Quest 64: Recompiled

About

Quest 64 is a 1998 Nintendo 64 action role-playing game from Imagineer, notable as the first RPG released for the console in North America. Quest 64: Recompiled uses static recompilation to turn the original N64 ROM directly into a native port, without needing decompiled source code — it draws on header files and functions from the separate Quest 64 decompilation project to implement some of its enhancements. Rendering is handled by the RT64 engine, preserving the N64's original visual effects while adding uncapped framerate support, widescreen/ultrawide display, and extensive mod and texture-pack support. It requires you to supply your own legitimate copy of the original 1.0 US Quest 64 ROM, since no game assets are distributed with the project.

How it differs from the original

Unlike the original N64 release, this port decouples visuals from the game's original fixed framerate, adds full widescreen and ultrawide support, and supports installable community mods and texture packs, none of which exist in the unmodified game.

Getting started

After downloading a prebuilt release, you provide your own copy of the original US 1.0 Quest 64 ROM through the game's menu and it loads automatically, with no separate extraction or build step needed. Mods and texture packs can be installed by dragging their files onto the game window or through the in-game mod menu, and graphics, input, and audio settings are all configurable from an in-game menu.

History

This project builds on the separate, community-run Quest 64 decompilation effort, using its headers and function definitions to implement some enhancements, though it's technically independent, since static recompilation doesn't require decompiled source the way a traditional source port does.

Known issues & limitations

• graphics: Animation quirks can be seen at the edges of the screen in certain cutscenes when using very wide aspect ratios.
• compatibility: Overlays such as MSI Afterburner and software like Wallpaper Engine can cause rendering or performance issues.
• Very wide aspect ratios can show animation quirks at the screen edges in some cutscenes.
• Overlays such as MSI Afterburner and software such as Wallpaper Engine can cause performance problems and prevent correct rendering.

What you need to run it

Features

• The project loads game assets directly from a provided copy, without a separate extraction step.
• Graphics effects are rendered to match the original N64 effects, with modifications for enhancements such as widescreen support.
• The in-game menu lets you configure gameplay, graphics, input mappings, and audio settings.
• The menus can be used with a mouse, controller, or keyboard.
• You can choose a framerate, including your monitor's refresh rate or the game's original framerate; changing it does not affect gameplay.
• Any aspect ratio is supported, and the HUD can be positioned at 16:9 on ultrawide displays.
• Community mods and texture packs can change parts of the game, including adding features and content; mods can be toggled and some configured in the mod menu.
• You can adjust stick deadzone and invert the Y axis for aiming.
• A Linux binary and Flatpak are available for most up-to-date Linux distributions, including Steam Deck.

How to install

1. Download a prebuilt binary from the Releases section; the binaries do not include game assets.
2. Provide your copy of the 1.0 North American game in the main menu, then start playing.
3. To install mods, drag mod files onto the game window before starting the game or use Install Mods in the mod menu.

Controls

• The in-game menus can be operated with a mouse, controller, or keyboard.
• You can customize stick deadzone and Y-axis inversion for aiming in the settings.

Additional notes

Quirk

It's not an emulator and only accepts the specific US 1.0 Quest 64 ROM — no other ROM versions or regions can be loaded.

FAQ

What is Quest 64: Recompiled?

Quest 64: Recompiled is an open-source recompilation of Quest 64. The original game's compiled code translated into a native program for a new platform, usually a PC port. The original game ran on N64.

Do I need the original game files to run Quest 64: Recompiled?

Yes. The project does not include the original game's assets, so you need your own copy. Requires the original US version (1.0) of Quest 64 for the N64.

Where is the savefile stored?

Windows: `%LOCALAPPDATA%\Quest64Recompiled\saves`; Linux: `~/.config/Quest64Recompiled/saves`; macOS: `~/Library/Application Support/Quest64Recompiled/saves`.

How do I choose a different ROM?

You cannot choose a different ROM; the project only accepts the specific US N64 release. Other formats are converted automatically if they contain the correct ROM, and it cannot run arbitrary ROMs.

Can you run this project as a portable application?

Yes. Place a file named `portable.txt` beside the executable; saves, config files, and mods will then be placed beside it.