Topic: ASM Hacking

[Phoenix]

What applications do you guys use for ASM hacking? I use a Mac, but can’t find any native disassemblers for it (no surprise there). I can emulate other operating systems, though, so it’d be helpful to know what tools you think are the best. Yesterday I tested using Tracer through DOSBox, which seemed to work. A Unix tool would be the best, I think, since it wouldn't require any emulation.

So, what's your favorite ASM tool?

[Lenophis]

Before I started using an assembler, I used a hex editor. Any of them will do, you just need to keep track of where stuff is, what stuff is what, and understanding the flow for it to work. This is a very involving process, and some of my earlier work was made with only a hex editor.

During that time, Kejardon suggested I move onto xkas, which has enough versatility and functionality to suit all needs. Drewseph (maker of Super Metroid: Redesign) is a Mac user, and used xkas for it. He hated it, from what I keep hearing, but that might've been because of the constant switching between DOS and Mac. Kejardon could probably fill you in better regarding that.

Also, from what I hear from byuu (maker of xkas), it's not recommended to use if you piss him off or try to make a full game from scratch.

[Phoenix]

Thanks for the info, Lenophis. I tried xkas, but it's not actually DOS (I don't think, as it doesn't run in DOSBox), and I don't really want to install Windows just for that. Maybe I'll ask Drewseph if he got it working without Windows, but I couldn't figure it out when I tried. Tracer works OK, at least from my limited understanding of ASM.

I've also studied ASM in hex a little, and I know I could do it that way, it just seems little too much work for me. I'm only passingly interested in ASM, so if I can't find something relatively easy, I might just stay away from it for now. Thanks again

[Gemini]

Take xkas sources, recompile them for Panther or whatever Mac Os you are using, enjoy.

[Phoenix]

Yeah, but since I don't have the developer tools installed (and have never actually recompiled anything), that falls outside the "relatively easy" category. It's a good idea though, and maybe I'll try it when I have a bit of time to devote to it.