# Reading the TFX investigation

For a guided introduction, begin with [TFX Traced](https://lost-engines.github.io/tfx-traced/).
This archive is the workbench: formats, extracted definitions, native-code
experiments and inspection viewers, including the qualifications behind each result.

To play, choose [TFX C++](https://github.com/Lost-Engines/tfx-cpp) for the faithful reconstruction, or [TFX Redux](https://github.com/Lost-Engines/tfx-redux) for higher resolutions, adjustable views and arming-screen improvements.

## Start with the world

The [map explorer](../analysis/maps/index.html) assembles terrain and scenery,
plots routes and connects missions to their briefings. The
[model browser](../analysis/models/index.html) exposes drawing programs and
animation controls. [Scenery definitions](../analysis/objects/index.html) show
how parts, anchors and event streams combine into larger objects.

Read [terrain and scenery](../analysis/terrain-and-scenery.md),
[model programs](../analysis/model-format.md) and
[world versus lighting selection](../analysis/world-selection.md) for the underlying rules.

## Follow a mission

[Campaign flow](../analysis/campaign/index.html) and
[compiled actors and waypoints](../analysis/waypoints/index.html) separate
presentation choices, authored routes and flight objectives. The
[weapon records](../analysis/weapons/index.html) and
[entity profiles](../analysis/entities/index.html) connect those programs to
flight loads and AI actors.

The [game-logic overview](../analysis/game-logic.md) is a map of the executable,
not a current feature checklist for the later reconstruction. Historical notes
may describe an unanswered question that subsequent C++ comparisons resolved.
For current reconstruction coverage, use
[TFX C++'s verification matrix](https://github.com/Lost-Engines/tfx-cpp/blob/master/docs/verification.md).

## Images, instruments and sound

[Cockpits](../analysis/cockpits/index.html), [textures](../analysis/textures/index.html),
[images](../analysis/media/index.html) and [presentations](../analysis/presentations/index.html)
retain different drawing paths. In particular, static pictures on the original
virtual cockpit's screens are separate from live screen-space instruments.

The [font browser](../analysis/fonts/index.html) brings together all fourteen
lettering sets, with complete byte maps, glyph sheets and modern font exports.
[Format notes](fonts.md) explain their storage, custom encodings and native checks.

The [Jurassic Park TFX preview](../analysis/jurassic-park-preview/index.html)
collects 47 promotional pictures, including earlier virtual cockpit layouts.
Its [notes](../analysis/jurassic-park-preview/README.md) record the slideshow player,
source dates and soundtrack comparison.

The [audio catalogue](../analysis/audio/index.html) groups native music by
launcher selection and hardware, with timing records from the emulator renders.
Full recordings stay local; the [TFX Traced sound page](https://lost-engines.github.io/tfx-traced/sound/)
has short hardware comparisons.
[Audio notes](../analysis/audio/README.md) explain the timing, device identities
and distinction between native event checks and physical-card recordings.
[CD comparison](../analysis/retained-cd-audio.md) covers the two retained audio transfers.

## Versions and development evidence

[Versions](../analysis/versions.md), [patch lineage](../analysis/patch-lineage.md)
and [engine builds](../analysis/engine-builds.md) establish which executable and
resources a finding applies to. The [PC Plus demo](../analysis/acquisitions-2026-10-15.md)
contains an especially useful disagreement between its instructions and its actual menu graph.

[Development notes](../analysis/development-notes.md) distinguish retained
diagnostics and authoring machinery from confirmed player-facing secrets.
The [code browser](../analysis/code/index.html) uses reference executable offsets;
recovered descriptive names are not original source symbols.

## What a check establishes

Some checks execute isolated original routines with supplied inputs. Others
run connected native loops or compare real C++ flight sessions. Inspection
viewers use modern drawing and supplied state. Read each report's boundary
before treating a successful comparison as proof of a larger behaviour.

The archive keeps Markdown alongside rendered reports, viewer data and selected
comparison records. Original media, installations, extracted archives, manuals,
full recordings and working scripts are not hosted on this website. References
to those files open their GitHub pages; private repository access is required
where applicable. Links into the did-unpack submodule open its own repository.