Recomps

What a recomp includes

A recomp release normally contains the runtime and the tools that build the game, not the game. On first launch it reads a ROM or disc image the player dumped from their own copy and generates or loads the recompiled code from it. This is why recomp projects can be distributed openly on GitHub: no copyrighted game code is shipped.

Why players use recomps

Native code makes features practical that are hard to do reliably in an emulator: true widescreen, frame rates above the original target, higher internal resolution, mouse aim, rebindable controls and mod loaders. Recomps also tend to start faster and run better on low-power hardware such as handheld PCs.

Recomps versus ports from decompilation

Some native ports, such as Ship of Harkinian or Dusklight, are built from decompiled source code instead. Players often call both kinds recomps. The difference matters for modding depth and accuracy more than for everyday play.

Recomps marked Playable