Do I need the original game files to run GumshoeNESRecomp?

Yes. The project does not include the original game's assets, so you need your own copy. Requires a Gumshoe (USA, Europe).nes ROM file to run.

How is GumshoeNESRecomp licensed?

project: PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 (project code, excluding third-party components). The repository itself is the authoritative source.

GumshoeNESRecomp

RecompilationActivePlayableWindowsLinuxOSX

The original game's compiled code translated into a native program for a new platform, usually a PC port.

Based on Gumshoe

Links, repository & details

About

Gumshoe is a side-scrolling NES action game that uses the Zapper light gun, in which players shoot obstacles and enemies to help Mr. Stevenson navigate through levels while collecting diamonds. GumshoeNESRecomp is a static recompilation of the NES game Gumshoe for native PC, built as a byproduct of developing the author's separate NESRecomp framework. As of a 2026-05-04 status update it's playable end-to-end — including scoring and Zapper-based input — though the top-left HUD's timer and shot-counter elements have a known cosmetic rendering bug. It runs on Windows, with Linux and macOS also supported.

How it differs from the original

Unlike the original arcade cabinet, this recompilation maps mouse movement and the left mouse button to the NES Zapper light gun (with an on-screen crosshair), and it works by translating the original 6502 machine code to native C/x64 code at build time rather than emulating the original hardware.

Getting started

After downloading and extracting the packaged Windows release, players run the included program and select their own Gumshoe NES ROM file the first time it's launched (the path is remembered afterward). The mouse replaces the original Zapper: moving it aims and the left button fires. Save states can be created and reloaded with dedicated keys, and a turbo/fast-forward hotkey is available.

History

This recompilation was built as a byproduct of developing the author's separate NESRecomp framework, using the game as a testbed for that tool.

Known issues & limitations

graphics: Top-left HUD elements (timer and shot counter) do not render correctly.
The timer and shot counter do not render in the top-left HUD; gameplay is unaffected.
Audio is basic; full audio mixing is still work in progress.
Audio is described as basic — APU register writes are captured, but full audio mixing is still work in progress.

What you need to run it

Original game files required. The project ships code only; you provide your own copy of the game (NES version). Requires a Gumshoe (USA, Europe).nes ROM file to run.

Features

Gameplay, round progression, and scoring work.
Save states are available.

How to install

Download and extract the Windows x64 release, then run GumshoeRecomp.exe.
When prompted, select the Gumshoe (USA, Europe) ROM.

Controls

Move the mouse to aim the Zapper and left-click to fire.
Arrow keys control the D-pad; Z is A, X is B, Enter is Start, and Tab is Select.

Summarised from the project's README.

Licensing & legal

Released under the PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 license; third-party components keep their own separate licenses.

FAQ

What is GumshoeNESRecomp?: GumshoeNESRecomp is an open-source recompilation of Gumshoe. The original game's compiled code translated into a native program for a new platform, usually a PC port. The original game ran on NES.
Do I need the original game files to run GumshoeNESRecomp?: Yes. The project does not include the original game's assets, so you need your own copy. Requires a Gumshoe (USA, Europe).nes ROM file to run.
How is GumshoeNESRecomp licensed?: project: PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 (project code, excluding third-party components). The repository itself is the authoritative source.