Evidence at a glance
Based on the linked sources. The author's reported result and independent confirmation are separate checks.
- AI involvement
- Reported models: Claude. Tools: SDL3, CMake, Ninja, Unicorn emulator. The writeup below describes the work attributed to AI.
- Reported result
- Works. This is the directory's source-based outcome classification.
- Independent confirmation
- Not reported.
- Human work and limitations
- The project uses a rigorous verification method where the C code is diffed against the original DOS binary running in an emulator. The author notes that the DOS backend is kept in-tree as a specification for the SDL3 port.
Original sources
What was done
A portable C reconstruction of the 1994 DOS game LineWars II, verified against the original binary using automated emulator-based gates. The port adds high-resolution rendering and cross-platform support for Linux and Windows.
LineWars II is a portable C reconstruction of the 1994 DOS game, designed to run on SDL3. The project functions as a new backend for a previously verified C engine, maintaining compatibility with the original game's logic through a suite of 35 automated verification gates. These gates execute the original 1994 binary within an emulator to compare return values, VGA port writes, and pixel output against the C implementation. The renderer has been verified against 431 test cases with zero mismatches. The port introduces features such as high-resolution rendering, resizable windows, and fullscreen support, while maintaining byte-exact output at the 640x480 resolution. Development involved addressing platform-specific issues, including 32-bit integer wraparound behavior on LP64 Linux systems—which affected lighting calculations—and case-sensitivity in file handling. The project documentation credits Claude Fable 5 as a co-author for contributions to the repository. Full provenance and verification details are maintained in the associated DOS reconstruction repository. The software is released under the PolyForm Noncommercial License 1.0.0, with original assets redistributed via permission from Patrick Aalto. Source
Reproduce it
Build SDL 3.4.12 from source, then use CMake to configure and build the game project using the provided instructions in the README.