Our next Christmas 2024 update for the archive (and covering the late Archer Maclean’s work) takes a look at the early beginnings of Jimmy White’s Whirlwind Snooker, before Jimmy had any ties at all to the game. This includes an early 1989 test using GWBasic for the 3D routines for the table.
There are also a number of Atari ST prototypes, showing the evolution of the game and also various hidden modes and unused content that never made the final cut. Check out our video to see some of these hidden bits and pieces that we found.
There was an ST preview present which unfortunately had a code protection on it. Thanks to Galahad, this was very quickly cracked and you can find the unprotected and tidied up version below. If you want to know the code – it is AC and then from the numpad: 0 and 4.
The 3rd prototype is much more advance, and more playable – though some of the collision is off in places, where you can’t pot the balls into some pockets. Hidden in the build is the text “THIS COPY TO NICK DAWSON 13;8;90 BY A;M” which can be revealed by holding down the “#” key. There doesn’t seem to be much else like hidden objects or debug views like with the previous proto. If you find anything else tucked away – please let us know.
We also have a number of different PC builds, which seem close to final, though one of them doesn’t run for us. We found an early MIDI file, which we believe was for Archer Maclean’s Pool. There are also a stack of NeoPaint files, showing the evolution of the game’s interface and different ideas and icons that never made it to the final game.
Check out the downloads below, but also our video that showcases much of the above if you don’t to fiddle around with emulators and DOSBox. We hope you enjoy it all!
With huge thanks to Chris Wilkins (Fusion Retro Books) for the loan of Archer’s disks to preserve and permission to add executables to the site, Alan Hammerton for hardware help and Mat Allen for the flippy PC drive loan. A huge thank you also to Galahad for breaking the protection on the 3rd prototype, which you can download a version of below!
In memory of Archer Maclean – 28 January 1962 – 17 December 2022.
Downloads
Video
- YouTube video on the discoveries (with commentary)
Gallery
Frank, sent you a message on Facebook with the code to get into the 3 Prototype for the Atari ST.
Cheers
Thanks Galahad! Really appreciate this and have just added to the archive. Great to see what was locked away :)