# Pool of Radiance: DOS engine and file-format reconstruction

> Reconstructs the DOS v1.3 Pool of Radiance engine in portable C, supported by overlay analysis, format readers and isolated runs of the original for behavior comparisons. Documented readers cover DAX, GEO, ECL, EGA and save-related structures; the gameplay reconstruction remains in progress.

- 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/huntergdavis/poolrad-decomp>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/huntergdavis/poolrad-decomp/blob/242018921fa063e8edcd159ce06014fcc2706a9c/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/pool-of-radiance-dos-reconstruction-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/pool-of-radiance-dos-reconstruction-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/pool-of-radiance-dos-reconstruction-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** A user-owned DOS v1.3 Pool of Radiance installation for original-behavior comparisons.
- **Prerequisites:** CMake 3.16+ and a C11 compiler for the format layer.
- **Limits:** Gameplay reconstruction is in progress; current public work includes the roadmap, format layer and scoped comparisons.
- **License:** No licence file in the repository.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/huntergdavis/poolrad-decomp/blob/242018921fa063e8edcd159ce06014fcc2706a9c/README.md>
2. <https://github.com/huntergdavis/poolrad-decomp/blob/242018921fa063e8edcd159ce06014fcc2706a9c/docs/formats/README.md>

## More in Games

- [Princess Maker 4: a Japanese DS decompilation in progress](https://awesomerea.org/resources/princess-maker-4-case/index.md) · Case study
- [Prototype: incremental behavioral decompilation through a hooked DLL](https://awesomerea.org/resources/prototype-incremental-decomp-case/index.md) · Case study
- [pso-gc: Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II GameCube decompilation](https://awesomerea.org/resources/pso-gc-case/index.md) · Case study
- [Quest 64: decompiling the Nintendo 64 game](https://awesomerea.org/resources/quest64-decomp/index.md) · Case study
- [R.E.L.I.V.E.: an Oddworld Abe’s Oddysee and Abe’s Exoddus engine reimplementation](https://awesomerea.org/resources/relive-oddworld-abe-engine-case/index.md) · Case study
- [Radio Helicopter: a Wii decompilation in progress](https://awesomerea.org/resources/radio-helicopter-wii-decomp-case/index.md) · Case study

## 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.
