Do I need the original game files to run Boss Rally?

Yes. The project does not include the original game's assets, so you need your own copy.

Boss Rally

DecompilationActive

Source code reconstructed from the original game's compiled binary, so the game can be understood, rebuilt and ported.

Based on Boss Rally

Image of the original game, Boss Rally. This project has no screenshots of its own yet.

Boss Rally (original game, not this project) — Image of the original game, Boss Rally. This project has no screenshots of its own yet.

Links, repository & details

About

A bit-exact decompilation of Boss Rally (PC, 1999), where the C source must compile to byte-identical output under the original compiler (MSVC 5.0) while also cross-compiling to modern platforms. A separate decompilation of Top Gear Rally (N64, 1997) lives in the n64 folder.

How it differs from the original

The Mac port also has Remastered lighting, car, skies and music.

Getting started

You supply the data: the matching build needs a Visual C++ 5.0 disc image and a Boss Rally disc image, with the Top Gear Rally ROM optional. The native port reads game data from your disc; on Windows, put the disc's files in a disc folder beside the executable. A setup script stages the matching build inside the repo, and a link script builds the native port for macOS, Windows or headless use.

History

Boss Game Studios built Top Gear Rally for the N64 in 1997, then shipped Boss Rally for Windows in 1999 on the same engine. The README says the N64 game is not simply the PC game compiled for another machine, so each has its own decompilation.

Known issues & limitations

The Remastered lighting, car, skies, and music from the 32-bit lane have not moved to the native port yet.

What you need to run it

Original game files required. The project ships code only; you provide your own copy of the game (Windows, N64 version).

Features

A LAN multiplayer session can be hosted and joined from the game's lobby.
Remastered mode can use any window shape, with the race camera widened to fit.

How to install

Set `BR_CDROOT` to the CD files directory; by default it uses `testdata/disc`, files beside the program, or files inside the app.
On Windows, place the disc files in a `disc` folder beside `brally64.exe`.

Summarised from the project's README.

Additional notes

Cheats: The decompilation found six hidden cheat codes in the PC game.
Splitscreen: The PC game contains a complete but unreachable two-player split-screen renderer.

FAQ

What is Boss Rally?: Boss Rally is an open-source decompilation of Boss Rally. Source code reconstructed from the original game's compiled binary, so the game can be understood, rebuilt and ported. The original game ran on Windows and N64.
Do I need the original game files to run Boss Rally?: Yes. The project does not include the original game's assets, so you need your own copy.