Reviving Classic Games: A Comprehensive Guide to AI-Assisted Decompilation and Web Porting

Summary: Reverse Engineering a 1980s German Strategy Game Using AI

What happens when classic gaming meets cutting-edge AI? This project reveals the transformation of the obscure 1980s Commodore 64 game “Weltendämmerung” into a modern web port through innovative reverse engineering techniques.

Key Highlights:

• Game Essentials:

  • Genre: Turn-based strategy
  • Players: Two Commanders
  • Map Size: 80×40 tiles

• Project Insights:

  • Old vs. New: Previous efforts took months; this project was completed in just three days with Claude Code and Opus 4.5.
  • Documentation-Driven: A spec-driven approach minimized errors, enabling clear separation of concerns and efficient task execution.

• Workflow Phases:

  1. Analysis: Understanding the original binary.
  2. Reverse Engineering: Annotating and documenting the code.
  3. Porting: Creating a playable web version using modern technologies.

This advanced melding of nostalgia and innovation not only showcases the potential of AI in coding but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining clarity in documentation.

👉 Ready to dive deep into AI-driven engineering? Share your thoughts below or check out the project for detailed insights!

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