Whomp 'Em (Prototype)
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| Download Whomp 'Em (Prototype) (info) |
A prototype of Whomp 'Em for the NES.
Notes
Analysis: Frank Cifaldi
Object Analysis
Object is an NES cartridge with no front label, and a simple back label with the game's title and publisher identified. The appearance is similar to other known prototypes from publisher Jaleco.
The circuit board inside bares part number NES-TKEPROM-01, a known Nintendo-supplied prototyping part. The board appears authentic, and the IC chips have manufacturing dates appropriate to the game's development period.
Data Analysis
(Hash info is for the combined headerless ROM)
CRC-32 (Ethernet and PKZIP): DBE70058
SHA-1: B33F592121BD6368ACA04B2577DE1D0186828582
SHA-256: 9CE46629B38170E3006D5A3CFF9D7124F058EE751E669FF38714EF221002238C
MD-5: 9F0B49080C475433D26B60E992E90BAC
The data differs from the final U.S. retail game, but no observable differences were noted during gameplay. The game appears to be near-final.
Provenance Notes
According to the submitter, this item was purchased from the McLaren Auction Services "Vintage Nintendo Online-Only Auction," which ran from March 25 to April 1, 2022. McLaren claims that these items came from Steve McKay, former "General Manager of the Mexico Division" at Nintendo. Approximately 97 items from this auction were submitted to WATA at once. Given that the auction listings are not archived on McLaren's website, I was unable to verify each individual item as having come from the auction. However, I did view this auction when it was live, and can attest that the scope of this collection is in line with my memory of what was available.
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.
Origin
