Carmageddon 68k: Reviving the 1997 Classic for AmigaOS 68k

“Carmageddon,” the chaotic and controversial racing game from 1997, has been reimagined for AmigaOS 68k systems thanks to the dedication of a small team of developers and enthusiasts. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Arcziii, showcases the possibilities of reverse engineering and the passion of retro gaming communities. Here’s what you need to know about this achievement.

This version of “Carmageddon,” including its “Splat Pack” DLC, is built on the dethrace 0.8 framework—a reverse-engineered project hosted on GitHub by Dethrace Labs. Arcziii worked tirelessly to adapt the game for the AmigaOS 68k, with crucial contributions from other developers. BSzili undertook the meticulous task of addressing big-endian compatibility issues, while BeWorld revamped the audio engine to use AHI sound, allowing for rich audio playback. CD audio and file-based music support were added by Arcziii to ensure a seamless experience.

The game includes only the demo assets by default. To play the full version, users must provide the original game data, which is available from sources like GOG.

The AmigaOS 68k version isn’t just a simple port—it’s a carefully reengineered masterpiece. However, running the game requires attention to a few technical details:

• Stack Allocation: Ensure that at least 50,000 bytes of stack memory are allocated to avoid crashes.
• Math Library Fix for WB3.2: For systems running Workbench 3.2, the mathieeesingbas.library needs to be replaced with an updated version. This can be done by downloading and installing the library from Aminet or HSMathLibs_040. After installation, add the following line to your startup sequence:

  LoadModule Libs:mathieeesingbas.library REVERSE DOWNGRADE
  

  This fix, contributed by awkward_aardvark, ensures stability during gameplay.

“Carmageddon 68k” offers the same chaotic fun as the original. Whether it’s the destructive racing, outlandish stunts, or dark humor, the game retains its charm while running smoothly on the Amiga platform. For those who grew up with this classic or anyone curious about its infamy, this version provides an authentic yet optimized experience.

To dive into “Carmageddon 68k,” ensure your system meets the technical requirements, secure the original game data, and follow the instructions provided. If you’re ready to revisit one of the most infamous games of the late ’90s on AmigaOS 68k, this project is your ticket.