Greg Zumwalt
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Posts posted by Greg Zumwalt
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PS Are you aware you have several double posts?
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I now have 2172...
for anyone wondering if the have them "all".
Still welcome submissions.
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I retire from pitfall hacks. Much better ideas out there than mine.
Don't do that!
The whole point was to help out, not to discourage.
New ideas are always welcome.
And I realy liked the dog.
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Another one for the women.
Not as twisted as WacMan...
Based on Pitfall.
Changes include:
Harry changed into Jane.
More colours.
Long hair.
Boobs!
Higher octives on sound.
Cannables.
Skeleton swordsman.
Bloody gators.
Speed increase.
This took about an hour.
Tracking through the colours was a bit more challenging.
Will take suggestions and consider this a work in progress.
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Uhm... you have an idea what you're talking about, do you? icon_rolleyes.gif icon_smile.gif
If you already have the source code for Asteroids for example, what should diStella then do for you? ID it? Pop it up in Textpad when you type "distella asteroids"?
Yes, I may not know Windows coding well, but I do okay in DOS and quite well with batch.
In short, yes, if someone attempted to use DiStella on an 8K+ rom, it would just display a manually dumped sourcecode, stored in a database and identified via CRC, rather then create it.
While this is slightly redundent, and not a perfect solution, it would help... no?
I simply don't have any 8K+ source codes nor have I seen any. I'm sure some must exist with the work Thomas has done, but I know not where, or if more are available.
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PS If a database of source codes of 8K+ roms exists, or if people would be willing to send what is available to me, I gladly build this batch file interface for DiStella.
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This would take more space (irrelavent with todays computers), but not require altering DiStella.
Do the source codes for 8K+ roms already exist?
If so, DiStella could be started with a batch script that checks size.
If the size exceeds 4K, run a CRC on the ROM and see if the source code has been made available, and simply note it, and the reason. Then, as more manual mapping is done, it can be added.
Ideas or suggestions?
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I've always avoided bankswitching anytime I could because of my lack of knowledge in the area.
Might this suggestion be valid?
I already use DiStella from within a batch file.
A size check prior to launching DiStella could easily enough determine if the rom is larger then 4K.
If so, could another batch file be called, that contained a database of 8K+ roms which have been mapped, and pass that information onto DiStella so that it could disassemble the rom?
As more roms become mapped, the database could be expanded.
Or, would it also include the updating of DiStella?
And, if so, would anyone be willing to do this upgrade and creation of such a database?
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Rename VM2of2.zip into VaderMatic.z01
Then extract VaderMatic.zip
If that isn't the problem...
send me a private message with you e-mail and I'll send it directly.
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z26 vr 2.07 and 1.57
crashes instruction 12 at F000
The version 1 hack was okay.
Hope this is resolved soon
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Good, valid and well articulated views with points to consider.
None of what I've seen in this thread has suprised me.
The only thing that has, is what isn't here, and perhaps that says just as much...
No one thus far, has posted a reply that an all-in-one windows tools would be good, rather, all views have been to the contrary.
Interesting indeed...
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Probably just windows envy.
But as the programmers get younger, and the tools get older, the gap grows bigger.
elitist as hell...
kids who are really, really dedicated
Okay, let me get this straight. These guys are all set to A) work in assembly language on B) an obsolete console with C) extremely sparse resources and D) particularly esoteric and difficult video hardware
I think you have both re-itterated and mised my points exactly.
People should not HAVE to be elete, the best of the best, the smallest percentage, to be able to make/hack 2600 games.
Blame it on schools, society, Microsoft, but the fact remains, that DOS is being removed/replaced. The new people learning this stuff are doing so from within Windows enviorments. And many of them, do not want to even attempt to use DOS.
I'm not saying it is right, only that, it is the way it is.
Perhaps they don't have the dedication that the eletist have.
Perhaps they do.
Perhaps we should tell everyone who ever made a HACK that they should hide them and treat them as contraband until the person can create a completely new game?
Or, perhaps we can make new tools for new people with new mindsets...
BUT having to run DOS apps which are functionally almost identical to what a Windows version would do is just too much of an impediment?
Did someone miss a post?
Can you, simply (if at all), using keystrokes or batch scripts (as I do), load for example, frogger.bin, via point and click, then, click the disassemble button, select graphic/binary view, edit the graphics, select source code view, locate the colour codes, select HEX view, alter the colour and sounds, and click on assemble and test?
While it is true that a windows version would have all the features of the DOS tools, their are still many things the DOS tools can not easily accomplish which a Windows enviorment program can.
Maybe I'm just in a role of devils advocate in this matter, or maybe I just don't like the idea that a 2600 game might go unrealized because new tools for new views don't exist and the old tools are driving all but the eletist away.
Maybe, it is just that the "eletist" are too concerned that a windows version of all those tools in one simple package, would make it too easy for a "lamer" to create a game?
Either way, keeps the crys of discontent flying.
I do enjoy the perspectives and comments here
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options:
set output format
decompile
assemble
(odd choice... assemble rather then complie, or decompile rather disassemble...)
unfortunately, I've greatly altered mine in an attempt to make it work under XP, and removed most of the 800 specific features.
I didn't fully test it, as I don't have any Atari 800 files around.
I was placing focus on the 2600.
As to where, I saw the name on Google search and followed a link to a description.
I then used CopperNic to find the executable, thus, I'm not certain of the specific link.
The version number should help though.
1.5
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Wow! What is the name of the Atari 800 Tool?
Yes, dis6502.
Several ports exist, all using the same name.
The 800 version also have disk image support.
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There is one thing that prevents it from becoming simple: Bankswitching!
Okay. I was thinking perhaps z26 would help in this, but you would know far better then I.
Still, the idea of an all in one interactive program capable of manipulating the data in various formats should be viable.
Even if done, modular, to only allow for roms up to 4K, until/if the code can be redone to handle larger roms "automaticly", it would be far simpler then all the seperate components.
Perhaps I'll just have to make some more batch scripts to assist in the automation.
This is alright for myself.
But I've friends who have watched me and stated point blank, reguarless how automated it seems, they'd never try to make/hack a rom using DOS
Probably just windows envy.
But as the programmers get younger, and the tools get older, the gap grows bigger.
I was rather hoping to hear more of a "lets give it a try" perspective, but it seems most are content to stick with the older DOS tools.
Pehaps I'll have to break down and do a bloatware VB program to carry out my ideas.
I do still appreciate the input.
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Can you, simply (if at all), using keystrokes or batch scripts (as I do), load for example, frogger.bin, via point and click, then, click the disassemble button, select graphic/binary view, edit the graphics, select source code view, locate the colour codes, select HEX view, alter the colour and sounds, and click on assemble and test?
I dare say no.
One program, all tools, windows...
(I'd even accept DOS with a windows like GUI.)
Simplify, simplify, simplify.
The C64 has such a tool, the Apple IIe does, the Atari 800 does... so too can the 2600.
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He has pointed me to some of his previous posts and yes indeed, they did help, but it is still very complicated.
Updating DiStella to handle the proceedure would not only make it easier on the rest of us, but also make it inviting for new comers to attemp more complex projects.
While I am greatly into nostaglia, I don't think it should include the tools I use... save perhaps for wood carving...
I do believe that DOS should always be available, but sadly, many do not know or want to use it in the age of Windows.
A modular interface/GUI for windows, that included all 2600 tools, which could still be individualy updated, is really the way to go.
The 2600 and programmers would greatly benefit from such an upgrade.
The easier it becomes to use the tools, the more games one will see.
Simply look at the Hack-O-Matic as an example.
This isn't even the most advanced tool, yet...
When the DOS GFX tools were put asside for a Windows based version, the hacks just rolled out.
If the DOS assembly tools were brought to windows, I'm sure the same would happen with new games.
Imagine it...a 2600 programming enviorment where all tools come together and work as one.
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What you want is distella.exe
Um, no, it isn't.
I presently use DiStella, and Dasm, and Hack-O-Matic, and other editors, in DOS, in DOS Boxes, in Windows...
And I'm not looking forward to getting around DiStellas 4K limit issue... very complicated to overcome that shortfall.
Most of the current 2600 tools haven't been updated in years.
A port of dis6502 or a new tool as it were would bring all those tools together into one package. That's what I want.
If it could be done to the 800 nearly 7 years ago, someone should be able to do it for the 2600 now... right?
And before anyone says it, yes, I would do it myself, but I simply don't know these newer computers well enough.
Also, since others like Dan, Bob and Eric have already done so much, it is likely easier for them to continue.
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I recently discovered dis6502 for the Atari 800 and Win3.1
I updated a number of libraries, yada yada, and have it running under WinXP.
Not too suprising, it wont work on 2600 games.
So, I was wondering if anyone has this ported for the 2600?
Or, is their something simular?
It would be quite nice to have it, as it supports BIN, HEX, GFX
It has an assembler and disassembler built in.
It handles files over 4K
And it runs in windows.
Eric BACHER ported it from the C64 in 1996 but the contact information is dead.
It is freeware.
Perhaps Dan Boris or Bob Colbert could do this?
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Give him that Lara Croft look
That's what I started to do... sort of a Tomb Raider feel.
Got side tracked however.
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First, thanks, I'll search the forum...
As to the differance...???
The ability to display bits vs bytes and in 8 colum mode not 16
Binary, base 2, vs hex, base 16
It would be really nice to be able to switch between the two bases. This would make for a nice code and graphics editor all in one.
(I prefer UltraEdit myself.)
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A while back I started looking at Berzerk for a possible hack.
I altered the fonts used.
I changed the robots into ghosts.
I made the guy look a bit different.
He always reminded me of a Pez dispencer.
Still does too.
I toyed with the sounds and mazes some.
And finally I changed a few colours.
Call it bordem or what you like, but it just didn't seem enough.
And then I ran accross the Voice Enhanced version.
Having nearly forgotten it existed, I was curious, code wise, what the difference was.
Game play, it seemed the same with exception of the obvious added sound and that cool title screen.
I quickly popped it into my disassembler and was just as quickly informed, it was too BIG for DiStella
(Teach me for spending all my time on 4K games.)
Does a disassembler exist, like DiStella, that handles ROMs over 4K?
So, I loaded up my HEX editor.
I loaded my hack an BVE.
The code was very simular, which suggested that rather then being a totally built from the ground up berserk, it too was technically a hack.
While Hack-O-Matic is good, it lacks almost any options, such as copy, paste, save (vs save as), flip, etc.
Decent HEX editors while they offfer many features, seem to have forgotten what binary really is.
Oh, I have found many that claim to be able to edit binary, but in reality, only edit HEX.
Does anyone know of a Windows based BINARY editor?
BVE proposed an interesting question.
How can one take a 4K rom and hack it to add more to the code?
A byte by byte comparison pointed out the differances.
I then (as I've forgotten most) matched up mnumonics and got a better understading.
This may lead to some cool new hacks.
Meanwhile, here is PezZerk.
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Thanks to those submitting missing BINs!
Analog_Clock_v1_by_Andrew_Davie.bin
Analog_Clock_v2_by_Andrew_Davie.bin
Analog_Clock_v4(final g11)_by_Andrew_Davie.bin
Greeting_Cart_2600.bin
Mortal_Kurling_by_Christopher_Tumber.bin
Space_Instigators_by_Christopher_Tumber.bin
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I presently have 2144 BINs.
This goes well beyond what Cowering lists.
While he has been telling me for nearly 3 months now that he'll update soon, I still wait.
Meanwhile, I just thought I would ask around and see if anyone has anything I may be missing.
I'd appreciate obtaining anything not in my collection.
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Jungle Jane
in Atari 2600 Hacks
Posted
Several PC emulators exist for the Macs.
SoftWin, while not the greatest, is sufficient and can be found "free" in some places.
(Well, at least it could 3 years ago when I last had the need. Now I just emulate the G3 under my WinXP on a PC.)
Softwin would give you DOS6 and Win31, which would allow the use DiStella, Dasm and a few other tools that would make your hacking experience a lot easier.
Although, I should point out, all my graphic changes in this hack were done using the PC Hack-o-Matic.
Although possible, the colour and sounds are nearly impossible to alter without the source code and an assembler.
Did you receive the source in your PMs?