How do I add new WHDLoad games to extras in GB Amiga

[jamespstevenson]

Hello,

I'm trying to add Odyssey to GB Amiga, it's in the listing and I've downloaded the .lha file from WHDLoad download pages.

I'd like to know how I add this to the extras path and get it to launch it as a WHDLoad file by default. This would also be useful infor for other games not in the excelled KG download packs.

Thanks!

[whiteb]

IF by downloading the LHA from WHDLOAD download pages, you mean the Slave, that is ALL it is.

You need to extract the files from the LHA and run it. Once executed, the Slave will then ask for the *ORIGINAL* disks, from which the slave will make disk images on your HDD, which then gets patched (Depending on what the slave author coded in to it), and is then able to be run from HDD.

The file you downloaded from WHDLOAD is *NOT* the full game, only a script that tells WHDLOAD what disks are needed, and how to patch it.

Other people, like KG's WHDLOAD archive, means this has all been done for you.

[Graham Humphrey]

Did you not try the version from WHDownload?

[TCD]

Originally Posted by Graham Humphrey

Did you not try the version from WHDownload?

Exactly. Since GB Amiga searches for the preinstalled version by KG, it's a good idea to use it

[jamespstevenson]

Thanks for the advice. I've downloaded the version linked to in this thread from WHDownload and dropped this into the extras folder with the other zipped games.

My problem is, even after I refresh the list of available games in GB Amiga, there's still no link to the game from Right Clicking on the Extras button - no WHDLoad option.

Is there something I'm missing in this instance? If someone else could try it out I'd be very grateful. I notice there are 2 versions in the WHDownload version entitled 1.1 and 1.2, I've tried them both.

Is there an easy way to tell GB Amiga to use the zip file as a WHDLoad extra like the other games?

Thanks!

[TCD]

I see your problem now. Okay, quick guide how to add a new WHDLoad game (with a big 'but' at the end )

1. Open the extras for the game :



2. Create a new entry for WHDLoad :


3. Enter 'WHDLoad' as the name, select the zip with the preinstalled WHDLoad game and click the two options with the red circle


after that, click on 'Edit...'

4. This is the tricky part
Put 'WHD' in the 'Version Comment' field.
Now put the following in the 'Keys & Values' box :

cd=dh1:Odyssey;
whdload=Odyssey.slave PRELOAD;
cpu_speed=real
immediate_blits=false
cpu_compatible=false
cpu_cycle_exact=false
blitter_cycle_exact=false

Where 'Odyssey' is the game name (have a look at the WHDLoad zip which folder name and slave name you have to use here). Of course you might need to adjust the other values aswell.


Now it should work, but for Odyssey you get the following error :


Maybe eLowar will fix it one day...
Hope this is useful for adding new WHDLoad games

[andreas]

Great guide TCD!

Apparently always fails if the package contains files with characters like '<', '>', ...?
Now this won't be an easy task to fix this for a true Windows application...

[killergorilla]

It's more than possible.

I believe Toni gave eLowar some details about the way WinUAE cirumvents the filename problems, just don't think he had time to implement it.

[TCD]

Indeed. Hopefully this thread will encourage eLowar to have another look
If I have some spare time, I'll try to add some WHDLoad games and post the correct scripts in a seperate thread.

[jamespstevenson]

Thanks for time to post such a detailed reply, that should be useful to a lot of people - especially those new to emulation like myself. I'll keep an eye on this thread for any developments!

Can I also just add that the work you're all doing to archive and preserve all of this gaming history is amazing, I had no idea that there was such a wealth of interest, information and playable software out there. As I work in the video games industry (I'm currently a senior animator with developer Ninja Theory working on a title called Enslaved: Odyssey to the West), I've developed a real nterest in the heritage of video game - in particular the artwork and and I'm amazed how well a lot of titles have stood the test of time.

Keep it up guys, and great to see so much activity on these forums. Your hard work is much appreciated!

James

[TCD]

Always nice to hear that James
Btw : Enslaved looks interesting. Will keep an eye on it

[seuden]

Agreed, nice tut TCD

That game looks right up my street too jamespstevenson, I hope it plays as well as it looks

[jamespstevenson]

Thanks guys, yeah we're working hard on the final push now, it's out later in the year and we're getting some very positive preview press which is a good sign! It's been, and still is, a really interesting project to work on.

Thanks again for all your efforts.