Crash Team Racing - HOWL data extraction/modding

[Xanvier]

Hello,

I just want to share what I've been able to do with the HOWL file format used in CTR. I've created a tool that can currently extract the sequence packs (working on getting the other stuff done such as sample pack extraction)

HowlDataExtractor on GitHub

I've also figured out some of the format as well, currently working on properly documenting it (I currently have a messy txt file).
I'll probably need some help converting these HOWL sequences to SMF/MIDI files because I'm unfamiliar with the format myself

It extracts using the .seq file extension but this isn't the SEQp format btw.
This should in theory work with any KART.HWL file, I've only tested it with the review build of CTR so far.

EDIT: I've added some notes here if you are curious what the format looks like.

EDIT2: Well I took a look at MIDI's spec and figured out a lot of the track format, still working on actually converting this to MIDI but I'm pleased to say I've figured out the most important bits out - note on and note off (this is Crash Cove's guitar, if you follow along it fits)

[Xanvier]

Mods please excuse me for double posting:

This research is going very well in fact, I've successfully ripped a track out of CTR!

Here's a test link of that same track I've showed above!

Time to polish things up and get this WORKING!

[Squaresoft74]

Nice
That's the kind of stuff i would suggest you to come and discuss on the Official hcs64 Discord Server.
There are devs there that might be interested by such research and could help you.

[Administrator]

That's really nice work. It's a perfect rip. Excellent job! Can't wait to see what else you can extract and convert!!

[Xanvier]

Download linkus

Here's the tool if ya wanna play with it. Still some kinks to work out, I might have assigned wrong volumes.
And here's another rip if ya want.

And yes, I've heard of hcs64, totally forgot about them... Will post there too!