My problem with the Repro argument is that (in most cases) everything can be repro'd. If the database is complete and includes all reproductions for each region, we essentially get several worldwide release database. Sure some games require special chips (NES Sunsoft games). But if you have a programmable IC, you can repro any game.
The only reason I see repros wanting to be listed is to list those acclaimed games that routinely get repro'd. The games like Mother, Golden Axe 3, Monster World 4, etc. The only reason these repro games would be listed on the database as opposed to others is due to popularity at the time.
My feeling is, if I have a repro of Monster World 4, I'm going to list the JP Monster World 4. The repro is the ROM of JP Monster World 4 dumped on another cartridge with a fan translation. I would be hesitant to say the repro cart has any right to be separately listed an an NA region. Does it have a region?
If someone has a repro, let them list it under it's original release. Seriously, it is easy to make your own repros with the right equipment. It is almost literally the same as burning a game.
This is wicked cool, but does not warrant a new spot on the database. Especially if it is just a region issue. Otherwise I want my homemade repro of Super Mario 2 (Japanese Lost levels) added. I burned it to a chip myself. Hell, I even printed out a nice label.
I'm relieved someone views this in a similar way that I do.... I'm tempted to make a quick "Adventures of Poopface Guy" game or something and put it on ebay and list it here to make a point, lol....
I think there is a certain level of mysticism people see when dealing with cart games. I think that is a large part of the argument. Notice we aren't talking about reproduction Sega CD. This is because everyone has a cd burner. Not everyone has the equipment to reprogram a cart. But it is the same thing as burning a CD. Just a different format.
If I burnt a whole bunch of copies of Sega CD's Night Striker, removed the region, put it in a nice package made from cover project images, put a nice laser engraving on the CD, and sold them, I imagine most people would call me a thief. But with carts it's different. I don't get it. If burnt and sold Sega CD games can't make the cut. Why do burnt and sold NES games make the cut? Believe me it is not about translation. Where is that Golden Axe 3 translation? Some games are just in English. But I do understand that people do like to list some of them. I would admit that I would like to have Golden Axe 3 right next to Golden Axe 1 and 2.... But at what cost.... (That last bit should be read in a very dramatic voice. Maybe some *dun dun dunnn* music)
Just because you pay someone money to do this for you doesn't make it part of the system's library.
