Converted GX4000 .cpr - The topic (repository link in first post)

[iXien]

Hello all ,

I just did a conversion from Prospector which was on ZX Spectrum (by Aleisha M. Cuff (Dec 2017-Jul 2018))
This Platformer /shooter game was made with AGDx. With remained colors clashes ^^
Nowadays I managed on Amstrad CPC Old ( DSK / CDT ... )  and I did a CPR file one for GX4000 joypad .
Here is the link for DL : https://gamejolt.com/games/prospector_cpc_2024/870712

Nice work @CyrilAmstrad . A little adjustment to be able to jump with fire2 in addition to up would be very nice too 

[CyrilAmstrad]

Hello all ,

I just did a conversion from Prospector which was on ZX Spectrum (by Aleisha M. Cuff (Dec 2017-Jul 2018))
This Platformer /shooter game was made with AGDx. With remained colors clashes ^^
Nowadays I managed on Amstrad CPC Old ( DSK / CDT ... )  and I did a CPR file one for GX4000 joypad .
Here is the link for DL : https://gamejolt.com/games/prospector_cpc_2024/870712

Nice work @CyrilAmstrad . A little adjustment to be able to jump with fire2 in addition to up would be very nice too 

Thanks @iXien 

Please note to download the new CPR V2.0 version available. ( on the same game page web)
To avoid the ladder exits isssue ( a last legacy of the original Spectrum code ^^)
Problem solved and fixed with a code modification . 
Cheers     Cyrille Ayor61

[iXien]

Here comes another that doesn't need joypad 2 anymore, thanks to @Urusergi  :

METRO CROSS from U.S. Gold

Main menu controls:
J1B1 = Start 1 player game
J1B2 = Start 2 player game

Ingame controls:
d-pad = move
J1B1/J1B2 = Jump
Pause button = Pause game (J1B1 = Resume, J1B2 = Quit current game)

Modifications for the GX4000 version:
  - Wait for fire to skip title screen,
  - Patched keys,
  - Modified menu on main screen,
  - Poke: Immune to obstacles.

[iXien]

A new game published in 2023, december, that works on GX4000 :

GOLD MAZE from RetroVynZ

Many thanks to RetroVynz that developed this time a game that doesn't need unavailable keys for our beloved GX4000 . More informations on https://vynz-prog.itch.io/gold-maze

[shacpc]

Does the "pause" button on the gx4000 console have any key numbering in basic language? For example, the fire1 button has the (76) or "X" press and the fire2 button has the (77) or "Z" press. I haven't found any information about it on the forum.

[iXien]

Does the "pause" button on the gx4000 console have any key numbering in basic language? For example, the fire1 button has the (76) or "X" press and the fire2 button has the (77) or "Z" press. I haven't found any information about it on the forum.

Yes, Pause button is simply the "P" key on a keyboard, so it has number (27)   

[iXien]

Hey, but it's friday evening   Thanks to @Urusergi, we can enjoy this great classic for micro:

TALES OF THE ARABIAN NIGHTS from Interceptor Software

And that's the two versions that have been converted, in mode 1 and mode 0. Make your choice! 

VERSION IN MODE 1 (V1)
Controls:
J1LEFT/RIGHT = Move left or right
J1B1 = Jump
J1B2 = Pause game (J1B1 = Resume, J1UP = Music off, J1DOWN = Music on)

Modifications for the GX4000 version:
    - Wait for fire to skip title screen,
    - Patched keys,
    - Fixed bugs,
    - Poke: Unlimited lives.

Details from Urusergi about the bugs fixed: When music is ON the timers was deactivated. Level titles and 'game over' disappeared quickly ('game over' music played too late). When music is OFF the timers are new activated but even so, it took little time to disappear. So I've created a new 24-bit delay routines and I've adjusted the 'game over' music playback.

VERSION IN MODE 0 (V2)
Controls:
J1LEFT/RIGHT = Move left or right
J1B1 = Jump
J1B2 = Pause game (any key to resume)

Modifications for the GX4000 version:
    - Needed to unprotect the original tape,
    - New title screen converted from the C64 version by iXien
    - Wait for fire to skip title screen,
    - Patched keys,
    - Patched highscore table ('MR NOBODY' input by default, J1B1 to skip it)
    - Poke: Unlimited lives.

[iXien]

And we continue this weekend with this new conversion from @Urusergi , this time a Spanish which has always fascinated me:

SURVIVOR from Topo Soft

Controls:
d-pad = Move
J1B1 = Fire
J1B2 = Pause
Pause button = Quit game

Modifications for the GX4000 version:
  - Wait for fire to skip title screen,
  - Patched keys,
  - Modified menu on main screen,
  - Poke: Unlimited force and attack

Have a nice weekend everyone! 

[iXien]

I love this week-end because it's really a part of CPC history that lands on GX4000 this time, thanks to the unstoppable talent of @Urusergi :

MACADAM BUMPER from Ere Informatique

Controls:
J1 UP = Add a coin
J1 DOWN = Start game
J1 LEFT = Left flip
J1B2 = Right flip
J1B1 = Nudge left
J1 RIGHT = Nudge right
Pause button = Quit game

Modifications for the GX4000 version:
  - Two versions available, normal and naked girl,
  - Black border on title screen,
  - Direct access to the table (main menu and editor removed),
  - Patched keys.

Macadam Bumper was designed on Oric Atmos by Remi HERBULOT with just a little flipper drawn on the left part of the table. Michel Rho was in charge of drawing new GFX for all the other machines and introduced the pin-up that was very attractive for the time.
When the game was prepared for international distribution, the Americans requested that the girl be more dressed at the top, while the Japaneses requested that she be more dressed at the down, which annoyed Michel Rho. In this spirit of protest, he had fun creating an alternative CPC version showing the young girl completely naked. This very Frenchy version was distributed unofficially to the French press. To the delight of players, it had quickly filter and find itself in all the playgrounds thanks to the crackers.

Removing the flipper editor was a difficult decision to take as it was a great part of the interest of the game on CPC at the time, even just to modify the original table parameters. But as it is impossible to save the custom tables on GX4000, this feature has less interest here. Enjoy this classic flipper game.

[Phantomz]

It's been a while.....

Thanks to the fantastic work of @Nich for his 64k crack and help. 

I bring you.....

Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge

Both Players use the Joypads.
Button 2 to Pause, Button 1 to Unpause ( Both Joypads )
Console Button to Quit.

I haven't got access to real hardware at the moment, but it should all work ok. 

[iXien]

Impressive come back, mate! The game perfectly works on real hardware, I confirm 

If I understand well, what you call 'handbook' is the rolling presentation of the game playing all the musics.

And if you launch the game, you get the title screen and you press fire to play the game with SFX only. I'm right ? No matter, if I remember well, music you chosen at start was just played on result tables between races, not ingame.

It's really a nice work to make this game playable on GX4000. And nice work on the menu too.

[overange]

Has PANZA KICK BOXING been converted or any plans to convert it yet?

Thanks

[iXien]

Has PANZA KICK BOXING been converted or any plans to convert it yet?

Thanks

Panza Kick Boxing already exists officially on GX4000 

[overange]

guwd damn idiot, of course it does, I really was having a blonde moment, I have the BIN here....

To be honest i was searching the converted software list....

DOHHH.

 

[iXien]

@cwpab requested it , this week-end @Urusergi granted us of the first :

INTERNATIONAL KARATE from Endurance Games

Controls:
d-pad J1/J2 = Move your character
J1B1/J2B1 = punch
Pause button = Quit current game

Modifications for the GX4000 version:
    - Menu before the title screen to select the part to play.
    - Wait for fire on title screen,
    - Joystick as default control mode for both players
    - All game keys patched (no, we don't forget the end of each part),
    - Ingame black border

Have a nice week-end everyone !   

[Phantomz]

Livingstone II

Controls:
Joypad 1 for Movement, B1 to Fire
Joypad 1 Button 2 to Change direction you are facing.
Joypad 2 UP to select " Boomerang ".
Joypad 2 LEFT to select " Whip ".
Joypad 2 RIGHT to select " Bombs ".
Joypad 2 DOWN to select " Pole ".
Joyoad 2 B1 to select Pause/unpause
Joypad 2 B2 to change direction you are facing.
Console PAUSE BUTTON to Quit

Modifications for the GX4000 version:
  - Menu before the title screen to select the part to play.
  - Phase 2 code bypassed
  - Wait for fire on title screen,
  - Joystick as default control mode for player
  - All game keys patched

* CHEAT MODE (Phase 1 & 2, Don't Lose Life)
Joypad Button 2 allows you to change the direction of the character, but if you quickly change direction several times after being hit, then you won't lose any lives.

I've included a Poked version with infinites lives for both Phases.

[CyrilAmstrad]

Foggy's Quest - Amstrad CPC Portage - (streamed last night on Xyphoe Amstream)
I just did it for CPC Old freaks.
I made a dedicated CPR file for GX4000 joypad controls.
Link here : https://gamejolt.com/games/foggys_quest/877842

Credits and staff on the page,
Cheers

[CyrilAmstrad]

Foggy's Quest - Amstrad CPC Portage - (streamed last night on Xyphoe Amstream)
I just did it for CPC Old freaks.
I made a dedicated CPR file for GX4000 joypad controls.
Link here : https://gamejolt.com/games/foggys_quest/877842

Credits and staff on the page,
Cheers

Tonight with a V2 CPR , with CPC+ colors palette used ( smooth skin ) 
Cheers 

[iXien]

Livingstone II

Controls:
Joypad 1 for Movement, B1 to Fire
Joypad 1 Button 2 to Change direction you are facing.
Joypad 2 UP to select " Boomerang ".
Joypad 2 LEFT to select " Whip ".
Joypad 2 RIGHT to select " Bombs ".
Joypad 2 DOWN to select " Pole ".
Joyoad 2 B1 to select Pause/unpause
Joypad 2 B2 to change direction you are facing.
Console PAUSE BUTTON to Quit

Modifications for the GX4000 version:
  - Menu before the title screen to select the part to play.
  - Phase 2 code bypassed
  - Wait for fire on title screen,
  - Joystick as default control mode for player
  - All game keys patched

* CHEAT MODE (Phase 1 & 2, Don't Lose Life)
Joypad Button 2 allows you to change the direction of the character, but if you quickly change direction several times after being hit, then you won't lose any lives.

I've included a Poked version with infinites lives for both Phases.

If you're enough motivated, you can convert El Capitan Trueno, one of the last Spanish big games missing on GX4000. If I remember well, ingame button 2 on joypad 1  would be enough to play without keyboard keys 

[iXien]

Ok dudes, it's party time on week-end! Thanks to @Urusergi , here is a nice game, not really famous but very clever in its gameplay/design :

SURVIVORS from Mastertronic

Controls:
d-pad = Move the selected droid
J1B1 = Swap droids
Pause button = Pause game
Pause button twice = Suicide (loose a life and restart current level)

Modifications for the GX4000 version:
    - Modified text on instruction screen for joypad control,
    - All game keys patched,
    - Message "Survivors is loading" at launch removed,
    - A version offering a new color scheme,
    - Wait for fire on title screen,
    - Pokes : Unlimited lives, energy and time, level selector.

I'm sure a lot of you will discover this one for the first time. It's not impressive technically but it's a very clever game. And the level selector is perfect to replace a really missing password system  The new colour scheme is based on the Atari 8bits version. I found it far more relaxing to focus on the game, and even with CPC colours I think it's better than the original red+yellow  .

[iXien]

And we start this week-end with a nice patch from @Urusergi  for a great classic here in France:

PACIFIC from ERE Informatique

Controls:
d-pad = Move your character
J1B1 = Fire
J1B2 = Upper screen
Pause button = Suicide (loose a life)

Modifications for the GX4000 version:
    - Wait for fire on title screen,
    - All game keys patched,
    - Pokes : infinite oxygene, lives and bullets.

The version used for this conversion is endpart bug fixed. See ya later in the wee-end folks 

[iXien]

A little more surprises this week-end. I asked some days ago to @Urusergi if it would be possible to upgrade Jet Set Willy, JSW The Final Frontier and Manic Miner to enjoy a more comfortable black border while playing. Here are updated packages :

JET SET WILLY from Software Projects
JET SET WILLY - THE FINAL FRONTIER from Software Projects
MANIC MINER from Software Projects

A text file attached to each game reminds the controls. For the JSW games, you'll find how to access the secret "Cartography Room" and a little text written by your humble servant explaining the story of the two releases on CPC for those who are still wondering

Have a nice end of week-end, folks!

[iXien]

@SyX and RedAngel offer us an upgraded version of :

PANG from Ocean

The detail of what have been upgraded would be great @SyX

But as far as I can see, colours have been modified and backgrounds have been redrawn to be less "scan-style". We now have the three colour schemes in each country (day, dusk, night), but the thing we immedialty see is the come back of the Mont Fuji that was initially replaced on the GX4000 version by the Kilimandjaro in Kenya, just with different colours.
If I don't make any mistake, life symbols are not sprites anymore, and you reuse them to add the missing bubbles from the arcade in some levels. And the order of music is now corresponding to the arcade version.

It's here for download : https://www.mojontwins.com/cepeceros/descargas/pang-plus-correccion-de-errores-y-mejoras-graficas-por-syx-y-redangel/

[SyX]

Let me remember...

For me, the motivation to try to fix this game, it was that the most iconic moment in the game, the first level with mount Fuji and the music were wrong.

The songs are now in the correct order, the original song order in the cartridge was so wrong at stupid levels, for example, the intro used the outro song, some levels used the time is ending theme, ... Music player and data is not touched at all, that means the London theme is not correct, it looks that music was not finished at all. But originally this project was a simply patch to restore the game in the original cartridge size.

Because the lack of space in the original cart and the bad compressor used, the original game lacked of Mount Fuji (it was Kenya, the Kilimanjaro mountain); Australia (it was Keyrin and it was another iconic screen from the arcade) and Paris (it was Barcelona). Before RedAngel, I simply ripped and converted those levels from the c64 version. Then I decrunched the backgrounds and patched the game to use ZX0, making possible to have all the backgrounds in the original cartridge size.

After RedAngel offered his help for the graphic side, everything changed. He used the arcade as reference, that means that he redrew every background and chose better palettes by taking care that the dusk and night palettes were so visible as day ones; because in the original game, those palettes were filled with black colour, making really hard to discern the backgrounds in those moments. He always gave priority to more details in the background even if he eliminated some clouds by doing that.

Levels like London was cut in the upper side of the screen, because the compressor was not so good and they need not only to cut levels, even reduce the height of the graphics for putting everything in 128 KBs. Those limitations were eliminated after using the new compressor.

The original game split the 2x16 colours palettes (16 for background + 15 for sprites) in 4x8 colours palettes. First background palette was for the backgrounds and need to be changed for the three moments of the day; the second palette was used for animals, player weapons, platforms, ... The two sprites palettes the first one was used for the balls; and the second one for the two players, and this palette was the same than the second background palette.

RedAngel worked really hard and he was able to use 8 colours + black from the platform palettes for the backgrounds. And in the same way for the balls using 8 colours + white from player sprites. The animals palette and the players palettes are not the same anymore.

He redraw the balls and now are more faithful to the arcade. In the same way, he retouched players, animals, platforms, ...

There is a few bug fixes (I don't remember everyone) and now in the map screen (that RedAngel change the palette to a much better one) you can choose to start in any level, making easier to see the wonderful work that RedAngel made (Maya looks now quasi photographic, even if it is only a palette change).

There is a few things that I was unable to change, for example, the ball collisions. The game engine is testing full cpc hardware sprites, not graphics, then the two small ball sizes use the same number of hardware sprites, 1, even if the small ball is only 8x8 pixels. In the same way, the bigger balls have a lot of empty space in the right hardware sprites. Fixing that, it means to change all the collision system in the engine.

The same would happen with all the possible improvements in the playability; for example, changing the physics to be more like the arcade. Or adding bonus under the bricks. Or adding the extra live bonus; funny thing, the immunity bonus has two frames animation, one is the extra life graphics.

It is possible to add different backgrounds for day, dusk and night; but we vote for not doing that change, because that it would increase the cartridge size and we wanted to show that the game only need more love. Music could be redone perfectly, but originally this was a simply patch and I never though in bringing a musician for the task.

In the same way, originally I even flirted with using totally different backgrounds for having more fun:

You can see what I was talking about backgrounds being cut by its upper side.

And I think is that or the details that I can remember now.

[dthrone]

Wow, that's a lot of hard work, thank you so much!!