Before I saw this news, I was not aware there was one port of the original arcade version of Robocop, let alone two. Well, now it is one again, the second one as the developer behind the first one has stepped out of the race. This can be great news, or it could be bad news, depending on how you feel about the developers involved. Immediately, I can say neither are affiliated with, nor endorsed by, Data East so these are not official ports in any way.
Ports Are Hard
Look, I have no clue how these ports are created, how sprites are ripped, animations and other niceties that make these games are brought over. I just know it is not as easy as it probably sounds.
From what I gather, both versions of Robocop were using modified arcade sprites (colors and resolution likely being changed) and probably their own engine, or the Scorpion Engine. I am not sure just yet and neither developer/team has been forthright with that information.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if the game plays like the arcade original and looks as close as possible. They could use the Tetris engine for all I care if it is quality results. https://youtu.be/hIxTAWBXWg8
There Apparently Only Can Be One
According to Time Extension, the first version of Robocop by Retro Encoder is no longer being worked on. They state that Retro Encoder is turning their attention to other projects instead, such as porting Sunsoft’s Batman to the Sega Master System.
The second Robocop port, by Monster Bath Games (they did Mega Splatterhouse and others), is farther along in development having actual interaction with the enemies in the level.
Robocop in action on the Sega Genesis via the Monster Bath Games X account. https://x.com/realMonsterBath/status/1970306384622141869
Both looked great but due to Monster Bath Games being farther along, Retro Encoder decided to end his development. There is no animosity that I know of between the two development teams, I am just using the Highlander vernacular because it seemed fun and fitting.