Wolf4SDL is an open-source port of id Software's classic first-person shooter Wolfenstein 3D to the cross-platform multimedia library “Simple DirectMedia Layer (SDL)” (http://www.libsdl.org). It is meant to keep the original feel while taking advantage of some improvements[.]
- As written by the original developer Moritz Kroll (aka Ripper)
Wolf4SDL allows for Wolfenstein 3D, Spear of Destiny, and mods to run natively on modern operating systems, and other options as listed below:
Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista (32 and 64 bit), Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit)
Linux
BSD variants
Mac OS X (x86)
KallistiOS (used for Dreamcast)
Along with the compatibility with the above operating systems, Wolf4SDL provides a series of bug fixes and minor improvements made over the years all in the name of improving the experience while keeping it close to it's original gameplay.
A full list of all the features added to the engine can be found in the Wolf4SDL documentation.
The files for Wolf4SDL (The executable, and two .dll files) simply have to be in the same directory as your game installation.
The repository considered the "master branch" by the general modding community is run by KS-Presto (Formerly AryanWolf3D).
Various other people have contributed fixes and improvements over the years, including AlumiuN, Chris Chokan and Andy_Nonymous.
Wolf4SDL remains one of the main choices of engine for Wolf3D mods in modern day, due in major part because it's structure and formatting in the code was kept similar to the original. This allowed for a relatively easy transition for existing mod authors as tutorials and general knowledge were still applicable.
Unlike the original DOS engine, Wolf4SDL isn't constrained by memory limitations. This in addition to ease of use across multiple modern operating systems makes it an ideal choice among mod authors.