ABOUT
Modern recreation of a 90s classic
OpenBioForge is a free planned open-source recreation of the BioForge game engine, dedicated to preserving Origin Systems' groundbreaking 1995 sci-fi adventure for modern platforms.
The project does not ship with the assets or content required to play BioForge. You must have a legally purchased copy of BioForge in order to run the game using this engine.
Enhanced graphics & physics
Modern rendering with realistic interactions. OpenBioForge replaces the original 1995 software renderer with OpenGL, reducing pixelation and delivering crisp visuals. The project preserves BioForge's original S.A.L.S.A. animation system while adding a custom physics engine for natural collisions and responsive interactions.
Responsive controls
Fluid movement that feels right. The hybrid locomotion system combines physics-based movement with selective root motion, addressing the original's notoriously clunky controls. Full gamepad support with analog controls provides the precise, modern input experience players expect.
New possibilities
Powerful customization and modding support. Original BioForge scripts are optionally deobfuscated and converted to readable C#, enabling gameplay modifications, new content creation, and entirely new experiences while maintaining full compatibility.
Cross-platform
Play anywhere, anytime. Built with minimal dependencies for maximum portability across Windows, Linux, and macOS. The lightweight architecture ensures consistent performance while keeping future platform expansions achievable.
Every aspect of the BioForge was designed with technology in mind. You are on a lonely planet because we could not show more than two to three characters on screen at a time. Your body has been operated on because the fledgling skeletal animation technology was too stiff to show smooth human animation.
TRAILER
30th Anniversary Showcase
After 30 years, OpenBioForge brings the influential 1995 DOS game BioForge into the modern era. The original introduced the first fully texture-mapped 3D characters in gaming and influenced classics like Grim Fandango.
This work-in-progress preserves BioForge's innovative S.A.L.S.A. animation system and quaternion-based skeletal animation for future generations while adding enhanced graphics, responsive controls, and improved physics. The source code will be made available under GPL v3 once development is complete.
WATCH VIDEO
RESOURCES
Additional Resources
Comprehensive documentation, development insights, and community resources.
LEGAL
Important Disclaimer
This is a fan-made preservation project and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Electronic Arts or ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
BioForge and its content are ©Copyright 1995, ORIGIN Systems, Inc. BioForge and Origin Interactive Movie are trademarks of ORIGIN Systems, Inc. Origin and "We create worlds" are registered trademarks of ORIGIN Systems, Inc. Electronic Arts is a registered trademark of Electronic Arts.
OpenBioForge is a game engine recreation that requires original BioForge game files to function. No copyrighted content is included with this project. You must own a legally purchased copy of BioForge to use this engine.
BioForge is available for purchase on GOG.com and other authorized retailers.
This project is developed under fair use principles for preservation, education, and interoperability purposes. If you are a rights holder and have concerns about this project, please contact me.