MOON CREST B - new game & disassy

[Blue Azure]

BAM!BAM!BAM!

BAM!

BAM! BLUE AZURE MONDAY BAM!

BAM!

BAM!BAM!BAM!BAM!

 

Many moons ago, and many mooncrestas ago, Bob endeavored to create another masterpiece - MOONCRESTA (2011). But this wasn't any "simple" task. His work represents months of intricate R&D to match the original, not just byte by byte, but bit by bit. He checked to see if anyone had done prior porting to other machines, but not to be. He was embarking on his own unchartered adventure.

 

Here's some arcade (ca.1980) datum:

http://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=8745

 

Here's some arcade gameplay:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xabughyUB4E

 

Here's the original (ca.19111) 7800 blog:

http://atariage.com/forums/topic/185441-moon-cresta-7800/

 

He even disassembled the original Z80 processor code and here was that result:

MOONCRESTA_Z80_Disassy2011.rtf

 

Once disassembled he was able to actually change the code and watch the gameplay changes, thereby gaining full understanding of the original game (concepts) so he could precisely port it to the 7800, as best as possible. Attention to details that most cannot imagine. If you like math and want to see how he does the docking sequence, take a look at the disassembly (below).

 

Bob has approved my including the full 7800 game disassembly…

MoonCrestaDisassy1.rtf

 

The general work I perform on games takes days or weeks, but I hereby celebrate Bob's original design which took untold months, if not years. The ship-docking and player control for the docking is phenomenal in this game. And the color renderings are amazing. In my opinion, this game is a must-have for both Atari 7800 game-collectors and game players.

 

That said, to preserve the original design I wouldn't want to do anything beyond changing the name and updating the title screen and convert to invincibility. We attempt invincibility to enhance gameplay and to be able to witness more of the game, and to train to be able to play the original game even better. But what to name the game? Here's what I was thinking: MOONCRESTA -> MOONCREST A -> MOONCREST B. That's it, plan B, rev B, an engineer's job well done.

 

Try these, and if you like the game, buy it!!!

 

MOONCREST B, NTSC binary

MOONCREST_B_31EE.bin

 

MOONCREST B, NTSC emulator

MoonCrest_B_32K.a78

 

MOONCREST B, PAL binary

MOONCREST_B_PAL_2729.bin

 

MOONCREST B, PAL emulator

MoonCrest_B_PAL_32K.a78

 

Here it is on sale now.

http://atariage.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1012

 

Enjoy all,

///Blueman///

 

 

 

 

[gorfcadet]

I will have to boot this up. I really stink at this game. I love it, but I am bad at it! Always fascinating to read through your notes.

[Jess Ragan]

You should take a stab at Terra Cresta next. It's a way better game and every bit as good as other vertically scrolling shooters from its era.

[Magic Knight]

This is a remarkable game, and reminds me of the nostagia i have with Phoenix from the Arcades.

 

Collision detection being off for my craft is a little too easy though!

[Blue Azure]

True, the game is a little too easy, in fact it's a lot too easy. I could have increased the speed, increased the enemies, etc, but it still would have been too easy. For me, it enabled me to get further into the game and witness & expose the truly amazing work Bob did. It also enabled me to practice "docking" faster so I could actually be perfect at it. I agree TERRA CRESTA is awesome, but looks more like my ZEVIOUS.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdsBZgBdxNw

Enjoy the game for what it is - a basic invincibility change. The holiday hackathon continues, much better stuff is coming...

 

///Azure///

[keitaro]

I just was wondering, is there any way to increase player's bullet speed? (like some Moon Cresta arcade bootlegs to faster gameplay). Is there a variable declared to control this for example?