The Great Escape: 2 Open Source Clones Compared
The Great Escape reverse-engineers the original ZX Spectrum tape image into an annotated Z80 assembly disassembly that reassembles into a .TAP file playing identically to the original. The Great Escape Ported to C translates that disassembly into portable C code, letting it run natively on macOS, Windows, RISC OS, and even in a browser via Emscripten or on a BBC Micro, without needing a Spectrum emulator; in the process, its author also fixed some bugs present in the original release.
Comparison table
Availability
- Status
- Playable
- Platforms
- Windows, Linux, OSX
- Play in browser
- No
- Mobile
- No
Project health
- Development status
- Active
- Last updated
- 1mo ago
- Stars
- 132
- Contributors
- 3
- Engine
- SDL2
Compatibility
- Requires original assets
- NoPortable C reimplementation that runs independently without requiring original game assets.
Availability
- Status
- Playable
- Platforms
- ZX Spectrum
- Play in browser
- No
- Mobile
- No
Project health
- Development status
- Halted
- Last updated
- 3y ago
- Stars
- 90
- Contributors
- 4
- Engine
- —
Compatibility
- Requires original assets
- NoThis is a disassembly and reverse-engineering project with no asset dependency on the original game.
| Title | The Great Escape Ported to C | The Great Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Playable | Playable |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, OSX | ZX Spectrum |
| Play in browser | No | No |
| Mobile | No | No |
| Project health | ||
| Development status | Active | Halted |
| Last updated | 1mo ago | 3y ago |
| Stars | 132 | 90 |
| Contributors | 3 | 4 |
| Engine | SDL2 | — |
| Compatibility | ||
| Requires original assets | NoPortable C reimplementation that runs independently without requiring original game assets. | NoThis is a disassembly and reverse-engineering project with no asset dependency on the original game. |
| Preview | |
Frequently asked questions
Are the The Great Escape clones on this page open source?
Yes — every clone catalogued here is an open-source project. Availability, license, and development-status details for each one are listed in the comparison table above.
Do I need to own the original The Great Escape to play these clones?
The Great Escape Ported to C and The Great Escape run standalone, no original files needed.
Which The Great Escape clone is the most actively maintained?
The Great Escape Ported to C is currently under active development, based on recent commit activity. See the "Development status" row above for every clone's current status.
See the full write-up for each clone, or go back to The Great Escape.