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Astrocade

screenshot of Astrocade

My Z80 assembly source code, binaries, and dev tools for the Bally Astrocade game console.

Github

Overview

The Bally Astrocade might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of home computers, but it holds a special place in the world of retro gaming and computing. Released in the late 1970s, this 8-bit machine was ahead of its time with a 1.7MHz Z80 CPU and a rich palette of 256 colors. For enthusiasts and developers looking to breathe new life into this vintage system, the offerings from ASTROCADE DEV present a treasure trove of tools and demos designed to enhance the Astrocade experience.

Dive into a collection of homebrew demos and user-friendly development tools that make creating software for the Astrocade not only possible but enjoyable. Whether you're a seasoned programmer or just starting your journey into retro computing, ASTROCADE DEV provides essential resources to help you unleash your creativity while embracing the charm of this nostalgic platform.

Features

  • Demos Collection: Explore a variety of homebrew demos, ranging from simple text displays to engaging audio-visual experiences that showcase the capabilities of the Astrocade.

  • Astroimg Tool: A command-line utility that allows users to convert images into Z80 assembly format, simplifying the process of graphic integration.

  • Astropaint Application: A user-friendly, browser-based tool for creating unique background graphics tailored to the Astrocade’s limitations, complete with the ability to export drawings as assembly code.

  • compileAndLaunch.bat Script: This convenient script automates the assembly and launching of your code in MAME, saving you the hassle of repetitive command-line entries.

  • HVGLIB.H Library: A crucial resource for developers, this library is commonly used to provide essential functions and features in Astrocade programming.

  • Cross-Platform Support: Compatible with multiple IDEs and operating systems, making it versatile for varying user preferences and setups.

  • Continuous Updates: The developer is committed to regularly adding new demos and features, ensuring the community has access to fresh content and tools.

With these features, ASTROCADE DEV opens up a world of possibilities for the Retro computing community, inviting new and seasoned developers alike to explore programming for the Bally Astrocade.