A (Space) Invaders game in 512 bytes #Gaming #VintageComputing #RetroComputing


Oscar Toledo G. has released a new (Space) Invaders game coded in 512 bytes. It fits in a DOS boot sector or the original COM executable file format.

This a game recreating the Invaders game in 512 bytes, that can be run as a COM file or put into a boot sector of a floppy disk to be run. Move with keyboard arrows to left and right, press Space to shoot.

Now it’s compatible with 8088 (the original IBM PC) but it still has the option for 80286 code in the source code. So you now have to look for a 8-bit compatible VGA card if you want to run it in original hardware 😉

The source code is on GitHub at https://github.com/nanochess/Invaders. If you want to assemble it, you must download the Netwide Assembler (nasm) from www.nasm.us

The game has been tested with VirtualBox for Mac OS X running Windows XP, it also works with DosBox and probably with qemu: qemu-system-x86_64 -fda invaders.img

Be aware that finding 8-bit capable VGA cards for the original 8088 IBM PCs can be a challenge. Compatible video cards come up on eBay regularly though.

See the video below for a demonstration.


Have an amazing project to share? The Electronics Show and Tell is every Wednesday at 7:30pm ET! To join, head over to YouTube and check out the show’s live chat and our Discord!

Join us every Wednesday night at 8pm ET for Ask an Engineer!

Join over 38,000+ makers on Adafruit’s Discord channels and be part of the community! http://adafru.it/discord

CircuitPython – The easiest way to program microcontrollers – CircuitPython.org


New Products – Adafruit Industries – Makers, hackers, artists, designers and engineers! — New Products 11/15/2024 Featuring Adafruit bq25185 USB / DC / Solar Charger with 3.3V Buck Board! (Video)

Python for Microcontrollers – Adafruit Daily — Python on Microcontrollers Newsletter: A New Arduino MicroPython Package Manager, How-Tos and Much More! #CircuitPython #Python #micropython @ThePSF @Raspberry_Pi

EYE on NPI – Adafruit Daily — EYE on NPI Maxim’s Himalaya uSLIC Step-Down Power Module #EyeOnNPI @maximintegrated @digikey

Adafruit IoT Monthly — The 2024 Recap Issue!

Maker Business – Adafruit Daily — Apple to build another chip at TSMC Arizona

Electronics – Adafruit Daily — SMT Tip – Stop moving around!

Get the only spam-free daily newsletter about wearables, running a "maker business", electronic tips and more! Subscribe at AdafruitDaily.com !


No Comments

No comments yet.

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.