OSDev.org

Original post:

Hello, I would like to hire someone to extract all of the graphics from the game Brataccas.

The total game size is less than 250kb. I would like them to be actually extracted, not taken from screenshots.

So, this would require someone with a little bit of reverse engineering skill I suppose. I am willing to pay for this service. I do not know how much work is involved.

If you would like to take a look at the files in question you can download them HERE

The game and Atari ST emulator are available HERE

I attempted to hire Brian to do this but, he never answered the PM, so it is either lost in the mass of PM's he gets or he just doesn't have time. So, Brian if you are reading this, here is a chance to make some CA$H ;D.

If you know someone who may be capable of doing this please point them to this thread. Any help would be appreciated!!

later,
-junc

EDIT: This offer is now closed.

Sorry, I never got the message. I apologize, but I get so much just mail, that I delete it if I even suspect it's junk--don't want to give in to reading the messages, heh. I also have a huge blocker which blocks common phrases or even words in spam. If you put "SCI" in the subject it should go through.

I'll have a look at it and let you know.

I could try, but Brian does it first anyway, because he's better than me in reverse engineering...

Sorry, I never got the message.

That's okay Brian, I assumed that was what happened.

I'll have a look at it and let you know.

YAY!! ;D Just someone looking at it is a huge step. My hope is that it will be something very easy that you will be able to do in less than a day. But, of course, I don't have any clue what is involved in this. GOOD LUCK and thanks!!

better than me in reverse engineering...

Thanks for the offer!

later,
-junc

Yeah, I haven't reverse engineered almost nothing else than SCUMM...

Any news on that yet Brian? I just sent you a PM but, thought maybe this will work better.

Thanks for looking at it!

later,
-junc

I was just wondering, but what steps do you take to reverse engineer something? Do you use a hex editor or a disassembler? And if so which do you use Brian?

Joey

I'm all over the place I use disassemblers, write my own disassemblers, write my own assemblers, write my own disassembled data rearrangers, use turbo debugger with hacked together debug files, anything and everything it takes to decode the data. The only way to decode something with a hex editor is trial, error and assumption. It's pretty useless to try that method with things like most games, because they normally use quite obscure formats.

I basically start from the entry point of the program, where the CPU begins execution, then trace it opcode by opcode, essentially emulating the CPU in my brain to see how the game fits together. I comment and label the dasm as I go along. I always make sure to have the interrupt (or more so when doing things like 6502 and consoles, address) tables handy for reference.

Lots of it is purely years of experience.

Anyways, I couldn't find a good Atari ST disassembler, so I'll whip one up later and get back to you again. At the moment though, since it's not simply a matter of loading it up in a disassembler and tracing through it, I don't really have the time.

:'( Sadness. I knew that the Atari ST part would cause problems. It is available for Mac and Amiga...would either of those help, or would it present the same problems?

Well, since it is obviously going to take some time and effort. How about $100 for it whenever you get the time. I'm not really in a big hurry to have it, just to know that it will get done at some point would be good enough ;D. From your response I assume you can do it and when you get the time are willing to do it. Am I making the correct assumption there?

I really appreciate you taking the time to look at it. Good luck with SCI Studio!! I'm Really excited about the disassembling SCI-scripts thingy!!

thanks again,
-junc

ithought the st was just a plain ole 68k? lots of 68k disassemblers around.

Yep, good ol Motorolla 68000. Same as the Amiga and Mac at the time.

By chance are you interested in doing this DF ?

later,
-junc

I'd try then...

Fark, $100--I think we're going to have a rat race, lol!

Yeah! ;D
Ready, set, go! ;D

Fark, $100--I think we're going to have a rat race, lol!

HeHe ;D

Yeah, I REALLY do want this. Brian said it might not be so straight forward though. I imagine it is not an easy thing to do. I'm not taking anyone for granted here. Hard work should be rewarded.

However if someone tries, and only gets part of it done, well, that gets nothing, no MOO-LA. Please make sure that you are confident that you can do this. Don't dump a bunch of time into it.

For the $100 what I am looking for is EVERY game sprite, background, item, everything in a nice clean picture file(s). I know this game very well and I could very easily catch sprite rips. Trust me, they would be useless to me. (Please note: DF, Brian, and Eero this isn't directed at you, just others that may see this thread. I can see the mad rush of sprite rippers now ::))

By the way, if anyone does do any of this and you learn some stuff about the way the Brataccas engine works, how the file formats are done, any tech specs you feel like putting together it would be nice to have all of that stuff for my website. (Which if you would like to learn more about this game, check THIS out.

Good luck,
-junc