Verify Dark Sun: Shattered Lands

[tomojira]

Verifying Dark Sun - Shattered Lands (1993) (SSI)

Checklist

Have adequate installation instructions been provided to match any config files in the DOSZ?
The config file isn't needed in the DOSZ. It can be created by SOUND_DS.EXE.

The default character file CHARSAVE.GFF will change later, but it's the same as BACKSAVE.GFF so it should still match without a problem.

Have any official patches been applied, if necessary?
I changed from v1.0 to v1.1, using Redump-verified CD-ROM: Dark Sun - Shattered Lands (USA)
This version is what GOG uses, allowing the variant to be eliminated more easily.

Is the game data in the root of the ZIP (unless game does not work that way)?
It was, but I moved it to C:\DSUN for ease of transferring saves to the sequel.

For games which include CD images, is there a smaller installation variant that offers the same features but needs less files?
Not applicable.

Is the entry in the right variant file (i.e. Freeware)?
Yes.

Have digital versions (Steam, GOG) been checked for matching?
I eliminated the GOG variant by removing 2 unneeded BAT files (though they have a lot in them, so I preserved them in the DOSC just in case?)

Can the game benefit from using embedded data or embedded patches in the datfile?
No.

Can DoDAT build the game from the install media?
No, the files are in archives.

If the game requires a yml in the DOSZ, has it been added to the yml folder in the repo?
Not applicable.

Are there .PIF or .ICO or Win32 .EXE files that could be excluded?
No.

Do the file timestamps match the installation media?
No, I added them.

Does the DOSZ run standalone?
Yes.

For CD games, can the game be set up to run without a CD mounted?
Not applicable.

Can the game benefit from using CHDtoOGG?
Not applicable.

Is the game creating a swap file in the .pure.zip that could be avoided by increasing memory size? Or is it creating other bloated files that could be prevented by adding them in the DOSZ?
No.

Does the DOSC contain problematic data (i.e. copyright issue)?
No.

Does the DOSC have copy protection removed, if possible?
There is no copy protection according to PCGamingWiki.

Is the game running at the correct speed? Is CPU year specified?
cpu_year: 1993 was set, but I changed to 1989 to slow down the game (a little higher than GOG's 7000 cycles).

Is the DOSC auto-running and skipping past any obstructions? Is it updated to use WAITMODECHANGE if possible?
Yes.

Does the game have MT-32 support? If so, is it correctly using MT-32 (old) or CM-32L (new), going by the Vogons Wiki?
Yes, but I changed it to CM-32L, and updated the extension to .dosx.

Does the game have General MIDI support?
Yes, I added it.

Is the game set up to run with the best quality graphics options by default?
Not applicable.

For certain old games only - are the graphics/audio improved by specifying video_card: pcjr, tandy, or generic_cga?
Not applicable.

Does the game have a mouse cursor that benefits from enabling input_directmouse?
Yes, I enabled it.

Does a game with separate episodes/executables have the options named and ordered properly in the DOSZ? Do they use the run_utility feature?
Not applicable.

Does the game share saves with a sequel, expansion, etc? If so, is it updated to use the .savename feature?
Yes, I added a Dark Sun series .savename.

Summary of changes

• Changed from v1.0 to v1.1, using Redump-verified CD-ROM: Dark Sun - Shattered Lands (USA)
• Moved files into C:\DSUN for ease of transferring saves
• Eliminated GOG variant by removing unneeded files
• Added file timestamps
• Changed to cpu_year: 1989
• Changed to CM-32L and updated extension to .dosx
• Added General MIDI option
• Enabled direct mouse
• Added Dark Sun series .savename
• Edited comments and links

Unmentioned in the checklist:

• Added installation variant for this new version