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Data resetting is an advanced coding glitch in the MS version of Chip's Challenge allowing data stored on a virtual 32nd row of the grid to affect game play. Tile World has not correctly emulated this yet. It is commonly an element of insane levels.

Overview

Each level is formatted in 32x32 coordinates on the grid, ranging from [0, 0] to [31, 31]. However, various data is stored in row 32 (which is not visible) on the bottom layer that can be viewed as [x, 32] for particular values of x.

The specific row 32 squares where data is stored are as follows:

  • [0, 32] stores the two lower-order bytes of the level number. (In other words, ).
  • [1, 32] stores the two higher-order bytes of the level number. (In other words, ).
  • [2, 32] stores the two lower-order bytes of the amount of levels in the set.
  • [3, 32] stores the two higher-order bytes of the amount of levels in the set.
  • [8, 32] stores the X-coordinate of Chip.
  • [10, 32] stores the Y-coordinate of Chip.
  • [12, 32] stores Chip's sliding state: 1 if he is sliding (or teleporting) and 0 if he is not.
  • [14, 32] stores the keystroke buffer state: 1 if a keystroke is in buffer and 0 if it is not.
  • [18, 32] stores the x-direction of the keystroke.
  • [20, 32] stores the y-direction of the keystroke.
  • [22, 32] stores Chip's autopsy report:
  • [24, 32] stores Chip's slipping x-direction, or 0 if Chip is not sliding.
  • [26, 32] stores Chip's slipping y-direction, or 0 if Chip is not sliding.

As a demonstration, if there is a buried north clone block on [x, 0], [x, 31] is free to a block, and there is a clone machine connected to [x, 32], then the following will happen:

  • The buried clone machine will move north, wrapping around the map, and appear at [x, 31] as a normal block.
  • The data at [x, 32] will be reset to 0.
  • The buried item in the lower layer of [x, 0] will be replaced with a tile with the index equal to the data formerly occupying [x, 32]. This index can be found in the infobox on a tile's page.

Uses

When these resets are triggered, there can be very interesting effects, altering the very nature of tiles and doing impossible things, such as stopping sliding objects on ice and creating objects out of thin air.

Resetting the data at [0, 32] will cause Chip's Challenge to read the current level as level the first multiple of 256 before the actual level number. If the actual level number is less than 256, then the current level will be read as 0. In this situation, no level bonus is awarded on completion, the next level is read as level 1 on completion or moving forwards, and attempting to restart or going back a level will cause Chip's Challenge to crash, as it cannot load a level 0 or -1. This type of level is known as a warp station, and was developed as a substitute for a dummy level.

Resetting [8, 32] will make Chip warp to the left side of the screen, and with [10, 32] he will warp to the top of the screen. Resetting [12, 32] will make Chip stop sliding, even on ice, though an object will have to trigger the red button. Resetting [22, 32] will make Chip invincible for the next turn, allowing him to pass through impossible obstacles.

The result of such behavior also includes changing the tile itself, to create items out of nowhere. If Chip's x-coordinate was 21 and the data at [8, 32] is reset, an exit will be buried at [8, 0]. Note that most data resets are limited, as they only reach up to one. The level number and Chip's coordinates are generally the most useful.

Examples

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