# Escape Velocity Nova: an engine reimplementation guided by decompilation

> evnova-decomp reimplements the Escape Velocity Nova engine in C++23 and SDL3 using data from a local Windows Community Edition installation. Its research notes cover resource formats, missions and gameplay behavior, while Ghidra-based tools support comparison with original functions. The author reports a playable storyline but notes missing features and timing differences.

- Type: Case study
- Targets: Game
- Category: Independent reconstruction cases
- Relationship: Independent reconstruction project
- Sources reviewed: 2026-11-06
- Added to the catalog: 2026-11-09
- Original resource: <https://github.com/wraitii/evnova-decomp>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/wraitii/evnova-decomp/blob/e3dd30407939296bf19e96f94a499cc6bb2cafd1/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/escape-velocity-nova-reimplementation-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/escape-velocity-nova-reimplementation-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/escape-velocity-nova-reimplementation-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** Requires an installed copy of Escape Velocity Nova Windows Community Edition data.
- **Prerequisites:** Builds require CMake 3.25+, Ninja, a C++23-capable compiler and vcpkg.
- **Limits:** QuickTime movies, shield bubbles and some specific behaviors remain unsupported; timing and AI behavior can differ.
- **License:** MIT applies to material the author holds copyright over.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/wraitii/evnova-decomp/blob/e3dd30407939296bf19e96f94a499cc6bb2cafd1/README.md>
2. <https://github.com/wraitii/evnova-decomp/blob/e3dd30407939296bf19e96f94a499cc6bb2cafd1/docs/mission_reimplementation_overview.md>
3. <https://github.com/wraitii/evnova-decomp/blob/e3dd30407939296bf19e96f94a499cc6bb2cafd1/tools/microexec_evnova/README.md>

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## About this entry

The description was reviewed against primary sources.
Original editorial content: MIT. Linked projects, papers and assets retain their own rights and licenses.