KoroKoroRecomp has gained a native Windows version and an Android alpha edition of the game KoroKoro Post nin, originally released on the PlayStation. The project uses static recompilation to translate the game code ahead-of-time and generate modern executables, but it is still in development and requires the user to have their own legally acquired copy.
The public project is currently at version 0.1. On Windows, the author claims to have compared booting, the title, menus, introduction, the first stage, and situations such as pause, time up, game over, and continue against DuckStation. SPU audio and CD music also appear to be functional. On the other hand, stages 2 through 10, the memory card, and the ending have not yet been verified.
Thus, the demonstration below helps to understand the original mechanics of KoroKoro Post nin, in which the scenery rotates around the character.
KoroKoroRecomp has also arrived on Android
On Android, the version is still alpha. Even so, it already includes full-screen widescreen and mobile-adapted controls. The accelerometer allows you to tilt the device like a steering wheel to rotate the maze, while menus and other screens use touch and sensitive areas on the screen.
In addition, the announcement shared by the community brings together the initial details of the project and the mobile version.
According to the documentation, the author is still working on making all controls fully native to the phone. Furthermore, the build hasn't been tested on many models, so compatibility and stability may vary at this stage.
How to download and set up KoroKoroRecomp
The public packages do not include the game. They automate the preparation of the recompilation from the files of the user's own copy. On Windows, the project accepts the Japanese edition SLPS-03479 in CHD or CUE + BIN.
- Download the package corresponding to the platform you intend to prepare.
DOWNLOAD KOROKORO POST NIN PORT WINDOWS UPDATED
DOWNLOAD KOROKORO POST NIN PORT ANDROID UPDATED
- Extract the ZIP to a short folder path, without accents.
- Place your own copy of KoroKoro Post nin in the folder
data, in CHD or CUE + BIN. - On Windows, run
run.bat. On the first run, the script downloads the toolchain, checks the disk, recompiles the game and generates the executable. - For Android, run the
run.batof the Android package on a 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 PC. The process installs the necessary tools and generatesKoroKoroPostNin.apkin the folderout. - Copy the generated APK to your Android device and install it only on your own device. The generated APK contains data derived from your copy of the game and must not be shared.
In addition, the Android package requires about 8 GB of free space during preparation and a device running Android 8.0 or newer on an ARM64 system. Preparation for Windows requires about 3 GB of free space.
What changes compared to traditional emulation
The KoroKoroRecomp uses psxrecomp to convert the game's MIPS code into C in advance and then compiles it. Therefore, the game code runs as a native program, while a runtime layer continues to reproduce the hardware services expected by the title.
On the other hand, this model differs from a traditional emulator that fetches, decodes, and executes console instructions during gameplay. Furthermore, the idea is similar to other recent recompilation projects followed by Allves Games, such as TimeSplitters 2 recompiled for PC.
Despite this, version 0.1 should not be treated as a finished port. The documentation is clear in separating the parts already compared with DuckStation from the areas that still need validation. On Android, the author himself also calls the version an alpha.
Gameplay shows how the original game works
KoroKoro Post nin is a 2002 Japanese game in which the character advances while the player rotates the scenery. Therefore, the use of the accelerometer on Android directly matches the title's core mechanic.
Finally, another recording of the original game shows the stages and the constant rotation of the maze, serving as a visual reference while the port still matures.
Sources: official repository of KoroKoroRecomp.
