# LineWars II: a portable SDL3 reconstruction

> Provides an SDL3 backend for a portable-C reconstruction of the 1994 DOS game. Its build configuration links the reconstructed engine to video, input and audio adapters; the upstream documents differential gates against original machine code.

- Type: Case study
- Targets: Binary · Game
- Category: Independent reconstruction cases
- Relationship: Independent reconstruction project
- Sources reviewed: 2026-10-20
- Added to the catalog: 2026-10-20
- Original resource: <https://github.com/fredangstadt-lang/LineWarsII-SDL>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/fredangstadt-lang/LineWarsII-SDL/blob/343bb50942a61e9d7fa1c1314cd1f03f8e7b12ac/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/linewars-ii-sdl-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/linewars-ii-sdl-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/linewars-ii-sdl-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- Builds target Windows and Linux using C99, CMake 3.16+ and SDL3; the reviewed build notes specify SDL 3.4.12 built with the same compiler as the game. This is a port of the separate LineWarsII-DOS reconstruction.
- The reconstructed/ported source uses PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0. NOTICE reports original-author Patrick Aalto’s July 16, 2026 permission for freeware distribution of the original game material; it does not grant commercial-use permission. SDL keeps its separate zlib license.
- The upstream reports renderer and menu comparisons and captured PCM levels within about 10% of its DOS reference; higher-resolution rendering changes the presentation.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/fredangstadt-lang/LineWarsII-SDL/blob/343bb50942a61e9d7fa1c1314cd1f03f8e7b12ac/README.md>
2. <https://github.com/fredangstadt-lang/LineWarsII-SDL/blob/343bb50942a61e9d7fa1c1314cd1f03f8e7b12ac/CMakeLists.txt>
3. <https://github.com/fredangstadt-lang/LineWarsII-SDL/blob/343bb50942a61e9d7fa1c1314cd1f03f8e7b12ac/platform/sdl3/hal_sdl.c>
4. <https://github.com/fredangstadt-lang/LineWarsII-SDL/blob/343bb50942a61e9d7fa1c1314cd1f03f8e7b12ac/docs/PORTING_CHECKLIST.md>
5. <https://github.com/fredangstadt-lang/LineWarsII-SDL/blob/343bb50942a61e9d7fa1c1314cd1f03f8e7b12ac/LICENSE.md>
6. <https://github.com/fredangstadt-lang/LineWarsII-SDL/blob/343bb50942a61e9d7fa1c1314cd1f03f8e7b12ac/NOTICE.md>

## More in Games

- [Metaforce: a Metroid Prime engine reimplementation rebuilt on the decompilation](https://awesomerea.org/resources/metaforce-metroid-prime-case/index.md) · Case study
- [Metroid Prime Port: an AI-assisted native port of the PrimeDecomp decompilation](https://awesomerea.org/resources/metroid-prime-port-case/index.md) · Case study
- [MikuPan: a native Fatal Frame PC port built on the Himuro decompilation](https://awesomerea.org/resources/mikupan-fatal-frame-port-case/index.md) · Case study
- [PaperBoat: a native Paper Mario port built on the decompilation](https://awesomerea.org/resources/paperboat-paper-mario-port-case/index.md) · Case study
- [Pokémon Platinum PC Port: a native port built on the pret decompilation](https://awesomerea.org/resources/pokemon-platinum-pc-port-case/index.md) · Case study
- [Salamander UEFI: a disassembly-based UEFI port of the NES game](https://awesomerea.org/resources/salamander-uefi-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.