewards. The game is about Morcubus and his attempt to steal an evil and powerful crown. DS - the game takes place in one town and has the player solve more simple puzzles in a more linear fashion. The player has their own house they can decorate. The game is about "Thief V", a man who has stolen some precious artifacts.
MAT (240968) on 7/5/2019 7:30 AM · Permalink · Report
Well if both story and gameplay are different then without a doubt they are not the same game and should be split.
That said, we cannot split game if there is nothing to split it to. Meaning, if NDS and Wii platforms need to be split, someone should submit either of those platforms as a separate entry (can be fully blank, but should preferably have at least a description that describes the difference to the split version) and once it's approved, an admin can move all the stuff (release info, covers, screenshots, promo art, credits, rating sources, etc.) from the game that should be split to the new entry.
Merging games is a straightforward process and doesn't require any new info. Or moving platforms between entries (when we split platform from one game but actually attach it to another game, that obviously doesn't require new entry to be submitted beforehand).
So, to sum it up, if gameplay and story are different, just submit a new entry and write in a comment to approver that this is just a base entry where stuff from [GAME] platform should be moved to.
Deleted (13945) on 7/23/2019 10:59 AM · Permalink · Report
Donkey Kong Jungle Beat is another that might need splitting.
For the most part, the New Play Control! games for the Wii are just GameCube games with a different control scheme, and should be left in the same entry. However, Jungle Beat seems to have some changes regarding story and gameplay.
It sounds like level designs were altered slightly, and gameplay mechanics have changed slightly as well as the Wii version adds a lives system not seen in the GameCube version (quite a major change!)
Apart from that, the game plays mostly the same, so not quite sure on this one. See the link here, which has two YouTube videos of the same levels (one GameCube, one Wii). The levels are the same for the most part but there are significant changes to some areas. There is no visual identification of a lives meter in the Wii footage but one of the comments mentions that DK dies after three hits.
I also noticed we have multiple entries for Minecraft, are they really needed as the game nearly always plays exactly the same?
MAT (240968) on 7/25/2019 12:52 AM · Permalink · Report
Yes, if both story and levels are different, then they are different games. Just different story would be enough.
If you're familiar enough with them to make a split entry, submit the new entry for splitting and PM me or post it here when you're done, and I (or some other admin) will approve it and move things. So, sure, go for it, this looks like a valid thing to split.
MAT (240968) on 8/7/2019 12:44 AM · Permalink · Report
I've only played Amiga, DOS, and GBA versions of the game so I can't vouch for other platforms.
But, what I can tell is that GBA version has additional gameplay content which includes fighting with maces on the ground after falling from the horse during jousting.
I guess that alone wasn't the reason for splitting this platform (should be added to description), but I was wondering if that mace/shield combat part was included in Windows remastered version that we have split, and if so, should we move GBA platform there? I am guessing that other versions that aren't emulated old versions could include that and perhaps be split to Remastered version? Although I didn't notice remastered graphics on GBA, but it's been 15 years since I played it on GBA so maybe they were. Screenshots are on file.
MAT (240968) on 8/7/2019 10:26 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
Here's a screenshot we have on file I captured from GBA version (it was captured on GameCube with GBPlayer hardware attached that allows playing of GB/GBC/GBA games on TV through GameCube), hence the GC resolution for the screenshot...
I too didn't find this on remastered version so I guess we should keep it here. But I sure was surprised when I saw this scene after falling off a horse in jousting when I played it on GBA. We even have Wings GBA version as alternate platform and that game on GBA too seem to have a different gameplay feel, I mean you can fly a plane in any direction during bombing, judging from screenshots. Not a reason for splitting, imho. It's cool not to have all platforms just straight ports.
MAT (240968) on 8/19/2019 5:11 AM · Permalink · Report
Planned to address this for some time, just got around to do it.
I've created-and-approved a new split entry for The Evil Within and moved my US PS4 cover set.
I don't see any other PS4 retail covers to contain the bonus DLC, but after a little searching online I found out that this was a US pre-order version which included a bonus DLC voucher.
Deleted (13945) on 8/19/2019 7:23 AM · Permalink · Report
Should Donkey Kong Country Returns and Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D be merged? Other than the 3DS version having 3D support, there's not really any difference between the two games. Plot and gameplay are identical, excluding control differences.
https://youtu.be/92cZXqrCf5Y - Wii https://youtu.be/JWvaniR9mTs - 3DS
One major difference the 3DS version does have is a harder game mode available from the start of the game, however Twilight Princess HD has the exact same thing and is added as a platform of the original game so it shouldn't make a difference.
MAT (240968) on 8/20/2019 3:15 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
The difference seems to be mentioned in the 3DS platform separate entry. However, beside new mode there is also a mention of some new levels. Since Donkey Kong game world is just a bunch of levels, if there are new additional levels then that would make it a different game. Ported games often add new stuff which makes it good candidate for split entries, especially if the new stuff is story/level wise, and not just gameplay controls or interface-wise which is given.
MAT (240968) on 8/20/2019 6:35 AM · Permalink · Report
Created and auto-approved new split-entry for Order of Battle: World War II as the base game on file had GOG.com covers added to it. GOG.com version isn't free-to-play as it automatically has included one DLC campaign.
New entry here: https://www.mobygames.com/game/order-of-battle-world-war-ii_
PS: I know we don't have split/merge-audit for games, so aside from deciding if some games need to be merged or split, adding split/merged titles in this forum may be a good practice to serve as an audit of a sort and serve as an explanation if some people can't find their submitted covers under the right entry, why they've been moved to new one ;)) I know, I know... it's not necessary, but useful, imho.
MAT (240968) on 8/21/2019 1:06 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
After talking with Kamikaze, decided to merge Switch platform of the game with the rest. The only difference was that Switch had all episodes included on the launch. But the thing is, if anyone buys a PC version now, it'd be the same thing, all episodes would be included on the launch. Same for XB1 or PS4. How the five episodes are presented doesn't matter. If it works like 5 separate downloads, or 1 single or 1 plus season-pass 4-episode, the content is the same :) Still added the note about Switch platform in the description.
MAT (240968) on 8/21/2019 3:03 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
Since when? Oh, I see, they went defunct about a year ago.
Anyway, not really sure how that works then, but many Telltale games are still available for purchase on PSN for PS3/PS4/PSVita platforms.
Who does the money go to? All to the distributors, then? ;))
Too bad, I was really hoping for the second season of The Wolf Among Us. People just don't appreciate good story-driven singleplayer games, I guess :( At least we still have Quantic Dream, although that's 1 new game every 4-5 years at best.
MAT (240968) on 8/23/2019 12:53 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
I've created and auto-approved split entry for Star Trek to split our PS3 covers that were part of pre-order version which included bonus DLC.
Split entry URL: https://www.mobygames.com/game/ps3/star-trek___
Here's just one of many sources that warrantied a split and confirmed the pre-order difference, and why some of our covers on file had DLC voucher...
Barbarian_bros (15187) on 9/1/2019 10:24 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
Seems that "World League Basketball" (https://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/world-league-basketball/cover-art) is the euro title for "NCAA Basketball Final Four '97" (https://www.mobygames.com/game/ncaa-basketball-final-four-97)
That's logic as NCAA was quite unknown in Europe in the 90's. Games share the same cover arts (with same screenshots on the box) and copyright information on the back of Euro box (both UK and France) says "NCAA and Final Four are registred trademarks odf National Collegiate Athletic Association"...
Looking on screenshots from both games, fictional players from US University (in NCAA) were replaced by fictional players from international teams (World League).
Deleted (15788) on 10/27/2019 8:34 PM · Permalink · Report
Should these two entries be merged?
Alaka (106092) on 10/27/2019 9:26 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start geneklein wrote--]Should these two entries be merged?
Bunny Must Die! Chelsea and the 7 Devils
Bunny Must Die! Chelsea and the 7 Devils [/Q --end geneklein wrote--]
The PS4 ad blurb states "An improved version of the PC dungeon-crawling action game " So it depends on how much an improvement it is.
Deleted (15788) on 10/28/2019 3:33 PM · Permalink · Report
According to Gematsu:
"Different from the PC version, the PlayStation 4 and PS Vita versions use a widescreen resolution and feature various other enhancements (an in-game shop to power up your abilities, three additional stages of time powers, a new boss character, and more)."
I don't know if that's considered as a big improvement or not but I figured that since there's no splitting of the DS/Android/iOS versions of Chrono Trigger with the extra dungeons and ending, perhaps this qualifies for a merge as well?
MAT (240968) on 10/30/2019 12:21 AM · Permalink · Report
I think this paragraph clarifies it enough and it should've been added as a description instead of splitting the game. We always split games when versions have new or different levels. This is more like an enhanced port or something, should've stayed split, imho.
Then again, we don't split games that look graphically 100% different, so... who knows when something should be split or not.
kodok balap on 11/1/2019 7:30 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
spam
Foxhack (32100) on 11/7/2019 3:01 AM · Permalink · Report
We need to split https://www.mobygames.com/game/surge-complete-edition into two. The PS4 version had an exclusive console DLC included that wasn't available in the Xbox One, Windows Apps, or Steam versions.
The Augmented Edition has the same situation - it has the same exclusive DLC.
Alaka (106092) on 1/6/2020 7:05 AM · Permalink · Report
Reminder for a later time:
Balloon Fight and VS. Balloon Fight have different level layouts and should be split.