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Show HN: Resurrecting Infocom's Unix Z-Machine with Cosmopolitan

(christopherdrum.github.io)
156 points ChristopherDrum | 1 comments | 14 Apr 25 03:51 UTC | HN request time: 0.215s | source

I recently brought Infocom's original UNIX z-machine source code back to life on modern systems. The modified source code, instructions on usage, a build of the z-machine, and examples of embedded game executables are available.

There is also a detailed write-up about the state of the original source code, the porting process, and the invaluable role Justine Tunney's Cosmpolitan project played in bringing the Zork trilogy (and more) to Windows/Mac/Linux/bsd for arm/x86 machines over the course of a lazy Sunday.

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joshu ◴[14 Apr 25 04:57 UTC] No.43678188[source]▶
i think ucsd p-system vm predates z-machine by a couple of years (re OP's origin of vm use comment)
replies(2): >>43678260 #>>43682390 #
1. ForOldHack ◴[14 Apr 25 15:29 UTC] No.43682390[source]▶
The TV show, in it's absurdity, pointed me to the radio show, which I adored, which led me to read all the books, so when the game came out we laughingly struggled with it, for months, until the sales guy at egghead gave us just a few hints...

A dacade later, ztools was able to read it's dictionary, and people would ask what it was all about... We distributed libraries on bbses, Napster, all manner or ways to get the media out so people could laugh... And most of them found their way back to the Adams books and recordings. We never distributed the books, unless the 2nd half was deleted... ( Waldens, which was beside Egghead, would to though spurts where Adams books would make the best sellers lists, and fade, and enjoy multiple resurgences. )

Go and buy the books (Douglas Adams) and use them for gifts.