The Basics of Developing a NES Game
Here is a brief summary of the course. You can download the complete PDF here (FR only) and access the GitHub for the practical exercises.
Presentation of the NES and History
The NES: A Revolution in Video Games
The NES, or Nintendo Entertainment System, was launched in 1983 and revolutionized the video game industry. It introduced classics like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. Understanding its history and impact is essential for any aspiring NES game developer.
6502 Assembly Language
Programming in Assembly Language
The 6502 assembly language is the basic programming language for the NES. We will introduce you to its basics, explaining how it works and how it is used to program NES games.
Focus on 6502 Assembly Language
Dive deeper into 6502 assembly language by exploring its NES-specific intricacies, such as memory address ranges dedicated to different tasks. You will gain a better understanding of how the console works.
PPU (Picture Processing Unit)
Tilesets
Explore the graphical aspect of the NES, from creating graphical assets to the details of sprite display. Tilesets are essential to bring your game to life.
And in Practice?
Learn how to use the knowledge you have gained to create concrete visual elements in your game, focusing on display details.
Animations
Learn how to animate your sprites to bring your NES game to life. Animations are crucial for creating an immersive experience.
Controllers, Peripherals
Handling Collisions
Collisions are a key aspect of gameplay. Learn how to manage collisions between objects in your game to create dynamic interactions.
Sound & Music
Add Sound to Your Program
The NES is also known for its iconic music. Learn how to add sound and music to your game using the NES’s Audio Processing Unit (APU).
How to Calculate the Value to Send to the APU for Note Frequency
NES music is based on specific values for each note. Understand how to calculate these values to create the perfect melody.
Memory Addresses Related to the APU
Explore memory addresses related to the APU to understand how to control the sound of your NES game.
Conclusion
After going through all these steps, you will have all the fundamentals needed to develop your own NES game from A to Z. You will be ready to create your own retro masterpiece!
Practical Exercises
To put into practice what you have learned, try these exercises:
- Hello World: Display your first message on the NES screen.
- Display a Background: Learn to create a background for your game.
- Display a Sprite: Incorporate a playable character into your game.
- Horizontal Scrolling: Master horizontal scrolling for larger levels.
- Vertical Scrolling: Explore vertical scrolling to vary environments.
- Sprite Animation: Bring your character to life by adding animations.
Links
Authors
- Ronan Dhersignerie
- Clément Clerc
- Antoine Pavy
- Quentin Pamart