Originator Extraction Tool Expands Compatibility for File Types and Game Content

We've got another great update to a new fan tool today. AllTinker has released a new version of Originator, his multipurpose extraction tool that can decipher all manner of internal assets from within the code of classic WC games. He aims to support a broad cross section of Origin and Wing Commander titles, so today's update improves the program's ability to read certain formats. It will also read more types of information, including text content within the games. This all builds on an impressive list of supported games and audio/visual file types from the first release. You can learn more and download the app at the CIC Forums here.

Version 0.2.02 (2023-12-25)

• Improved the IFF parser to cope with various quirks and non-standard features (e.g. Privateer's "table" structures).
• Quite broad support for "shape" images - although there are palettes remaining to hook up for numerous games, so colours may be wrong. The majority of my attention has currently been on Privateer, so most shape images should be correctly viewable/exportable. WC3 and 4 should also be correct.
• Added configurable GUI scaling for accessibility/very high-resolution screens.
• Switched to using Unifont for broad language support (tested with Japanese in FM Towns Wing Commanders); custom TTF/OTF fonts may also be added to data/fonts.zip and selected in configuration.
• Added the beginnings of a text viewer; can view textual content in several games, including Privateer dialogues.
• Many other changes and improvements, most importantly a new "about" screen. :D

NOTE: If you get an error regarding MSVCP140.dll, you will need to install the latest Microsoft C++ 64-bit runtime (direct link).