Where to (legally) acquire content to play on RetroPie

Auster

Back in June, both Syndicate games and Ultima Underworld 1 and 2 (all MS-DOS games) were removed from GOG, and apparently from Origin too.

Now it seems they're back, and at least the GOG titles are 100% off for a limited time. And the games on Origin are free as well, but I couldn't find info confirming it's a temporary free there (they were paid before being removed, so it wouldn't hurt to claim them as well).

GOG sale of these games:
https://www.gog.com/promo/rerelease_ultima_underworld_and_syndicate
Which includes:
https://www.gog.com/game/ultima_underworld_1_2
https://www.gog.com/game/syndicate
https://www.gog.com/game/syndicate_wars

Origin's titles:
https://www.origin.com/store/syndicate/syndicate-1993
https://www.origin.com/store/ultima/ultima-underworld-ii-labyrinth-of-worlds
https://www.origin.com/store/ultima/ultima-underworld-the-stygian-abyss

Apparently Syndicate (Origin) is the original version while Syndicate Plus (GOG) is an expanded version, and it seems Syndicate Wars is only available on GOG.

If anyone has trouble launching Ultima Underworld 1 and 2, the GOG and Origin versions have different steps.

For Origin, create a .bat file with a name not directly related to the games inside each game's DATA folders (default on Windows is C: > Program Files (x86) > Origin Games > [game's name] > DATA), then paste these scripts inside them:

For Ultima Underworld 1:

imgmount d game.dat -t iso -fs iso
cls
d:
uw.bat

For Ultima Underworld 2:

imgmount d game.dat -t iso -fs iso
d:
cls
uw2.bat

For the GOG version, rename dosboxULTIMA1_single.conf (for the 1st game) and dosboxULTIMA2_single.conf (for the 2nd game) as .bat files (again, names not directly related to the games). They should be kept in their game's root folders (where they already were).

Then launch the games from these .bat files. And if DOSBox returns an "illegal command" error, try to shorten the name of the .bat files.

Crush

Thanks for alerting us of the free games, i didnt have ultima yet.
I deff advice anyone to get the Syndicate games while they're still available for free, they're really good. Played them to death back in the days. and again last year.
Shame to see them go.
https://www.gog.com/promo/rerelease_ultima_underworld_and_syndicate

HipsterElephant

Here's two that I've been having a ton of fun with (one you have to pay for, the other is free)

Xeno Crisis, a twinstick shooter for Genesis/Mega Drive (well, more like dual + + genesis interface but you get the idea), as well as Dreamcast and Neo Geo (AES and CD)
https://shop.bitmapbureau.com/collections/sega-mega-drive-genesis/products/xeno-crisis-sega-mega-drive-genesis-rom-download
(it's the devs store)

next is Pyoro64 for the Nintendo 64, a remake of the minigame you find in WarioWare
Here's footage from the original game

here's footage from the 64 remake

the 64 remake runs great on the Pi.

DL:
https://n64squid.com/pyoro-64/

Auster

BlindJump - https://evanbowman.itch.io/blindjump
Platforms: GameBoy Advance/GBA | PlayStation Portable/PSP
The GBA version comes already compiled and is the downloadable .gba file. The PSP version needs to be compiled from source and currently has no audio. Also, the game is open source.

Skyland - https://evanbowman.itch.io/skyland
Platform: GameBoy Advance/GBA
Download the precompiled .gba ROM from either Itchio or Github, or build it yourself. Also open source.

Fireman - https://lacoste42.itch.io/fireman
Platform: GameBoy Color/GBC
The ROM is the downloadable .gbc file. Also includes the GB Studio source code, but no license is included, so you may want to ask the dev what are the conditions for use.

Tales of Monsterland (demo, at least for now) - https://joelj.itch.io/talesofmonsterland
Platform: GameBoy
The ROM is the downloadable .gb file.

GBCOMPO21 Entry - https://skittlesfiddles.itch.io/gbcompo21-entry
Platform: GameBoy
The ROMs are the downloadable .gb file.

GBJAMRB - https://skittlesfiddles.itch.io/gbjamrb
Platform: GameBoy
The ROM is the downloadable .gb file.

Repugnant Bounty RetroBreak Build #1 - https://skittlesfiddles.itch.io/repugnant-bounty-retrobreak-build-1
Platform: GameBoy Color/GBC
The ROM is the downloadable .gb file.

Repugnant Bounty RetroBreak Build #2 - https://skittlesfiddles.itch.io/repugnant-bounty-retrobreak-build-2
Platform: GameBoy Color/GBC
The ROM is the downloadable .gb file.

Repugnant Bounty RetroBreak Build #3 - https://skittlesfiddles.itch.io/repugnant-bounty-retrobreak-build-3
Platform: GameBoy Color/GBC
The ROM is the downloadable .gb file.

LUNA (Build Dumps) - https://skittlesfiddles.itch.io/luna-final-build
Platform: GameBoy
Canceled game. The ROMs are the downloadable .gb file.

Auster

NES-Pong - https://jamessheppard.itch.io/nes-pong
Platform: NES
The ROM is the downloadable .nes file.

Temple Dilemma (demo, at least for now) - https://weapon121.itch.io/temple-dilemma
Platform: NES
The ROM is the downloadable .nes file.

Caged Fury - https://weapon121.itch.io/caged-fury
Platform: NES
The ROM is the .nes file inside the downloadable .zip file.

Thunder Paw (demo, at least for now) - https://pscdgames.itch.io/thunder-paw
Platform: Sega Genesis/Mega Drive
The ROM is the .bin file inside the downloadable .7z file.

Bone Marrow Rebirth (demo, at least for now) - https://pscdgames.itch.io/bone-marrow
Platform: Sega Genesis/Mega Drive
The ROM is the .bin file inside the downloadable .7z file.

FIRE AND RESCUE - https://skyboygames.itch.io/fire-and-rescue
Platform: NES
I don't own the game, but the information in the store page confirms it can be run on an emulator.

ITALIA 1944 - https://zanklesoft.itch.io/italia-1944
Platform: ZX Spectrum 48K
I don't own the game, but it likely comes with files that can be emulated.

COUSIN HORACE - https://zanklesoft.itch.io/cousin-horace
Platform: ZX Spectrum (48K/128K)
I don't own the game, but it likely comes with files that can be emulated.

AD LUNAM COLLECTION - https://zanklesoft.itch.io/ad-lunam-collection
Platform: ZX Spectrum (48K/128K)
I don't own the game, but it likely comes with files that can be emulated.

SOPHIA - https://zanklesoft.itch.io/sophia
Platform: ZX Spectrum 128K
The ROMs are the .scl, .trd and .tap files inside the downloadable .zip file.

SOPHIA II - https://zanklesoft.itch.io/sophia-ii
Platform: ZX Spectrum 128K
The ROMs are the .scl, .trd and .tap files inside the downloadable .zip file.

APULIJA-13 - https://zanklesoft.itch.io/apulija-13
Platform: ZX Spectrum (48K/128K)
The ROMs are the .tap files inside each downloadable .zip file (aside from MANUALE-MANUAL.zip, which only has the manual).

LOST IN MY SPECTRUM - https://zanklesoft.itch.io/lims
Platform: ZX Spectrum (48K/128K)
The ROMs are the .tap files inside each downloadable .zip file (aside from MANUALE-MANUAL.zip, which only has the manual).

HipsterElephant

@auster said in Where to (legally) acquire content to play on RetroPie:

Skyland - https://evanbowman.itch.io/skyland
Platform: GameBoy Advance/GBA
Download the precompiled .gba ROM from either Itchio or Github, or build it yourself. Also open source.

What hooked me the most was the Gameboy Player Rumble support. I wish more games did that.

HipsterElephant

@auster said in Where to (legally) acquire content to play on RetroPie:

Monstoria: https://lukepixels.itch.io/monstoria
Platform: NES
Comes with two .nes ROMs, one inside a downloadable .rar file and one that's uncompressed and ready to be used. Not sure what's the difference between them, and maybe they have multiple languages, but I can't check right now.

from what it looks like, they're both the same exact file, but the rar comes with an emulator and a disclaimer saying "sorry for the bugs, its only a 3 person team" in English and Brazilian Portuguese

Auster

Tech and Blood - https://roseumteam.itch.io/tech-and-blood
Platform: GameBoy
The ROM is the downloadable .gb file.

Zirconia - The Mysterious Planet - https://spicyfuse.itch.io/zirconia
Platform: GameBoy Color/GBC
The ROM is the downloadable .gb file. Also includes a .cia file (3DS package installer), but I'm not sure if it's a port or just the GBC version wrapped in the 3DS's virtual console emulator.

ABYSS STORY - Chapter 1 - https://spicyfuse.itch.io/abyss-story-test
Platform: GameBoy Color/GBC
The ROM is the downloadable .gb file. Also includes a .cia file (3DS package installer), but I'm not sure if it's a port or just the GBC version wrapped in the 3DS's virtual console emulator.

contra-esque demo game - https://spicyfuse.itch.io/contra-esque-demo-game
Platform: GameBoy Color/GBC
The ROM is the downloadable .gb file.

Metroid - Abyssmania - https://spicyfuse.itch.io/metroid
Platform: NES
The ROM is the downloadable .nes file.

sparkworld (for public beta testing) - https://spicyfuse.itch.io/sparkworld-for-public-beta-testing
Platform: GameBoy
The ROM is the downloadable .gb file.

SparkWorld - https://spicyfuse.itch.io/sparkworld
Platform: GameBoy
The ROM is the downloadable .gb file.

Abyss Story - https://spicyfuse.itch.io/abyss-story
Platform: GameBoy
The ROM is the downloadable .gb file.

Cherry Rescue! - https://grafxkid.itch.io/cherry-rescue
Platform: GameBoy
The ROM is the downloadable .gb file.

Robby's Day Out - https://grafxkid.itch.io/robbys-day-out
Platform: GameBoy
The ROM is the downloadable .gb file.

Rose's Peanut - Intro Cutscene and Title Screen - https://maxoakland.itch.io/roses-peanut
Platform: GameBoy
The ROM is the downloadable .gb file.

Pack-O: The Last One - https://maxoakland.itch.io/packo-the-last-one
Platform: GameBoy Color/GBC
The ROMs are the downloadable .gb and .gbc files.

Blink's Pet Lizard - https://maxoakland.itch.io/blinks-pet-lizard
Platform: GameBoy Color/GBC
The ROMs are the downloadable .gb and .gbc files.

Puppers Delivers - https://maxoakland.itch.io/puppersdelivers
Platform: GameBoy Color/GBC
The ROM is the downloadable .gbc file.

Augury Red Code - https://elvies.itch.io/augury-red-code
Platform: GameBoy Color/GBC
The ROM is the downloadable .gbc file.

Klepsydra - https://drexegar.itch.io/klepsydra
Platform: NES
The ROM is the .NES file inside the downloadable .zip file.

Sparkle Panda Rainbow Hunter - https://futuretroistic.itch.io/sparkle-panda-rainbow-hunter
Platform: NES
The ROM is the downloadable .nes file.

Curse Of The Shadow Prototype - ByteOff2020 - https://ayrik.itch.io/curse-of-the-shadow-prototype
Platform: NES
The ROM is the .NES file inside the downloadable .zip file.

Thalassophobe - https://icon-ninja.itch.io/thalassophobe
Platform: NES
The ROM is the .NES file inside the downloadable .zip file.

Rumblefest '89 - https://jurassicsunset561.itch.io/rumblefest-89
Platform: NES
The ROM is the .NES file inside the downloadable .zip file.

Paws N' Play Demo - https://darthlother.itch.io/paws-n-play-demo
Platform: NES
The ROM is the .NES file inside the downloadable .zip file.

Akane - https://hicksretro.itch.io/akane
Platform: ZX Spectrum
The ROMs are the .tap files inside the downloadable .zip files, and also the downloadable .dsk file.

Ninja Poison
From HICK: https://hicksretro.itch.io/ninja-poison
From Toku: https://tokuretro.itch.io/ninja-poison
Platform: ZX Spectrum (48K/128K)
The ROMs are the downloadable .dsk and .tap files. Also apparently it's the same game, and each dev has their own page for the game.

Mabus Mania - https://hicksretro.itch.io/mabusmania
Platforms: ZX Spectrum | Amstrad CPC
The Spectrum ROMs are the .tap files and the file Mabusmania+3.dsk. The CPC ROMs are the MABUSMANIACPC.cdt and MABUSMANIACPC.dsk files.

Danterrifik - https://tokuretro.itch.io/danterrifik
Platform: ZX Spectrum
The ROM is the downloadable .tap file.

Danterrifik II - https://tokuretro.itch.io/danterrifik-ii
Platform: ZX Spectrum
The ROM is the downloadable .tap file.

Danterrifik III - https://tokuretro.itch.io/danterrifik-iii
Platform: ZX Spectrum
The ROM is the downloadable .tap file.

AntEater - https://defb.itch.io/anteater
Platform: ZX Spectrum 48k
The ROMs are the downloadable .sna and .tap files.

8BitTRIS - https://defb.itch.io/8bittris
Platform: ZX Spectrum 48k
The ROMs are the downloadable .sna and .tap files.

PACMAN Curse of the Slimers - https://defb.itch.io/pacman-curse-of-the-slimers
Platform: ZX Spectrum 48k
The ROM is the downloadable .sna file.

Auster

Colonos ZX - ZX Spectrum 48k - https://manuel-gris-umpierrez.itch.io/colonos-zx
Platform: ZX Spectrum 48K
The ROM is the .tap file inside the downloadable .rar file.

RESCATE EN MARTE - ZX Spectrum 48k - https://manuel-gris-umpierrez.itch.io/rescate-en-marte-mars-rescue
Platform: ZX Spectrum 48K
The ROM is the .tap file inside the downloadable .rar file.

The Doom Of The Pond (La coza de la poza) - https://furilloproductions.itch.io/the-doom-of-the-pond
Platform: ZX Spectrum 128K
The ROMs are the downloadable .tap files.

Rade Blunner, Episode 1: Weon Kolalski's Memories - https://furilloproductions.itch.io/rade-blunner
Platform: ZX Spectrum 48K
The ROMs are the downloadable .tap files.

Rade Blunner, Episode 2: Cannibal Wheh's Little Shop - https://furilloproductions.itch.io/rade-blunner-episode-2
Platform: ZX Spectrum 48K
The ROMs are the downloadable .tap files.

Birdy Cantabile: A Musical Puzzle - https://furilloproductions.itch.io/birdy-cantabile
Platform: ZX Spectrum 48K
The ROMs are the downloadable .tap files.

The Hoarder (sp: El Acaparador) - https://furilloproductions.itch.io/the-hoarder
Platform: ZX Spectrum 48K
The ROMs are the downloadable .tap files.

ENIGMATIK / ЭНИГМАТИК - https://furilloproductions.itch.io/enigmatik
Platform: ZX Spectrum 48K
The ROMs are the downloadable .tap files.

Flappy Clive - https://furilloproductions.itch.io/flappyclive
Platform: ZX Spectrum 48K
The ROMs are the downloadable .tap files.

Misaki Hiragana Japanese Font for MK1 Demo - https://furilloproductions.itch.io/misaki-font-demo
Platform: ZX Spectrum 48K
The ROM is the downloadable .tap file.

Yopparai Sarariiman!! - https://furilloproductions.itch.io/yopparaisarariiman
Platform: ZX Spectrum
The ROMs are the downloadable .tap files.

Auster

According to ScummVM's wiki, most of the games from the Leisure Suit Larry franchise released on GOG and Steam appear to be playable through the ScummVM emulator:
https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php/Leisure_Suit_Larry_series

Also, Leisure Suit Larry 1 - In the Land of the Lounge Lizards is currently free on IndieGala, and it also includes the files required by ScummVM:
https://freebies.indiegala.com/leisure-suit-larry-1-in-the-land-of-the-lounge-lizards

BenMcLean

I feel like this whole thread should be replaced by a wiki and then locked.

Can that be done?

It's completely unmanageable for me to keep updating that first post with all these.

Auster

@benmclean I like the wiki idea, but I'd keep the post open if people want to ask something or help with anything other than editing such wiki.

Also, sorry if I bloated the post. Itchio is kinda of a rabbit hole. "<.<

Auster

Leisure Suit Larry 2 is also free now on IndieGala, and the game can be run on ScummVM:
https://freebies.indiegala.com/leisure-suit-larry-2-looking-for-love-in-several-wrong-places

Recommendation of the ScummVM wiki: keep all files that come with the game, since they tend to change a lot between version and it's hard to know which files are needed.

Also the stand-alone ScummVM detects both Atari ST and DOS versions of the game, but I have no clue which are the Atari ST files and which are DOS'.

themazingness

@auster Keep the Gameboy games coming! Itch.io may be a rabbit hole, but I'm excited it is a source of so many roms. I have a GBA flash cart on the way so I can expand my options on my GBA SP in addition to my Pi. Your posts are very appreciated.

Auster

@themazingness I'm glad they're appreciated! ^^

Also, a new batch of games (sadly, no GB/GBA/GBC games included). I tried shortening the info I bring, e.g. the files that need to be emulated unless there's some quirk regarding them, since things usually work mostly the same:

Space Invaders (for ZX Spectrum/TS2068/TC2068) - https://splintergu.itch.io/space-invaders-for-zx-spectrum
Platforms: ZX Spectrum 48K | TS2068 | TC2068

Space Invaders for ZX81 (WRX) - https://splintergu.itch.io/space-invaders-for-zx81-wrx
Platform: Sinclair ZX81

Transylvanian Castle Deluxe - https://siyei-er.itch.io/transylvanian-castle-deluxe
Platform: ZX Spectrum (48K/128K)

Misifu Remeow (Zx Spectrum) - https://jbinary.itch.io/misifu-remeow
Platform: ZX Spectrum

Misifu - https://jbinary.itch.io/misifu
Platform: ZX Spectrum 128K

STOP VIRUS ZX Spectrum 48/128k by Ctrl+C Games & PCNONOGames - https://pcnonogames.itch.io/stop-virus-zx-spectrum-48128k-by-ctrlc-games-pcnonogames
Platform: ZX Spectrum (48K/128K)
Also has a demo linked in the store page (the mediafire link).

CODE-112 ZX Spectrum 48-128k by PCNONOGames - https://pcnonogames.itch.io/code-112-by-pcnonogames-zx-spectrum-48-128k
Platform: ZX Spectrum (48K/128K)

PARACAIDISTA Kerl (Android, Windows, Spectrum) - https://pcnonogames.itch.io/paracaidista-kerl
Platform: ZX Spectrum

TRASHMAN Crisis Time ZX Spectrum 48/128k - https://pcnonogames.itch.io/trashman-crisis-time-zx-spectrum-48128k
Platform: ZX Spectrum (48K/128K)

PAINTBALL-2048 ZX Spectrum 48/128K - https://pcnonogames.itch.io/paintball-2048
Platform: ZX Spectrum (48K/128K)

DEAD ZONE Zx Spectrum 48/128k - https://pcnonogames.itch.io/dead-zone-zx-spectrum-game-48128k
Platform: ZX Spectrum (48K/128K)

The Perils of Willy ZX - https://highriser.itch.io/the-perils-of-willy
Platform: ZX Spectrum
Also includes some bonus games as ZX Spectrum ROMs in the downloadable .zip file.

Pac-Hack plus - https://highriser.itch.io/pac-hack-plus
Platform: ZX Spectrum

JetPac RX - https://highriser.itch.io/jetpacrx
Platform: ZX Spectrum
Mod for the original JetPac. The person who wants to play it needs to source the original files himself/herself.

JetPac Redefine Keys Patch - https://highriser.itch.io/jetpac-redefine-keys
Platform: ZX Spectrum
Mod for the original JetPac. The person who wants to play it needs to source the original files himself/herself.

Bruce Lee RX - https://highriser.itch.io/bruce-lee-rx
Platform: ZX Spectrum

AGDX latest - https://highriser.itch.io/agdx-latest
Platform: ZX Spectrum

Airwolf ZX patches + 128k AY music - https://highriser.itch.io/airwolf-zx-patches
Platform: ZX Spectrum 128K

Arcade Bundle - 3 in 1 - https://highriser.itch.io/arcadebundle
Platforms: ZX Spectrum 128K | Sinclair ZX81

Roust! Full Version - https://highriser.itch.io/roust
Platforms: ZX Spectrum 128K | Sinclair ZX81
Also includes a demo.

AGD Bytesize: Downloads - https://highriser.itch.io/agd-bytesize
Platform: ZX Spectrum

Advanced Xmas Cracker Simulator - https://highriser.itch.io/advanced-cracker-simulator
Platform: ZX Spectrum

Benny Hill's Madcap Chase 128k - https://highriser.itch.io/benny-hills-madcap-chase-128k
Platform: ZX Spectrum 128K

Terrapins - https://highriser.itch.io/terrapins
Platform: ZX Spectrum
Also includes a demo.

Auster

Leisure Suit Larry 3 - Passionate Patti in Pursuit of the Pulsating Pectorals free on IndieGala and just like the previous 2 games, it's playable on ScummVM:
https://freebies.indiegala.com/leisure-suit-larry-3-passionate-patti-in-pursuit-of-the-pulsating-pectorals

Auster

Leisure Suit Larry 5 free on IndieGala, and just like the previous titles, it runs on ScummVM:
https://freebies.indiegala.com/leisure-suit-larry-5-passionate-patti-does-a-little-undercover-work
Also, from what I read, either there never was a Leisure Suit Larry 4, or it never got released.

Auster

Street Racer includes the SNES and MS-DOS versions of the game, according to this comment:
https://www.gog.com/forum/general/street_racer_dos_version_removed_from_offline_installer/post50

Game's store page: https://www.gog.com/game/street_racer
Don't know if it's available anywhere else.

CoolieCoolster

@benmclean While they currently lack many of these new itch.io games and are intentionally limited to only include finished games (or at least games in a state complete enough to have more than ten minutes worth of content), I have been working on both freeware and commercial lists of legally accessible ROMs for a device-specific wiki I edit, but they certainly might be helpful to people with other devices as well. As I was planning on turning the table section of the article into a template that I could use on different device-specific wiki I just created, perhaps such a template would be of use if another wiki were to be created.

In terms of other research I've done for my lists, I did find that Retroism, Piko Interactive, and Dotemu had quite a few classic games re-released on new platforms, several of which aren't on my lists yet, but I've been unable to confirm, either independently or by contacting the companies, whether or not the missing games are emulated and/or DRM free or not. Perhaps someone who has several games from one or more of those companies on Steam or GOG could shed some light on that? I'm pretty sure most if not all Piko Interactive releases include the ROM of the respective game in the game files, whereas DotEmu seems to add DRM and Retroism generally seems to not. To avoid people buying games expecting a ROM and not finding one, I generally prefer finding confirmation first though. I'll try compiling a list of all the games I think might be emulated in the coming days that I haven't found confirmation of yet, and hopefully one or more people here might have it.

On another note, it's quite unfortunate that in the SNES/Genesis cartridges of Chip's Challenge being released, the freeware ROM versions for both consoles were taken off itch.io, especially as now there's no way to just buy the ROMs... I wonder if perhaps they licensed those versions from the developer.

Auster

@cooliecoolster About DotEmu, they're the ones that rereleased some of SNK's NeoGeo games, right?
If it is and if I remember right, some versions don't include the ROM/BIOS in the Windows version, but do in the Mac & Linux versions.
It may take some digging, and I have some NeoGeo games on Humble Bundle, Steam, GOG and Amazon Prime, so maybe I could check those.

Also, little edit: Is there any limitation as to who can add information to those wiki pages, or can anyone do it?