Mega Man clone on the 8-bit: Is it possible?

[ApolloBoy]

I was originally thinking of programming a Mega Man-style game called "Cordoba Chronicles" for the 7800 (the details of which can be found on my AA blog), but now I've decided to move it to the 8-bit instead. I figured I should try doing it for the 8-bit since I've become focused on that platform lately, and it would be easier to develop for than the 7800. So could it be possible on the 8-bit?

[pseudografx]

I was originally thinking of programming a Mega Man-style game called "Cordoba Chronicles" for the 7800 (the details of which can be found on my AA blog), but now I've decided to move it to the 8-bit instead. I figured I should try doing it for the 8-bit since I've become focused on that platform lately, and it would be easier to develop for than the 7800. So could it be possible on the 8-bit?

In my opinion this kind of game should be possible on the atari, with extensive use of software sprites, like in One Moon and Two Suns (WIP, see

) project. With smaller sized sprites it might even run in 160x200, plus, there is always an option to reduce fps to 25/30 while still maintaining smooth enough action.

[Tezz]

Absolutely! go for it we're all here for support.

[ApolloBoy]

Cool, so on a semi-related note, what's a good (and common) assembler for the 8-bit?

[Heaven/TQA]

cross assembler? mads.atari8.info

 

Native? Mac/65

[ApolloBoy]

I've been looking into MAC 65 recently but I can't seem to figure it out. I'm used to SuperMON 64 on the C64, so can anyone put up a good tutorial for MAC 65?

[Shawn Jefferson]

Cross development tools are probably a much better route. But each to their own... some people just like developing on real hardware.

[ApolloBoy]

Just curious, how well do Action! and Turbo BASIC XL work for games? I'm thinking I should try my hand at a couple other languages before I settle on using assembly through MAC/65.

[Tezz]

I can't speak for using Action, but in terms or game creation the only chance IMHO to achieve anything significantly decent is 100% assembler. Turbo Basic XL is excellent and a good place to practice and learn and run tests etc but you should progress to assembly. I would recommend MADS, it's well worth getting into.

[ApolloBoy]

I can't speak for using Action, but in terms or game creation the only chance IMHO to achieve anything significantly decent is 100% assembler. Turbo Basic XL is excellent and a good place to practice and learn and run tests etc but you should progress to assembly. I would recommend MADS, it's well worth getting into.

 

I've tried using MADS and ATASM, but I can't seem to get either to work. MADS automatically closes and ATASM says it can't open the test code and then exits. Is there a good crossassembler for OS X out there?

[Heaven/TQA]

here in the forums there is a Mac OS X port of MADS....

[spookt]

here in the forums there is a Mac OS X port of MADS....

 

..and here it is

There is a post further on in the same thread from me with an example of compiling with ATasm.

 

All three are command line utilities so you need to run them in a Terminal.

 

@OP: If you need any help getting them going on OSX drop me a PM.

Edited December 5, 2008 by spookt

[Tezz]

I can't speak for using Action, but in terms or game creation the only chance IMHO to achieve anything significantly decent is 100% assembler. Turbo Basic XL is excellent and a good place to practice and learn and run tests etc but you should progress to assembly. I would recommend MADS, it's well worth getting into.

 

I've tried using MADS and ATASM, but I can't seem to get either to work. MADS automatically closes and ATASM says it can't open the test code and then exits. Is there a good crossassembler for OS X out there?

With regard to MADS, there isn't a gui with the program, the executable is purely a dos based compiler which you are best using via a batch file, you can use any text editor on the pc/mac to write your source. There are a few nice editors around suited to the job but you could also simply use MS notepad. If you were windows based, you can start a command prompt manually to run the mads executable to view the options, it'll simply close if you run the exe under windows. Edited December 5, 2008 by Tezz

[ApolloBoy]

Thought I'd go ahead and add this for the fun of it. It's the manual I typed up over a year ago and posted in my blog, with a few updates concerning the story and control scheme.

Cordoba_Chronicles_Manual_Draft.doc

[EmOneGarand]

have you seen Space Harrier XL? If that can be done as well as it is.. Mega Man would be a breeze.

[ApolloBoy]

have you seen Space Harrier XL? If that can be done as well as it is.. Mega Man would be a breeze.

 

Yes, I've seen Space Harrier XE and I'm really impressed by it. But hopefully once I get around to it on my break, I'll pick up learning 6502 assembly again and start some coding (hopefully).