VCCC 2023: Bally Edition
Author: @MattPilz
Category: Wild
System: Bally Astrocade (1978)
Language: Bally BASIC / Astro BASIC
Len source code: 584 Bytes
Len exe file: N/A
Len code only: 561 Bytes (Excludes Comment Line)
Video Demo: https://youtu.be/j6eZmLUV180
Instructions:
(==| EMULATION INSTRUCTIONS - ASSUMES WINDOWS |==)
1. Download and extract the latest MAME binaries:
https://www.mamedev.org/release.html
2. Download the Astrocade ROM collection and copy the contents of "mame" folder to your "mame/roms" directory:
https://ballyalley.com/emulation/cart_images/ROMs/astrocade_rom_collection.zip
3. Place the VCC2023.WAV file somewhere accessible, I recommend putting it right in the MAME root folder.
4. Launch mame from command-line:
mame.exe -skip_gameinfo astrocde astrobas -mouse
5. Perform the following key sequence (will result in ":INPUT")
KEYBOARD_. NUMPAD_+ NUMPAD_ENTER KEYBOARD_2 KEYBOARD_C
6. Press <TAB> then FILE MANAGER > Cassette and browse to VCC2023.WAV to select.
7. Press RETURN TO PREVIOUS MENU then TAPE CONTROL then PLAY. Press TAB to return to BASIC.
8. Wait for playback to complete (can hold INSERT on keyboard to speed it up). you should see red background and green snowflake prompt.
(If you want to LIST the code, press the key combo: NUMPAD_ENTER LETTER_O LETTER_C)
9. Perform the following key sequence (will execute "RUN")
NUMPAD_ENTER KEYPAD_PAGE_DOWN LETTER_C
10. Watch the star generate and evolve endlessly! You can hold in the INSERT key to view the design evolutions in warp speed.
11. To halt program, press KEYPAD_PAGE_DOWN
12. Press ESC to exit MAME and return to desktop.
(==| PHYSICAL HARDWARE INSTRUCTIONS |==)
This process requires that you have a Bally Astrocade and Astro BASIC cassette with integrated audio ports.
1. Transfer the VCC2023.WAV file to a physical cassette or prepare it for playback in a system that has 3.5mm audio out capabilities.
2. Insert the Astro BASIC cartridge and power up the Bally.
3. With the BASIC overlay on the keypad, press the following sequence (will result in "INPUT")
BLUE_SHIFT : WORD_SHIFT INPUT GO
4. Play the audio file from the device attached to the cassette jack of the cartridge.
5. If successful (within 30 seconds) you should see red background and green snowflake prompt.
6. Press the following sequence (will execute "RUN")
WORD_SHIFT RUN GO
7. Watch the star generate and evolve endlessly!
8. To halt program, press HALT (RUN) key.
9. Power off Bally when done!
Description:
For a much more detailed description about Bally and the constraints it imposes, please check out my 2022 "wild" category entry's readme or the companion blog article here: https://mattpilz.com/bally-arcade-vintage-computing-christmas-challenge-2022-breakdown/
This is just a fun entry to be creative and still output the required shape. It has not been optimized and I ran out of time to do some more creative ideas.
I attempt to depict a snow-drifted blizzard surrounding the main viewing box. This is procedurally generated and a bit different each time. Once generated, the actual pattern will begin to populate the center box in a "ping pong" style fashion. It runs in three visual phases. First, the pattern will emerge through scattered snowflakes with alternating states of progression. Then it will fill in each snowflake solid to emphasize the design. Finally, it will go into organic mode and each part of the pattern will continuously cycle between different states of snowflake-like designs to create a wintery mix!
Comments:
Just as last year, one of the biggest limitations with Bally to complete these challenges more strictly is that the viewport can only squeeze in approximately 15x11 characters, making it too narrow to fit in the full pattern. The alternative as used here is to visually draw the necessary objects using the box and/or line commands. These are the only two graphical commands offered by Bally and have unique impositions and qualities.
- Matt
https://YouTube.com/MattPilz
https://MattPilz.com
https://twitter.com/MattPilz