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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.

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

2006-02-18 03:41

Wanderer
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Registered: Apr 2003
Posts: 478

Yes it is :)

2006-02-18 04:02

Slartibartfast
Account closed

Registered: Jul 2002
Posts: 230

Quote: Yes it is :)

Congratulations ;)

2006-02-18 04:23

Wanderer
Account closed

Registered: Apr 2003
Posts: 478

I'm congratulating myself, actually. For when things are too easy, you become complacant. I love a challenge and used the IFFL system which is new technology to me, to drive myself.

Tonight I sat down and pulled out some utilities and was able to get it to work... however given the various disk drives out there, I think I'll use a normal loader so that everyone may enjoy it. I may opt for an IRQ-loader. Oh the decisions...

When I get some time off this week, I'll finish up this project. Stay tuned.

2006-02-18 04:40

Slartibartfast
Account closed

Registered: Jul 2002
Posts: 230

Quote: I'm congratulating myself, actually. For when things are too easy, you become complacant. I love a challenge and used the IFFL system which is new technology to me, to drive myself.

Tonight I sat down and pulled out some utilities and was able to get it to work... however given the various disk drives out there, I think I'll use a normal loader so that everyone may enjoy it. I may opt for an IRQ-loader. Oh the decisions...

When I get some time off this week, I'll finish up this project. Stay tuned.

This is the co-op game development with Bayliss?

The anticipation is unbearable.

2006-02-18 04:42

Wanderer
Account closed

Registered: Apr 2003
Posts: 478

Yep that's the one. :)

No more time for small talk, 200 more disks to upload..

2006-02-18 04:56

Slartibartfast
Account closed

Registered: Jul 2002
Posts: 230

Quote: Yep that's the one. :)

No more time for small talk, 200 more disks to upload..

Wanderer and Bayliss, who'd have thought the greats of new millenium c64 game development would collaborate on a project. The biggest milestone in 2006 since Old Skool.

2006-02-18 05:28

Wanderer
Account closed

Registered: Apr 2003
Posts: 478

Old Skool was released 49 days ago, and this is only February. I think the term 'milestone' is probably not the best choice of words.

Come talk to me in December on the Lemon 64 scene forum and we can see if it indeed was a milestone.

Oh wait, we can't. You were banned from there. My bad :D

This thread is now off topic, and I have all the information I need from those who chose to respond on-topic. So, have fun.

2006-02-18 05:34

Slartibartfast
Account closed

Registered: Jul 2002
Posts: 230

Quote: Old Skool was released 49 days ago, and this is only February. I think the term 'milestone' is probably not the best choice of words.

Come talk to me in December on the Lemon 64 scene forum and we can see if it indeed was a milestone.

Oh wait, we can't. You were banned from there. My bad :D

This thread is now off topic, and I have all the information I need from those who chose to respond on-topic. So, have fun.

Wanderer and Bayliss developing a game together is surely a milestone indeed.

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

Congratulations again on your acceptance of IFFL defeat and your upcoming game effort. Huzzah!

2006-02-18 07:06

Wanderer
Account closed

Registered: Apr 2003
Posts: 478

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

2006-02-18 07:12

Slartibartfast
Account closed

Registered: Jul 2002
Posts: 230

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

Oh, I was sure you humbly accepted defeat regarding IFFL earlier in this thread, seemed like quite a milestone in itself.

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.

But this thread is now off-topic, and you have all the information you need from those who chose to respond on-topic. So, have fun.

Remember, you have questions, we have answers!

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