Modern Game Port: Syndicate (1995)
I ported Syndicate (1995) to the web.
48 hours, primarily Claude (Fable,Opus 4.8, Sonnet5 - don’t touch Opus 5 it’s bad), some Codex (5.6 sol and Luna).
Despite the scope (50 missions main game plus American Revolt expansion disk) this was a simple painless port because the game is beloved and much prior fan work in documenting engine and data files existed.
And then I made some changes to demonstrate what is about to happen as everyone figures out how easy it is do do these ports: I made “upgrades”:
- The original’s control scheme is finicky especially on higher resolution screens. I added modern conveniences like toggling between WSAD camera and movement (Tab Key)
- I added a follow camera toggle (T) so the camera can be free or following depending on how the user enjoys it
- I added a (work in progress) touch control scheme and support for mobile gameplay. Adding the game to homescreen allows full screen play on IOS and Android
- I added a movable modern UI (shift to move elements), click to attack and other conveniences in addition to the default UI from the 1990s.
- The original didn’t have a way to see people inside buildings, which was very frustrating. I added XRAY cyberware upgrades that gives your agents the ability to see through walls
- Modern Multiplayer (STUN/TURN webrtc or hosted server)
- And I replaced the original “numbered” syndicates you’re fighting for control of the world with named syndicates better matching our dystopian 2026 landscape.
Still in progress:
- Cooperative multiplayer (up to 4 players) I suggest stakeholders in the video game industry do one of these experiments themselves to understand how harness loops are affecting the creation process.
Don’t like my choices ... want Bezos face instead of Zuck?
Make your own port :)
I ported Syndicate (1995) to the web. 48 hours, primarily Claude (Fable,Opus 4.8, Sonnet5 - don't touch Opus 5 it's bad), some Codex (5.6 sol and Luna) Despite the scope (50 missions main game plus… | Georg Zoeller | 39 comments
I ported Syndicate (1995) to the web. 48 hours, primarily Claude (Fable,Opus 4.8, Sonnet5 - don’t touch Opus 5 it’s bad), some Codex (5.6 sol and Luna). Despite the scope (50 missions main game plus American Revolt expansion disk) this was a simple painless port because the game is beloved and much prior fan work in documenting engine and data files existed. And then I made some changes to demonstrate what is about to happen as everyone figures out how easy it is do do these ports: I made “upgrades”: - The original’s control scheme is finicky especially on higher resolution screens. I added modern conveniences like toggling between WSAD camera and movement (Tab Key) - I added a follow camera toggle (T) so the camera can be free or following depending on how the user enjoys it - I added a (work in progress) touch control scheme and support for mobile gameplay. Adding the game to homescreen allows full screen play on IOS and Android - I added a movable modern UI (shift to move elements), click to attack and other conveniences in addition to the default UI from the 1990s. - The original didn’t have a way to see people inside buildings, which was very frustrating. I added XRAY cyberware upgrades that gives your agents the ability to see through walls - Modern Multiplayer (STUN/TURN webrtc or hosted server) - And I replaced the original “numbered” syndicates you’re fighting for control of the world with named syndicates better matching our dystopian 2026 landscape. Yes, that’s Zuck with (P)ervert Glasses(tm) staring down at your agent in the last video. Still in progress: - Cooperative multiplayer (up to 4 players) I suggest stakeholders in the video game industry do one of these experiments themselves to understand how harness loops are affecting the creation process. And if you’re GOG or running an old MMO [3], consider if web based could grow your audience. [Play the demo here](https://synd.tooclever.org) Don’t like my choices ... want Bezos face instead of Zuck? Make your own port :)
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