Summary

A detailed summary of the SimCity 1989 prototype cart experience, including testing, reaching Megalopolis, and its relation to the Video Game History Foundation's research.

This guide details the experience of testing an open-faced gold prototype cart of SimCity on the RetroUSB AVS. The author purchased the cart on October 22nd, 2017, at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo and spent a week playing it before achieving Megalopolis status. This effort was part of research for Frank Cifaldi at the Video Game History Foundation, with the author feeling pressured to replicate Cifaldi's earlier achievement on the prototype before the ROM was publicly released.

The author confirmed that some Challenge Scenarios are completable, but Practice mode is not. Their extensive knowledge of the Super Nintendo version of SimCity was noted as a significant contribution. The experience is highlighted as a unique opportunity to play and beat the game on an original cart, especially being featured in Nintendo Power (Issue 139).