Extracting individual graphical elements, often characters or objects, from Sega Genesis/Mega Drive game ROM files allows for their reuse in fan projects, game modifications, or archival purposes. This process typically involves specialized software that can interpret the ROM data, identify the graphical data structures within, and export them in a usable format like PNG or GIF.
Preserving and repurposing these graphical assets offers numerous benefits. It enables the creation of fan games, modifications that enhance original titles with updated visuals, and documentation of the artistic and technical aspects of classic games. Furthermore, it allows artists and researchers to study the techniques used by developers in the 16-bit era, contributing to a deeper understanding of video game history and development.