Planet Bob

First thing I noticed, is that it doesn't compile as I find it on my hard disk

 

Upon closer examination, there seems to be a small typo where it reads "BMisDec" instead of "MisDec". Easy fix!

This has been documented before;

November 2004 and March 2005.

 

Maybe someone should fix the "official" disassembly someday.

 

And, while we are on the subject, there are other disassemblies that won't compile correctly. Notably Pitfall!, which requires the TIA read address set to $30 for it to compile correctly. I think there are other disassemblies with the same issue.

Notably Pitfall!, which requires the TIA read address set to $30 for it to compile correctly. I think there are other disassemblies with the same issue.

 

Combat as well actually. That's one of the things I meant above when I said I made it compile 100% into the binary offered at AA. The first attachment addresses all those minor tweaks

What kind of better Ace variants are you planning to add?

I recently had a look at the Ace Arcade again, so it seems the desired/required tweaks would include:

 

- Enable the "Jet-Style" controls for the Bi-Planes as well.

- Fractional speeds for the planes

- Crashes at the screen borders

- Crashes when the two planes hit each other

- Make the plane explode and the pilot parachute

- Eventually add a "shot finale", i.e. a bigger explosion at the end.

- Remove the plane variants that alter NUSIZ (I just think they suck )

 

And maybe add/try other suggestions I get along the way

I recently had a look at the Ace Arcade again, so it seems the desired/required tweaks would include:

 

- Enable the "Jet-Style" controls for the Bi-Planes as well.

- Fractional speeds for the planes

- Crashes at the screen borders

- Crashes when the two planes hit each other

- Make the plane explode and the pilot parachute

- Eventually add a "shot finale", i.e. a bigger explosion at the end.

- Remove the plane variants that alter NUSIZ (I just think they suck )

 

And maybe add/try other suggestions I get along the way

Maybe this is sacrilege, but given the legal issues with selling Atari hacks (at least via AA) maybe someone should write a new version of Combat from scratch.

 

Then Zach could add his Tank AI to the new version and sell it without any trouble from Atari.

I believe the source code in Paul's minidig has the typo fixed. Anyway, Maunel, if you are looking for new variants of Combat, remember that I've done a version with a high-resolution asymmetrical playfield. You could build on that. So far it only has tanks, but it won't be hard to do a plane version.

 

I'm becoming increasingly open to the idea of a homebrew tank game from scratch. It could be to Combat what Gunfight was to Outlaw. I don't know when I would get around to working on it though. If anyone else wants to do it, I'll be happy to share my techniques and if it helps, AI code.

I believe the source code in Paul's minidig has the typo fixed. Anyway, Maunel, if you are looking for new variants of Combat, remember that I've done a version with a high-resolution asymmetrical playfield. You could build on that. So far it only has tanks, but it won't be hard to do a plane version.

 

I'm becoming increasingly open to the idea of a homebrew tank game from scratch. It could be to Combat what Gunfight was to Outlaw. I don't know when I would get around to working on it though. If anyone else wants to do it, I'll be happy to share my ideas and if it helps, AI code.

I kinda like this idea...what features would folks want in this game?

I kinda like this idea...what features would folks want in this game?

Well, for starters, some subtle momentum like Combat has is important. Look carefully, and you'll see that the tank takes some time to get to full speed and to stop. Also guided missiles are important if a computer is going to have any chance against a human opponent.

I kinda like this idea...what features would folks want in this game?

 

Special secondary uses for the main cannon perhaps? Is a flame thrower out of the question? Something short range but wide angle. I just think it would be really funny to be playing combat with an unknowing friend and suddenly my tank flames his ass. Maybe make it toggle on the difficulty switches or something.

You might want to try for a more faithful port.

 

The original Tank/Tank II has mines and an asymmetric playfield.

 

 

 

http://unmamed.mame.net/pics/tankii.jpg

Maybe this is sacrilege, but given the legal issues with selling Atari hacks (at least via AA) maybe someone should write a new version of Combat from scratch.

 

Ah, cool, seems like with Bob we already have a volunteer for that task

 

My idea of this "Pimp my Combat" here, is something different though. I just think of it sort of as an advanced "Programming Tutorial", a lecture for people that prefer learning from tweaking instead of doing something from scratch. Some smaller tweaks here and there, babystepping everything. Well, it may end as a total rewrite, depending on interest (especially mine! ) and feedback. I could've placed it in "programming for newbies", but I just feel more comfortable here in my blog

 

Anyway, Maunel, if you are looking for new variants of Combat, remember that I've done a version with a high-resolution asymmetrical playfield. You could build on that. So far it only has tanks, but it won't be hard to do a plane version.

 

High-resolution asymmetrical playfield sounds good to me! Let's see how far this one goes, maybe I can slowly adopt things in from your advanced version. I think the next thing I might try is the bomber variants supercat suggested in Bobs thread

 

Greetings,

Manuel

I seem to recall reading somewhere that Space War is actually included in the Combat code, but was disabled (perhaps so Atari could sell it as a separate cart?). Is that correct, or have I been standing too close to the microwave again?

I seem to recall reading somewhere that Space War is actually included in the Combat code, but was disabled (perhaps so Atari could sell it as a separate cart?). Is that correct, or have I been standing too close to the microwave again?

I strongly suggest buying a new microwave!

Maybe this is sacrilege, but given the legal issues with selling Atari hacks (at least via AA) maybe someone should write a new version of Combat from scratch.

Hmm - maybe I should write a new Warlords then instead of hacking the existing version. Maybe call it Medieval Mayhem?

Hmm - maybe I should write a new Warlords then instead of hacking the existing version.  Maybe call it Medieval Mayhem?

 

Should be doable with a 1lk. If you're willing to make the kings be blocks instead of kings, you could even get three bouncyballs on screen at once. Adding some more angles and multi-ball play would IMHO greatly improve Warlords.