Packaging a VIC game for Non-VIC gamers

[Jeff-20]

I would like to put together a simple, efficient package for non-VIC gamers to enjoy a program I have written. Does anyone have suggestions on how to do this?

What files should I include? What can I include (as far as emulators)? I am concerned about making the process simple to unpack and start up without lengthy instructions.

[Mike]

Besides the emulator, you only need the *.prg file of your program, and a *.cmd file which starts up the emulator, and auto-runs your game:

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game.cmd:
"WinVICE 1.16\xvic.exe" -memory none -VICdsize -VICdscan -soundrate 44100 "WinVICE 1.16\game.prg"

The *.prg can be hidden in the main directory of VICE. The path-name 'WinVICE 1.16' need be altered to the version you use. Memory expansions are disabled, the screen has double size, sample rate of sound is increased.

The addressee only sees the VICE directory, and the *.cmd file, copies both to HD, and then double-clicks the *.cmd file to start the game.

Greetings,

Michael

[rhurst]

If this is for Windows and you burn to CD-ROM, you can place both the MESS and VICE engines on it, and allow for choices.

Make a file autorun.inf to run a default batch command file, and allow as many choices from its context menu (right-click CD-ROM icon):

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[autorun]
open=autorun.bat
icon=your.ico
label=Your Title

shell\display=Read me
shell\display\command=notepad readme.txt

shell\playmess=Run &MESS engine
shell\playmess\command=MESS.bat

shell\playvice=Run &VICE engine
shell\playvice\command=VICE.bat

Make an autorun.bat file to run a nice web page and to launch the default engine:

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@echo off
pushd %~dp0

start explorer readme.htm
ping 127.0.0.1 -n 8 -w 1000 > nul
start MESS.bat

popd
exit

For MESS, I recommend the following command-line options:

mess -video d3d -newui vic20

For BASIC games, append: -quik yourgame.prg
For cartridge games, append: -cart1 yourgame.a0
If required, append -ramsize 16k for additional 8k expansion or -ramsize 24k for 16k expansion.
For an improved visual, but not technically accurate of a 1980s display, append: -view "Pixel Aspect (25:31)"

By default, the cursor arrow keys and left ctrl key are its joystick.