Hi all, I started trying to write a quick CPC version of Robotron...
Check it out here (http://mameemu.com/robotron/index.htm). Only one days work so far so pretty crude!
Use WSAD and cursor keys for control...
Hopefully can get it looking and feeling a bit more like the arcade version...
Lachlan
Hay, thats cute :D
But it's way to hard!
/Ygdrazil
Quote from: lachlank on 08:53, 26 June 09
Hi all, I started trying to write a quick CPC version of Robotron...
Check it out here (http://mameemu.com/robotron/index.htm). Only one days work so far so pretty crude!
Use WSAD and cursor keys for control...
Hopefully can get it looking and feeling a bit more like the arcade version...
Lachlan
Page doesn't load? :(
Quote from: Gryzor on 10:54, 26 June 09
Page doesn't load? :(
It loads correctly man!!! You have to have installed Java before you click to play the game!
When you install Java, just click the URL given and just wait for some time...
It starts :)
we speak,
voxfreax
Ah yes, I didn't expect it'd only load the applet...
Damn hard!!!! But not bad for a day's worth of coding. I think it may look and play better in mode 1 because it will enlarge the playing area, and it totally needs that...
Yes! Very Nice for days work! I think in the original Robotron, the player could shoot the the robots! This might make the game more easy!...
Or like Gryzor say make the playing area larger like making use of mode 1.
Also a tune(as always) would make the atmosphere of the game better.
But very nice work indeed!
/Ygdrazil
Quote from: Gryzor on 11:01, 26 June 09
Ah yes, I didn't expect it'd only load the applet...
Damn hard!!!! But not bad for a day's worth of coding. I think it may look and play better in mode 1 because it will enlarge the playing area, and it totally needs that...
Quote from: Ygdrazil on 11:15, 26 June 09
Yes! Very Nice for days work! I think in the original Robotron, the player could shoot the the robots! This might make the game more easy!...
Or like Gryzor say make the playing area larger like making use of mode 1.
Also a tune(as always) would make the atmosphere of the game better.
But very nice work indeed!
/Ygdrazil
You *can* shoot with the cursor keys, but you don't have the time :D As for the tune, give him a break, this is only one day in the project!
Cursor keys did'nt notice that.. nice.
He He, about the tune! Yes I was a bit demanding there ::)
Keep up the nice work
/Ygdrazil
Quote from: Gryzor on 11:18, 26 June 09
You *can* shoot with the cursor keys, but you don't have the time :D As for the tune, give him a break, this is only one day in the project!
Will try this later. Robotron is by far and away my most favorite arcade game of all time. But I loathe playing it on a keyboard. Gotta be twin sticks like my dual x-arcades or the d-pad and face buttons of my PSP. But anyways I'll be keen to see how this goes.
By the way for single joystick mode the good ol' hold fire button down to 'lock' direction always worked well as a second best to two sticks.
Great fun, I have survived three waves by now!
Really great!.. But difficult!
/Ygdrazil
Quote from: Carnivac on 17:00, 26 June 09
Will try this later. Robotron is by far and away my most favorite arcade game of all time. But I loathe playing it on a keyboard. Gotta be twin sticks like my dual x-arcades or the d-pad and face buttons of my PSP. But anyways I'll be keen to see how this goes.
I can't control anything with WASD, just keep running into things.
Have upgraded the WIP to latest version... added a few more enemies, levels, attract screen etc. Still lots missing yet. Any feedback appreciated.
http://mameemu.com/robotron/index.htm (http://mameemu.com/robotron/index.htm)
Quote from: Executioner on 03:43, 01 July 09
I can't control anything with WASD, just keep running into things.
Hmm should work... try a different browser perhaps... I use Chrome. Or maybe upgrade Java runtime... otherwise dunno :P .
Quote from: lachlank on 12:09, 01 July 09
Hmm should work... try a different browser perhaps... I use Chrome. Or maybe upgrade Java runtime... otherwise dunno :P .
It works, but I keep running into things because my brain can't cope with WASD on my left hand. May be better if the running was on the cursor keys and fire on WASD, or perhaps optional for left handed people.
Thats an excellent effort so far! Its definitely got the looks spot on.
Just need to sort out the collision detection and try, get some audio and give a little bit more room to manoeuver in.
really impressed :)
Quote from: Executioner on 02:28, 02 July 09
It works, but I keep running into things because my brain can't cope with WASD on my left hand. May be better if the running was on the cursor keys and fire on WASD, or perhaps optional for left handed people.
you obviously never play any dual control shooters on xbox 360 or psn like geometry wars or even robotron! you always control movement on the left and shooting on the right. just like the original!
Quote from: khisanth on 12:43, 10 July 09
you always control movement on the left and shooting on the right. just like the original!
Actually, I do, but that's with analogue sticks, not a bunch of keys where the down button is in between the left and right :)
Yeah, but what can you do? I think it's good enough... dual joysticks anyone? :D
Hi, I've updated the WIP with my latest version, still missing lots of things like sound and other enemies etc. Have added an alternative control method: For those with a joystick, they can use that to move and the keyboard to fire.
http://mameemu.com/robotron/index.htm (http://mameemu.com/robotron/index.htm)
Hi
Super cute and very nice :) Hard but addictive and playable.
I really like the amount of baddies..
Somehow shooting down, while moving is not so responsive.. is this supposed to be?
/Ygdrazil
Quote from: lachlank on 14:13, 11 July 09
Hi, I've updated the WIP with my latest version, still missing lots of things like sound and other enemies etc. Have added an alternative control method: For those with a joystick, they can use that to move and the keyboard to fire.
http://mameemu.com/robotron/index.htm (http://mameemu.com/robotron/index.htm)
Quote from: lachlank on 14:13, 11 July 09
Hi, I've updated the WIP with my latest version, still missing lots of things like sound and other enemies etc. Have added an alternative control method: For those with a joystick, they can use that to move and the keyboard to fire.
http://mameemu.com/robotron/index.htm (http://mameemu.com/robotron/index.htm)
Any chance of a disk image? The emulation only runs at about 5 fps on my system using that.
Quote from: Axelay on 18:19, 11 July 09
Any chance of a disk image? The emulation only runs at about 5 fps on my system using that.
Yea, I second that. Emulation way too slow here too.
Disk image attached...
Quote from: lachlank on 00:22, 12 July 09
Disk image attached...
Great! Finally got to try it out. Pretty addictive. :)
What do you have in mind for music and sound-effects? If you need any music I can try doing something in STarKos.
Quote from: mr_lou on 07:14, 12 July 09
What do you have in mind for music and sound-effects? If you need any music I can try doing something in STarKos.
Hi that would be cool if you want to do some music for the title screen... I was going to do a lame replica of the high score music that plays on the arcade version, but am open to anything you may come up with.
I don't know much about STarKos's format - I've only played with the firmware sound functions so far... So if someone can give me an assembly "driver" prog that works in WinAPE that would be good.
In fact, a wiki article on game music/sfx would be useful if someone has the knowledge, as I have plagiarised the sprite routines, high score routines etc from the wiki, very useful when you're starting out.
Lachlan
Quote from: lachlank on 11:42, 12 July 09
Hi that would be cool if you want to do some music for the title screen... I was going to do a lame replica of the high score music that plays on the arcade version, but am open to anything you may come up with.
I've actually been searching to see if I could find any music from the original version. /me not using MAME so....
Maybe I should try installing MAME and download the original version.
Quote from: lachlank on 11:42, 12 July 09
I don't know much about STarKos's format - I've only played with the firmware sound functions so far... So if someone can give me an assembly "driver" prog that works in WinAPE that would be good.
There is a driver on the STarKos DSK image. At lots of good info here:
http://www.grimware.org/doku.php/documentations/software/starkos/start (http://www.grimware.org/doku.php/documentations/software/starkos/start)
EDIT: Can you send me the original version?
Quote from: mr_lou on 11:54, 12 July 09
I've actually been searching to see if I could find any music from the original version. /me not using MAME so....
Maybe I should try installing MAME and download the original version.
There is a driver on the STarKos DSK image. At lots of good info here:
http://www.grimware.org/doku.php/documentations/software/starkos/start (http://www.grimware.org/doku.php/documentations/software/starkos/start)
Had a look at the STarKos documentation, looks pretty straightforward to incorporate, and I have plenty of spare memory at this stage as all graphics are pretty basic. I would suggest having a listen to that high score music in Robotron arcade, as if you could come up with a variation on that it would be pretty cool. Easy to find the ROM for MAME ;)
Ok, found the game... now I just have to get mame working here. Seems to be troublesome.
Alright. Got MAME working, and played the game, and made a highscore, but I heard no music. Just some noises when typing my nick. Are you sure there's supposed to be music when highscore is displayed?
Quote from: mr_lou on 13:02, 12 July 09
Alright. Got MAME working, and played the game, and made a highscore, but I heard no music. Just some noises when typing my nick. Are you sure there's supposed to be music when highscore is displayed?
Hmmm yeah I just had another listen, it's quite brief, just a little ditty really. Was just a thought; I'd be open to anything robotron-esque.
Quote from: lachlank on 13:08, 12 July 09
Hmmm yeah I just had another listen, it's quite brief, just a little ditty really. Was just a thought; I'd be open to anything robotron-esque.
Ok. I'll try doing something Robotron-sounding (according to me). Hope you will agree when it's done. :)
It'll just be a short track for the menu.
Heh, Robotron now includes a tune, you sure are fast movers!! ;D
Quote from: mr_lou on 18:45, 12 July 09
Ok. I'll try doing something Robotron-sounding (according to me). Hope you will agree when it's done. :)
It'll just be a short track for the menu.
Quote from: Ygdrazil on 12:24, 13 July 09
Heh, Robotron now includes a tune, you sure are fast movers!! ;D
Yes. :)
It wasn't quite correct first time though. Played back at 50hz instead of 100hz as it should, but it's fixed now.
How would people recommend doing sound-effects? Is it possible to use STarKos instruments as sound-effects? How? Or what else would you recommend?
Quote from: mr_lou on 13:39, 13 July 09
Is it possible to use STarKos instruments as sound-effects?
Well I heard from Targhan, who informs me that using STarKos instruments (SKI files) as sound effects isn't currently possible. He's thinking about doing a hack to make it possible in the future though.
So, other suggestions on how to to make sound-effects?
If any suggestions I would be interested to!
/Ygdrazil
Quote from: mr_lou on 16:52, 13 July 09
Well I heard from Targhan, who informs me that using STarKos instruments (SKI files) as sound effects isn't currently possible. He's thinking about doing a hack to make it possible in the future though.
So, other suggestions on how to to make sound-effects?
Great game :D
I have improved my skills...
I had a bit of trouble blasting those robots shooting back at you.
On wave 4 there is some problems with graphics i think, and when starting wave 5 the game crashes .. ...
/Ygdrazil
Quote from: mr_lou on 13:39, 13 July 09
Yes. :)
It wasn't quite correct first time though. Played back at 50hz instead of 100hz as it should, but it's fixed now.
How would people recommend doing sound-effects? Is it possible to use STarKos instruments as sound-effects? How? Or what else would you recommend?
Quote from: Ygdrazil on 10:58, 14 July 09
Great game :D
I have improved my skills...
I had a bit of trouble blasting those robots shooting back at you.
On wave 4 there is some problems with graphics i think, and when starting wave 5 the game crashes .. ...
/Ygdrazil
Err yeah, I've got to add some more graphics now, got to sort out how to do the next level with the tanks, then that's about it, apart from sound effects!
Baby on the way in the next couple of days might slow down progress though :( On the other hand, may speed it up as I have two weeks of paternity leave :)
Lachlan
Hi Lachlank!
No hurry!!
.. it's not like if it a matter of life and death! I just fancy your game!
/Ygdrazil
PS. Any chance that Amsprite in the future will include support for CPC plus sprites?
Quote from: lachlank on 13:28, 14 July 09
Err yeah, I've got to add some more graphics now, got to sort out how to do the next level with the tanks, then that's about it, apart from sound effects!
Baby on the way in the next couple of days might slow down progress though :( On the other hand, may speed it up as I have two weeks of paternity leave :)
Lachlan
Quote from: Ygdrazil on 23:25, 14 July 09
PS. Any chance that Amsprite in the future will include support for CPC plus sprites?
Of course! Just let me know (or point me to somewhere on the web) that describes how they are defined (i.e. how many colours, size, etc) and how you would like the output assembly/binary file or whatever to look.
That would be GREAT!
CPC plus sprites are very simple. The ASIC is a big help here - no need to fiddle around with strange byte to pixel manipulation for different modes etc.
I have made a quick article on the CPCWIKI that explains the most basic about CPC plus sprites. I will put more info ASAP!
http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Amstrad_CPC_plus_sprite_format (http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Amstrad_CPC_plus_sprite_format)
(hmmm.. link not working?? Howcome?)
/Ygdrazil
Quote from: lachlank on 23:35, 14 July 09
Of course! Just let me know (or point me to somewhere on the web) that describes how they are defined (i.e. how many colours, size, etc) and how you would like the output assembly/binary file or whatever to look.
OK I've made the changes to AMSprite - you can download the latest version from the WIKI page http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/AMSprite (http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/AMSprite).
For some reason it's not letting me edit the page at the moment, so I haven't updated the text, just the files.
Try it out and see if it works for you...
Lachlan
I fixed the link in the first post.
Also, about not being able to edit - do you still get the problem??
Hi Lachlank
Thanks a lot for the including CPC plus sprites(you being a fast mover). Just had a go on Amsprite and indeed CPC plus sprites are generated, great!!!! :) Amsprite is a super useful program and have helped us alot making graphics quick.. This is what the scene needs - good and usefull crossplatform tools to help creating content for the CPC fast and in a comfortable way.
I feel a bit bad about asking you for features as I know you must be a busy man (with baby comming) I think Amsprite has great potential - hope you will continue to develop it in the future (I have many great ideas ;D )
Thanks again
/Ygdrazil
Quote from: lachlank on 08:09, 15 July 09
OK I've made the changes to AMSprite - you can download the latest version from the WIKI page http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/AMSprite (http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/AMSprite).
For some reason it's not letting me edit the page at the moment, so I haven't updated the text, just the files.
Try it out and see if it works for you...
Lachlan
Quote from: Ygdrazil on 10:58, 15 July 09
Hi Lachlank
Thanks a lot for the including CPC plus sprites(you being a fast mover). Just had a go on Amsprite and indeed CPC plus sprites are generated, great!!!! :) Amsprite is a super useful program and have helped us alot making graphics quick.. This is what the scene needs - good and usefull crossplatform tools to help creating content for the CPC fast and in a comfortable way.
I feel a bit bad about asking you for features as I know you must be a busy man (with baby comming) I think Amsprite has great potential - hope you will continue to develop it in the future (I have many great ideas ;D )
Thanks again
/Ygdrazil
Hi, thanks for the encouragement. Having now learnt a little bit about what the "plus" models can do I wouldn't mind trying a game for them next perhaps...
Please feel free to offer advice for AMSprite, it is really very simple to modify, being all written in VB.Net - Microsoft really got that right for once! It is amazing how spoilt we are with modern languages, when you go back and try to write assembly!
Lachlan
Hey, what's the status on this project?
I sent a "new level" sound effect some time ago. Was is ok?
Quote from: mr_lou on 20:40, 22 July 09
Hey, what's the status on this project?
I sent a "new level" sound effect some time ago. Was is ok?
Hi, that's weird as I didn't receive a message?? I thought you must have been too busy to reply!
Something maybe went wrong with the Wiki forum message system???
Send it to my email lachlankeown (gmail).
Look forward to seeing it! I ended up making my own one in StarKos which sounds crap, so I'm sure yours will be better.
Lachlan
Really cool to read about your WIP.
If you want to test the WIP in CPC-Wiki forum, open this link:
http://cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php/topic,285.msg2417.html
Cheers,
Markus
A quick suggestion:
The TFGH keys are a bit "strange" for me.
Wouldn't it be possible to code a "redefine keys" routine?
Quote from: CPC-Live on 12:23, 23 July 09
A quick suggestion:
The TFGH keys are a bit "strange" for me.
Wouldn't it be possible to code a "redefine keys" routine?
Hi, thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, due to either the CPC key system and/or the PC key system, I am only able to get certain key combinations to work together without conflicting. If you have any suggestions for a workaround, I would be keen to hear it!
Cheers
Quote from: lachlank on 23:48, 22 July 09
Hi, that's weird as I didn't receive a message?? I thought you must have been too busy to reply!
Something maybe went wrong with the Wiki forum message system???
Send it to my email lachlankeown (gmail).
Look forward to seeing it! I ended up making my own one in StarKos which sounds crap, so I'm sure yours will be better.
Hm, that is weird indeed. It's not listed in my Sent items either. Maybe I did something wrong.
Anyway, the url to the dsk is the same as earlier, but I also sent you a mail now.
Cool thanks, I'll have a look later. Right now I have to go to the hospital and see my newborn son!
Cheers
Quote from: lachlank on 00:02, 24 July 09
Cool thanks, I'll have a look later. Right now I have to go to the hospital and see my newborn son!
Cheers
Heya!
congrats to your "selfmade" product of a humanoid ;-)
Cheers!
Ooh!!! Gonna name it Robo? Tron? Something in-between?
Congrats, mate, all the best :)
Hi Lachlank
Many congratulations on the birth of your son.
/Ygdrazil
Quote from: lachlank on 00:02, 24 July 09
Cool thanks, I'll have a look later. Right now I have to go to the hospital and see my newborn son!
Cheers
Congratz from me also!!
/CPCLER
Quote from: Ygdrazil on 11:58, 24 July 09
Hi Lachlank
Many congratulations on the birth of your son.
/Ygdrazil
Thanks for the well wishes, the "humanoid" is doing well ;)
I've updated the Robotron WIP page with the latest version, with some cool "new level" SFX by Mr Lou that are uncannily close to the arcade machine.
Note that the Java emu seems to run a bit slow, download the .dsk image instead.
Lachlan.
Hi I have pretty much done all I want to do on "Robotron 6128", so all that is left is for a couple of hardy volunteers to give it a bit of a play and tell me what is wrong that can easily be fine-tuned!! i.e. things like difficulty, bugs, crashes, major ommissions from arcade game etc. Not things like "the sprites need to be 2 pixels wider"!!!
Once done, it will be released, and I will be looking for a new project!
As usual, the .dsk image can be downloaded here (http://mameemu.com/robotron/index.htm) : I don't recommend playing online as the speed seems to be variable (on my PC at least).
Look forward to hearing your feedback...Cheers, Lachlan
Hi Lachlan,
great to read about your progress with this game.
I'm going to check it now...
Quote from: lachlank on 11:02, 12 August 09As usual, the .dsk image can be downloaded here (http://mameemu.com/robotron/index.htm) : I don't recommend playing online as the speed seems to be variable (on my PC at least).
A suggestion:
- You can attach your file also in postings -> simply click on "Additional Options" above your posting.
- You can also setup WebCPC to make it playable in forum.
I will show you this feature:
[cpc=http://cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=252.0;attach=168,robotron,1]CPC6128[/cpc]
[cpc=http://cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=252.0;attach=168,robotron,1]CPC6128[/cpc] Simply rename "robotron.dsk" to "robotron2.dsk" (To avoid double attachments)
Hi Lachlan
I had time to test the final release version of your game, haven't completed the game yet though. But the final version is a great improvement compared to the preview versions. Very nice variation of opponents and the game plays much better with sound effects.
I think you have made the final game less difficult than the preview versions - this is good! (Or maybe I have played the preview versions to much)
I will keep playing ROBOTRON 6128 until it's completed!
Keep up the great work!
/Ygdrazil
Quote from: lachlank on 11:02, 12 August 09
Hi I have pretty much done all I want to do on "Robotron 6128", so all that is left is for a couple of hardy volunteers to give it a bit of a play and tell me what is wrong that can easily be fine-tuned!! i.e. things like difficulty, bugs, crashes, major ommissions from arcade game etc. Not things like "the sprites need to be 2 pixels wider"!!!
Once done, it will be released, and I will be looking for a new project!
As usual, the .dsk image can be downloaded here (http://mameemu.com/robotron/index.htm) : I don't recommend playing online as the speed seems to be variable (on my PC at least).
Look forward to hearing your feedback...Cheers, Lachlan
Quote from: Ygdrazil on 09:17, 27 August 09
I will keep playing ROBOTRON 6128 until it's completed!
Keep up the great work!
/Ygdrazil
Haha good luck completing it, there are many (repeating) levels!
Anyway, thanks for the positive feedback, I'm working on another game now (no WIP this time), it is quite addictive writing 8-bit software for some reason! Perhaps more challenging than writing for modern CPUs and RAM in high-level languages...
Lachlan
Repeating levels!!
But Robotron 6128 can be completed then?
/Ygdrazil
Quote from: lachlank on 10:07, 27 August 09
Haha good luck completing it, there are many (repeating) levels!
Anyway, thanks for the positive feedback, I'm working on another game now (no WIP this time), it is quite addictive writing 8-bit software for some reason! Perhaps more challenging than writing for modern CPUs and RAM in high-level languages...
Lachlan
Quote from: Ygdrazil on 10:16, 27 August 09
Repeating levels!!
But Robotron 6128 can be completed then?
/Ygdrazil
You'll just have to keep playing and find out ;)
Only thing I would like to be different, is the shoot-sound-effect. I think it should sound more like the original instead. But I realize that's tricky.
I just played it after a long time!
-Intro music: sweeeet :)
-Cute, cute gfx. I think the fire graphic could be improved. I know you were going for the original feel, but I never liked that :D
-Difficulty is just about right at the beginning, but it gets very hectic, very fast. I think this is because not a high enough resolution was used, so there's less space in there.
-Did the original Robotron have diagonal firing?
-Sometimes the player sprite moves faster when moving in diagonals?
-We do have the emu incorporated into the wiki, you know, so you can make it playable in the game's page!
Thanks for a lovely game. I wish someone gathered those smaller games and created a compilation on tape or disc... :)
Quote from: Gryzor on 14:28, 27 August 09I wish someone gathered those smaller games and created a compilation on tape or disc... :)
That's actually a bloody good idea - wonder if any of the retro publishers would be interested in such a project (Chronosoft etc - are any of these still active?)
I'm thinking a retro theme for box art fashioned after the old compilation boxes of the 80s...
looking really damn good at the moment!!! graphics are spot on. shame nobody did this back in the day