Difference between revisions of "Game versions"

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The game named Stunts is a creation of [[Distinctive Software]] studio, authors of Test Drive and Test Drive 2 before. Differents versions of this game were published.<br>
+
The game named Stunts is a creation of [[Distinctive Software]] studio, authors of Test Drive and Test Drive 2 before. A number of different versions of the game were published and are still circulating.<br>
  
 
== PC versions ==
 
== PC versions ==
−
<br>
+
*[[Brøderbund]] versions (referred to as BB versions) :<br>
−
*[[Broderbund]] versions (also named BB versions) :<br>
 
 
** [[Stunts 1.0]] [[Chronology|(05 Oct. 1990)]]<br>
 
** [[Stunts 1.0]] [[Chronology|(05 Oct. 1990)]]<br>
 
** [[Stunts 1.1]] [[Chronology|(12 Feb. 1991)]]
 
** [[Stunts 1.1]] [[Chronology|(12 Feb. 1991)]]
 
<br>
 
<br>
−
*[[MindScape]] versions (also named MS versions) :<br>
+
*[[Mindscape]] versions (referred to as MS versions) :<br>
 
** [[4D Sports Driving 1.1]] [[Chronology|(13 Dec. 1990)]]<br>
 
** [[4D Sports Driving 1.1]] [[Chronology|(13 Dec. 1990)]]<br>
 
** [[4D Sports Driving 1.1]] [[Chronology|(25 Feb. 1991)]]
 
** [[4D Sports Driving 1.1]] [[Chronology|(25 Feb. 1991)]]
 
<br>
 
<br>
−
There are several differences between these versions, mainly about crashes on jumps (very often in BB 1.0 and MS 1.1 (1990 one)) or some track elements capability : for example you don't crash if you hit tunnel's roof with MindScape's 4D Sport Driving 1.1 versions.<br>
+
There are several gameplay differences between these versions; the principal ones are summarized below:
 +
* Crashes when landing from jumps happen very often in BB 1.0 and MS 1.1 (1990 one), as the maximum angle allowed for hitting the ground without crashing was much smaller.
 +
* Unlike on the various 1.1 versions, with BB 1.0 it is generally not possible to gain speed when landing from jumps - as you hit the ground, the horizontal velocity of the car will remain unchanged. That makes an enormous difference in car behaviour, specially for the slow cars, and also means it becomes virtually impossible to reach [[powergear]] with [[Ferrari]] and [[Corvette]].
 +
* Some track elements characteristics also change. For instance, tunnel roofs are completely penetrable in BB 1.0, and while it is possible to land on them with MS 1.1 versions, you will often be spared from a crash when hitting them from below.
 +
* There are also minor performance and handling differences. Overall, cars are slowest in BB 1.0 and fastest in BB 1.1.
 +
All these differences cause replays performed with different game versions incompatible regardless of the tracks being exchangeable, as the game engine will process the input stored in the replay file differently for each version.<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
−
The most used version in competitions nowadays, is Stunts BB 1.1. At the beginning of competitions (1998-2000), it was Stunts BB 1.0 that was most used. When Stunts BB 1.1 was started to be used, a cheated car named [[4D Contest Car|Contest Car]] was created by [[Lukas Loehrer]] to allow Stunts 1.0 users be as fast as 1.1 users, because [[Porsche March Indy|Indy]] car is slightly faster in BB/MS 1.1 versions than in BB 1.0 version.<br>
+
The most used version in competitions nowadays is Stunts BB 1.1. At the dawn of Stunts competitions (1998-2000), however, it was Stunts BB 1.0 that was most popular. When the user share of Stunts BB 1.1 began to grow, a cheated car named [[4D Contest Car|Contest Car]] was created by [[Lukas Loehrer]] to allow Stunts 1.0 users be as fast as 1.1 users, because [[Porsche March Indy|Indy]] car is slightly faster in BB/MS 1.1 versions than in BB 1.0 version.<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
−
According to the countries, MindScape or BroderBund had the contract for selling the game. In USA, Germany or Eastern Europe, the editor was BroderBund. In France, U.K. or Belgium, it was MindScape. BroderBund versions are much more known around the world.
+
According to the countries, Mindscape or Broderbund had the contract for selling the game. In USA, Germany and Eastern Europe the publisher was Broderbund; in France, U.K. and Belgium it was Mindscape. Overall, Broderbund versions are much more well known worldwide.
−
 
 
  
 
== Amiga version ==
 
== Amiga version ==
  
−
It seems that only publisher for [[Amiga]] was [[MindScape]], so the game was published under the name 4D Sports Driving.<br>
+
It seems that only publisher for [[Amiga]] was [[Mindscape]]; therefore, the game was published under the name 4D Sports Driving.<br>
 
Only one version was available : it was version was 1.2, converted to Amiga from PC version.<br>
 
Only one version was available : it was version was 1.2, converted to Amiga from PC version.<br>
 
This version has less [[Bugs|bugs]] than PC versions.
 
This version has less [[Bugs|bugs]] than PC versions.
Line 28: Line 31:
 
== FM Towns version ==
 
== FM Towns version ==
  
−
[[image:fm_towns_title_screen.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Title screen of FM Towns version 1.0]]
+
Stunts was also adapted to [[FM Towns]] computers.<br>[[image:fm_towns_title_screen.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Title screen of FM Towns version 1.0]]<br>
−
Stunts was also adapted to [[FM Towns]] computers.<br>
 
−
[[image:FM_Towns_cover_1.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Box, manual and CD box of FM Towns version 1.0]]
 
−
Box, CD box and manual of [[FM Towns]] version.<br>
 
−
[[image:FM_Towns_cover_2.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Rear view of FM Towns box]]
 
−
Rear view of [[FM Towns]] box.<br>
 
  
 
FM Towns/Marty computers were i386 CPU-based computers NOT compatible with classic IBM-compatible PCs, made by Fujitsu (FM meaning Fujitsu Micro) and sold only in Japan. A console FM Towns, compatible with FM Towns/Marty computers, was also created.<br>
 
FM Towns/Marty computers were i386 CPU-based computers NOT compatible with classic IBM-compatible PCs, made by Fujitsu (FM meaning Fujitsu Micro) and sold only in Japan. A console FM Towns, compatible with FM Towns/Marty computers, was also created.<br>
 
* [[4D Driving 1.0]] [[Chronology|(1993-01-18)]]
 
* [[4D Driving 1.0]] [[Chronology|(1993-01-18)]]
 
<br>
 
<br>
 +
 
The editor for this version was [[Electronic Arts]] (E.A.) - Victor, as [[Distinctive Software]] has been bought by E.A. in [[Chronology|1991]] to become E.A. Canada.<br>
 
The editor for this version was [[Electronic Arts]] (E.A.) - Victor, as [[Distinctive Software]] has been bought by E.A. in [[Chronology|1991]] to become E.A. Canada.<br>
 
This version was also converted from PC, and with less [[Bugs|bugs]] than PC versions.<br>
 
This version was also converted from PC, and with less [[Bugs|bugs]] than PC versions.<br>
−
<br>
+
 
−
As name "Stunts" was property of [[BroderBund]] and "4D Sports" name was property of [[MindScape]], the game was released as "4D Driving" (to remember 4D Sports - Driving name that was already known in Japan due to Amiga version of the game).
+
As name "Stunts" was property of [[Brøderbund]] and "4D Sports" name was property of [[Mindscape]], the game was released as "4D Driving" (to remember 4D Sports - Driving name that was already known in Japan due to Amiga version of the game).
 +
 
 +
<gallery widths="200px" heights="150px">
 +
Image:FM_Towns_cover_1.jpg|Box, manual and CD box of FM Towns version 1.0
 +
Image:FM_Towns_cover_2.jpg|Rear view of FM Towns box
 +
</gallery>
  
 
== PC-9801 version ==
 
== PC-9801 version ==
 
[[image:Pc98_title_screen.png|200px|right|thumb|Title screen of PC-9801 version 1.0]]
 
[[image:Pc98_title_screen.png|200px|right|thumb|Title screen of PC-9801 version 1.0]]
−
Another Japanese port was made for the NEC [[PC-9801]]. It was produced by the same team as the FM Towns version and the two ports shared graphics and new opponents. Due to hardware limitations this version had fewer colors and the music were synthesized.<br>
+
Another Japanese port was made for the NEC [[PC-9801]]. It was produced by the same team as the FM Towns version and the two ports shared graphics and new opponents. Due to hardware limitations this version had fewer colors and the music were synthesized. Otherwise, it is quite similar to the FM Towns version.<br>
 
* [[4D Driving 1.0]] [[Chronology|(1993-01-18)]]
 
* [[4D Driving 1.0]] [[Chronology|(1993-01-18)]]
 
<br>
 
<br>
−
Other infos similar to FM Towns version.
+
{{-}}
 +
 
 +
== Other versions ==
 +
 
 +
[[Kevin Pickell]] mentioned, in an [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Stunts_(video_game)&diff=224504789&oldid=223443733 Wikipedia edit] of the Stunts article, that a Sega Genesis (AKA Mega Drive) version was planned and realized, but the port never made it to the stores as it was not possible to make it work at an acceptable frame rate.
 +
 
 +
== Comparison of game versions ==
 +
 
 +
{{Sectstub}}
 +
 
 +
=== General information ===
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
!scope="col"|         
 +
!scope="col"| BB 1990
 +
!scope="col"| MS 1990
 +
!scope="col"| BB 1991
 +
!scope="col"| MS 1991
 +
!scope="col"| MS Amiga
 +
!scope="col"| EA FM Towns
 +
!scope="col"| EA PC-9801
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Release title
 +
| Stunts || 4D Sports Driving || Stunts || 4D Sports Driving || 4D Sports Driving || 4D Driving || 4D Driving
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Version number
 +
| 1.0    || 1.1    || 1.1    ||  1.1    || 1.2      || 1.0        || 1.0
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Build date
 +
| 05 Oct. 1990 || 13 Dec. 1990 || 12 Feb. 1991 || 25 Feb. 1991 || 10 Jan. 1992 || 18 Jan. 1993 || 18 Jan. 1993
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Publisher
 +
| Broderbund || Mindscape || Broderbund || Mindscape || Mindscape || Electronic Arts Victor || Electronic Arts Victor
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
=== Driving ===
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
!scope="col"|         
 +
!scope="col"| BB 1990
 +
!scope="col"| MS 1990
 +
!scope="col"| BB 1991
 +
!scope="col"| MS 1991
 +
!scope="col"| MS Amiga
 +
!scope="col"| EA FM Towns
 +
!scope="col"| EA PC-9801
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Jump boost
 +
| {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| [[Power gear]]
 +
| {{Maybe|Flexible (Indy/Acura)}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Aero slowdown bug
 +
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{No}}
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Easy sharp drops
 +
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Penetrable tunnel roofs
 +
| {{Yes}} || {{Maybe|Partially}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Left corner bias
 +
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Instant finish bug
 +
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Maybe|Nontrivial}} || {{Maybe|Nontrivial}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{Maybe|Nontrivial}}
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Faster Indy
 +
| {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{Unknown|?}}
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
; Jump boost : Holding the accelerator while on air gives some extra speed upon landing.
 +
 
 +
; Aero slowdown bug : Cars not in the [[power gear bug#PG classes|bug-free PG class]] can't be slowed down by aerodynamic resistance when above the flat track top speed.
 +
 
 +
; Easy sharp drops : It is possible to land from jumps in angles much closer to vertical without crashing.
 +
 
 +
; Penetrable tunnel roofs : Tunnel roofs can't be crashed into from below and, on BB 1990, can't be landed on.
 +
 
 +
; Left corner bias: Left turns can be taken at higher speeds than right ones.
 +
 
 +
; Instant finish bug: The lap can be terminated abruptly by driving on a split placed as the first track element.
 +
 
 +
=== Miscellaneous ===
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
!scope="col"|         
 +
!scope="col"| BB 1990
 +
!scope="col"| MS 1990
 +
!scope="col"| BB 1991
 +
!scope="col"| MS 1991
 +
!scope="col"| MS Amiga
 +
!scope="col"| EA FM Towns
 +
!scope="col"| EA PC-9801
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Fast rewinding
 +
| {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| [[In-game editor|Terrain editor]]
 +
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{No}}
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| HERROTTO.TRK
 +
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| VANCOUVR.TRK
 +
| {{Unknown|?}} || {{Maybe|DEFAULT.RPL}} || {{Maybe|DEFAULT.RPL}} || {{Maybe|DEFAULT.RPL}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Tournament mode
 +
| {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Unknown|?}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| [[Replay file format|Replay File Type]]
 +
| {{Maybe|Old Format}} || {{Maybe|Old Format}} || {{Yes|New Format}} || {{Yes|New Format}} || {{Yes|New Format}} || {{Yes|New Format}} || {{Yes|New Format}}
 +
 
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
=== Recompiled Versions ===
 +
These versions are build from a decompiled version of Brøderbund Stunts 1.1 (12 Feb. 1991).
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
!scope="col"|         
 +
!scope="col"| STUNTS 2021
 +
!scope="col"| STUNTS 2021
 +
!scope="col"| STUNTS 2023
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Release title
 +
| Stunts 1.1 Mod 1.0 || Stunts Ferrari Edition || STUNTS NoRH
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Project number
 +
| 4 || 5 || 6 
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| [[DESC number| DESC ]]
 +
| Latest 4.31.1 || Latest 5.31.1 || 6.33.0 
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Build date
 +
| 21 sept. 2021 || 21 sept. 2021 || 20 March 2023
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Publisher
 +
| Stunts Community || Stunts Community || Stunts Community
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| reverse compatible BB 1.1
 +
| {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{No}}
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Alternate graphics
 +
| {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Alternate music
 +
| {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{No}}
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Alternative Cars
 +
| {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{No}}
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Alternative tracks
 +
| {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{No}}
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Repositioned menu buttons
 +
| {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Alternate default car
 +
| {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
!scope="row"| Colour needles mod
 +
| {{Yes|since 31.1}} || {{Yes|since 31.1}} || {{Yes}}
 +
 
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
 
 +
* [http://www.kalpen.de/luke/4dinfo.html#ver Lukas Loehrer on the differences between PC versions]
 +
* [http://stunts.kalpen.de/indyeval.htm Kalpen's evaluation of Indy performances on different versions]
  
 
[[Category:Game]]
 
[[Category:Game]]

Latest revision as of 08:17, 5 April 2023

The game named Stunts is a creation of Distinctive Software studio, authors of Test Drive and Test Drive 2 before. A number of different versions of the game were published and are still circulating.

PC versions



There are several gameplay differences between these versions; the principal ones are summarized below:

  • Crashes when landing from jumps happen very often in BB 1.0 and MS 1.1 (1990 one), as the maximum angle allowed for hitting the ground without crashing was much smaller.
  • Unlike on the various 1.1 versions, with BB 1.0 it is generally not possible to gain speed when landing from jumps - as you hit the ground, the horizontal velocity of the car will remain unchanged. That makes an enormous difference in car behaviour, specially for the slow cars, and also means it becomes virtually impossible to reach powergear with Ferrari and Corvette.
  • Some track elements characteristics also change. For instance, tunnel roofs are completely penetrable in BB 1.0, and while it is possible to land on them with MS 1.1 versions, you will often be spared from a crash when hitting them from below.
  • There are also minor performance and handling differences. Overall, cars are slowest in BB 1.0 and fastest in BB 1.1.

All these differences cause replays performed with different game versions incompatible regardless of the tracks being exchangeable, as the game engine will process the input stored in the replay file differently for each version.

The most used version in competitions nowadays is Stunts BB 1.1. At the dawn of Stunts competitions (1998-2000), however, it was Stunts BB 1.0 that was most popular. When the user share of Stunts BB 1.1 began to grow, a cheated car named Contest Car was created by Lukas Loehrer to allow Stunts 1.0 users be as fast as 1.1 users, because Indy car is slightly faster in BB/MS 1.1 versions than in BB 1.0 version.

According to the countries, Mindscape or Broderbund had the contract for selling the game. In USA, Germany and Eastern Europe the publisher was Broderbund; in France, U.K. and Belgium it was Mindscape. Overall, Broderbund versions are much more well known worldwide.

Amiga version

It seems that only publisher for Amiga was Mindscape; therefore, the game was published under the name 4D Sports Driving.
Only one version was available : it was version was 1.2, converted to Amiga from PC version.
This version has less bugs than PC versions.


FM Towns version

Stunts was also adapted to FM Towns computers.

Title screen of FM Towns version 1.0


FM Towns/Marty computers were i386 CPU-based computers NOT compatible with classic IBM-compatible PCs, made by Fujitsu (FM meaning Fujitsu Micro) and sold only in Japan. A console FM Towns, compatible with FM Towns/Marty computers, was also created.


The editor for this version was Electronic Arts (E.A.) - Victor, as Distinctive Software has been bought by E.A. in 1991 to become E.A. Canada.
This version was also converted from PC, and with less bugs than PC versions.

As name "Stunts" was property of Brøderbund and "4D Sports" name was property of Mindscape, the game was released as "4D Driving" (to remember 4D Sports - Driving name that was already known in Japan due to Amiga version of the game).

  • Box, manual and CD box of FM Towns version 1.0

  • Rear view of FM Towns box

PC-9801 version

Title screen of PC-9801 version 1.0

Another Japanese port was made for the NEC PC-9801. It was produced by the same team as the FM Towns version and the two ports shared graphics and new opponents. Due to hardware limitations this version had fewer colors and the music were synthesized. Otherwise, it is quite similar to the FM Towns version.



Other versions

Kevin Pickell mentioned, in an Wikipedia edit of the Stunts article, that a Sega Genesis (AKA Mega Drive) version was planned and realized, but the port never made it to the stores as it was not possible to make it work at an acceptable frame rate.

Comparison of game versions

This section requires expansion.

General information

BB 1990 MS 1990 BB 1991 MS 1991 MS Amiga EA FM Towns EA PC-9801
Release title Stunts 4D Sports Driving Stunts 4D Sports Driving 4D Sports Driving 4D Driving 4D Driving
Version number 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.0 1.0
Build date 05 Oct. 1990 13 Dec. 1990 12 Feb. 1991 25 Feb. 1991 10 Jan. 1992 18 Jan. 1993 18 Jan. 1993
Publisher Broderbund Mindscape Broderbund Mindscape Mindscape Electronic Arts Victor Electronic Arts Victor

Driving

BB 1990 MS 1990 BB 1991 MS 1991 MS Amiga EA FM Towns EA PC-9801
Jump boost No Yes Yes Yes ? ? Yes
Power gear Flexible (Indy/Acura) Yes Yes Yes ? No No
Aero slowdown bug Yes Yes Yes Yes ? ? No
Easy sharp drops No No Yes Yes ? ? Yes
Penetrable tunnel roofs Yes Partially No No ? No No
Left corner bias No No Yes Yes ? Yes Yes
Instant finish bug Yes Yes Nontrivial Nontrivial ? ? Nontrivial
Faster Indy No Yes Yes Yes ? ? ?
Jump boost
Holding the accelerator while on air gives some extra speed upon landing.
Aero slowdown bug
Cars not in the bug-free PG class can't be slowed down by aerodynamic resistance when above the flat track top speed.
Easy sharp drops
It is possible to land from jumps in angles much closer to vertical without crashing.
Penetrable tunnel roofs
Tunnel roofs can't be crashed into from below and, on BB 1990, can't be landed on.
Left corner bias
Left turns can be taken at higher speeds than right ones.
Instant finish bug
The lap can be terminated abruptly by driving on a split placed as the first track element.

Miscellaneous

BB 1990 MS 1990 BB 1991 MS 1991 MS Amiga EA FM Towns EA PC-9801
Fast rewinding No Yes Yes Yes ? ? Yes
Terrain editor Yes Yes Yes Yes ? ? No
HERROTTO.TRK No No No No ? Yes Yes
VANCOUVR.TRK ? DEFAULT.RPL DEFAULT.RPL DEFAULT.RPL ? Yes Yes
Tournament mode No No No No ? Yes Yes
Replay File Type Old Format Old Format New Format New Format New Format New Format New Format

Recompiled Versions

These versions are build from a decompiled version of Brøderbund Stunts 1.1 (12 Feb. 1991).

STUNTS 2021 STUNTS 2021 STUNTS 2023
Release title Stunts 1.1 Mod 1.0 Stunts Ferrari Edition STUNTS NoRH
Project number 4 5 6
DESC Latest 4.31.1 Latest 5.31.1 6.33.0
Build date 21 sept. 2021 21 sept. 2021 20 March 2023
Publisher Stunts Community Stunts Community Stunts Community
reverse compatible BB 1.1 Yes Yes No
Alternate graphics No Yes Yes
Alternate music No Yes No
Alternative Cars No Yes No
Alternative tracks No Yes No
Repositioned menu buttons No Yes Yes
Alternate default car No Yes Yes
Colour needles mod since 31.1 since 31.1 Yes

External links

Retrieved from "https://wiki.stunts.hu/index.php?title=Game_versions&oldid=5513"