The Starting Line

Today is January 10, 2010, and I am going to attempt a ROM hack of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening.

Now, mind you, this is a big deal, because I have attempted something like this in the past. A year ago, I failed, but this time, building on my experience, I'll see if I can't succeed. To the best of my knowledge, there is no complete hack of this game as of yet. There will be.

The challenge is this: Hack the Zelda ROM and create, using Windows API, a fully functional editor program. Then use the program to create a full Zelda hack and release it to the public.

What I will learn: First, how to ROM hack. I am really interested in this and also the experience it will give me with computer programming and file manipulation.

Second, how to use the Window API. I have learned a little bit of C++, but I grew tired of making only black and white console applications. The Zelda editor will be coded in pure C++ using the Windows API (and also SDK). The big challenge here, obviously, is learning WinAPI, so I will be using The Forger's tutorial to start and the references that the SDK provides for more complete functionality.

Third, a basic knowledge of the assembly language. That's right. Assembly, the motherload, the king of ROM hacking languages. With assembly, I've been told, it is possible to directly edit the game's engine, create new AI, new enemies, new bosses, new everything. This is going to be the BIG ONE. It's time to finally find out how much the legend can do.

What I will be using:

The ROM: a clean version of the ROM for LoZ:LA that I used a year ago. I donwloaded it from the internet previously.

The Hex Editor: HxD, a free hex editor that i have heard, based on reviews, is very good. I used Hex Workshop the last time, and I am hoping to improve.

The C++ Compiler: Microsoft Visual C++ Express Edition 2008. I used Dev-C++ last time, but I think that VC++ has a better IDE and will suit my interests as far as learning the Windows API nicely.

The Emulator: Visual Boy Advance. I have used this previously, and it is the best one.

Hacking Documents: Both my extensive (read: wordy) notes from last time, Jigglysaint's hacking documents for this game that I found on Romhacking.net, and Linscape99's notes that he sent me after I commented on his Youtube video. He has also written an editor called ZLADE. You could say I'm following in some footsteps here. But also I'm not, because I plan to hack LA with assembly. And, if possible, have a direct asm editor in my editor.

Those are the goals. Those are the challenges. Without further ado, let's get to it.