Seeing six different versions of Mario is really depressing. We have tons of both ASM and BASIC programmers here, and all we come up with is a 'new and improved' version of Mario? I think our time would be much better spent writing a new game with a new plot line, instead of mimicking both others and Nintendo by making their games. That to me is disrespect. I would like to see someone with a creative mind write their own games with their own individual plots, instead of having ten versions of Spaze Invaders, Mario, Tetris, and Nibbles.

Btw: I think that ASM is the only language for good games, but it doesn't have and inch on BASIC's math capabilities.

Also, for all you ASM programmers out there: Make some good RPG's with some scrolling action, like Final Fantasy for Game Boy. After all, Game Boy's use the same processor.

This is a little off-topic, but that does amaze me. I saw somewhere that the origional Game Boy and Game Boy Pocket (not Game Boy Color) use a 4 point something processor. The games on that little thing have greyscale, a larger-than-a-TI86 screen, music (4 channels?), and are really fast. In fact, the only technical advantage it really has is that it's cartriges go up to something like 4 or 8 megs (32 on CGB). We should be able to make some really cool stuff with what we have. (Perhaps not make 6 zillion clones of Mario and think up some new stuff? Make up your own brand recognition instead of stealing others'?)

Actually, the GB uses an identical processor, the Z80. However, the speed may vary slightly. After all, the difference between a Pentium II 450 mhz and a Pentium II 350 mhz is obvious. I do know that the Z80 used on the TI-82,83,85,86, and possible the 73 is a 6 mhz. That may seem crappy, but that is 6,000 mega hertz. Sounds better that way, huh? I don't know how fast the GB processor is, though.

The gameboy doesn't really use a z80, just a clone w/ a very similar instruction set. The gameboy z80 for instance, doesn't have index registers ix and iy or in / out insructions. I don't even think that zilog makes the gameboy processor.
it runs at little more than 4 MHz

The gameboy can do more, though, it has an lcd structured with games in mind, built in grayscale and a sound board. But still, you can do some damn impressive things on the calcs ;-)

Ok. Just to clear things up here, you are on the right track, but not precicely correct.

The Gameboy uses a 8080 clone processor, which is similar to the Z80 (developed after the 8080) but without the ix/iy, etc.

The Ti-8x series uses a Z80 clone processor. It does not use a true Z80 processor, just the processor design. Its chip includes aditional I/O handlers and Interrupt handlers and RAM controllers.

Zilog produces neither chip. Zilog does still make the true Z80, which can be purchased through other distributors at a very cheap price.

Ok, that's cool. The point is that the Z80 ASM language is portable enough to create a game comprable to a GB game, except without the sound. I know you can use sound on the calc, but how many people have that 2.5-3.5mm gadget anyway? I have seen some ASM games on the 83 and the sprites move very smooth, so I know that GB quality games can be done. Even if the processor speed is limiting, a crafty programmer can get around that. A perfect example of this is PC's. How many people thought a Doom quality pseudo-3D game could be made on a PC? Even better example: read some of the PC guru Michael Abrash's stuff.

Anyway, back to the point I originally intended: I know that awesome RPG's can be made on the calcs. RPG's that have the qualities of Final Fantasy Legend for GB's have, except for the crappy Japanese-translated dialogue. I am starting one myself (I have another message a little ways away from this explaining this). These games allow great creativity, instead of yet another version of Nibbles, which is what this little article is about, although some of us haven't been sticking to topic :>). Also, if someone else has a great plotline or idea for an RPG, try to get something done.

You really have to realize that the TI-8xs are GRAPHING CALCULATORS. They don’t have the resolution, sound, etc. of a gameboy. They’re meant to be math tools, not entertainment providers

What the TI community needs is originality! Don't get me wrong...classic twitch games like Tetris and Nibbles are fun and a great way to get through class, but what I really want is something cool and original. For one thing, it would be refreshing to find something more cerebral and less focused on eye-hand coordination. Let's see some good RPGs. I know that the technology and skill exists to make them (Speaking of which, I can't wait for FFVII and Zelda). Don't just rehash Mario a gagillion times. I realize that we need Mario programmers and a demand definately exists for it. But in the meantime, we also need other types of programmers. A demand exists, and it wouldn't be hard to fill. Heck, you can even make a pretty good RPG using BASIC (trust me, I've done it). Please, give me some of the good stuff...

I don't want to brag here, but this is exactly what my goal is in ASM programming. My current project that I plan on releasing to the web is called "Nerd Quest I", which started as a parody of Hic Quest, but took off on a life of it's own. I made a BASIC version that got rave reviews from my friends... they thought it was great! I've been making an ASM version that already has more weapons (perhaps the funniest part), more vehicles, and more enemies, but I also plan to make an actual battle system, rather than the old Hic Quest "Press Enter" system. With all the innovations and additions, and the suggestions from friends, it is not just a knockoff of Hic Quest anymore. So for those of you strapped for an idea, try a parody, or just write random things until a game idea emerges. I would really like to see more RPG-type games for the calculator, as I just can't play zTetris and Mario 86 all the time.

And as an additional note, the Nerd Quest project started as a competition between another kid to see who could make the best Hic Quest parody... he made a Star Quest game that turned out to not be nearly as fun as mine. Compeition can be a healthy thing.

Actually, I am currently working on the plotline for my own RPG for the 86. I am going to probably do it all in ASM. It is going to be a full tileset RPG with all the aspects that made the Final Fantasy Legend series for GB popular. I'm not going to include guns, rifles and TNT's. I am going to come up with cool names (I've got a few already) and, unlike many FF games, my enemeis won't be stupid. (Some of these stupid ones includ: Amoeblob, ameblobX, cell,cellX, and the list goes on) Anyway, I would love to hear ideas, because I really want to make this deal work. If anyone's interested, I can give them more info.

Also, I have finished a small-scale RPG in BASIc for the 86. It is titled 'Mordra's Quest' and it is finished, but I am having my friend upload it with his parallel link, because it is incompatible with my computer. I'll post it when I get it. The battle's are cool, but the world is really simple, but it is a cool first real stab at an RPG.

I agree that competition drives us all. Competition is good for people trying to make money, but not on a calculator. Instead of making games that are similar to games that have already been made, people should come up with new ideas for games. If new ideas keep coming out, it keeps the market fresh.

I don't agree with your article at all. To say that just because someone decides to make a gmae that someone else is making doesn't show any lack of respect. I don't check PUDs very often, but when I do,I usually don't see your "5 Marios". If someone is making a game kudos for them. Compotition is what makes games interesting. Having one mario game or one tetris game would lead to dull, stereotypical games. No one would aim to make their game better than any others and thus cause all the games to be very mundane. I have made plenty of programs (82 and 83) and I didn't care when someone stole my idea and made an imitation, for imitation is the worst form of flattery, but when they hacked the code and wrote themselves in as the author, that annoyed me. Programming, when not for a career, should be it's own reward. The first game I made, a rather large 82 basic fighting game (which is now lost), was and still is my favorite program. People have hacked and I lost it, but it was still my favorite, because it was fun to make.

I think Cook is just a lamer who feels threatened by better programmers. He obviously isn't very experienced and I don't see why those who can make better progs should stop just so we can wait a couple years for him to come up with a crappy game.

I think people who call others lamers are themselves, lamers (that must make me one?). This elitism is not needed here. Thoughtful discussions rarely venture into personal attacks, so lay off the man. I haven't seen any of his programs, but I'm sure he, like many others, could develop a program given time etc.... Remember, there is always someone better than you.

no, cook really is a lamer
he's a DIVX-loving foot licker
he thinks that because he once made an elementary level asm program in z80 he can put together a side scrolling engine (not to mention a good engine), when in truth he can't even write the code to display his title pic

then he gets pissed off when someone writes mario quest? hah
he thinks he owns mario when really if nintendo found out about it he could get sued? hah
he tries to use a sprite routine someone else coded and he can't even do that? hah

if he's not a lamer then I don't know who is.
mb cook is the archetype lamer; he belongs on a poster next to pauly shore

I suppose you were a better programmer yourself when you were fifteen years of age? Funny that he bothered to write an article about respect when all it draws is disrespect from 'lamers' who can't put aside their ego's, even for a moment. "Ohh, this guy is terrible for even suggesting that we work on respecting other people. Let's put him down to our level." So what if he has a Mario obsession! Every freakin' game since Mario in 1984, in one way or another IS a ripoff of Mario! If he can make a great game however unoriginal you people claim it is, then he should follow through. After all, who wants to play a boring game. If the game doesn't live up to its hype, then ignore it and go program a better one yourself. Heed the words of Daniel-San! "There will always be someone better than you" . -=Mark

damn, I am a better programmer at 13 years of age. Think on that...

It doesn't matter what age you have when you start programming, only experience makes a difference. The game cook wants to make takes enormous programming experience, so if he ever does finish this mario, it's going to be the worst mario ever written. Maybe it takes another programmer to tell he's in over his head, but to us it is obvious.

Now cook goes and starts complaining about how inadequate he is under the pretense of lacking programming respect. The truth is, nobody is trying to compete with him and only cook himself lacks this respect because he seems to think that he can dictate what other programmers can and can't program.

I don't care what you may think, cook's little whine definitely does warrant a flame. This has nothing to do with elitism; cook isn't a lamer because he can't program, but because he's an ass who thinks the whole world of calculators revolves around him.

I agree with you. I started programming when i was 9, in GWBasic. At 11 i started C. at 14 i went to assembly, on the PC and the Z80. Now, I personally thing this is damned good, sinced the only other programmers in our school scarecley deserve the name, but I know that others are better than me. Ya know what? the people that are the lamest of all are the ones who throw up that shit about "remember, someone will always be better than you." Wel, i think that when (if) you find that person who is better than you, you find out why h3e is better than you and beat at his own game so to speak. Never be satisfied withyour own abilities, always strive to be the one person that has no superior, and who gives a damn if it isnt possible?

Hey,

Give the guy a break! Geez, although super-humans such as yourself can program advanced ASM in your sleep, there are still some people who are not up to your high standard, Oh Grand Exalted Master. Better yet, that's not what the letter was about even!

It doesn't matter what Mr. Cook's programming skills are. Your posts are confirming what he is talking about.

Nathan B. Taylor

PS I did, however, find your comparison to DIVX amusing.

People who use the word "lamer" to describe others should be drug out into the street and shot right along with people who steal others' code and put their name on it.

people who drag others out into the street and shoot them are lamers

at any rate, cook needs to be shot as well, since the only code he has written is code he has ganked from assembly-89

He's written code? All I think he has is a title pic which he got off a "contest" he held.

Just wondering...Has Cook responded to any messages yet?