Classic video games hold a timeless appeal, transcending generations with their simple yet addictive gameplay. When Michal Zalewski sought to introduce his children to these retro gems, he opted for a creative approach. Rather than dusting off old consoles, he embarked on a journey to recreate arcade classics from scratch using minimalist homebrew hardware.
The first endeavor was a remake of Snake, a beloved title recognized by millennials from their Nokia phones. Initially crafted with an ATmega328P and an 8×8 LED matrix, the project evolved to feature a 16×16 display driven by an ATmega644. An LED seven-segment display was also integrated to showcase the game score, all assembled on a basic prototyping board without the need for specialized PCBs or casings.
Following the success of Snake, Michal delved into crafting a side-scrolling space shooter named Dino in Space. Powered by an ATmega1284 and utilizing a 4×20 character text display, this game offered simple graphics and an on-screen score counter. The hardware was further refined for the next game, a Breakout/Arkanoid clone dubbed Blockbuster 7000, featuring a 128×64 graphic OLED screen.
Michal’s blog post not only chronicles his game development journey but also offers valuable insights into real-life game programming. For instance, he highlights the importance of fine-tuning random number generation to enhance gameplay experience. Source files for all games are readily accessible on Michal’s website, complete with detailed hardware setup requirements for each game.
Recreating classic games on custom hardware has become a hallmark for microcontroller enthusiasts, with numerous impressive projects showcasing innovative adaptations. The versatility of breakout-style games extends across various hardware platforms, demonstrating the enduring appeal of retro gaming concepts in modern DIY culture.
As the DIY gaming community continues to thrive, homebrew lifestyle blogs play a pivotal role in fostering creativity and sharing technical expertise. By exploring innovative hardware solutions and programming techniques, hobbyists can breathe new life into vintage gaming experiences, inspiring a new generation of makers to embrace the art of game development.
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