Fantasy console
Contents
CHIP-8
CHIP-8 is an interpreted programming language developed by Joseph Weisbecker.
SuperCHIP (SCHIP)
PICO-8
PICO-8 is a proprietary virtual console developed by Lexaloffle Games. It comes packaged free with the purchase of Voxatron, or available for purchase as a standalone program. The software also comes preinstalled on the PocketCHIP hardware.
The console is notable for its severe restrictions, limiting the programmer to a fixed palette of 16 colors, 32k of memory (Lua tokens), and rudimentary sound.
Specs
- Display: 128x128, 16 color
- Memory: 32KB of Lua
- Sound: 4-channel
- Input: 6 buttons
Development
The language of PICO-8 is Lua. The PICO-8 software itself comes with a sprite and map editor, code editor, and the ability to build "cartridges" for distribution. Cartridge code is encoded into a PNG file in the last 3 bytes of every pixel. The Lexaloffle website runs cartridges in the browser when distributed via their forum.
Picolove is an open-source project emulating the PICO-8 in Love2D, a graphical Lua framework.
Support and Community
The development community surrounding PICO-8 is robust despite its proprietary status.
TIC-80
Comes with a code, sprite, map, sound effect, and music editor.
Specs
- Display: 240x136, 16 color compile-time selectable
- Memory: 64KB of Lua or Moonscript
- Sound: 4 channels (select square, triangle or noise)
- Input: 2 gamepads with 6 buttons / mouse
