MK14 Games Compendium - Xmas 2023

[Realtime]

In the run-up to Christmas and the New Year myself and Coolsnaz2 will be posting some new games for the MK14.

The first one is a new version of Moon Lander. This VDU version is based on the original idea presented by SiriusHardware in this post. It uses the core Moon Lander code from the SoC MK14 manual with a VDU manager bolted to it. Thanks to Siriushardware for providing his original moonscape graphic .

Some notes about the game:

• Requires continuous memory from 0x0200 to 0x07FF and base RAM at 0x0B00 and 0x0F00
• For correct operation the VDU TOPPAGE signal needs to be connected to PS1, to use 2 pages of video RAM, and connected to VDU Graph_nChar input to generate a top page of characters and lower page of graphics (or visa-versa)
• The LED display still functions as per the original game
• Keys 1 to 7 set the thrust. Key 0 to kill the motor. Any system key to restart the game at any point

Here's a comparison of the original LED display to the new VDU display. The information for the increased fidelity in the VDU version is already in the original game - it just needed displaying.

=====================================================================================!
! Feature    ! LED Display                      ! VDU Display                        !
!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------!
! Altitude   ! 3 digits. 0-999. 999=touch down  ! 4 digits. 0-9999. 0000=touch down  !
! Velocity   ! 2 digits. Unsigned (absolute)    ! 3 digits. Signed. -ve = Ascent     !
! Thrust     ! Not displayed                    ! 1 digit. 0-7                       !
! Fuel       ! 1 digit. 0-5. F=empty            ! 2 digits. 0-88. 0=EMPTY            !
!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------!

There are 2 additional features

• Random starting altitude from 600 - 977
• On touchdown a graphic indicates how good the landing was
  
  Velocity >=30 = Crash landing;
  Velocity >=10 and <30 = Hard landing
  Velocity <10 = Perfect landing

Enjoy!

[Timbucus]

Oh xmas pressies - can't wait for the weekend to try this - thank you...

[SiriusHardware]

I had a go at the beta a little while ago (Thanks Realtime) - I can 'win' the original version every time because it always starts at the same speed and altitude, whereas this version randomises the starting altitude, so I can't play my 'system' any more.

I ran it on OrtonView (with Mark1960's 74LS74 patch for the memory corruption issue in place) because I guessed it had probably been thoroughly tested on RealView - it worked well and ran for several hours without any bits going missing - not that it would have been Realtime's fault if they had, but this program is a very good stress test for OrtonView because it uses virtually all of the standard, optional and extra-extra RAM (0200-07FF).

Genuinely replayable, and Realtime's game end 'verdict' graphics are a nice touch as well.

[Realtime]

Here's the next new program for the MK14 - Snake, a classic vintage game where you have to steer the snake around the screen and eat the 'apples' (asterix).

The program operates in character mode and has a very simple user interface.

Key 1 to turn left
Key 3 to turn right
GO to start a game

For each apple that the snake eats it's body length increases by one segment up to a maximum length of 126 segments. If you achieve that then you win!! I can typically get 30-40 segments before the snake eats itself. Feel free to share your top scores

Snake requires continuous memory from $0200 to $07FF and base RAM at $0F00.

Happy snaking!!

[coolsnaz2]

Next new program for the MK14 – Tetris, inspired by my visit to the Retro Computer Festival 2023.

Key 2 moves object down, you get more points the higher the object is dropped.
Key 4 moves object to the left
Key 6 moves object to the right
Key C rotates object clockwise
Key D rotates object counter clockwise

You get points for completing lines, Single 40, Double 100, Triple 300, and TETRIS 1200. The points awarded goes up with each level completed.

I have tried to keep the game as close as possible to the original Tetris on Game Boy. Unfortunately I run out of memory on the MK14, so high scores are not kept.

Tetris needs continuous memory from $0200 to $07FF, $0B00 and $0F00, with the video memory at $0200 to $03FF.

The program has been developed on a Raspberry Pi with PiView and FastLoader installed, and has been tested on RealView. I hope to create a YouTube video next year showing the setup used.

I would like to thank Realtime for testing and suggestions.

[Timbucus]

Wow - they are coming faster than I can set up my machine and transfer them to the PI Loader

[ChrisOddy]

and I have it working on my MK14E at last !

thanks Ian

[ortek_service]

Originally Posted by coolsnaz2

Next new program for the MK14 – Tetris, inspired by my visit to the Retro Computer Festival 2023.
>>
>>
I have tried to keep the game as close as possible to the original Tetris on Game Boy. Unfortunately I run out of memory on the MK14, so high scores are not kept.

Tetris needs continuous memory from $0200 to $07FF, $0B00 and $0F00, with the video memory at $0200 to $03FF.

The program has been developed on a Raspberry Pi with PiView and FastLoader installed, and has been tested on RealView. I hope to create a YouTube video next year showing the setup used.

I would like to thank Realtime for testing and suggestions.

I'm wondering how did you get the screenshot with characters in colour
- Is this only on a special virtual all-in-software emulator version ?
Or is there a enhanced VDU now available (Maybe PiView / Realview?), that has added colour ?
(although finding extra memory in the MK14 map for that, might be difficult).

[coolsnaz2]

Originally Posted by ortek_service

I'm wondering how did you get the screenshot with characters in colour
- Is this only on a special virtual all-in-software emulator version ?
Or is there a enhanced VDU now available (Maybe PiView / Realview?), that has added colour ?
(although finding extra memory in the MK14 map for that, might be difficult).

ortek_service The screenshot is from PiView, which has the ability to change the colour for individual characters. The PiView software is still being developed but can currently produce colour for individual games. I still have a few PiView boards available for forum members.

[ortek_service]

Originally Posted by coolsnaz2

ortek_service The screenshot is from PiView, which has the ability to change the colour for individual characters. The PiView software is still being developed but can currently produce colour for individual games. I still have a few PiView boards available for forum members.

Thanks for the info. So I take it PiView is providing a semi-permanent (set by configuration) colour change on a character by character basis (kind of a more advanced update on applying coloured strips over mono CRT / LED display on vintage electronic games machines etc). And the colour isn't under direct-control of the MK14, which might be difficult to implement retrospectively and maintain compatibility.

I might be interested in building a PiView, once I get receive the adaptor board PCB to add RAM to finish my MK14 replica. But need to decide which version of VDU to go for (or maybe get one of each to try, as a few others seem to be).

[Realtime]

In terms of advancing the capabilities of the MK14 VDU PiView is the way forward, IMHO . Not one for the purists, perhaps, but the quality of the display is outstanding and there’s the ability to add new features (additional fonts, colour,etc) without hw modifications. You can even record the display direct to the RPi’s drive for use in videos etc.

[Realtime]

Here is the final MK14 game for 2023 - a one armed bandit called Jackpot.


You have 10 credits at the start of a game. Use your luck and judgement to build the Hi-Score and gain bonus credits. The Hi-Score is maintained until the game is reset. Use the HOLD feature to stop individual wheels from spinning.


Keys:
1 to HOLD left wheel
2 to HOLD middle wheel
3 to HOLD right wheel
GO to spin the wheels or start a new game

This photo mark-up shows how bonus credits are indicated (too little memory left for anymore text).


Winning combinations and bonus credits, as follows:

            Same Left and        Same Left and 
Symbol      Middle Wheels        Right Wheels        3 wheels the same
=======================================================================
             Points   Bonus      Points    Bonus      Points     Bonus	 
Pound           2       0          8         0         16          0
Horseshoe      10       0         24         0         48          1
Lucky 7        18       0         40         1         80          2
Bell           26       0         56         1        112          3  
Star           34       1         72         2        144          4
Spiral         42       1         88         2        176          5
SCMP           50       1        104         3        208          6
MK14           58       1        120         3        240          7

As always, it requires continuous memory from 0x0200 to 0x07FF and base RAM at 0x0B00 and 0x0F00 and, as shown in the photo's, the VDU is operating in split character / graphics mode. The code includes triggers for a sound module - Pull Handle, Hold and Payout. These may not be useful for everyone but they will be a feature of the YouTube video that I'll post in the coming days. If you want to know more about the sound trigger interface let me know.

Special thanks to Coolsnaz2 who tested the beta versions and made many suggestions to improve the look and feel of the game.


Wishing you all a very happy and healthy 2024!

[Realtime]

Originally Posted by Realtime

In the run-up to Christmas and the New Year myself and Coolsnaz2 will be posting some new games for the MK14.

The first one is a new version of Moon Lander.

I finally got around to posting a video here