TOMBA2.DAT

In Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return, the DAT file is used to store data assets that are essential for the game's gameplay. This file format typically contains important game data, including:

• SPRT - Sprite Data
• SMST - 3D Model Data, Standard Assets
• MDAT - 3D Model Data, Level Geometry
• TXTD - Text Data (explained in detail here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbk2eXQPL68)
• ALFD - Asset Animation Data (responsible for moving limbs and model fragments, but doesn't construct skeleton - it seems like skeleton constructing occurs in TOMBA2.EXE)
• TANP - Tomba Animation Data
• BETP - Animation data type 2
• SCLD - Level Collision Data
• DRWB - Drawmaps - used to display chunks of level only visible to camera
• BGMP - Backgrounds

The DAT file format is proprietary to the game and contains various types of data that support the core gameplay experience.

Structure of the DAT File

The structure of the DAT file is not typically uniform because it can store different types of game data, each with its own format. However, there are general patterns that can be observed:

1. Headers and Pointers: The DAT file contains headers that provide information about the data structures it contains. These headers point to specific areas within the file, where different types of data (such as event scripts, level data, or character info) are stored.
2. Data Blocks: The DAT file consists of large chunks or blocks of data, which could include everything from raw numeric values to more complex data structures. These blocks are indexed and referenced by pointers in the file's header.
3. Event Data: For event-related information, the file may include pointers to specific events or triggers that occur in the game world. These could relate to when a character speaks, when an enemy spawns, or when a player enters a new area.
4. Scripting Information: In many games, the DAT file contains scripts or control structures that determine how the game reacts to player inputs or other events. These scripts could define AI behaviors, quests, or other interactive elements.

DAT extraction

DAT file can be extracted using Tomba 2 Extraction Script.

Filetypes by ID

Below are listed filetype IDs from inside TOMBA2.DAT

Tomba 2 Retail DAT file

ID	Filetype	Name	Description
00	SPRT	Sprites	General sprites, menu related(?)
01	SMST	3D Model	Weapon set
02	TXTD	Text	Explained in detail here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbk2eXQPL68
03	TXTD	Text	Explained in detail here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbk2eXQPL68
04	TANP	Tomba Animation	Tomba's animation data, but no skeleton creation data, which might occur in TOMBA2.EXE
05	SMST	3D Model	Baron's model
06	MDAP	Animations	Baron's animation
07	SCLD	Level Collision	Level collision data
08	MDAT	Level Geometry	3D Level geometry data
09	DRWB	Drawmaps	Level "drawmap"
10	SPRT	Sprites	2D Sprites, level related
11	BGMP	Background Maps	Level backgrounds made of 2D tiles
12	SMST	3D Model(s)	Asset pack for every level: platforms, doors, objects, moveable level parts, etc.
13	TXTD	Text	Explained in detail here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbk2eXQPL68
14	BETP	Animation	Type 2 animation
15	?	?	?
16	SMST	3D Model	Zippo's model
17	ALFP	Animation	Zippo's animation
18-44		Mixed data	mostly SMST, occasional ALFP, rarely MDAT

Tomba 2 Demo IDs

ID	Filetype	Name	Description
00	SPRT	Sprites	General sprites, menu related(?)
01	SMST	3D Model	Weapon set
02	TXTD	Text	Explained in detail here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbk2eXQPL68
03	TXTD	Text	Explained in detail here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbk2eXQPL68
04	TANP	Tomba Animation	Tomba's animation data, but no skeleton creation data, which might occur in TOMBA2.EXE
05	SCLD	Level Collision	Level collision data
06	MDAT	Level Geometry	3D Level geometry data
07	DRWB	Drawmaps	Level "drawmap"
08	SPRT	Sprites	2D Sprites, level related
09	BGMP	Background Maps	Level backgrounds made of 2D tiles
10	SMST	3D Model(s)	Asset pack for every level: platforms, doors, objects, moveable level parts, etc.
11	TXTD	Text	Explained in detail here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbk2eXQPL68
12	BETP	Animation	Type 2 animation
13	SMST	3D Model	Zippo's model
14	ALFP	Animation	Zippo's animation
15-44		Mixed	mostly SMST, occasional ALFP, rarely MDAT