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PilotwingsRecomp v0.1.0-preview (Windows x64)

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@Zaxaerith Zaxaerith released this 25 Oct 05:06
v0.1.0-preview
839a659

PilotwingsRecomp v0.1.0-preview (Windows x64)

Welcome to the first public preview release of PilotwingsRecomp, an Ahead-Of-Time (AOT) static binary recompilation of Pilotwings (SNES 1990 USA) for 64-bit Windows PCs!

This milestone port transforms the classic flight simulation title into a native Windows executable with zero CPU emulation overhead, microsecond frame response, native controller support, and modern convenience features.

What's New & Key Highlights

1. Native AOT Static Recompilation

  • Recompiled from authentic 65816 machine code into native x86-64 instructions.
  • Eliminates typical emulator audio/video lag, delivering responsive flight controls.

2. Full DSP-1 Coprocessor HLE & Zenith Clamping

  • Pilotwings was one of the earliest Super NES cartridges to embed the NEC µPD77C25 (DSP-1) math coprocessor to perform real-time 3D vector transformations, horizon projection, and Mode 7 matrix scaling.
  • Implements the complete Pilotwings 3D mathematical instruction set:
    • Command 0x0E (Target range & bearing)
    • Commands 0x01 / 0x11 / 0x21 (Attitude rotation matrices)
    • Commands 0x0D / 0x1D / 0x2D & 0x03 / 0x13 / 0x23 (3D coordinate transformations)
    • Commands 0x0B / 0x1B / 0x2B (Vector dot products)
    • Command 0x14 (Attitude rate numerical integration)
  • Zenith Angle Clamping: Prevents mathematical singularity and coordinate overflow during steep dives and climbs, ensuring stable flight perspective throughout loops and stall recoveries.
  • SHVC-1B0N PCB Decoding: Fixes the non-standard LoROM address decoding of the SHVC-1B0N cartridge layout, resolving memory bus collisions.

3. Integrated recomp-ui Graphical Launcher

  • Official Dear ImGui configuration frontend.
  • Built-in ROM selector with instantaneous SHA-256 cryptographic verification and visual status badges.
  • Configurable Video (aspect ratios 4:3, 8:7, 1:1, integer scaling), Audio volume, and Gamepad/Keyboard bindings.
  • SkipLauncher: Ability to bypass the launcher on subsequent launches and jump directly into the cockpit. Press Ctrl + L mid-game or pass --launcher via command line to re-open settings anytime.

4. Modern PC Quality-of-Life Enhancements

  • Save State Browser (F7 / F11): Visual save-state gallery with live screenshot thumbnails and instant slot restoration.
  • Rewind Filmstrip (F8 / F12): Rewind flight mistakes with interactive frame stepping.
  • Fast-Forward Turbo Mode (Tab): Accelerate takeoff preparations and lesson briefings.
  • Authentic Cartridge Passwords: Faithfully preserves the authentic 16-character Flight Club certificate password system.

Release Asset Checksums

File / Component SHA-256 Checksum Size
Release ZIP Archive (PilotwingsRecomp-windows-x64-v0.1.0-preview.zip) 99BD0D271DB4BDBDCEFEA6142CF1AB7B55B5D00884548AD8B4F469A3B60DB918 5,260,535 bytes
Release Candidate 2 Archive (PilotwingsRecomp-windows-x64-v0.1.0-preview-rc2.zip) D6D142A2AC34EC5CEBFDEFB61560204D61C73581146AAFD7F31F50FD413A729D 5,096,271 bytes
Main Executable (PilotwingsSNESRecomp.exe) E3DF497092CA0D2EACA904C6C17EF917255D1069FDA484775E648D71BEB71115 4,205,568 bytes
Required ROM (Pilotwings (USA).sfc, headerless) 03d0127f5de3237e22ad00de0c20763274da7b71142dde693240ac96d10983a3 524,288 bytes

Player Quick Start

  1. Extract the release ZIP to any standard directory on your computer (e.g. C:\Games\PilotwingsRecomp or Desktop).
  2. Run PilotwingsSNESRecomp.exe.
  3. When the launcher opens, click Browse and select your clean, headerless Pilotwings (USA).sfc ROM.
  4. Verify that the green checkmark badge appears.
  5. Click PLAY to start the game!

Default Keyboard Controls

  • Pitch Down / Dive: Up Arrow
  • Pitch Up / Climb: Down Arrow
  • Roll Left / Right: Left / Right Arrow
  • Throttle / Accelerate: X
  • Brake / Decelerate: Z
  • Secondary Actions: S / A
  • Left / Right Rudder Trim: C / V
  • Start / Confirm: Enter
  • Select: Right Shift

(Controllers are auto-detected upon plugging in).

Troubleshooting & FAQ

  • ROM Verification Fails (Red Warning Badge):
    Ensure your ROM file is exactly 524,288 bytes (512 KB). If the file size is 524,800 bytes, it contains a 512-byte copier header that must be stripped before launching.
  • Launcher Re-opening:
    If you checked "Skip launcher on boot" and want to access settings again, press Ctrl + L during gameplay, or run the executable from a terminal with .\PilotwingsSNESRecomp.exe --launcher.
  • Application Exits Immediately on Direct Click:
    If running from heavily restricted enterprise directories with Low Mandatory Integrity labels, extract the game to standard user folders such as %LOCALAPPDATA%, C:\Games, or your Desktop.

Scope & Known Community Testing Items

  • Verified Playable Paths:
    • Full Title and Introduction sequences
    • Password Registration and New Pilot sign-in
    • Instructor Tony flight briefing and tutorial
    • Event Selection: Light Plane & Skydiving
    • Runway acceleration, elevator pitch rotation, lift-off, and stable cruising
    • In-flight banking, coordinated rudder turns, and horizon rendering
    • Save states, rewind, pause, turbo, and soft-reset
  • Open for Extended Community Playtesting:
    • Rocketbelt and Hang Glider advanced events
    • Later Flight Club licenses (Lessons 2 through 8)
    • Precision landing scoring and bonus round target accuracy
Assets 4
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