New PSU built, tested and fully working 😀
I also have an SD2IEC device that partially emulated a 1571 floppy drive so I can use SD cards as storage, and a joystick, which is essential for most C64 games.
Fastload cartridge is in the post. All going well so far 🙂
My latest cycling video. Watch out for the Royal Mail van trying to push me into the kerb.
Who said 13 was unlucky? 😉
The bonus score is now added and so I’ve finished the core to this game!
I still have further plans for it: tweaking from any feedback I may get, customising the character set to get lower case (not trivial when using PETSCII) and maybe, just maybe some music on the intro screen. That’s going to be a whole task in itself!
Here’s a video of the full gameplay and the game is available for download here. Tested on Vice (as seen here) and Frodo (for Android devices).
A small sound effects routine has been added. Just the 2 effects so far: the siren during gameplay and the “difficulty up” interval message.
Just the bonus score to add and I’ll consider the game at Version 1.0.
I don’t intend to leave it there though. At an even more leisurely pace I’ll add a custom character set (mainly to allow lower case letters) and improve the interval. Maybe, just maybe add some music to the intro page (but don’t hold your breath on that score).
Download link here.
An aesthetic update today. I’ve added the introduction / instructions screen at the start of the game.
Tomorrow I plan to add a small sound effects routine to have a siren while the game is being played and a difficulty increase interval, if time permits.
The latest update is available for download here.
Today I added lives! Start with 3 and an extra life every level cleared, up to 6 max.
High Score added. Game over routine added.
Each difficulty consists of the full loop of 4 levels. Starts with a single Chaser at normal speed, then single Chaser at double speed, then 2 Chasers at normal speed, etc. to 3 fast Chasers and that’s where it stays. Though that’s bloody difficult!
It’s now officially in beta, available for download here and will run on your favourite C64 emulator or a real C64.
The video is quite long but shows a quick game to set the high score, then a full game played as well as I could.
Todo: Intro and Interval screens and Bonus Score. The bonus won’t be life ending just no bonus score if you take too long to complete a level.
Remember, I said from the start, this is going to take time. I won’t be giving up but I can’t give it high priority. Having said that, I’ve added (up to) 3 chasers, and it’s just nuts!
Still no lives (Soonâ„¢) but the text is there ready.
It’s alive!
The last part of the PSU arrived today, so I cobbled the parts together and plugged it in.
There is no sound, but I strongly suspect the cable is at fault. I await an RCA cable and will test again when it arrives. Maybe earlier if I can find an old RF cable, but I remember dumping the last one I found because I didn’t think I’d ever need it!
UPDATE: the audio issue is down the the 9V supply. I can’t fix this until next payday.
As for the game, I’m hoping to continue with that later today. There have been too many distractions and I need a bit of uninterrupted time for that.
I bought an old C64C from a friend last Sunday.
Sorry about the blurry pic, the rear camera in my phone needs replacing. I have one here and intend to do so this weekend.
Progress so far: keyboard filled up!
This is what I have ready to build a PSU. The 9V AC adaptor (in the post) will plug in to the Belkin. The USB cable will be cut, and both soldered into the DIN plug. I also have shrink tubing in the post to make a good job of that connection.
Once the composite cable arrives I’ll be able to power it on and test it. Once I know it powers on, I’ll replace the capacitors. Solder sucker and braid also purchased for the operation.
Once I know it’s all working well, I’ll add an SD2IEC device so I’ll be able to treat SD cards as disks, and a joystick, and I’ll be ready for action!
The last part of this project will have to wait until next summer though. The most tedious part, but the one that will complete its look. Retro brighting!
This won’t be taking over from my game development. That’s going to continue as normal (whatever that is) 😉
