| Developer(s) | Jabo and zilmar |
|---|---|
| Initial release | May 26, 2001 (10 years ago) |
| Stable release | 1.6.1 / July 11, 2011 |
| Preview release | 1.7.51.51 / January 4, 2011 |
| Development status | Unknown |
| Written in | C and C++ |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows |
| Type | Video game console emulator |
| License | Proprietary software Freeware |
| Website | jabosoft.com |
Project64 is a proprietary Nintendo 64 emulator for Windows. It employs a plug-in system that allows third-party software developers to create their own implementation of a specified component. Project64 allows the user to play Nintendo 64 games on a computer by reading ROM images, either dumped from the read-only memory of a Nintendo 64 cartridge or created directly on the computer as homebrew.
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Project64 executes with a good speed on most Intel/AMD-based computers, especially through its just-in-time compiler that analyzes the loaded ROM and translates known instructions into those functionally similar in x86 immediately when the ROM is loaded. This contrasts with its interpreter, which interprets each instruction on the spot as it receives it.
Though fatal exceptions sometimes occur, Project64 can intercept most common plug-in errors without causing the emulation to freeze. Jabo's Direct3D video plug-ins utilize a just-in-time exception handler that attempts to rectify the problem by reviewing many stored fixes common to the exception, and often resetting data that has been corrupted.
Project64 also has support for GameShark codes. It allows the user to store cheats for each individual game, and which ones have been selected for each game. Project64 features a "GS Button" that allows the user to run specific GameShark code on-demand by either pressing F9 on his/her keyboard or checking System -> GS Button in Project64's menu during emulation.
With 3rd party plug-ins, such as Rice Video and Glide64, one can temporarily swap the textures in a ROM image with ones from an external source (BMP, PNG or JPEG) at higher resolutions (than was originally intended) to dramatically improve the game's original graphical quality. The feature, which debuted in early 2005, has renewed interest in, and has helped the N64 emulation community as a whole. This is a feature to be added in Project64's future video plug-in, which will be bundled with the 1.7 release. Project64 recommends using the Adaptoid to connect an original N64 controller to a USB port. However, Adaptoids are now rare since they were only produced for a short time by WishTech, which is no longer in business. Alternatively Project 64 supports the Xbox 360 wireless gaming receiver, with which you can use to play the games with a wireless Xbox 360 controller very easily.
To the right is a screenshot of an emulation. The entire scene has been rendered at a much higher resolution (1920x1080) than standard (320x240), and in widescreen (16:9 vs 4:3). There is a graphical glitch in the blue background at the top left. Sprites used for the interface (the word "TIME" for example), cannot be properly scaled to a different resolution, and are displayed incorrectly (black outline). Full-scene anti-aliasing can be used, as seen on the diagonal lines outlining Mario's hat. Like the Nintendo 64, Project64 runs a steady 60 (or 50, if PAL) frames per second. Most N64 games run at either 20 (or 17, if PAL) frames per second in measurable terms with only a few using a variable FPS, reaching true 60/50 Frames per second.
There isn't a hard and fast compatibility list, but around 75-80% of games are compatible and will play almost perfectly. There is another estimated 10% that work but with problems. Certain games are not emulated yet, but it is believed that the 1.7 release of Project64 will be able to emulate these games adequately.[1]
The original release of the emulator was to run on Windows 98. It was designed so that it would work in a self contained folder, storing everything including the ROM dumps, game saves, and plug-ins beside it, so that everything is functional from a single directory. The latest stable release, Project64 Version 1.6 (released publicly on 1 April 2005) is available for download and comes packaged with plug-ins created by the authors. The authors have released certain parts of the source code for the now unsupported version 1.4, which is available from the normal download page under a nonfree personal use license.
The old versions are no longer supported by the Project64 team but are still available for download for those interested in Project64's history. However, in order to have access to the binary page, one must complete a survey. The latest public version can easily be downloaded by bypassing the survey and entering the URL for the direct download page.[2][3]
Version 1.6, still remains commonly supported on the official site and websites such as EmuTalk. Taking a survey is required to download versions 1.0 - 1.6 from the official website, though it is easily circumvented by viewing the source of the page.
Version 1.6.1 patch was unofficially released by Jabo on his website. It consists of only plugin updates.
Version 1.7 has been in the alpha stages since 2005 and was planned for a mid-2010 release, but as of 2012, there is no further information regarding its official release.
The official requirements that Jabo and zilmar state are required for Project64 (version 1.6) are:
These requirements are very easy to meet for modern computers (those with Windows XP or later). However, for smooth gameplay, one should opt for a computer with slightly higher specifications. Due to the nature of the development of version 1.7, these specifications are almost certain to rise with its release. Version 1.7 can be downloaded after making a donation.
It is expected in the future to feature a memory editor, similar to the one found in Nemu64, which can be used to create cheat codes for games.[5] Core emulation improvements include some previously unplayable games being supported, such as Star Wars: Rogue Squadron or Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine, due to advancements in emulation compatibility and accuracy (such as the ability of low-level video emulation).[6] Native texture dumping and loading is also expected to be supported.[7][8]
According to many sites such as Emulator Pro and The Emulator Zone, Project64 is referred to by most emulator sites/ROM sites/review of emulator sites as one of the best emulators that cleanly runs most of the Nintendo 64 ROMs.[1][9]
| Developer(s) | Hotquik |
|---|---|
| Stable release | 0.13, August 2003 |
| Operating system | Windows |
| License | Freeware |
Project64k is a modified version of Project64 1.4. The main purpose of Project64k is to provide "netplay" capabilities via integration of the Kaillera networking client, a utility which enables online multiplayer gaming. Players are able to join servers where multiple games may be hosted. All other features, such as compatibility and performance, remain consistent with Project64 1.4.
Project64k was originally created by hotquik in 2003. However at the time, Jabo_Direct3D7(N64 GFX Plugin) was the newest and best plugin so he made it as the default plugin along with AudioHLE. However, Project64k became very popular but it was always unstable and dis-sync with some roms such as Goldeneye007, and Perfect Dark, for that reason mupen64k is the solution. However mainstream n64 kaillera players play Super Smash Brothers 64 and Mario Kart which does not have problems on Pj64k. Another problem was Jabo_Direct3D7 crashes the emulator on windows Vista/Windows 7. With complex assembly hacks and much research and testing, the emulator was hacked and fixed all of its old bugs including the default plugins, and many unstable DS issues were fixed.
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