Metroid Database.com

Why did the MDb move from its past servers?

(In TJ's words) The MDb started off on my local ISP. One night, while updating the site, I got a horrific message on my FTP program that I had reached my limit -- the MDb was too big! I dismantled my other WWW project that I was working on at the time, TJ's Godzilla Art (wow...that was a LONG time ago), to make room. Before long, I got that message again. So I asked people to stop sending me submissions, because an update to the site could not be made until I found more space.

I got an offer for free space on a then-new server which would be dedicated to gaming, called Neurogamer. Seemed like a decent deal, so I went for it and moved the MDb there. Well, the other "games" on the site included...man, I don't even know, like wargaming and paintball and crap like that. There were a couple other videogame sites there but nothing I felt the MDb fit in with. On top of that, the server didn't respond a lot, and the people that ran it never bothered to answer any of my e-mails or questions. The final straw came when they decided to upgrade their server, but didn't bother to tell me about it, resulting in the MDb being offline and out of action for at least a week, and me with no answers to all the e-mails that were pouring in, asking me what happened.

I then got an offer (the second one, actually, and I kicked myself for not grabbing it the first time) from Fragmaster at ClassicGaming.com to host the MDb, free, unlimited space, all the candy, baby. After the Neuro incident, I wrote him and asked if the offer still stood -- he said it sure did, and without telling Neurogamer, I dismantled the MDb and moved it to ClassicGaming. (end TJ's words)

Over time, ClassicGaming.com became a part of GameSpy Network and IGN Entertainment. Deciding that their money was better spent elsewhere, IGN pulled server funding and forced ClassicGaming to drop its hosted pages, effectively tossing the MDb out and onto the curb. We quickly took Kontek up on their offer to host us alongside other IGN refugees and we now rest here comfortably on our IGN(norants)-free host alongside Castlevania Dungeon, The Mushroom Kingdom, Contra HQ and other great fan community sites. The MDb has even taken up its own domain name, metroiddatabase.com.

Will you send me this MP3 file?

No. Download it from one of the Music sections here on the MDb.

Why don't you have Metroid ROMs on the MDb?

Because that's illegal distribution of copyrighted material. Even though "everyone" does it, Nintendo and that big organization that goes after people that do that stuff are taking action against sites that make ROMs available for downloading. And I would really like to keep the MDb online. So I don't risk it. If you really want them, there are places online that have them, so search.

Will you tell me where to download this ROM?

No. For one thing, you should learn to effectively use a search engine. Secondly, the sites that do feature ROM downloads move, get shut down, or just mysteriously disappear with such regularity, I can't even think of a functional one off the top of my head.

Then will you send me this emulator and this ROM?

No.

How do I use this emulator/program?

Read the readme file that comes with it, Einstein. If you can't figure it out, you probably shouldn't be using it in the first place.

How do I unzip this file?

Oh lord. Ok, I'm not a tech-support guy, alright? Chances are that if you don't know how to unzip a file, you're not gonna know what to do with the contents of said zipped file anyways. Use WinZip or PKUnzip or whatever. The programs should come with instructions on how to use them, or at least the site where you found them might. Next question.

Can I take your graphics to use on my site?

The staff of the Metroid Database works very hard creating custom graphics for the site, so everything we create should not be taken or used elsewhere on another site. We do understand that image theft is unfortunately an expected and uncontrollable part of the internet.

Will you make me some graphics for my site?

No. Unless you're a close and dear friend, in which case I'll do anything for ya. But since you already know that about me because you're my close and dear friend, you don't need to be reading this FAQ.

How do you make the graphics on your site?

A little PaintShop Pro, a little Photoshop, a little Illustrator, some scanning, some drawing, some emulator screen captures, some photography, some creativity and a little talent (some might say VERY little talent...).

Can I link to your site?

Absolutely. Thank you!

Will you link to my site?

Maybe. If it fits one of the categories that we have our links grouped by. There's also a much better chance of your site getting on the MDb Links list if it doesn't suck, though. So make your site not suck and we'll think about it.

How many Secret Passages are there on the MDb and where are they?

Secret Passages? ...What Secret Passages?

If we told you, then it wouldn't be a secret anymore, now would it?

How do I get past ______________ in the game?/Where is the _____________?

First, try your absolute hardest to figure it out yourself. Metroid is about solving puzzles and using your head, not just running around shooting stuff. If you're still stuck, take a look at the volumes of information available here on the MDb. If your question is still not answered, go back and try some more stuff. If you're still completely, absolutely, undoubtedly, without-a-doubt STUCK, try posting a message on the MDb Message Board. Most folks are happy to help if you're truly stuck.

Did you know that you can get Samus armorless with the JUSTIN BAILEY code?

Duh. We've probably known that for longer than you've been playing videogames.

Did you know [insert startling new revelation in the world of Metroid here]?

Probably. Check the Headlines on the main page, the News Archives, or stop by the Message Board to see if there's any mention of it. If there's not, let us know.

Can I have access to the MDb Message Board?

Absolutely. Please read the rules and follow the instructions in the Message Board link. Welcome!

Why don't you update the MDb more often?

The MDb is updated either when it needs to be updated (i.e., when news breaks) or when it can be updated (e.g., when information or artifacts come in, when someone contributes something, when someone on the staff creates something new). Usually it's people who have never run a website who ask this question. If you've ever run a website, you know you can't just pull this stuff out of thin air. Not to mention the fact that the MDb is merely a hobby for all involved -- not a full-time job. Please realize that the vast archives of information already stored here at the MDb are helping gamers learn more about Metroid all the time and new visitors are discovering the MDb every day. Just because you've already been through the entire MDb three times doesn't mean that the site will die without being updated again soon.

Why are you so mean?

If you write to us and are nice, intelligent, considerate, polite, and friendly, that's EXACTLY what you'll get back from us, ten times over. So please just THINK before you contact us. Thanks! :)

Return To FAQs Listing