ROM Hack Aspiring Rom Hacking

[KingAsix]

I've decided I want to get into the rom hacking scene. I've searched for guides and skimmed over a few, but I'm a bit lost. I like to be hands on and stuff, but I don't know what to do.

So my question to you is...Where should I start. Like is there a guide that is easier for beginners to follow? Should I start with a system other than DS? Is there a game I can try out what I've learned as I learn? What programs should I get?

I have some may questions and I need guidance. I'm sure this has been asked before and if this topic irritates some I apologize but I've tried and I would like a direct answer on the subject.

 

[FireGrey]

I wanna begin ROM hacking aswell but i don't know where to begin.

 

[deathking]

http://www.romhacking.net/
has some tools

also ds has very few rom hacks most relate to mario as there are nearly no tools
i recommend starting on nes or snes and using a editor to make a new game and get the jist of things

 

[Phoenix Goddess]

http://www.romhacking.net/
has some tools

also ds has very few rom hacks most relate to mario as there are nearly no tools
i recommend starting on nes or snes and using a editor to make a new game and get the jist of things

Not only romhacking.net/start, but how come no one ever looks at the stickied guide for starting romhacking? Instead of making a thread, taking a look at that or even searching for threads similar to this would have helped you out.

Keep in mind, romhacking takes a lot of time to learn.

 

[FAST6191]

Others have said good things.

The GBA has far better emulation/hacking grade emulators but the DS does OK with that and has enough tools that it need not matter so stick with the DS if you want.

My suggestion- hack an English (or a rom of your first language) rom rather than trying Japanese right off the bat- technology is technology but it is influenced by the language of the person speaking, reverse engineer other hacks, work through the basics of a spec but before you get to the end try to finish it/discover things of your own (NSMB http://treeki.shacknet.nu/ http://treeki.shacknet.nu/romhacking/docs.html being a fair start for both, even if it means you discover what is a coin block rather than a brick block by fiddling rather than reading two lines below it is the exact same methodology you use when the format is completely unknown and more importantly it will get that kind of logic in your head).

As you asked programs.

Crystaltile2- it has many great features for pulling roms apart.

While I do like it a lot but it is also worth having more general programs.
NDSTS http://www.no-intro.org/tools.htm
ndstool (or frontends DSbuff and DSlazy)- I use a batch file myself http://ezflash.sosuke.com/viewtopic.php?f=...mp;p=2368#p2368
http://treeki.shacknet.nu/ has nitro explorer

A hex editor
http://gbatemp.net/t254647-ascii-hex-editor (not the best thread but has a bunch of links)

Emulator-
desmume has fair hacking abilities these days
http://desmume.org/download/
If you can find it though the developers no$gba is worth having sitting on the sidelines as well.
http://nocash.emubase.de/gbatek.htm is worth having sitting in the background- it has nice things like DS memory layout for when you have to fiddle with things like the OAM.

Some choice links
Also http://gbatemp.net/t256955-how-to-rrip-music-from-nds-rom-s
http://gbatemp.net/t109761-strm-to-wav-wav-to-strm
http://gbatemp.net/t250680-compression
http://gbatemp.net/t253947-nintendo-sdat-specifications

If you have more specific questions do ask. If it is something unique even better.