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Correct CP/M interpreters for infocom games across different CP/M computers

VERAULT

VERAULT

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Jan 30, 2012
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Stop me if this thread already exists somewhere. I know infocom released all their classic games to CP/M, how would it be possible to get them to run on various platforms, (kaypro, Osborne, access, etc) or has someone already done this? I own the box set of all these games, but for the Atari 800 line, I would love to have them on my various CP/M computers.

I know a couple have been ported to the PET/CBM line. IS it possible? What is involved? Zork was mean to be played on my osborne 1!
 
There is only one interpreter, but it has a patch field where you can define standard terminal commands tailored to your specific terminal. There is also a spot where you can specify which Infocom datafile for the game you want to play.
 
You need a hexadecimal editor or a debugger or something, as you will need to edit the binary file.

I did find a patch description once. Can try to dig it out. Usually the interpreter would come with configuration programs that did the patching for you.
 
per said:
You need a hexadecimal editor or a debugger or something, as you will need to edit the binary file.

I did find a patch description once. Can try to dig it out. Usually the interpreter would come with configuration programs that did the patching for you.
Click to expand...

CP/M is still a foreign territory for the most part to me.
 
I think I've got all the Infocom games in one form or another, mostly set for the Amstrad PCW. I think the various bits includes all the Zork games, and I think some source code relating to setup/config. There'll be a number of copies of the driver prog (generic ?) so there may be different versions. As said, the 'driver' usually contains the name of the data file for a specific game, but I always understood that this could be changed. There may be some instructions for the config (mainly screen codes for terminal type) - I'll see what I can find if you're still looking.

Geoff
 
GeoffB17 said:
I think I've got all the Infocom games in one form or another, mostly set for the Amstrad PCW. I think the various bits includes all the Zork games, and I think some source code relating to setup/config. There'll be a number of copies of the driver prog (generic ?) so there may be different versions. As said, the 'driver' usually contains the name of the data file for a specific game, but I always understood that this could be changed. There may be some instructions for the config (mainly screen codes for terminal type) - I'll see what I can find if you're still looking.

Geoff
Click to expand...

I actually OWN most of the infocom classic box sets for the ATARI 8 bit line (I was very lucky to buy someones complete collections for pretty cheap) But I didnt think porting atari file standards over to another would be an undertaking I could do myself.
 
I'd just get the the CP/M versions, and go from there. They are readily downloadable. I've got the 3 Zorks, Leather Godess, *-fall, HHGTTG.

I've just been on my PCW, and checked the files I refer to. The 'source' stuff is assembly. There are various files, which seem to be set for specific games, and each set comprises files pre-set for about 5 terminal types. The assembly code comprises various pieces of data, in particular screen codes, and space for some printer stuff (which is optional) then a block of code which opens the file, writes data into it, then closes the file. Certainly very possible to use the detail in the .ASM to note what to do, and then do the job using a hex editor, for any of the files. The codes are well surrounded by space, so I'm sure the data is spottable in the .COM file anyway.

Let me know if I can send you anything. I assume you can transfer stuff onto your CP/M machine(s)?

Geoff
 
GeoffB17 said:
Let me know if I can send you anything. I assume you can transfer stuff onto your CP/M machine(s)?

Geoff
Click to expand...

Sure I use a terminal program and null modem for most things. Yeah I definitely would like to check it out more, If I can get it to run on osborne and access pc id be happy, maybe if you could send me the orginal cpm file and then the one you modified I can follow how you modified it.
 
Just remember the Infocom games need a minimum of CP/M 2.2. Usually not a problem, but I tried it on my Processor Tech Sol-20 which only has 1.4 for the Helios drives. A member here who knows CP/M programming built me a hack to make it run under 1.4.
 
Errr?

I've not modified anything. The various games were either already 'done' for the PCW (Zenith or H19 type terminal, I think) or just worked OK from the start.

What terminal type do you need?

Geoff
 
VERAULT said:
Wolfenstein, I just registered and downloaded the file., I noticed its not a complete games list. For instance Zork I is not in it. (kind of an important one!)
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Hi Verault - sorry if I'm a bit late to the party, but there's 2 things I'd like to share with you.
1. I've written my own Infocom Interpreter that allows for many of the later games to run on CP/M for a variety of the more popular terminal options. You can get it from https://gitlab.com/sijnstra1/vezza
2. You can download the full set of Infocom game files from https://eblong.com/infocom/ and use my interpreter or the original CP/M interpreter as desired.

Kind regards,
Shawn
 
VERAULT said:
Thats excellent Shawn thank you. I have been meaning to try these cross platform for a while.
Click to expand...
Great! Please let me know how you go. I'm keen to keep improving it. If you get a chance to snap a photo of a machine running something it couldn't before, I would love to have a copy.
 
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