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IntyBASIC: a BASIC compiler for Intellivision

Sections:

  * Downloads
  * The book
  * The 2nd book
  * Useful links

I was working in Space Raid for Intellivision when I wondered about
possibilities to make easier the development of games for
Intellivision.
There is a full set of tools for emulation (jzintv) and programming
in assembler (as1600) created by Joseph Zbiciak (intvnut).
But in every program you need to start almost from zero and there are
few libraries.
The Intellivision console
The Intellivision console
The Intellivision being created in 1979 just around the same time
BASIC exploded as a general purpose microcomputer language, what
would be more natural than a BASIC compiler? ;)
I started working in October 2013 in my ultrasecret project and the
version 0.1 got published in January 28, 2014 with versions for
Windows, Mac and Linux.
Following the intvnut's toolset style, IntyBASIC is a cross compiler
that takes BASIC source code and translates it to CP1610 assembler
code. You only have to enter this to test your game:

intybasic game.bas game.asm
as1600 game.asm -o game
jzintv game

IntyBASIC includes support for all the Intellivision video and sound
features in form of commands like SPRITE and SOUND, trying to be
close to the hardware but so easy as possible to user.
I've keeping it updated as users and myself find bugs or request new
useful features for the compiler.
It includes also the IntyColor utility for converting BMP images to
the video format used by the Intellivision.
IntyBASIC has been pretty successful in its purpose because the
enthusiast AtariAge members community and it has conducted to an
explosion of new games and homebrews in the Intellivision world and
even the IntyBASIC programming contest.
IntyBASIC: logo

Downloads

I suggest you to download the most recent version (v1.4.2) from the
AtariAge forums.

  * Latest source code of IntyBASIC and IntyColor, sometimes with new
    features still not released officially.
  * IntyBASIC cross-compiler v1.4.x (Jan/10/2019).
  * IntyBASIC cross-compiler v1.2.x (Aug/08/2015) also check the
    IntyBASIC SDK v1.1.1 for Windows (installer including emulator/
    assembler).
  * IntyBASIC cross-compiler v1.1 (Jul/14/2015) also check the
    IntyBASIC SDK for Windows (installer including emulator/
    assembler).
  * IntyBASIC cross-compiler v1.0 (Nov/21/2014)
  * IntyBASIC cross-compiler v0.9 (Oct/10/2014)
  * IntyBASIC cross-compiler v0.8 (Aug/26/2014)
  * IntyBASIC cross-compiler v0.7 (Apr/02/2014)
  * IntyBASIC cross-compiler v0.5-v0.6 (Mar/03/2014)
  * IntyBASIC cross-compiler v0.1-v0.4 (Jan/27/2014)

The Windows version of IntyBASIC works since XP, but if your version
doesn't have service packs it could need the Visual C++ 2008 runtime.
If you're using Mac, you need Mac OS X v10.6 or better. In case of
Linux, any recent version should work.
The user's manual is included inside the ZIP file.
I suggest strongly to register in AtariAge where you can get help on
using IntyBASIC just by reading the Intellivision Programming forum
or posting your questions.

The book

The success of IntyBASIC inspired me to write a book called
"Programming Games for Intellivision". It follows the learning
technique that was so useful for me when starting in the BASIC
language: Games published in parts, required to be typed by hand, and
detailed explanation of each part.
The book has 192 pages, and is available both in paperback and
hardcover:

  * Hardcover from Lulu.com and Amazon.com.
  * Paperback from Lulu.com and Amazon.com.

Also available as ebook from my digital store.
Check the reviews by The No Swear Gamer and a cool hands-on review by
Gray Defender.
Programming Games for Intellivision book

Advanced Game Programming for Intellivision

Inspired by the success of my first book, I went to write another
book including more advanced techniques of programming. In particular
I wanted to explore the development of games looking more
professional both on terms of title screens, gameplay, sound, and
music.
The complete source code for Oh Mummy! Pumpkin Master, Meteor Storm,
and Dungeon Warrior is included. Each of these games includes a
particular technique that I wanted to comment: Oh Mummy! movement of
the player on a maze, and how enemies pursue the player. Pumpkin
Master, shooters techniques to create tons of bullets without
exceeding total sprites. Meteor Storm, techniques for pseudo-3D
scaling of sprites, animation of screen zones with multiple images.
Dungeon Warrior, techniques for drawing pseudo-3D mazes on screen,
including scaling of enemies per depth, and of course algorithms for
Role Playing Games.
A full chapter dedicated to the creation of sound effects and
converting music sheets to IntyBASIC is included, furthermore tips
for converting pictures to Intellivision graphics.
The book has 294 pages, and is available in paperback: (Soon in
hardcover)

  * Paperback from Lulu.com and Amazon.com.

Also available as ebook from my digital store.
Book Advanced Game Programming for Intellivision

Links

  * The big list of IntyBASIC programming resources.
  * The IntyBASIC 2018 programming contest has started, you've 6
    months to develop something amazing and get an awesome prize like
    the publication of your game in cartridge. ;)
  * Announced the winners of the IntyBASIC 2015 Programming Contest.
  * Announced the winners of the IntyBASIC 2018 Programming Contest.
  * The IntyBASIC programming contest, show your creativity and win
    the chance to publish your game in cartridge with manual and box!
    ;)
  * Intellivision Revolution: collection of links to IntyBASIC
    programs
  * Super Pixel Bros a game ported to Intellivision via IntyBASIC.
  * Video of IntyBASIC sample programs.

Last modified: Mar/31/2021