Re: [stella] POLL

Subject: Re: [stella] POLL
From: Nick S Bensema <nickb@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, 3 Mar 1997 17:35:22 -0700 (MST)
>> ...  There are many on the list who aren't
>> even going to program a line of code and there may be those with the time,
>> skill, and inclination to release some really kiler code if only they get a
>> "perk" or two, or if more programming information was forthcoming.  As long
>> as it's a net gain, I'm happy.
>
>Along these lines (and I freely admit I don't know what all's out there), 
>annotated _snippets_ of source code are great.  A completely documented 
>program is even better, but sometimes I want to know a particular trick 
>-- how to reuse sprites in one scanline, 

	LDA Source 
	STA NUSIZ0  ;(or NUSIZ1, or CTRLPF for ball graphics)

>how to change palettes on the fly,

        LDA Source  ;use whatever addressing mode you need
	STA COLUBK  ;or COLUPF, COLUP0, COLUP1.

>how to do scrolling, how to make simple sounds, etc.

Uhhhh... I'll get back to you on that.  I don't know jack about sound.
What would be helpful is a list of frequency/distortion values that can
be used to create notes on the diatonic scale, and as an added bonus how
many cents each one is out of tune.  Someone with a CD or some other copy
of the sound check program, along with a really good electronic tuner,
could help us in that regard, and next thing you know we'll all be
writing music routines.

>> The only reason the Supercharger CD came to fruition in its beautiful and
>> mature form was because I insisted that the project be taken AS seriously
>> as a commercial endeavor, despite it being a "hobby" project and yes,
>> despite it only being a small part of my life.  Small doesn't mean it
>> wasn't important or that I wasn't very concerned about its quality.  I
>> should hope that any prospective 2600 programmers also treat their hobby
>> seriously and set high standards for their work.  Have fun, have a life
>> away from the terminal, but take pride in all your work, otherwise why bother?
>
>Glenn, you and the other SC project members have all done a great job so 
>far; you have earned the thanks of many 2600 fans like myself.  Even 
>though I will not be pursuing a 2600 project at this time, I wish you all 
>the best in your efforts.

I'm all for quality, but it's hard enough writing this stuff without
having to package it too.  :-)  It just makes you think, if that's
what you can do without even writing any new games, then think what's
possible with an actual new game!

Being a hobby doesn't warrant shoddy work.  I remember seeing this show
on cable TV about people who design and build their own rockets, and
go into the desert to shoot them off.  If they cut corners, all they
get is a really loud noise and a pile of debris about 3 feet away from
the launch pad.

Now, 2600 programming isn't rocket science, but a crappy game is about
as much fun to play with as a pile of debris, I think we can all agree
on that.


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