Multiplayer VIC20 Games

[Schema]

Hi all,

(Been a while!)

So I've been experimenting with the new Meatloaf Wi-fi interface (https://meatloaf.cc/) and it works great on the VIC.

It's an implementation of the FujiNet project for other retro machines, and has a number of cool demo applications like one that tracks the International Space Station in realtime (previously discussed on Denial here https://sleepingelephant.com/ipw-web/bu ... p?p=119559 )

So I've been thinking...what kind of multiplayer games could we make with this for the VIC? Especially unexpanded for extra charm.

Keep in mind, it runs on the IEC bus so it's very bit as slow as a 1541 drive, so it won't work well for action games or games with a lot of graphics/fast screen updates. But I think this would still work great for turn-based or strategy games.

Ideas? What kind of games would you like to see?

[akator]

Is there anywhere to purchase these?

[Mike]

Especially unexpanded for extra charm.

What's the point of advocating the use of an essential non-standard hardware extension and at the same time 'disallowing' the use of RAM expansions?

No - it wouldn't add any 'extra charm' to me. It just places an unnecessary restriction on any related endeavour here, IMO.

[...] it runs on the IEC bus so it's very bit as slow as a 1541 drive, so it won't work well for action games or games with a lot of graphics/fast screen updates [...]

You'd normally only transfer that data across the network that's necessary to keep all clients in sync. That does not exclude action games and graphically appealing games at all.

[Schema]

Is there anywhere to purchase these?

Not yet, though some are working on PCBs. Though it's fairly easy to build, a Lolin D32 Pro, DIN connector, and 6 wires.

[mimmosic]

Hello, look awesome!

Where can I get plans for building one?

[Schema]

Super simple schematic, though the DIN connector can be hard to find. Lolin D32 Pro

[mimmosic]

Looks really easy to make.
Where do I get the software stuff?

[Schema]

Source code here

https://github.com/idolpx/meatloaf-specialty

Though there's an online flashing tool here which might be easier:

https://flash.meatloaf.cc/

[Rich]

Nice project cheers for the heads up