I was curious about looking into learning this game, but I didn't know if I was allowed to emulate it or not. I'm not sure I'd be able to get a copy right about now, and I don't think emulating has any distinctive advantages, but I just wanted to check!

Well I've never heard they're not allowed. There is an emulator checkbox when submitting a run so I assume it's ok.

Apologies for replying to an old thread, but would playing the game through POPStarter on a PS2 count as an emulator?

I believe that would technically count as emulation. Up to the mods though. Also disc only is going for $35 obo on ebay right now (just saying)

Popstarter would classify as an emulator and from what I understand would be slower than just emulating it on a pc.