$50 For Non-Working Bonk 3?

[mobiusclimber]

So a local game shop has a non-working copy of Bonk 3 for the Turbo CD. They want $50 for it (they have said that otherwise they are going to get the disc resurfaced and, if it works, give a discount on the normal "going rate" of $150). Is this worth picking up for $50 if my only desire is to flip it for more money? Would it be worth more than $50 if, after resurfacing, it still doesn't work?

[c0ldb33r]

If it's not working, I don't imagine it'd be worth much.

Actually, does it come with the case and manual in good condition. If so, I imagine those would be worth a mint by themselves.

[mobiusclimber]

Yes, that's what I meant, sorry I should have said so. It's complete. I just don't know what the manual and back insert are worth.

[fahlim003]

Define not working. If it's simply scratched to hell without label/surface damage you can get it resurfaced and have a working copy for around $5 more. I'd personally inspect the disc to see if it's simply scratched on the data side (minimal/repairable damage) or if you can see holes in the disc (unrepairable data/label side damage). Considering how much it sells for working (definitely over 150) I'd definitely take another inspection/look and if it's good go for it.

[MachineGex]

Make sure who ever does the disc repair has a good machine and knows how to use it. I have seen discs that have been polished down so far they look weird. A good repair job is very hard to tell.

Hold the disc up to light and if you can see any light shining through the scratches, it is a coaster. Also, if you run your fingernail across a scratch and you can feel it "click", that scratch will not go away. It may still work, but the scratch is probably too deep to be removed.

I have repaired tens of thousands of discs and it really does take a good machine and some experience to repair discs correctly. Especially scratches you can feel. Scuffs are no problem, even a lot of them are easy to remove. I just don't like to see deep scratches.

Do the fingernail test and the light test....that will give you a good idea of your odds of a good repair.

[mobiusclimber]

Ok but I would still like to know if anyone has a rough estimate of what the case & manual would be worth. (I'll go over there tomorrow and inspect the disc.)

[mobiusclimber]

I went back and looked it over. There's no light shining thru anything on it, but there are some scratches on the top of the disc (label side). What do you guys think I should do?

[staxx]

Not worth getting if the scratches are on the top. You can't resurface that, plus it may have damaged the data layer.

[c0ldb33r]

offer a few bucks just for the case and manual.

[mobiusclimber]

They already said no to that. Said they will be getting it buffed if someone doesn't buy it for $50 first. Of course if they DO buff it and it STILL doesn't work, they'll probably sell the case and manual. No idea for how much tho.

[mobiusclimber]

Not worth getting if the scratches are on the top. You can't resurface that, plus it may have damaged the data layer.

Thanks, didn't see this reply until after I replied.

Sorry for all the double post/talking to myself in this topic. XD

[staxx]

Here is a quick test, bring a portable CD player and see if all the disc is recognized and if you can play the audio tracks and search to the last track. Another test (better) is to bring a laptop with a PC Engine emulator and try and run the game.

[mobiusclimber]

Here is a quick test, bring a portable CD player and see if all the disc is recognized and if you can play the audio tracks and search to the last track. Another test (better) is to bring a laptop with a PC Engine emulator and try and run the game.

I'm downloading Magic Engine for the Mac. If the game loads and runs at all that means it's good to go? ME only lets you use it for five minutes at a time (unless you pay to register it).

[staxx]

I'm downloading Magic Engine for the Mac. If the game loads and runs at all that means it's good to go? ME only lets you use it for five minutes at a time (unless you pay to register it).

5 mins should be enough, though playing the game longer is better test. Do go into the PC Engine audio screen to test all the tracks and make sure they seek properly. Since you are using a laptop, the CD/DVD drive is a better reader than the native TG16/PCE CD drive.

[mobiusclimber]

Ok thanks. I will try doing save states so I can play it longer than 5 minutes at a time.

[Breetai]

I'm downloading Magic Engine for the Mac. If the game loads and runs at all that means it's good to go? ME only lets you use it for five minutes at a time (unless you pay to register it).
There are other PCE emulators out there. If you REALLY want ME, send me a PM. I'll answer quicker on RB.

[Mark III]

Sounds shady too me. My guess is that they've already resurfaced it or know it is unrepairable. Certain scratches just aren't salvageable and anyone who knows a resurfacer can recognize them and won't waste the time. Sounds like that is what's happening here. Otherwise there is no reason they wouldn't spend 2 minutes to buff it if they think they can get another $100. I wouldn't pay any more than you would be willing to spend on an emty case and manual.

[mobiusclimber]

Well I bought it since it ran fine in the emulator and the music tracks were all accessible. I've sent it off to get buffed and will keep everyone posted in here.

As far as the why: they were having a big sale clearing out a bunch of odds and ends that they had accumulated over the years but hadn't gotten around to do anything with or about. Some of it was scuffed/scratched discs (I also picked up Guardian Heroes for next to nothing, disc only), some of it was loose manuals or boxes and manuals, and Bonk 3 was just one of the things they had. Seemed like it just got put away and no one did anything with it. I'm sure if it had been the owner of the store I was dealing with, I wouldn't have been able to purchase it and he would have taken it away to get it buffed. I really don't think, given the circumstances, that anyone was trying to pull a fast one.

[fahlim003]

Best of success on the return from resurfacing. Sounds like it'll be fine - not only since you can get a good return but since it's a good game too. Nice find on the Guardian Heroes as well.

[Griking]

Nevermind

[c0ldb33r]

how did this ever turn out?

[mobiusclimber]

When I got it back, I couldn't test it b/c my PC Engine briefcase unit wasn't working right. So I asked around and Gerald (he posts on here as loop something or other, he ran the Seattle Retro Gaming Expo earlier this year) agreed to test it out for me. He was actually interested in purchasing it but when he came over noticed that he could see a pinhole of light thru the disc. He took it home and tested it anyway and could get a ways into the game but ultimately didn't want to risk it.

I eventually sold it to someone on RacketBoy for $100 noting the problem. He had to resurface it again for some reason, but was able to get it working just fine. I never found out if he beat the game or not. So I basically got $50 in profit and someone got the case and manual for Bonk 3 along with a working disc that may or may not play all the way to the end.

[ownerizer]

Well, I applaud you for the effort. Sucks that there was really no definate answer, but glad when all way said and done you came out on top.

[c0ldb33r]

Sounds like everyone made out okay.

You made a few bucks, someone got a cheap manual and case. :)