8bit-Dude

You can write a DLI and DLIST in C if you want, but the aim of the SDK is prevent people from having to learn the specifics of each system. So the SDK takes care of things wherever possible. For instance, I implemented VBIs for RMT playback, and DLI for 5th sprite flicker.

Hey guyz, Last month I released 8bit-Slicks for the C64, Atari XL and Apple//e. It is the first cross-platform online game for 8bit era computers. While developping the game, I organized my project into a "game" part, and a "SDK" part, for future re-use. It then occured to me that other people would benefit from this base for development of cross-platform 8bit games. So I am announcing the planned release of 8bit-Unity in the second quarter of 2019. The SDK will contain everything to let you create simple online 8bit games in C code once, and deploy on all supported platforms easily (C64, Atari XL, Apple//e, and more in future!). So they tuned!!!

@Oli: I have been busy the last 2 nights, check it out: http://forum.defence-force.org/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=1249&p=18569#p18551

Yup, and the adventure carries on with a port to the Oric Atmos next! As there exist no Ethernet Adaptor for this platform, I am in the process of making a universal "Arduino Ethernet" that plugs into any 8bit joystick port. The flipside is that this will give an alternative for people who do not own a DragonCart. See the unfolding story here: http://forum.defence-force.org/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=1249&start=15#p18551

It was 18 months in the making... but finally I am pleased to announce the release of 8bit-Slicks for the Apple//e, Atari XL, and C64, just in time for the Xmas holiday! The game supports up-to 4 players, local or online (using the Uthernet, DragonCart or RR-Net). 13 games servers are available, and results are recorded for competitive Ranking. So make sure to download the game and join us for some racing fun this holiday season! Cheers, Tony (aka 8bit-Dude) P.S: Feel free to repost this news and spread the word, the more players online the merrier!!!

Ok, it makes perfect sense now! From the above, I understand that the best is to use the Arduino TCP/IP layer. I will only need to send/fetch the contents of packets, and Arduino will handle the rest...

I managed to implement timezone information: The calendar shows the timezone of the event (as set by the user). Comments can now be added without having to be approved, so you can get an idea of whether someone will participate or not...

@Oli: I have created a new thread to focus on the topic of the Atmos, can you please jump here: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/285969-arduino-based-ethernet-adaptor-for-the-oric-atmos/

This discussion was started in the wrong section, so I am creating a new thread here. @Oli: So I would like to use an Arduino with Ethernet Module to interface with IP65 on the Oric Atmos. On the Atmos side, I found that I/O register #0301 corresponds to a byte on the printer interface (see p229 of this manual: http://www.defence-force.org/computing/oric/library/lib_manual_oric/files/manual_atmos.pdf) Question 1: Is 1 registers enough??? (i.e: by adding a small layer that sends/fetches data from the printer port and maps it ready for IP65) Question 2: Can you give me a list of registers needed by IP65, and their function? On the Arduino side, I found this library which implements the basics of an ethernet layer: https://www.arduino.cc/en/Reference/Ethernet Question 3: Can you take a quick look and tell me if all the functions needed by IP65 are implemented in this arduino lib? Many thanks in advance!!!

@Oli: A CS8900A or W5100 or LAN91C96 with its registers mapped straight to some 6502 memory mapped I/O locations. OK, that's a very concrete answer. I am thinking of using an arduino with LAN module to prototype the hardware side, so I will investigate if I can get the same ethernet layer as hardware you listed I assume that once the hardware is mapping these registers to a continuous memory block, then it is a simple matter of giving the start address to IP65. Onto the next question then: Do you have a short list of those registers needed by IP65?

Doct: yeah, I am working on the timezone thing (turns out wordpress supports a single timezone out of the box). As for reminders/invites, I am somewhat unwilling to turn the website into a spam system... so probably no emails will be sent.

Oli, I have a question: *IF* someone decided to make ethernet hardware for the Oric Atmos, BBC Micro/Electron, or hell... even the NES or Atari 7800, what would be the requirements in order to easily interface with IP65? I am thinking of the next targets for my game...

Something like this: http://8bit-slicks.com/?page_id=532 , right? I seem to remember that your username is "doct".

I spent a little more time polishing the game ahead of the testing session this week-end (see attached disks). List of mods: - All platforms: Can now select from a list of 13 servers (0-9 / A-D) - Atari: Further improved the new GFX with the help of Phil. He is a tough guy to please, from I am glad to say he gave me the green light! - Apple: Improved sprites drawing performance by 20%, Implemented support for game-paddles (cycle through the controls list to see them). If you are planning to join the testing session this weekend, please leave a message here: http://8bit-slicks.com/?topic=testing-session-6-20181215-16 The game will only be as good as the feedback I get from testers!!!

I have got some exciting news: I completed both the C64 and Atari versions after a long hiatus (doing some final testing this coming week-end). I am trying to finish debugging the Apple version, but that is somewhat more difficult (the platform has no hardware sprites). In ANY CASE, I will release the game shortly before Xmas, so we can all enjoy a winter break of online racing with our old C64s and Ataris!!! You can see currently registered users here:http://8bit-slicks.com/?page_id=207 Now is the time to register your 4 letter username!!!

Sure, I will organize another round of testing in about 1 week time. The Apple // version is presently slower than Atari/C64 due to lack of hardware sprites. So I am rewriting the sprite drawing code in pure assembly to speed things up as much as possible.

Ah Ah, looks like you're fully hyped-up Byte! I will email the Disk to registered testers later today. @Mark: You will be interested to hear that while making 8bit-Slicks, I organized it into separate cross-platform SDK and game code. I plan to release the SDK in mid-2018 for the benefit of the community.

I will first release the game as donationware, with unlimited online play capability. I would love though to organize a boxed game with the people producing the DragonCart, RR-Net and Uthernet. This would promote both the game and the ethernet cards for 8bit systems. I do need testers for Apple IIe, so please register here: http://8bit-slicks.com/?topic=closed-beta-register-here

I am using IP65, so both UI and UII will be supported! :-)

For the past 12 months I have been developping an online top-down racer called "8bit-Slicks" for the Apple/Atari/C64. I will be releasing the Atari/C64 version next month, and already released a promo video on YouTube The game has 10 online servers for up-to 4 players each, and ranking on the website: Ranking The Apple IIe version is progressing very well, and I hope to release in 2 months from now. The game requires an 80 column card for Double-Hires GFX, and Uthernet and LanceGS card to play online. It is also compatible with AppleWin, which emulates the Uthernet card! I am dropping some screenshots down here to give you an idea of where I am now.

Couldn't do it without such dedicated (and ferocious) testers!

Tonight's testing session went really smooth, looks like game is ever so close to release! But there are still a few more things I can polish, so I will hold off for another week or two.

It always was the point! It became obsessive though...

I was in touch with him by email last week, he knows about 8bit-slicks.

If the game takes off, can people here at Atariage help organize such a retail package launch? It sure would be nice to earn a little from all the hard work I put into this! :-)