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2006-02-15 21:42

Wanderer
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Registered: Apr 2003
Posts: 478

IFFL

Before I begin, let me say that I *have* tried without asking for help. I've downloaded a variety of IFFL programs and all have failed. I have read up on IFFL and understand it, I just can't do it :)

*ahem* Okay, now then...

I am in the midst of writing a game with multiple levels. It features an intro, levels, end page and high score page. Each page loads the next page through KERNAL load routines, so it consists of standalone files for now.

What I would like to do is to one-file them into an IFFL version. I don't mind if it features a loader file, I'd just like to pack the various files into one.

First, each file is not just level data... that is to say, they begin at $0801 and execute, so it isn't just loading data into upper memory. Each file needs to be executed as a standalone program. Due to wanting to use all available RAM, linking them together is not feasable because this reduces the amount of free memory available to me.

Now then.. I have tried to download Burglar's IFFL program as well as many others. The process seems quite simple enough. Link them through a "linker" which makes it one file. However in the case of Burglar's program, there is no depacker in the linker. The standalone depacker doesn't advise you what filename to use, but it DOES begin with a STA $xxxx which means you just load the Accumulator with the file # and run his depacker.

I have tried at least 6 other IFFL linkers and while some of them do create a single file, the depacking portion (normally written to disk after it links) results in just filling the RAM with garbage every time.

Keep in mind IFFL is new to me, it had only just begun to come out when I left the scene so I don't know how to use it. I understand the linking concept (make a single IFFL file), I understand the depack concept (you load the accumulator with the file, JSR, it unpacks from the IFFL file according to the track and sector). I have seen IFFL packers as well which I *think* crunches the IFFL one file even more.

To say the least I am confused and I'm asking for help. I'm not keen on asking for help but I need it...

So essentially what I require is:

- a way to link approximately 6 files that begin at $0801 into one file and that can be called one by one as I need them. I understand each file will need a copy of the unpacker code and the proper LDA #$xx before calling the routine.

- it must work on NTSC

- not only a way to link the files into one, but a proper depacker as well. The best program I could find would pack them but then gave you a Turbo Assembler code for a depacker which gave errors when trying to compile it.

- I know this can be done because my game Jailbreak consisted of 4 files that were done with ECA Linker, and made into a single file. As it needed to, it would unpack the next file necessary.

Any help, suggestions of a POSITIVE nature would be appreciated. I have tried everything under the sun and I really would prefer it to be a single file.

... 50 posts hidden. Click here to view all posts....

2006-02-18 07:18

Wanderer
Account closed

Registered: Apr 2003
Posts: 478

In actual fact that is what we call a "figure of speech". I didn't decide to just give up on the whole IFFL concept. Burglar in particular, as well as Fungus, were helpful. If I gave up whenever I was challenged, I'd never have become a programmer on the 64.

>Yes, developing a game with Bayliss will surely be another
>stepping stone to brilliance along with the other
>milestones you have set in your time. Of course, there
>would be no sarcasm involved at all in my comments about
> the game development prowess of yourself and Richard
>Bayliss. I guess that goes without saying.

Of course not. If there was sarcasm, it might be considered to be passive-aggressive. That is, immersing yourself in my messages and slowly but surely turning them off-topic and escalating your behaviour each time. Such behaviour might have led to four prior forum bannings. Naturally I know you are not doing this, and will stop posting off-topic so I know this is not sarcasm from you. :)

>Remember, you have questions, we have answers!

Precisely! The foundation of message forums on every C64 site there is. Every day questions are asked and answered in such forums. Why today, I answered some fellow's question on 1541's, he was new to things but that's how the scene works. People helping people.

Now I'm going to go back uploading and contributing. You can continue to umm err... follow me around as I post I guess.

Cheers :D

2006-02-18 09:34

A Life in Hell
Account closed

Registered: May 2002
Posts: 204

Quote: There have been many a milestone on the C64. Some of them I set, many I didn't. It's not a big deal to me to work on a game with Richard, I've worked with many people in my time on the C64. I'm happy to work with new people and old ones alike :) Think of it like a singer who does co-operative efforts with other musicians.

"It'll be like Xmas all over again, except without the stocking."

You have no idea.

Regarding IFFL, it's not a defeat. I mean IFFL didn't reach through the screen and start to strangle me to which I had to submit. I simply became frustrated with it and gave up for a time. I guess you missed the message where I said I managed to get it working. Then again, I'm sure none of us were successful the very first time we tried to use a linker or a cruncher. We learn by experience, even me!

It wasn't easy asking for help, but I did, and received some very good responses from some knowledgable people.

Who knows maybe we'll see a game or demo from you some day too. Besides the Game Overview, there's been very little from you in over a decade.

I count 94 (give or take what counts and what doesn't) releases of my own and 8 of yours. Perhaps even you can set a milestone of your own and put something out.

Cheers :D

You know, despite your poor phrasing incorrectly crediting Slartibartfast for go(v) generally (aren't you a native speaker? bah!), it's a great example of how quantity doesn't equal, despite the cliche, anything really.

Allow me to join the chorus of people suggesting that you don't create an IFFL that relies on a 1541, btw - games that work with netdrive make life much easier. And there is quite a lot of those mmc64's around, too, being that they're reasonably priced and all (blah blah, i know hardware development for c64 is expensive, i know it's not your fault, don't flame me :-p).

2006-02-18 16:43

Wanderer
Account closed

Registered: Apr 2003
Posts: 478

Quote: You know, despite your poor phrasing incorrectly crediting Slartibartfast for go(v) generally (aren't you a native speaker? bah!), it's a great example of how quantity doesn't equal, despite the cliche, anything really.

Allow me to join the chorus of people suggesting that you don't create an IFFL that relies on a 1541, btw - games that work with netdrive make life much easier. And there is quite a lot of those mmc64's around, too, being that they're reasonably priced and all (blah blah, i know hardware development for c64 is expensive, i know it's not your fault, don't flame me :-p).

Quantity does not equal quality. Correct.

However among 94 releases, some of which were self-admitted crap, were some quality intros, demos and utilities. In examining some 300 disks that recently were given to me, I was happy to see some of my intros were used on many of those historical games.

My point is not to boast, because I'm not. If someone has put out LESS than one product PER YEAR, they are not in any position to criticize someone else on their game making efforts. The phrase, "put up or shut up" comes to mind.

Produce on the 64 in the year 2006, or STFU and go look at your eight releases.

I'm happy with the current CSDB situation that is free of flaming and fighting, and I'm going to ensure it stays that way on my part. Slarti has a proven record of slowly but certainly immersing himself into my threads and turning them into his own passive-aggressive issues.

IFFL : It was never really a "certainly going to happen" thing. I wanted to see if it would be feasible; I was fascinated by the concept. I considered using it in the final product. Given that some worked on PAL only and others only on the 1541, of course I'm going to side with the "chorus" of people. In an era where you can store games on your PC, I don't think shaving off 10 blocks of game-size and one filing it is going to make or break anybody. Common sense prevails.

Alas, this thread has become so off topic now, that I'm going to abandon it and use PM to ask any further IFFL questions. Thanks to everybody who responded with advice :)

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