Help:Contents/Finding Content

So you want to search the insides of a game to see if there is any content suitable for TCRF. That's great! Here are some helpful tools, guides, and tips.

Tools

 * 1)  Memory Watcher/Editor
 * 2) * This is normally included with most emulators, for old games. For recent games, try Cheat Engine. This will allow you to edit values in the game's memory, like your health and ammo, but it can be used for much more.
 * 3) Hex Editor
 * 4) * This will also allow you to change memory values in the game, but on the hardcoded stuff, not when the game is running. Though hex editors are mostly used to search for strings. Optionally, but strongly recommended for newer disc-based/PC games, one can use an extractor for finding files in common formats (i.e. Ogg Vorbis files, .PNGs, DirectX textures). An example of this type of program would be Game Extractor. Also optional is the use of fan-made editors or viewers for specific games. These can help look at resources directly from the game.

Guides
Here are a few helpful guides that will teach you on how to search for unused levels, hidden comments, debug modes, and more! Of course, not every game is quite the same, so the information here won't always apply to your hunt for content. Nonetheless, perhaps it will be of use!

Tips

 * Always look for content inside "first time games". These are flagship projects created by a publisher or developer, and usually have a lot of content. Examples:
 * Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (first 3D game for Nintendo and Squaresoft)
 * The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (first Zelda game for the Nintendo 64)
 * Super Mario 64 (N64 launch title)


 * Write down everything you find. Later, you can go back and analyze what's good and what's not, and spot connections you may have missed.


 * If you need ideas of things that might be inside the final game and unused, check the manual and cover of the corresponding game. Some of the screenshots could contain an element that was present in an earlier version of the game, and sometimes, it can also be found hidden away in the final version (Example: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess).