Show HN: I reverse-engineered the world maps of Test Drive III (1990 DOS game)

Show HN: I reverse-engineered the world maps of Test Drive III (1990 DOS game)(github.com)

65 points by s-macke 2 days ago | 13 comments

ggambetta 27 minutes ago |

I'm very happy to see this! Not so much because of TDIII (which I played, although not nearly as much as Stunts), but because there seems to be some momentum building around recreating old games using AI agents, and I love that! I had explored some related ideas [0] but throwing Claude at the problem seems super promising. The recent Crimsonland thing [1] was great!

[0] https://www.gabrielgambetta.com/remakes.html

[1] https://banteg.xyz/posts/crimsonland/

sedatk 2 hours ago |

I used to play the demo of Test Drive III. It only had one map I believe. But I loved that it was a sandbox, so you could drive anywhere. I specifically remember following along the railroad. It was way ahead of its time back then.

mikestorrent 2 hours ago | |

Between this and Stunts 4d https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stunts_(video_game) what more could a kid ask for

47282847 7 minutes ago | | |

Time for a modernized port true to the original! I also liked the TrackMania series but I wish there was something reduced to the amazing essence of Stunts.

warpspin 34 minutes ago | | |

I'd ask for Rock n' Roll Racing!

tdrgabi 2 hours ago | | |

Carmageddon would be what a kid could ask

verve_rat 2 hours ago | | |

Oh wow, that's a game I haven't thought about in forever. Thanks for reminding me.

mrighele 1 hour ago | |

I remember a map where just at the start, you could turn around, jump over an open bridge and finish it in less than a minute.

On the other hand most maps have loops and I would regularly get lost, unable to finish it...

mikestorrent 2 hours ago |

I can hear the PC Speaker music in my head.... oh man! it was actually available in adlib! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayInv3ZZRak

nntlol 1 hour ago |

I always love any reverse engineered projects

tdalaa 1 hour ago |

Ah, that's so lovely! Will definitely try this!

snthpy 2 hours ago |

I used to play an Amiga 500 version of this. I think it was Test Drive 2 though.

bzzzt 46 minutes ago | |

Test Drive 2 (and 1) used a pseudo-3D renderer with scaled sprites (see https://www.mobygames.com/game/2107/the-duel-test-drive-ii/s...) TD3 used a 'real' 3D engine, but as a result it needed a beefy machine for the day. Driving felt a lot slower too, I never found it as much fun as TD2.