IntyBASIC: A Basic Compiler for Intellivision

原始链接: https://nanochess.org/intybasic.html

IntyBASIC is a cross-compiler that translates BASIC code into CP1610 assembler for Intellivision game development, created in 2013 by Oscar Toledo Gutiérrez. Designed to simplify game creation on the classic console, IntyBASIC incorporates commands for video and sound features mirroring the hardware. It's become a popular tool within the Intellivision homebrew community, fostering an explosion of new games and even a programming contest. Accompanying IntyBASIC is IntyColor, for converting BMP images. Oscar Toledo Gutiérrez further supports the community with two books: "Programming Games for Intellivision," a hands-on learning guide, and "Advanced Game Programming for Intellivision," exploring more professional techniques like maze movement, shooter mechanics, pseudo-3D scaling, and RPG algorithms. The latter book also dedicates a chapter to sound effect creation and music conversion. IntyBASIC and its associated resources have been instrumental in revitalizing Intellivision game development.

A Hacker News discussion highlights the enduring value of BASIC as an introductory programming language. Commenters praised BASIC's simplicity and effectiveness in sparking interest in programming, particularly citing Microsoft QBasic as a "sweet spot" due to its user-friendly IDE, built-in demo games (Nibbles and Gorillas), comprehensive help system, and accessibility through MS-DOS. While other versions like QuickBasic (compiler) and Turbo BASIC were mentioned, the overall sentiment emphasized BASIC's role in democratizing programming, a feat that some believe has yet to be replicated by modern LLMs. The conversation underscores the continued relevance of foundational languages for beginners, even in the face of more complex and advanced programming paradigms.

原文

I was working in Space Raid for Intellivision when I wondered about possibilities to make easier the development of games for Intellivision.

There is a full set of tools for emulation (jzintv) and programming in assembler (as1600) created by Joseph Zbiciak (intvnut).

But in every program you need to start almost from zero and there are few libraries.

The Intellivision being created in 1979 just around the same time BASIC exploded as a general purpose microcomputer language, what would be more natural than a BASIC compiler? ;)

I started working in October 2013 in my ultrasecret project and the version 0.1 got published in January 28, 2014 with versions for Windows, Mac and Linux.

Following the intvnut's toolset style, IntyBASIC is a cross compiler that takes BASIC source code and translates it to CP1610 assembler code. You only have to enter this to test your game:

intybasic game.bas game.asm
as1600 game.asm -o game
jzintv game

IntyBASIC includes support for all the Intellivision video and sound features in form of commands like SPRITE and SOUND, trying to be close to the hardware but so easy as possible to user.

I've keeping it updated as users and myself find bugs or request new useful features for the compiler.

It includes also the IntyColor utility for converting BMP images to the video format used by the Intellivision.

IntyBASIC has been pretty successful in its purpose because the enthusiast AtariAge members community and it has conducted to an explosion of new games and homebrews in the Intellivision world and even the IntyBASIC programming contest.

Downloads

I suggest you to download the most recent version (v1.4.2) from the AtariAge forums.

The Windows version of IntyBASIC works since XP, but if your version doesn't have service packs it could need the Visual C++ 2008 runtime.

If you're using Mac, you need Mac OS X v10.6 or better. In case of Linux, any recent version should work.

The user's manual is included inside the ZIP file.

I suggest strongly to register in AtariAge where you can get help on using IntyBASIC just by reading the Intellivision Programming forum or posting your questions.

The book

The success of IntyBASIC inspired me to write a book called "Programming Games for Intellivision". It follows the learning technique that was so useful for me when starting in the BASIC language: Games published in parts, required to be typed by hand, and detailed explanation of each part.

The book has 192 pages, and is available both in paperback and hardcover:

Check the reviews by The No Swear Gamer and a cool hands-on review by Gray Defender.

Advanced Game Programming for Intellivision

Inspired by the success of my first book, I went to write another book including more advanced techniques of programming. In particular I wanted to explore the development of games looking more professional both on terms of title screens, gameplay, sound, and music.

The complete source code for Oh Mummy! Pumpkin Master, Meteor Storm, and Dungeon Warrior is included. Each of these games includes a particular technique that I wanted to comment: Oh Mummy! movement of the player on a maze, and how enemies pursue the player. Pumpkin Master, shooters techniques to create tons of bullets without exceeding total sprites. Meteor Storm, techniques for pseudo-3D scaling of sprites, animation of screen zones with multiple images. Dungeon Warrior, techniques for drawing pseudo-3D mazes on screen, including scaling of enemies per depth, and of course algorithms for Role Playing Games.

A full chapter dedicated to the creation of sound effects and converting music sheets to IntyBASIC is included, furthermore tips for converting pictures to Intellivision graphics.

The book has 294 pages, and is available in paperback: (Soon in hardcover)

Links

Last modified: Mar/31/2021