Simon Game

BASIC Programming Challenge (8Bit/16Bit)

Welcome to the 8/16-Bit BASIC Programming Challenge, where programmers will compete to create a simulation of The Game Of Simon using the BASIC programming language on 8/16-bit machines where one needs to follow the pattern of lights and sounds for as long as one can.

This challenge is dedicated to all fans of retrocomputing and BASIC programming.

The goal is to recreate a classic game of Simon that runs smoothly with the limited resources of 8/16-bit machines. It will be an opportunity to test your optimization skills, creativity and attention to detail!

As always the idea behind our Game Jams is to increase knowledge and awareness around the retro computers that we all love. 

Your win is your achievement in completing such a challenge. 

This challenge is for 16/8bit machines but we tend to stay away from Intel CPUs Machines hence  they are not permitted.

Any submissions that has malicious  intentions or do not follow the rules will be removed.

If you have DOUBTS about something or QUESTIONS regarding the JAM please ASK  and do not ASSUME.

Send an email to retroprogrammersInside@gmail.com or via Phaze101 Discord.

Objective

The program must simulate the operation of the game of Simon including:

• A simple and intuitive user interface with basic graphics (text and symbols) or detailed graphics (for example, sprites or redefined characters).
• Winning logic to determine winning combinations.

Bonus Evaluation Parameters

- Optimization: On an 8/16-bit machine, resource usage is crucial. Participants will need to optimize their code for memory and speed, ensuring that the program runs smoothly on limited hardware.

- Innovation: Any additional features that enhance the game (e.g. animations, sounds, or special functions) will be considered a bonus!

Technical Requirements

- Language: The code must be written in some BASIC dialect (interpreted or not) and compatible with 8/16-bit machines (e.g. Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, MSX, etc.).

- ASM: It is possible to reasonably extend the functions of BASIC with some ASM routines, for example to implement a scroll function. But the use of ASM must be minimal, the program must be much more than predominantly Basic.

- It needs to include the below text in it.

 "Participated in the Retro Programmers Inside (RPI) and Phaze101 Game Jam" 

- 1Liner: The JAM can also be done in 1 liner so you can also challenge yourself to do it using this limitation. Please note this is extra and second to the JAM and is only here for those that want to go that extra mile after they have done the main Game Jam.

Deadline and Submission

Participants must send their program by March 30th to retroprogrammersInside@gmail.com or via Phaze101 Discord, complete with source code and with a short document (this is a requirement) describing the work done.

Prepare your 8/16-bit machine and start writing your code in BASIC, and may the luck (or rather, your algorithm!) be on your side!

Happy programming and good luck! 

Note: If you don't have an 8/16-bit machine, you can use emulators like Vice for the Commodore 64 or Fuse for the ZX Spectrum.

Live Screen

At the end of the challenge there will be a live stream event in which all the games made will be shown. 

Please allow time for this especially if there are many entries or if Phaze101 is travelling but a date will be communicated on RPI FB group and the Phaze101 Discord.

 This is our way of celebrating the Game Jam and how everyone gets his glory.

Submission Requirements

Here are the some requirements for the submission doc that you need to mention in your instructions

• Link to the retro emulator in which your software runs
• How to setup the EMU
• How to load your Game in the EMU
• How to Run the Game 
• What Controls such a Keys / Joystick your Game Uses
• State for which computer model your Game was written since some machines like the MSX do not have the same specs.
• State Ram required if it needs to be set since some machines have different memory setups such as VIC20, MSX etc
• What Basic was used and if it needs to be loaded before
• Some Retro EMUs require that your code is in the same directory of your EMU like the X16, so you can include the EMU with your Game
• Links to your game on Itch.io is not enough, please write the doc anyway however links to itch.io are allowed to have.
• Remember to submit the BASIC SOURCE CODE of your game and specify where it is or its name with its extension.
  
• Please add an email in case we need to be contact you.
• Note: Do not share the code before the JAM Ends and the stream is done