Beyond Zero Tolerance (Jul 14, 1995 prototype)

Beyond Zero Tolerance (Jul 14, 1995 prototype)
Build date Jul 14, 1995 Build name 071395a Dump status Released Dumped by Frank Cifaldi Released by Josh Byerly File release date December 25, 2024 Origin Accolade EPROM cartridge Ownership Josh Hamblin (2024), Josh Byerly (2024) Game Beyond Zero Tolerance System Sega Mega Drive Release date Unreleased

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A prototype of Beyond Zero Tolerance for the Sega Mega Drive.

Notes

• Missing the opening cinematic after the title screen in the existing ROM, and instead jumps directly to the character select.
• The in-game color palette is different, and the player starts with a lower ammo count.

WATA certification

Certification Number: Unknown

Analysis: Frank Cifaldi

Object Analysis:

Beyond Zero Tolerance is an unreleased game, the sequel to Zero Tolerance. The object presents as a retail Sega Genesis game case, with a laster-printed mockup cover containing what appears to be original artwork. Inside is a Sega Genesis cartridge, with an Accolade-branded PCB protruding from the top. A label on the front of the cartridge denotes the game's title, version ("ZT20714A.ZIP"), date (July 14, 1995) and the manufacturer's contact information. No attempt was made to open the cartridge for fear of damage.

Data Analysis:

CRC-32 (Ethernet and PKZIP): 81A446F0

SHA-1: 6903569A5E3FD7FC9193914D3AF0D6E8F7DDC195

SHA-256: 8F0AF150B642E1E190566A96D19732695164D926244764407560949CEE02D8B0

MD-5: DA94FDBE200C58DFE1A69553E7175BC5

The data is not a match for the existing prototype ROM available online. It appears to be slightly later: the online ROM's title screen displays a date of 06-23-95, while this object's ROM displays a date of 07-13-95. Other differences were noted as well: this version is missing the opening cinematic after the title screen, which is present in the earlier ROM. Additionally, the in-game color palette is different, and the player starts with a lower ammo count in this version than in the available ROM.

Provenance Notes:

This object was provided to the submitter by Randel Reiss, from developer Technopop. Reiss was shown a photograph and verified that he was the originator of the object, and that the handwriting on the label is his own.

Conclusion:

Given the authentic parts used, the provenance, and the unique data available across the items from this McLaren auction, I have no reason to doubt the authenticity of this item. Why a Nintendo rep might have a bootleg PCB is a mystery for others to solve.

Origin

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