EQ on a Z80

[blondeattk]

due to the rise of a new computing platform in europe(primarily)...we are looking to port a version of eq over to it.

This is the resurrection of the humble 8bit computer....https://www.specnext.com

In reality this machine is a 3 processor computer, as it has an interface which connects to a pi zero. Thre is a gui in development for the machine, although it could be 4months before the alpha version emerges.

if anyone has coding exp and wants to help them.....https://www.facebook.com/groups/772267459595751

the initial port of eq would probably look more like might and magic 6, rather than a full blown 3d world. 3d graphics on the next are still rather esoteric and not yetfull understood.

Hope this project isof interest, especially to european members who recall the spectrum.

(the next currently has the same power as a maxed out amiga 1200)

imo a version of eq can be achieved that is equivalent of EverQuest Online Adventures eg the console version.

pm for more info )

[blondeattk]

no classical rpg buffs here?


prob not too many spectrum fans, being mostly smelly americans....

[Izmael]

I fail to see why anyone would want to play EQ on a 1982 computer.

[Qtip]

I fail to see why anyone would want to play EQ on a 1982 computer.

He said in europe...

https://youtu.be/1mYqY5YELd0

[blondeattk]

I fail to see why anyone would want to play EQ on a 1982 computer.

its a 2017 computer that is 8 bit, please learn to read. or get an education outside of america so that you can read.

tbh the next is more of a 16bit computer, its an 8bit computeron STEROIDS due to all the tweaks it has.

[blondeattk]

https://scontent.fbrs1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/21587011_10155050333205875_1106683348087969736_o.j pg?oh=c695d9c4d72b5bbb0dbf2ceb1597de07&oe=5A3EC18E

[Izmael]

Still not sure what is the point of the project. Good luck porting a 3D game from 1999 to a 8 bit CPU.

[blondeattk]

Still not sure what is the point of the project. Good luck porting a 3D game from 1999 to a 8 bit CPU.

I dont need luck, i have contacts!

there are folk with doctorates working on this project. Its going pretty smooth so far. Tho its a tad slow as folk have day jobs.

tbh its unlikely we would port the 3d char models, just the zones. the npcs would be 2d sprites to start with. Am sure in time somone will crack how to do the models too. SOme very innovative thinking in this project. some of the coders have 40 years of computer experience under their belt.

[georgie]

I will not be keeping up with this project

[Swish]

I like the concept, would be interesting to see what zones would look like.

But yeah, Luclin models and 8-bit models are equally unclassic :p

[Muggens]

Stuff like this is kool. Tho I barely remember the z80. I'll look for a NES port later - may the bits n bolts be with u

[SamwiseRed]

i wouldnt call this a port. cool idea but I think the 8 bit processer is gonna be way to constrictive.

[blondeattk]

i dont seem to be communicating this very well.

please take a look at this history....

https://www.specnext.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=762

[blondeattk]

i wouldnt call this a port. cool idea but I think the 8 bit processer is gonna be way to constrictive.

yeah you would think so, but the kicker here is the processor is effectively running at ~300mhz, due to the copro accelerator.

which is enough for a 3d landscape, using 512 colour palette.

we could cheat and run the 3d mobs from the raspberry pi, but that would make me feel really really dirty :P

[Izmael]

My very first computer was actually a Sinclair ZX81. I even had the 16 kilobytes (!) RAM extension.

Using it felt absolutely amazing.

[blondeattk]

you get my pm?

i found this recently...

https://youtu.be/U0GyQCYVb2s

this looks pre alpha version of the engine?

would be great to play about with it. any ideas on where to find it?

nm....http://www.mediafire.com/file/t248wccp8dyhddt/oldeq.zip

[mickmoranis]

you get my pm?

i found this recently...

https://youtu.be/U0GyQCYVb2s

this looks pre alpha version of the engine?

would be great to play about with it. any ideas on where to find it?

nm....http://www.mediafire.com/file/t248wccp8dyhddt/oldeq.zip

what does one have to do to play this old eq?

[blondeattk]

`what does one have to do to play this old eq?`

sacrifice your first born womble to asmodeus.

its not working for me,some prompt pops up about needing 256 colours!!

[plasma1010]

I fail to see why anyone would want to play EQ on a 1982 computer.

Or live in a country that dresses like its 1982

[mickmoranis]

`what does one have to do to play this old eq?`

sacrifice your first born womble to asmodeus.

its not working for me,some prompt pops up about needing 256 colours!!

guess Ill have to get a 1982 computer! :confused:

[Vormotus]

Out of curiosity are there any screenshots of say, an area or these 2d sprites or dummy models in action running on this cpu?