Summary
Highlights
Decompilation is converting a compiled program back to its original programming language (often C for N64 games). Tools like GIDra or IDA Pro help generate human readable source code to match the original ROM, allowing for a 100% match upon recompilation. This process is slow and can take years.
The N64 demp page on GitHub shows decompilation projects like Banjo Kazooie. A 100% decompilation means the rebuilt source code matches the original ROM image perfectly, even if function names are generic.
A port takes decompiled source code and adapts it to a new hardware platform, adding features like modern renderers, audio subsystems, and input methods. Perfect Dark's port includes enhancements like mouse look, dual analog support, 4K resolution, and more.
Recompilation combines decompilation and porting into a single workflow by statically recompiling N64 binaries into C code. This autogenerated code is quickly produced and compiled on Windows with an N64 runtime for hardware-specific functions. RT64 handles graphics rendering. It speeds up the whole process considerably.
While recompilation is generic, individual games still require adjustments to support high frame rates, resolutions, and aspect ratios. Although it's faster than decompilation and porting separately, enhancing the result still requires time and effort. Recmps are not exclusive to Nintendo 64 and have been used in projects for Xbox 360 titles like Sonic Unleashed.
Decompilation, recompilation, and port teams are crucial for game preservation, allowing access to source code from older systems on modern platforms. These unsung heroes deserve recognition for their hard work.