game hacking. game file formats

[HeXeN]

is it possible to be able to use a game to show you how its file formats work? if so, would anyone know how to do this. im currently working with an old game. Lands Of Lore. And i just would like to know how the program saves/loads games also. id like to know how the image format for the game works. the reason i ask these questions is because wotsit.org has alot of file formats on the site but its not even close to complete. i figure if i can find out the formats myself then i will be alot better off in the future because there may not always be resources around explaining the format i want to know about. any help would be appreciated.

Thanks In Advance,

HeXeN

[kw]

It's a tough job reversing a file format without any reference at all. The options that are left are really:

- Looking at the file, and seeing what parts are obvious (a string with your name for example)
- try changing small things and saving again, and seeing where the file changes to reflect this. (say, wait one turn/minute, whatever, and save. Note all the changes, and compare the two save games)
- reverse engineer the 'save' algorithm in the game, see how its constructing the file, how it writes to it.. Look for hints there.

Besides that, I don't know.. Maybe mail the authors ;)

Greets,
KW

[HeXeN]

i was hoping there would have been an easier way. but i think you've brought up alot of good ideas. ill have to try "reverse engineer the 'save' algorithm in the game, see how its constructing the file, how it writes to it.. Look for hints there. ". thanks for the reply.

~HeXeN

[kw]

No problem, good luck with your reversing ;o)

-KW