Starbraze

Build a complete Commodore 64 space shooter

Starbraze is the first volume of the C64 Game Manual Series, where every book is independent and brings a new original game to life.

The game is built in eleven playable milestones, each one a small result to run on an emulated Commodore 64: a status panel and a field of stars, a ship that flies in eight directions, shots, a patrol of four enemies, collisions, a decimal score, three lives, waves, the Helios Guardian, music and sound effects, and finally a mission that restarts by itself.

Every milestone explains the code behind it and shows how to make it your own, with guided changes, safe values and the way back. The book closes with a reference chapter, a glossary, and — in the Advanced Edition — a chapter that turns a complete game into a compelling one.

Inside the book

• Tools, screen, stars, the frame loop and assembly foundations
• The player sprite, the joystick and movement
• Projectiles, enemy patrols and collision detection
• Decimal score, lives, temporary protection and waves
• The Helios Guardian and the final victory
• Menu, SID music and sound effects, and a restartable mission