So, after letting this project languish for a couple years, I showed off a version to some folks at our local Retro Computer Club this past spring. It was received with enthusiasm and that spurred me on to...
...a complete rewrite of the game in April & May of 2024!
Currently the game is in a playable state. Most importantly the 4-player joystick adapter is supported and 4 real players can play simultaneously. Monsters spawn with strengths determined by the players' levels. The adventurers can engage in monster battles, XP and GP are gained and HP can be lost in monster battles. Players can visit the castle and if they have the required XP and GP, they can pay tribute to the king to level up. If a player makes it through level ten, they win the game automatically. Otherwise, the player(s) with the highest level at the end of the countdown timer are considered winners.
So, in many ways the game is "complete" but I'd like to add a few more things to it. I'd like to add RPG elements at the Wizard's Tower and the two Towns. I also have plans for a mini-dungeon crawl in the cave. The game needs a cool title screen with some options to choose from, and I'd like to add some sound effects and in game music. Maybe I could complete it before Christmas 2024, but I'm not making any promises.