A graphical Delphi 7 tile-based level configuration utility designed to read, modify, and rebuild the proprietary global map layout grids (ZMAP structures) from the Vigilante 8 engine on the PlayStation 1 (PS1).
- 32x32 Grid Gridspace Matrix: Implements a fixed coordinate workspace array mapping out exactly 1,024 interchangeable zone tiles using 2-byte (
Short) memory block allocations. - Dynamic Variable Indexing: Supports accurate bit-shifted tool indices utilizing programmatic structural step gaps (
256,512,768... up to2304) to match the Luxoflux engine sub-grid configurations. - Interactive Matrix Flipping: Resolves PlayStation 1 axis orientation quirks by automatically swapping coordinates (
map[x,y]tomap[y,x]) during read/write cycles to align with horizontal console memory scanlines. - Dual-Button Brush Toolset: Features quick drawing mechanics where the Left Mouse Button injects the active texture index zone, and the Right Mouse Button acts as a clean eraser tool.
- Visual Grid Canvas Refresh: Triggers direct window handle re-rendering loops (
invalidate) to instantly overlay custom grid graphics using bundled texture bitmap caches.
The utility parses raw, uncompressed 2048-byte sector matrix clusters using the following linear layout:
- Tile Element Payload: 2 bytes per cell (
Int16 / Shortidentifier values). - Total Record Data Footprint: 32 rows × 32 columns × 2 bytes = 2,048 bytes exact.
- Compile the workspace project in Delphi 7 and launch the executable.
- Select File -> Load to import a decrypted global map chunk file.
- Use the sidebar
RadioButtonsto swap active environment tiles (such as custom road segments, canyon terrains, or structural barriers). - Click and drag your cursor over the map array window to paint your custom map boundaries.
- Select File -> Save to save your modifications. The output file is packed with correct hardware-specific scanline transformations, ready for compilation.
Developed by DenGame (2009-2016). Adapted from an open-source visual path matrix pattern to preserve legacy console reverse-engineering tooling history.