Have PC Tools, will hack
Let me clarify first that this is not an endorsement for hacking. I’ll just relate some childhood memories that have something to do with video games. Okay, now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s go to the topic: Hacking Old Games 101 (kidding!).
Have you ever played Star Command? I remember playing it on my old PC XT (or was it AT?). Well, the game isn’t that old (it was released in 1988 by Strategic Simulations Inc.). It’s just that my old PC was still running even after my five-year stint in college.
Going back to the topic … I got bored with the game very quickly, although I enjoyed every minute I spent upgrading my spaceship and going up against tough opponents. Hmmm, anyway, Star Command isn’t the focus of this post but what I did to the game.
Learning very early in life to manipulate hexadecimal values using PC Tools, I tapped into Star Command program and gave my fledgling crew more credits than they could spend. How did I do this? First, I took note of how much I had in starting funds. Then up went PC Tools to search for the string that equals my Star Command crew’s moolah. It was a simple switcheroo; I changed the values and, voila!, instant cash. Wish I could do that in real life.
I drew the line at changing my crew’s attributes, though. That would make the game too boring—much like what I did to those old RPG games from Strategic Simulations, titles that gave life to the Advanced Dungeons and Dragons worlds in video games.
Well, I can’t do this trick on today’s games. The programming is too complicated. Besides, I’ve learned my lesson. I will never hack another game no matter how bored I am.
Since we are on the subject, you may want to check out the nifty FAQ sheet on Star Command written by Kevin Butler, aka War Doc. Unfortunately, you won’t find any downloadable copy of the old DOS game, except from some sites that ask you to run the gauntlet before you actually get the chance at seeing a download link.
Fortunately for me, I have a copy. :P
Buzz Lightyear would be proud to have you on his team … if only your Star Command is the same as his.
