Starting coding the Next

[flash]

Well, it's been a long time since I coded z80 (1985), and I am scratchy to say the least.

Was speaking to Simon Butler and Jim Bagley (A very helpful chap ) and somehow they convinced me to have a play. So, I spent a couple of mostly enjoyable hours looking into working with the Next (TBBlue) enhancements. Fairly easy for something simple. As I say, there is a lot I don't remember and I am hoping Sokky (who have been a lot more active on the dear z80) can give some pointers.

So, I grabbed a few of the sprites from Warhawk DS and played with them. The Next has 64 sprites of 16x16 pixels. This meant I had to use 4 sprites for the ship and bullets. Not good. Also, the next is limited on the number of sprites that can be displayed horizontally, an unfortunate limitation.

Anyway. Attached is a little project with all the source. It's all set up so you only have to double-click a bat file to compile and launch. When running, ESC will quit.

For text editing, I use Sublime Text. But you can use notepad for what it's worth.

Ok, QAOP (lol) to move and SPACE to fire.

This was only a little test, but still enjoyable.

[spacefractal]

please link to the project (TBBlue). im not sure which machine its talk about here....

ahh, here :-).

Im diddent know you did spectrum in the past, more C64 and Psion games?

https://www.specnext.com/

[flash]

Yeah, I started coding z80 a long time ago on the RML 380z. a great machine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_Machines_380Z

Little scratchy on z80 though (more so that 6510), so hoping for some pointers from Sokky.

The little demo I put together above only took a couple of hours, but perhaps not the worlds best code by any means. Still, have shared it publicly as it may help others with the Next (if they find it).

[spacefractal]

Please Aware, there has been two failed spectrum projects, a Spectrum Console, which cause a lots of controversy as well a handheld spectrum console.

A bit sad. Hopefully the Spectrum Next project goes better. Howover im do not have seen this as a kickstarter project throught.

Im do have a kickstarted based console, Ouya. Im did not backed it, but purchased soon its was released.

[flash]

The Next is done and dusted, and I can't see anything stopping it.

Its a wonderful machine with awesome 'old school' backing. It will be here for a long time.

[flash]

Anyway, this initial post was about starting coding on the Next. It's not a simple task, but not overly complex.

I wanted to do a post with a nice little code base (fairly well commented) that may help others.

I have not really got time to go much further, and not even sure what I should/could/would code for the system (or even spectrum in general). I had a little time yesterday as the kids were on the main pc and I could do this on the Mac Laptop, they are going to be miffed tomorrow when I take the PC back for work I need to do.. lol. poor blighters....

[Sokurah]

As I say, there is a lot I don't remember and I am hoping Sokky (who have been a lot more active on the dear z80) can give some pointers.

So, I grabbed a few of the sprites from Warhawk DS and played with them. The Next has 64 sprites of 16x16 pixels. This meant I had to use 4 sprites for the ship and bullets. Not good. Also, the next is limited on the number of sprites that can be displayed horizontally, an unfortunate limitation.

I will do what I can to help if you have any questions

Great suggestion by Jim btw - having the bullets be drawn in software. That frees up some more sprites for enemies.

[spacefractal]

all well after a nice break? (which is totally fine).

[flash]

Have not been too well. So, I have been "off campus".

I will update this post with a much better project at some point. This will make it a LOT easier to start a Next (or Spectrum) project.

When I get a little more of my mojo back, I will post.

Not sure if "Warhawk Next" will ever be a 'thing', but it would be nice. There is certainly a huge amount of interest and offers for support. so, who knows

[spacefractal]

That happens some time. Hope you got fresh again.

[Sokurah]

Have not been too well. So, I have been "off campus".

That explains the period of bliss ...quiet.
Sory to hear that. I hope you get better soon. 

[flash]

Feeling a bit better now - thanks.

Sadly, Dad's now in hospital (Stroke) so again, it's going to be a little quiet.