Sega Console Programming

In the previous post, we checked out Sega Assembly Programming to generate machine code routines that target Sega hardware; specifically Sega SC-3000: an 8-bit home computer based on the Z80 chip.

As an example, we wrote the main loop of a simple "Shoot 'em up" game that simply moves a target sprite around the screen based on user input; preferably the joystick.

However, all assembly programming and machine code written thus far require a BASIC program driver; Cartridge-based video games built for 8-bit Sega Retro Gaming consoles were written in pure assembly!

In this post, we will focus on the Sega Master System which was the last ever 8-bit video game console manufactured by Sega built using the Z80 chip. Techniques here also apply to the SG-1000, however.
Setup
Follow all instructions from Maxim's World of Stuff: this documents how to setup the dev environment.
Download and configure the following software:

Text Editor
Download and install ConTEXT. Download the syntax highlighter file. Save to the Highlighters folder.

Assembler
Recommended is the WLA DX assembler. Download the compiled binaries and extract.
Remember where you extract the contents as unzipped Compile.bat file is used below.

Emulators
If you've been following the Sega Retro Gaming series then you will have Fusion and Meka installed:
- Fusion: popular emulator used to play Sega retro games. Download Fusion364.zip and extract.
- Meka: emulator with some excellent debugging features. Download mekaw073.zip and extract.

Documentation
Includes: Sega Master System documents (SMS docs), Z80 User Manual and WLA DX Manual.

Hello World
Download and extract the obligatory "Hello World":
Launch ConTEXT, that is, double click ConTEXT.exe. Setup ConTEXT to compile, link and run assembler (.asm) files:
Options menu, Environment Options, Execute Keys, click "Add".

F9 - Compile Execute: C:\PathToCompile.bat
Start in: %p      Parameters: %n
Check "Capture console output" box
Check "Scroll console to the last line"
Compile output parser rule: *:%n:%l: *

F10 - Fusion Execute: Fusion.exe
Parameters: "%poutput.sms"
Start in: C:\PathTo\Fusion364

F11 - Meka Execute: mekaw.exe
Parameters: "%poutput.sms"
Start in: C:\PathTo\mekaw073

ConTEXT
In ConTEXT, choose File menu, Open, "Hello World.asm":
Press F9 to compile and link "Hello World.asm".
This generates the "output.sms" binary file.

Press F10 to run Hello World in the Fusion emulator:

Press F11 to run Hello World in the Meka emulator:
Note: type "C" in the debugger to continue program.

Disassembler
Recommended is the SMS Examine disassembler. Download smsexamine1_2a.zip and extract.
Note: output is recompilable by WLA DX; thus perfect to reverse engineer binary output files.

Disassemble the compiled binary file output.sms that was generated from above.
Create directory "HelloWorld". Copy: Opcodes.dat, output.sms, smsexamine.exe: Start, Run, cmd. cd C:\PathTo\HelloWorld. Type: smsexamine.exe output.sms
This action will generate output.sms.asm and any corresponding data files. Note: output.sms.asm file here is the same as the HelloWorld.asm file above.

Retro Games
Armed with this knowledge, we are now able to disassemble the same retro games we played earlier!
Not only that but we are able to re-assemble the disassembled output and debug through the code:

For example, let's debug through Monaco GP. Download Monaco GP (Japan) (Rev 2).zip and extract.
Create directory "MonacoGP". Copy: "Monaco GP (Japan) (Rev 2).sg", Opcodes.dat, smsexamine.exe. Start, Run, cmd. cd C:\PathTo\MonacoGP. Type: smsexamine.exe "Monaco GP (Japan) (Rev 2).sg"
This action will generate "Monaco GP (Japan) (Rev 2).sg.asm" and any corresponding data files.

Launch ConTEXT. Choose File menu, Open, "Monaco GP (Japan) (Rev 2).sg.asm": Press F9 to compile and link "Monaco GP (Japan) (Rev 2).sg.asm".
This generates the "output.sms" binary file.

Press F10 to run Monaco GP in the Fusion emulator:

Press F11 to run Monaco GP in the Meka emulator:

Note: in Meka we are able to debug through the Monaco GP source assembly code:

Compare machine code in the debugger with the raw binary output file: "Monaco GP (Japan) (Rev 2).sg"

Classic Games
Repeat the process above to disassemble more classic 8-bit Sega retro games:

Year 1983 1984 1986 1987 1987 1987 1989

Game Congo Bongo Flicky The Castle After Burner Shinobi Wonderboy Golden Axe

Size 24 KB 32 KB 32 KB 512 KB 256 KB 128 KB 512 KB

Console SG-1000 / SC-3000 SG-1000 / SC-3000 SG-1000 / SC-3000 Sega Master System Sega Master System Sega Master System Sega Master System

Homebrew Games
Homebrew games include any video game built for a games console by an independent game developer under no official company contract; although some consoles are harder to program for than others.

Note: Sega Master System benefits from homebrew development because there is no physical lockout.

Therefore, after reverse engineering Sega retro game code (as above) and learning the intricacies of the hardware, it becomes easier for Indies to build their own versions of classic retro games like Monaco GP.

Summary
This Sega Retro Gaming series has explored programming options for retro games on Sega platforms:

Sega BASIC Programming Sega Machine Code Programming Sega Assembly Programming Sega Console Programming

Concluding with Sega Console Programming and Homebrew games, we see that it is feasible to build independent video games on classic 8-bit hardware and produce custom cartridge-based video games.

In fact, many Indies are reviving this classic video game art-form and managing to make money in this niche market: Check out Astro Dodge (2012): first game released for the SG-1000 in almost 30 years.

Goal: build retro game in Z80 assembler to target the Sega SG-1000, SC-3000, or the Master System!

Sega Assembly Programming

In the previous post, we checked out Sega Machine Code Programming and wrote machine code on a modern-day computer using the Sega emulator Meka and a copy of the Sega BASIC Level 3 ROM.

As an example, we wrote the main loop of a simple "Shoot 'em up" game that simply moves a target sprite around the screen based on user input; preferably the joystick.

However, a machine code program suffers from the disadvantage that it is tedious and cumbersome to manually translate each mnemonic to the corresponding opcode plus calculate all jump relative offsets.

This can be resolved by using assembly language and an assembler to generate machine code routines. Goal: write performance intensive code in assembly language directly and generate the machine code.

Setup
Follow all instructions from previous post to get setup with Sega programming before continuing.

Launch Sega BASIC Level 3 ROM, that is, double click Sega BASIC Level 3 V1 (SC-3000) [b1].sc.
Activate keyboard to begin typing: Inputs menu, Sega Keyboard. Next, open the Memory Editor:

Tools menu Memory Editor Click RAM button Type F000

Note: all machine code generated during this post will commence at 16-bit memory address: &HF000.

Tutorial
Type in the following program. Important: ensure you save state before RUN: Main menu, Save State.
Note: file is stored at C:\PathToMeka\Saves\Sega BASIC Level 3 V1 (SC-3000) [b1].S00

10 CALL &HF000
RUN

The program will crash! There are currently no machine code instructions available at address &HF000. Therefore, install an assembler and write assembly language directly to generate the machine code.

Installation
In this post, we target the Sega SC-3000 hardware: an 8-bit home computer based on the Z80 chip.

There are many assemblers available for the Z80 chip but the Z80 Simulator IDE is one of the best:

Download the Z80 Simulator Setup and extract Double click on z80simulatoride.exe to install

Also, install Hex Editor program to manipulate the binary data generated from the assembler:

Download HxD Hex Editor and extract Double click the setup.exe to install

Launch Z80 Simulator, that is, double click z80simulatoride.exe. Open the Assembler: Tools menu, Assembler. Create a new assembly file: File menu, New.
Type in the following assembly language:

.ORG    0F000H
        RET

Save the assembly file: File menu, Save As, Hello.asm. Generate the machine code: Tools menu, Assemble (F7).

This action will generate 3x new files: Hello.hex, Hello.lst and Hello.obj;
Note: the file that contains the raw binary data is stored in Hello.obj.

Launch the Hex Editor, that is, double click HxD.exe. Open the binary file: File menu, Open, Hello.obj.
Goto &HF000: Search menu, Goto, Offset: F000. Inspect the 16-bit memory address at F000; the hexadecimal &HC9 is stored there.
In the example, &HC9 in hexadecimal is the opcode for the RET instruction above.

Next, copy machine code generated from the assembly above to be consumed in BASIC program:
Select all machine code generated in Hello.obj, that is, from Block F000-F000 and copy (Ctrl-C).

In the Hex Editor, open the save file: File menu, Open, Sega BASIC Level 3 V1 (SC-3000) [b1].S00.
Goto &H706D: Search menu, Goto, Offset: 706D. Paste (Ctrl-V) machine code there, that is &HC9.

Launch Sega BASIC Level 3 ROM, that is, double click Sega BASIC Level 3 V1 (SC-3000) [b1].sc.
Next, load file that was modified above to save machine code into RAM: Main menu, Load State.

Activate keyboard to begin typing: Inputs menu, Sega Keyboard. Next, open the Memory Editor:

Tools menu Memory Editor Click RAM button Type F000

Inspect the 16-bit memory address &HF000; the hexadecimal &HC9 will now be stored in RAM there.

Finally, type RUN again. On the surface, nothing appears to happen!
Therefore, check out previous post for machine code fundamentals.

Example
As an example, let's write the main loop of a simple "Shoot 'em up" style game, similar to the previous post, that simply moves a target sprite around the screen based on user input; preferably the joystick.

However, write the main loop in assembly language and generate the machine code routines accordingly.

Sample
The following code sample is reminiscent of the tutorial More on the Joystick and Machine Code Routine.
Follow the tutorial closely to better understand what machine code instructions are required and why.

Type in the following program. Important: ensure you save state before RUN: Main menu, Save State.
Note: file is stored at C:\PathToMeka\Saves\Sega BASIC Level 3 V1 (SC-3000) [b1].S00

10 REM SEGA ASSEMBLY PROGRAMMING
20 GOSUB 300
40 SZ=16:MAG1
60 MR=256-SZ:MD=192-SZ
70 TX=MR/2:TY=MD/2
80 SCREEN 2,2:CLS
90 COLOR,1,(0,0)-(255,191),1
100 REM MAIN LOOP
110 SPRITE 0,(TX,TY),0,9
120 CALL &HF000
130 STOP
300 RESTORE 350
310 FOR S=0 TO 3:READ S$:PATTERN S#S,S$:NEXT S
320 RETURN
350 DATA 000039202100012A, 2A01002120390000
360 DATA 00009C0484008054, 54800084049C0000
RUN

Again, on the surface, nothing appears to happen! Therefore, write the main loop in assembly language:
Launch Z80 Simulator: double click z80simulatoride.exe. Open the Assembler: Tools menu, Assembler.

Create a new assembly file: File menu, New. Type in the following assembly language:

.ORG    0F000H
START:  LD A,9BH
        OUT (0DFH),A
CHECK:  IN A,(0DCH)
        CP 0FFH     ; any movement?
        JR Z,CHECK
LEFT:   CP 0FBH     ; move left?
        JR NZ,RIGHT
        CALL READX
        DEC A
        CALL WRITE
        CALL DELAY
        JR CHECK
RIGHT:  CP 0F7H     ; move right?
        JR NZ,UP
        CALL READX
        INC A
        CALL WRITE
        CALL DELAY
        JR CHECK
UP:     CP 0FEH     ; move up?
        JR NZ,DOWN
        CALL READY
        DEC A
        CALL WRITE
        CALL DELAY
        JR CHECK
DOWN:   CP 0FDH     ; move down?
        JR NZ,SHOOT
        CALL READY
        INC A
        CALL WRITE
        CALL DELAY
        JR CHECK
SHOOT:  CP 0EFH     ; press fire?
        JR NZ,CHECK
        RET
READX:  LD HL,3B01H
        CALL 02C32H
        IN A,(0BEH)
        RET
READY:  LD HL,3B00H
        CALL 02C32H
        IN A,(0BEH)
        RET
WRITE:  CALL 02C44H
        OUT (0BEH),A
        RET
DELAY:  LD A,00H
        LD BC,0300H
LOOP:   DEC BC
        CP B
        JR NZ,LOOP
        JR CHECK

Save the assembly file: File menu, Save As, Code.asm. Generate the machine code: Tools menu, Assemble (F7).

This action will generate 3x new files: Code.hex, Code.lst and Code.obj;
Note: the file that contains the raw binary data is stored in Code.obj.

Launch the Hex Editor, that is, double click HxD.exe. Open the binary file: File menu, Open, Code.obj.
Goto &HF000: Search menu, Goto, Offset: F000. Next, copy machine code generated from the assembly above to be consumed in BASIC program:
Select all machine code generated in Code.obj, that is, from Block F000-F071 and copy (Ctrl-C).

In the Hex Editor, open the save file: File menu, Open, Sega BASIC Level 3 V1 (SC-3000) [b1].S00.
Goto &H706D: Search menu, Goto, Offset: 706D. Paste (Ctrl-V) all copied machine code there.

Launch Sega BASIC Level 3 ROM, that is, double click Sega BASIC Level 3 V1 (SC-3000) [b1].sc.
Next, load file that was modified above to save machine code into RAM: Main menu, Load State.

Important: after load file, it may be necessary to soft reset emulator; press the "Scroll lock" key.
Activate keyboard to begin typing: Inputs menu, Sega Keyboard. Next, open the Memory Editor:

Tools menu Memory Editor Click RAM button Type F000

Inspect the 16-bit memory address &HF000; all machine code copied will be now stored in RAM there.
Finally, type RUN again.

The graphics screen clears black and positions a red target sprite. Use the joystick to move target sprite.
Note: de-activate the keyboard to ensure the joystick takes precedence: Inputs menu, Sega Keyboard.

In this example, moving joystick left, right, up, or down moves sprite in that direction. Press fire to quit.
Important: if joystick not configured then try these keys: "J" = left, "M" = right, "7" = up, "U" = down. Experiment with different delay speeds at runtime by manipulating memory directly:
Note: original time delay is 0300 but is stored in memory as 00 03 (Little-endian).

Tools menu Memory Editor Click RAM button Type F06B Enter "02" (faster) Enter "04" (slower)

For completeness, here is the disassembled machine code from the tutorial in its entirety:

--------------------------------------------------
Z80    DISASSEMBLER     LISTING
Line   Addr Opcodes     Label   Instruction
--------------------------------------------------
0000   0000             .ORG    0F000H
0001   F000 3E 9B       START:  LD A,9BH
0002   F002 D3 DF               OUT (0DFH),A
0003   F004 DB DC       CHECK:  IN A,(0DCH)
0004   F006 FE FF               CP 0FFH  ; any movement?
0005   F008 28 FA               JR Z,CHECK
0006   F00A FE FB       LEFT:   CP 0FBH  ; move left?
0007   F00C 20 0C               JR NZ,RIGHT
0008   F00E CD 4F F0            CALL READX
0009   F011 3D                  DEC A
0010   F012 CD 61 F0            CALL WRITE
0011   F015 CD 67 F0            CALL DELAY
0012   F018 18 EA               JR CHECK
0013   F01A FE F7       RIGHT:  CP 0F7H  ; move right?
0014   F01C 20 0C               JR NZ,UP
0015   F01E CD 4F F0            CALL READX
0016   F021 3C                  INC A
0017   F022 CD 61 F0            CALL WRITE
0018   F025 CD 67 F0            CALL DELAY
0019   F028 18 DA               JR CHECK
0020   F02A FE FE       UP:     CP 0FEH  ; move up?
0021   F02C 20 0C               JR NZ,DOWN
0022   F02E CD 58 F0            CALL READY
0023   F031 3D                  DEC A
0024   F032 CD 61 F0            CALL WRITE
0025   F035 CD 67 F0            CALL DELAY
0026   F038 18 CA               JR CHECK
0027   F03A FE FD       DOWN:   CP 0FDH  ; move down?
0028   F03C 20 0C               JR NZ,SHOOT
0029   F03E CD 58 F0            CALL READY
0030   F041 3C                  INC A
0031   F042 CD 61 F0            CALL WRITE
0032   F045 CD 67 F0            CALL DELAY
0033   F048 18 BA               JR CHECK
0034   F04A FE EF       SHOOT:  CP 0EFH  ; press fire?
0035   F04C 20 B6               JR NZ,CHECK
0036   F04E C9                  RET
0037   F04F 21 01 3B    READX:  LD HL,3B01H
0038   F052 CD 32 2C            CALL 02C32H
0039   F055 DB BE               IN A,(0BEH)
0040   F057 C9                  RET
0041   F058 21 00 3B    READY:  LD HL,3B00H
0042   F05B CD 32 2C            CALL 02C32H
0043   F05E DB BE               IN A,(0BEH)
0044   F060 C9                  RET
0045   F061 CD 44 2C    WRITE:  CALL 02C44H
0046   F064 D3 BE               OUT (0BEH),A
0047   F066 C9                  RET
0048   F067 3E 00       DELAY:  LD A,00H
0049   F069 01 00 03            LD BC,0300H
0050   F06C 0B          LOOP:   DEC BC
0051   F06D B8                  CP B
0052   F06E 20 FC               JR NZ,LOOP
0053   F070 18 92               JR CHECK

Important: machine code programs will crash if there are errors; they are not as forgiving as BASIC. Therefore, ensure you save state before you RUN machine code programs: Main menu, Save State.

Summary
In this post, assembly programming was introduced to generate machine code to target Sega hardware.

However, all assembly programming and machine code written thus far require a BASIC program driver; Cartridge-based video games built for 8-bit Sega Retro Gaming consoles were written in pure assembly!

This can be resolved by using tools to write to SG-1000, SC-3000, and the Sega Master System directly. This will be the topic in the next post.

Sega Machine Code Programming

In the previous post, we checked out Sega BASIC Programming and wrote some BASIC code on a modern-day computer using the Sega emulator Meka and a copy of the Sega BASIC Level 3 ROM.

As an example, we wrote the main loop of a simple "Shoot 'em up" game that simply moves a target sprite around the screen based on user input; preferably the joystick.

However, games written in BASIC suffer from the disadvantage that they are too slow for applications such as sprite movement; these may be sped up by increasing the step but precision of control is lost.

This can be resolved by using machine code routines for parts of the program where BASIC is too slow.
Goal: apply machine code routines to target Sega hardware directly for speed, efficiency and power.

Setup
Follow all instructions from previous post to get setup with Sega programming before continuing.

Launch Sega BASIC Level 3 ROM, that is, double click Sega BASIC Level 3 V1 (SC-3000) [b1].sc.
Activate keyboard to begin typing: Inputs menu, Sega Keyboard. Next, open the Memory Editor:

Tools menu Memory Editor Click RAM button Type F000

Note: all machine code written during this post will commence at 16-bit memory address: &HF000.

Tutorial
Type in the following BASIC code:

10 POKE &HF000, &HC9
RUN

Inspect the 16-bit memory address &HF000; the hexadecimal &HC9 will now be stored in RAM there. Next, add the following line of code:

20 PRINT PEEK(&HF000)
RUN

The value 201 will be printed, which is the corresponding decimal value of &HC9, of course.

Finally, change line 20 of code to the following:

20 CALL &HF000
RUN

On the surface, nothing appears to happen! Therefore, let's delve into fundamentals of machine code:

Fundamentals
Machine code is a set of instructions executed directly by the computer Central Processing Unit (CPU). Each instruction performs a specific operation on a unit of data contained in CPU register, or memory.

In this post, we target the Sega SC-3000 hardware: an 8-bit home computer based on the Z80 chip.

Typically, machine code instructions are stored in memory and invoked from a BASIC driver program. Once invoked, machine code instructions are then executed one by one, similar to BASIC commands.

However, unlike BASIC, machine code will not automatically stop when it reaches the end of program. Machine code must execute the RET instruction to return to BASIC; very similar to RETURN in BASIC.

Opcodes
Each machine code instruction has a unique numerical code called an operation code, or an Opcode.
In the example above, the opcode for the RET instruction is 201 or &HC9 in hexadecimal.

Mnemonics
For completeness, RET is the called the Mnemonic; that is, the symbolic name for the instruction.

Dissection
Therefore, let's dissect the short code sample from above:

10 POKE &HF000, &HC9
20 CALL &HF000
RUN

Store opcode &HC9 into memory address &HF000 Invoke machine code routine at origin &HF000 Execute machine code instructions (only one) Execute RET instruction: i.e. return to BASIC

Documentation
Check out here for the Z80 instruction set. Check out here for full (undocumented) Z80 Opcode list.
Many more tutorials can be found in magazine scans from Sega Survivors web site and SMS Power.

Books: the authoritative Programming the Z80 by Rodney Zaks and Mastering Machine Code (Z80).

Debugging
Before progressing with thorough machine code example, let's setup our environment for debugging: Make the change to the mekaw.cfg file: find debug_mode = 0 and replace with debug_mode = 1.

Launch Sega BASIC Level 3 ROM as before; there should now be additional DEBUG menu available. Choose: Debug menu, Enabled. Meka will break at the memory address at current code execution. Type "B F000" to set breakpoint at &HF000 Type "C" to continue Type RUN as before Program now invokes CALL &HF000 as before but this time breaks at breakpoint set above.
Hit the Enter key to step through the machine code: executes RET which returns to BASIC.

Note: for full list of Debugger commands choose: Help menu, Debugger.
Also, enter Up / Down arrow keys to scroll through command history.

Example
As an example, let's write the main loop of a simple "Shoot 'em up" style game, similar to the previous post, that simply moves a target sprite around the screen based on user input; preferably the joystick.

However, write the main loop in machine code for increased speed + performance, rather than BASIC.

Sample
The following code sample is reminiscent of the tutorial Joystick Operation using Machine Code Routine. Follow the tutorial closely to better understand what machine code instructions are required and why.

Type in the following program. Important: ensure you save state before RUN: Main menu, Save State.

10 REM SEGA MACHINE CODE PROGRAMMING
20 GOSUB 300:GOSUB 400
40 SZ=16:MAG1
60 MR=256-SZ:MD=192-SZ
70 TX=MR/2:TY=MD/2
80 SCREEN 2,2:CLS
90 COLOR,1,(0,0)-(255,191),1
100 REM MAIN LOOP
110 SPRITE 0,(TX,TY),0,9
120 CALL &HF000
130 STOP
300 RESTORE 350
310 FOR S=0 TO 3:READ S$:PATTERN S#S,S$:NEXT S
320 RETURN
350 DATA 000039202100012A, 2A01002120390000
360 DATA 00009C0484008054, 54800084049C0000
400 RESTORE 450
410 FOR X=&HF000 TO &HF036
420 READ A$:A=VAL(“&H”+A$):POKE X,A
430 NEXT X
440 RETURN
450 DATA 3E,9B,D3,DF,DB,DC,FE,FF,28,FA,FE,F7,20,10,21,01
460 DATA 3B,CD,32,2C,DB,BE,3C,CD,44,2C,D3,BE,18,0E,21,01
470 DATA 3B,CD,32,2C,DB,BE,3D,CD,44,2C,D3,BE,01,00,03,0B
480 DATA 3E,00,B8,20,FA,18,CD
RUN

The graphics screen clears black and positions a red target sprite. Use the joystick to move target sprite.
Note: de-activate the keyboard to ensure the joystick takes precedence: Inputs menu, Sega Keyboard.

In this example, moving joystick right moves target sprite right; moving any other direction moves left.
Important: if joystick not configured then try these keys: "J" = left, "M" = right, "7" = up, "U" = down. Note: the machine code here actually does not RET to BASIC; press the "Scroll lock" key to soft reset.

As you can see, the machine code version of the program is much smoother than its BASIC counterpart. In fact, machine code is so fast that a delay is required: without it, the sprite would simply flash across!

Experiment with different delay speeds at runtime by manipulating memory directly:
Note: original time delay is 0300 but is stored in memory as 00 03 (Little-endian).

Tools menu Memory Editor Click RAM button Type F02E Enter "02" (faster) Enter "04" (slower)

For completeness, here is the disassembled machine code from the tutorial in its entirety:

--------------------------------------------------
Z80    DISASSEMBLER     LISTING
Line   Addr Opcodes     Label   Instruction
--------------------------------------------------
0000   0000             .ORG    0F000H
0001   F000 3E 9B       START:  LD A,09BH
0002   F002 D3 DF               OUT (0DFH),A
0003   F004 DB DC       CHECK:  IN A,(0DCH)
0004   F006 FE FF               CP 0FFH  ; any movement?
0005   F008 28 FA               JR Z,CHECK
0006   F00A FE F7       RIGHT:  CP 0F7H  ; move right?
0007   F00C 20 10               JR NZ,OTHER
0008   F00E 21 01 3B            LD HL,03B01H
0009   F011 CD 32 2C            CALL 02C32H 
0010   F014 DB BE               IN A,(0BEH)
0011   F016 3C                  INC A
0012   F017 CD 44 2C            CALL 02C44H
0013   F01A D3 BE               OUT (0BEH),A
0014   F01C 18 0E               JR DELAY
0015   F01E 21 01 3B    OTHER:  LD HL,03B01H
0016   F021 CD 32 2C            CALL 02C32H
0017   F024 DB BE               IN A,(0BEH)
0018   F026 3D                  DEC A
0019   F027 CD 44 2C            CALL 02C44H
0020   F02A D3 BE               OUT (0BEH),A
0021   F02C 01 00 03    DELAY:  LD BC,0300H
0022   F02F 0B          LOOP:   DEC BC
0023   F030 3E 00               LD A,00H
0024   F032 B8                  CP B
0025   F033 20 FA               JR NZ,LOOP
0026   F035 18 CD               JR CHECK

Important: machine code programs will crash if there are errors; they are not as forgiving as BASIC. Therefore, ensure you save state before you RUN machine code programs: Main menu, Save State.

Summary
In this post, machine code was introduced to target Sega hardware for increased speed + performance.

However, a machine code program suffers from the disadvantage that it is tedious and cumbersome to manually translate each mnemonic to the corresponding opcode plus calculate all jump relative offsets.

This can be resolved by using assembly language and an assembler to generate machine code routines. This will be the topic in the next post.

Sega BASIC Programming

In the previous post, we checked out Sega Retro Gaming and some classic cartridge-based video games built on early 8-bit hardware such as the Sega SG-1000, the SC-3000 and the Sega Master System.

Now, we would like to write our own similar 8-bit retro games!

In this post, we will focus on the Sega SC-3000 home computer using the BASIC programming language for its simplicity and ease-of-use.

In order to write Sega BASIC code on a modern-day computer, you will need an emulator installed and a copy of the Sega BASIC Level 3 ROM, or Sega BASIC IIIb, as it's also known.

While there are many emulators available for Sega platforms, only one emulator seems to be compatible with the Sega BASIC Level 3 ROM, that is: Meka

Download mekaw073.zip and extract Double click on mekaw.exe to launch

IMPORTANT
If you receive the error The program can't start becuase MSVCR71.dll is missing from your computer then copy MSVCR71.dll file from C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v1.1.4322 to C:\Windows\SysWOW64.

Note: select Debug menu | Check Enabled to enable the Z80 debugger for better developer experience.

Configuration
Meka may be challenging to work with, especially if you have dual monitors. In order to alternate windowed / full screen mode, make changes to the meka.blt file, similar to the following:

[HQ2X::WIN] res = 1024x768 driver = auto_win refresh_rate = 20 blitter = hq2x stretch

Launch Meka Video menu Blitters Select HQ2X

Note: press ESC to alternate windowed / full-screen mode.

Sega BASIC
Next, download the Sega BASIC Level 3 ROM:

Download Sega BASIC Level 3 V1 (SC-3000) [b1].zip and extract Double click Sega BASIC Level 3 V1 (SC-3000) [b1].sc to launch Set Sega BASIC Level 3 ROM to open with mekaw.exe by default

26620 Bytes free – are you serious?!?

Setup
Each time Meka is launched, activate the Sega keyboard to begin typing:

Inputs menu Sega Keyboard

Note: the Sega keyboard is not 100% compatible with typical QWERTY keyboard.
For example the "&" character is Shift+6 not Shift+7 on the Sega keyboard.

Hello World
Type in the first BASIC program: the obligatory "Hello World":

NEW
10 PRINT "HELLO WORLD"
20 GOTO 10
RUN

Hello World will be printed down the screen indefinitely. Press the "End" key to break.
Note: there can only be one active program in memory at any one time.

Shortcuts
Here is short list of keyboard shortcuts that may be useful when using the Sega BASIC Level 3 ROM:

Key Scroll lock End key Arrow keys Backspace Shift + Backspace

Action soft reset (keeps code in memory) break current program execution move cursor around text screen delete character to left of cursor insert character to right of cursor

Also, the Sega keyboard has a special function key that simplifies the typing of entire BASIC commands, for example, press of the "FUNC" key and one other key combination:

Command LIST RUN

Shortcut Tab + Backspace Tab + ` (backtick)

Note: shortcuts may be different depending on localization.

State
After typing in the first BASIC program, it will remain in memory until the Sega computer is powered off. In order to maintain program state across sessions, simply save state, close and load state next session.

Main menu Save State Close Meka Launch Meka Main menu Load State

Note: file is stored at C:\PathToMeka\Saves\Sega BASIC Level 3 V1 (SC-3000) [b1].S00

Important: there can only be one copy of the state file at any one time.
Therefore, it is up to you to archive your state files accordingly!

Documentation
The Sega SC-3000 Survivors web site contains links to much documentation: manuals, magazines and books. SMS Power web site also has more magazines scans for Sega 8-bit preservation and fanaticism!

Example
As an example, let's write the main loop of a simple "Shoot 'em up" style game that simply moves a target sprite around the screen based on user input; preferably the joystick.

Controller
If you have a joystick connected to your computer, e.g. wireless Xbox 360 controller;
Configure the controller for best game play experience:

Close Meka Activate controller Launch Meka Inputs menu Joypad checked

Configuration Input Configuration Click ">>" twice 3/6 Joypad 1 Enabled checked

Type in the following BASIC program to confirm the controller is configured correctly:

NEW
10 PRINT STICK(1)
20 GOTO 10
RUN

Zeros will be printed down the screen indefinitely: move the joystick in different directions;
Output: a value between 1 to 8 will be printed on-screen. Press the "End" key to break.

Sample
The following code sample is reminiscent of the Sega BASIC "Shoot 'em up" game titled "3D City" (1988). While we will not dissect the full program at this time, we will replicate the main loop accordingly.

Type in the following program exactly as is:

10 REM SEGA BASIC PROGRAMMING
20 GOSUB 300
30 ST=1
40 SZ=16:MAG1
50 ML=0:MU=0
60 MR=256-SZ:MD=192-SZ
70 TX=MR/2:TY=MD/2
80 SCREEN 2,2:CLS
90 COLOR,1,(0,0)-(255,191),1
100 REM MAIN LOOP
110 SPRITE 0,(TX,TY),0,9
120 VX=0:VY=0
130 S1=STICK(1):FR=STRIG(1):A$=INKEY$
140 IF S1=3 OR A$=CHR$(28) THEN VX=1:GOSUB 200
150 IF S1=7 OR A$=CHR$(29) THEN VX=-1:GOSUB 200
160 IF S1=1 OR A$=CHR$(30) THEN VY=-1:GOSUB 200
170 IF S1=5 OR A$=CHR$(31) THEN VY=1:GOSUB 200
180 IF FR=1 OR A$=CHR$(32) THEN END
190 GOTO 100
200 REM MOVEMENT
210 VX=VX*ST:VY=VY*ST
220 TX=TX+VX:TY=TY+VY
230 IF TX <= ML THEN TX=ML
240 IF TX >= MR THEN TX=MR
250 IF TY <= MU THEN TY=MU
260 IF TY >= MD THEN TY=MD
270 RETURN
300 RESTORE 350
310 FOR S=0 TO 3:READ S$:PATTERN S#S,S$:NEXT S
320 RETURN
350 DATA 000039202100012A, 2A01002120390000
360 DATA 00009C0484008054, 54800084049C0000
RUN

The graphics screen clears black and positions a red target sprite. Use the controller, or arrow keys, to move the target sprite left, right, up and down. Press the left fire button or space bar to end program. As you can see, the current per-pixel sprite movement is smooth but extremely slow!
Therefore, increase the movement step; change line 30 of the code to the following:
30 ST=2        30 ST=4        30 ST=8        30 ST=16        etc.
RUN

Also, the movement step can be changed dynamically at runtime by manipulating memory directly:

Tools menu Memory Editor Click RAM button Type EFF0 Enter "01"

Note: &HEFF0 is the 16-bit memory address where ST will be manipulated.
Next, add the following lines of code to the original program:

34 AD=&HEFF0
38 POKE AD,ST
205 ST=PEEK(AD)
RUN

Program runs as before. However, this time experiment: enter hexadecimal values at the Memory Editor address &HEFF0 for example: 02, 04, 08, 10 etc. to see the movement step effects on the target sprite.

Finally, save the state of Meka for future use: Main menu, Save State.

Summary
In this post, BASIC programming was introduced on the Sega SC-3000 for simplicity and ease-of-use.

However, games written in BASIC suffer from the disadvantage that they are too slow for applications such as sprite movement; these may be sped up by increasing the step but precision of control is lost.

This can be resolved by using machine code routines for parts of the program where BASIC is too slow. This will be the topic in the next post.

Sega Retro Gaming

Retro Gaming is the hobby of playing and collecting older personal computer, console, and arcade video games. These games are either played on the original hardware or on modern hardware via emulation.

The most popular retro games were produced from 1980 to 1990 and include video games consoles such as the Atari 2600, the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Sega Master System, as well as personal computer games for the Commodore 64, the ZX Spectrum, and the Amstrad, just to name a few.

In this blog we will concentrate on retro gaming for Sega platforms: the reason will become clear shortly.

Sega is a multinational video game software and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Japan. Sega previously developed and manufactured its own brand of home video game consoles from 1983 to 2001.

SG-1000 Sega launched its first entry into the home video game industry with the SG-1000. The SG-1000 is a cartridge-based video game console released to the Japanese market in July 1983. The only known release outside of Japan for the original SG-1000 was in New Zealand – hey, that’s where I’m from!

SC-3000 The SC-3000 is the computer equivalent of the SG-1000. Often known as the "Sega Computer", it is the first and only computer designed and manufactured by Sega. Also released in July 1983, the SC-3000 is an 8-bit home computer based on the Z80 chip and is almost identical to the SG-1000 but with built-in keyboard and support for hardware expansions.

SC-3000 specifications Note: cartridge-based video games available for the SG-1000 were also compatible with the SC-3000.

Marketed in New Zealand, Australia, Finland, France, Italy, Spain and South Africa as a home computer for beginners, users were able to create their own programs and write their own games using the BASIC programming language, as well as in machine code.

The SC-3000 gained its biggest success outside of Japan in New Zealand – hey, that’s where I’m from! Therefore, by 1984, many "kiwis", including myself, acquired their first home computer: the SC-3000.

New Zealand also had its own Sega computer magazine to support the growing community, publish game code and to teach BASIC and machine code programming. Many of these resources are still available and can be found here at the Sega SC-3000 Survivors web site.

Sega Master System In July 1984, Sega released an updated version of the SG-1000 called the SG-1000 II. By 1986, the successor to the SG-1000 II, the Sega Mark III, was redesigned to become the Sega Master System. These were the last ever 8-bit video game consoles manufactured by Sega built using the Z80 chip.

Later, in 1988, Sega manufactured the 16-bit Mega Drive console before progressing to 32-bit consoles such as the Genesis, the Saturn and the Dreamcast.

Anniversary
July 2013 will mark the 30 year anniversary launch of the Sega SG-1000 and the SC-3000.
Therefore, what better way to celebrate than to play some classic Sega retro games!

In order to play Sega retro games on a modern-day computer, you will need an emulator installed and the game files themselves, or ROMs (ROM images) as they're called.

Emulation
An emulator is a software program that duplicates, or emulates, the functions of another computer system, in our case the SG-1000, the SC-3000 or the Sega Master System.

There are many emulators available to play Sega retro games but KEGA Fusion is one of the best:

Download Fusion364.zip and extract Double click on Fusion.exe to launch

Controller
If you have a joystick connected to your computer, e.g. wireless Xbox 360 controller;
Configure the controller for best game play experience:

Activate controller Launch Fusion.exe Options menu Set Config... Select Controllers tab Lower section Master System / GameGear Controllers Choose Port 1 Control Pad Use: Controller (Xbox) Click Define button Set directions Set button inputs Click Apply Click OK Close Fusion.exe Re-launch Fusion

Use the wireless Xbox controller for best game play experience!
Note: press ESC to alternate windowed / full-screen mode.

Retro Games
Finally, download the games!. Here is a great website that hosts many classic 8-bit Sega retro games.
For example, let’s play Monaco GP:

Download Monaco GP (Japan) (Rev 2).zip and extract Double click Monaco GP (Japan) (Rev 2).sg to launch Set Monaco GP ROM to open with Fusion.exe by default

Classic Games
Repeat the process above to play more classic 8-bit Sega retro games:

Year 1983 1984 1986 1987 1987 1987 1989

Game Congo Bongo Flicky The Castle After Burner Shinobi Wonderboy Golden Axe

Size 24 KB 32 KB 32 KB 512 KB 256 KB 128 KB 512 KB

Console SG-1000 / SC-3000 SG-1000 / SC-3000 SG-1000 / SC-3000 Sega Master System Sega Master System Sega Master System Sega Master System

Summary
The 1980s were a great era for 8-bit retro gaming and Sega built some classic, cartridge-based video games. As a result, inspiration grew from playing these retro games and, for the budding computer programmer, attention quickly turned to writing their own!

Programming options for retro games on Sega platforms include:

Sega BASIC Programming Sega Machine Code Programming Sega Assembly Programming Sega Console Programming

Consequently, many users began writing games initially on the Sega SC-3000 home computer using the BASIC programming language for its simplicity and ease-of-use. This will be the topic of the next post.