+nanochess Posted August 7 Share Posted August 7 Hi all. CVBasic the integer BASIC cross-compiler for Colecovision, MSX, SG1000, and Spectravideo SVI-318/328 is getting a lot of interest, and I'm very humbled by how many people is developing games with it. The previous version implemented a milestone supporting up to 1 MB of ROM in CVBasic! This release adds support for three new platforms: Sord M5 (a Japanese computer very popular in Czechoslovakia), Memotech MTX (a computer popular in Scandinavia), and *badum-tsss* Vtech Creativision / Dick Smith's Wizzard(extremely popular in Australia and Sweden). This one is a little special because it is a 6502 machine! The whole compiler has been adapted to support generating code for two processors! Z80 and 6502, and of course a full separate support 6502 library is included. In line with my trademark 😜 ease of use, you can target all these systems just by changing a switch in compilation! Both Z80 and 6502! Seven systems at your reach just by coding in CVBasic. Try it just compiling the example programs and get them running on any of the seven systems! Edit: Aug/16/2024 For Creativision please update cvbasic_6502_prologue.asm with the file attached. It solves two bugs in handling compressed characters/colors. Changes in v0.6.0: * Added support for Creativision / Dick Smith's Wizzard (6502 processors!) using --creativision * Added support for Sord M5 computers using --sord * Added support for Memotech MTX computers using --memotech and -cpm * Added VDP() command to set VDP registers. * Added support for 16K of RAM in MSX using -ram16 * Optimizes 8-bit division by power of two. * Optimizes pointer subtraction (VARPTR a(0) - VARPTR a(5)) * Added peephole optimizer for Z80 backend. Enjoy it! P.S: My book Programming Games for Colecovision applies to the seven systems! Get yours now: hardcover, paperback, or ebook. cvbasic_v0.6.0.zip cvbasic_6502_prologue.asm 9 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Cruise Posted August 7 Share Posted August 7 I want whatever juice you are drinking at the moment, awesome work!!! 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zyzzle Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 I'm a little confused with the addition of 6502 support. Was this necessary? It seems to complicate things greatly, unless this 6502 code might be adopted to many other 6502 platforms, like Apple II, C64, etc. Please clarify. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+nanochess Posted August 8 Author Share Posted August 8 5 minutes ago, zyzzle said: I'm a little confused with the addition of 6502 support. Was this necessary? It seems to complicate things greatly, unless this 6502 code might be adopted to many other 6502 platforms, like Apple II, C64, etc. Please clarify. The 6502 support is a completely separated part of the CVBasic compiler. Even the 6502 library comes as two separated files. It is not needed to use it. You can still use CVBasic as always and get the extra optimization of v0.6.0 (don't forget to replace the files cvbasic_prologue.asm and cvbasic_epilogue.asm because of enhancements) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess Ragan Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 (edited) Was it necessary? Is any of this classic gaming crap strictly necessary? We're making games for forty year old systems long since obsoleted. None of it's necessary... but it's fun! (And also frustrating. I mean, it's computer programming. You have to expect that.) But really, I say "the more the merrier" in this case. ColecoVision was always my first target, but now, I can make Smack 'Em for what, seven different systems? Including the Dick Smith, which sounds like a urologist who uses a hammer and anvil to cure his patients. Hold still! Like, really, really still. This won't hurt a bit. Until you pee. Edited August 8 by Jess Ragan 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZippyOasys Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 (edited) Since were adding additional support for other microprocessors, ever considered adding the TI-994/A computer as the next target? It has a different CPU, but much like the CreatiVision it shares the same sound & graphics chips. Edited August 8 by ZippyOasys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MADrigal Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 (edited) As the founder of the CreatiVEmu project (dedicated to the CreatiVision and all derivatives since 2001) - big big big thanks for this! The news was posted on the CreatiVEmu Facebook page. Please feel free to contact me via Facebook if/when you have any updates - I will make sure to post about it 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/madrigalcreativemu/posts/pfbid02GV7PnaNeSutK3fRpTipQp52Ch616Q3cm7fU2iQKgqeGxA8cLPdWoayXxwyECftDwl Edited August 8 by MADrigal 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsson Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 3 hours ago, ZippyOasys said: Since were adding additional support for other microprocessors, ever considered adding the TI-994/A computer as the next target? I believe @Tursi volunteered to make a TI-99/4A fork of CVBasic. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsson Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 6 hours ago, zyzzle said: I'm a little confused with the addition of 6502 support. Was this necessary? It seems to complicate things greatly, unless this 6502 code might be adopted to many other 6502 platforms, like Apple II, C64, etc. Please clarify. Video Technology is to blame for this. They had the nerve to release a console and later on a home computer based on the same custom chips as ColecoVision and the others, but powered by a 2 MHz 6502 instead of a 3.5 MHz Z80. As noted elsewhere, code generation for 6502 doesn't mean the compiler necessary will support additional custom chips like other graphics and sound chips. But I suppose it would be possible to fork it and make code that generates NES PPU or C64 VIC-II code that would try to simulate the TMS 9918/28/29 VDP as closely as possible. Changes to the language that breaks support for ColecoVision probably should be avoided. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess Ragan Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 Probably a good idea. Maybe call it TexBASIC or something, and deprecate the code intended for other formats. I'll admit, I would like to take a crack at the old Texas Instruments computer. It was pretty cheap at garage sales in Michigan during the late 1980s, and it offered some pretty fascinating (if not fantastic) games. The Attack seemed like it could have been something special with a little tweaking... that's the one where tiny spores break free from incubation squares and combine to form frightening monsters that hunt you relentlessly. That joystick, though. Damn near a torture device. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+nanochess Posted August 8 Author Share Posted August 8 4 hours ago, MADrigal said: As the founder of the CreatiVEmu project (dedicated to the CreatiVision and all derivatives since 2001) - big big big thanks for this! The news was posted on the CreatiVEmu Facebook page. Please feel free to contact me via Facebook if/when you have any updates - I will make sure to post about it 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/madrigalcreativemu/posts/pfbid02GV7PnaNeSutK3fRpTipQp52Ch616Q3cm7fU2iQKgqeGxA8cLPdWoayXxwyECftDwl Thanks! I'm now following the page. Now I need to code some more example games! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+evg2000 Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 6 hours ago, MADrigal said: As the founder of the CreatiVEmu project (dedicated to the CreatiVision and all derivatives since 2001) - big big big thanks for this! The news was posted on the CreatiVEmu Facebook page. Please feel free to contact me via Facebook if/when you have any updates - I will make sure to post about it 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/madrigalcreativemu/posts/pfbid02GV7PnaNeSutK3fRpTipQp52Ch616Q3cm7fU2iQKgqeGxA8cLPdWoayXxwyECftDwl hello @MADrigal, a couple of us have tried to join the CreatiVEmu forum, including @nanochess and we haven’t been able to find a place to register. also, any chance the site might go https? my browser and antivirus software really throw a fit about the site. thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youki Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 (edited) I made a statue of Nanochess "god of programmer" to put in my garden. 😀 This guy is a god! I had also that version but too much hairs..🤣 Edited August 9 by youki 1 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Gemintronic Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 1 hour ago, youki said: I made a statue of Nanochess "god of programmer" to put in my garden. 😀 This guy is a god! .. I had also that version but to much hairs..🤣 Oh Gorf No! The one book I'll pass on is: "How to make Oscars nipples harder by AI prompts in 256 characters or less" 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsson Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 6 hours ago, evg2000 said: hello @MADrigal, a couple of us have tried to join the CreatiVEmu forum, including @nanochess and we haven’t been able to find a place to register. Due to an overwhelming number of spambots, and that phpBB isn't that good at automatically blocking or filtering those, you need to contact the admin (MADrigal) in order to sign up. It may seem cumbersome, but at the same time guarantees new members actually having enough of an interest in the system to post about it. http://www.madrigaldesign.it/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=460 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess Ragan Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 12 hours ago, MADrigal said: As the founder of the CreatiVEmu project (dedicated to the CreatiVision and all derivatives since 2001) - big big big thanks for this! The news was posted on the CreatiVEmu Facebook page. Please feel free to contact me via Facebook if/when you have any updates - I will make sure to post about it 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/madrigalcreativemu/posts/pfbid02GV7PnaNeSutK3fRpTipQp52Ch616Q3cm7fU2iQKgqeGxA8cLPdWoayXxwyECftDwl Oh, it's that MADrigal guy who does all the Game and Watch recreations! I appreciate your work. Hey, check this out... I made an animation based on Wreck It Ralph, and some other guy turned it into a working game! https://flyzy67.itch.io/fix-it-felix-jr Also, a Creativision port of Whack 'Em Smack 'Em Byrons is a definite possibility in light of recent events. Keep your eyes peeled for that in the future. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+evg2000 Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 thanks, nanochess pointed me to this earlier today and i filled out the form. now i just keep hitting refresh in email😎 and of course keep thinking, i hope i didn’t make a typo in my email address😜 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsson Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 evg2000 @hotmale.com? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MADrigal Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 Hi all Thanks for the messages above - sorry I am in a different time zone (Australia) and saw all messages as I woke up this morning. Yep - MADrigal is my electronic simulators' project active since 1999. And I am also the founder of CreatiVEmu, the CreatiVision preservation project (I was also the largest CreatiVision collector in the world a few years ago). As Carlsson pointed out - the forum registration and HTTP protocol can't be changed at this stage. Everyone is welcome to join but will have to contact me, please refer to this: http://www.madrigaldesign.it/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=460 I really look forward to seeing CVBasic in action and some good games released for the CreatiVision soon! 🙂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MADrigal Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 2 hours ago, Jess Ragan said: Oh, it's that MADrigal guy who does all the Game and Watch recreations! I appreciate your work. Hey, check this out... I made an animation based on Wreck It Ralph, and some other guy turned it into a working game! https://flyzy67.itch.io/fix-it-felix-jr Also, a Creativision port of Whack 'Em Smack 'Em Byrons is a definite possibility in light of recent events. Keep your eyes peeled for that in the future. This is really cool!!! And also plays very well, congratulations! 🙂 I just posted about it on my MADrigal's Simulators Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/madrigalsimulators/posts/pfbid0hkvvhExxJ7jcD3p1ByfFmJxDorctrskwg3g6njiKr2pPzkdenL96Tbr8GzqtXDo5l 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zyzzle Posted August 9 Share Posted August 9 20 hours ago, nanochess said: The 6502 support is a completely separated part of the CVBasic compiler. Even the 6502 library comes as two separated files. It is not needed to use it. You can still use CVBasic as always and get the extra optimization of v0.6.0 (don't forget to replace the files cvbasic_prologue.asm and cvbasic_epilogue.asm because of enhancements) Thanks. Good to know that 6502 support is an "extra" that doesn't effect the core CV functionality. Thanks for clarification and for all that your godly programming talents produce! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess Ragan Posted August 12 Share Posted August 12 A question. How much will I need to modify Whack 'Em Smack 'Em Byrons (and other games) to make them run on the CreatiVision? For MSX, I needed to switch sound channels. For SG-1000 and SpectraVision, it was practically nothing... it was as much a straight shot conversion as you could reasonably expect. Will changes need to be made to accommodate the CreatiVision? Beyond that, will the difference in clock speed affect the speed of the gameplay? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsson Posted August 12 Share Posted August 12 Nanochess tweeted that his test game compiled straight out of the box, no changes. The CreatiVision uses SN76489 just like ColecoVision. If the game engine is based on vertical blank, it probably will run at the same speed. How the conversion ratio between clock frequencies for different CPUs translates to calculations you have time for is debated. Z80 people tend to think it is 1:1, while 6502 people tend to think 3:1. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MADrigal Posted August 12 Share Posted August 12 And now posted officially to http://www.madrigaldesign.it/creativemu/news.php 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mobsie Posted August 12 Share Posted August 12 Hi, great to see the Creativision Support. I normally program in assembly but it’s so cool this Basic. On the little Sord is great. And yes the Creativision with the 2Mhz is the fastest of all the tms99xx consoles 😎 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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