Techniques for Fitting NES Game Micro Mages into 40 Kilobytes

Introduction

The NES game micro mages is a vertically scrolling platformer with a cartoonish occult theme that was developed with the specific challenge of fitting the game into a mere 40 kilobytes of storage space. In this article, we will explore the various techniques used by the developers to accomplish this feat and provide an overview of the creative solutions they employed.

Background

The NES console was created in the early 80s when electronic storage space was severely limited and expensive. The console could only access 40 kilobytes of game data at one time, posing a significant challenge for game developers in terms of storage limitations. Despite these constraints, classic games like Super Mario Bros managed to maximize the available space to create impressive gameplay experiences.

Development Plans

The developers of micro mages were inspired by the limitations of early NES games and sought to create a new game with similar constraints. Their vision included a vertically scrolling platformer with multiplayer capabilities, elemental magic spells, and engaging boss battles, all within the 40 kilobyte limit.

Programming in 6502 Assembly

To achieve maximum control and speed in their game development, the team chose to write all code in 6502 assembly. This allowed them to carefully manage the allocation of the available 40 kilobytes of memory.

Graphics Optimization

The developers split the graphics into two tables – one for background elements and the other for independently moving foreground elements (sprites). They strategically optimized sprite sizes and reused sprite tiles to minimize the amount of graphic space required.

Level Map Compression

To fit a reasonable number of levels within the 40 kilobyte limit, the team employed various techniques for compressing level maps, including the use of meta tiles and meta meta tiles to reduce the amount of data required for background graphics. They also explored the concept of symmetric levels and developed methods for adding diversity while still conserving space.

Adding Extra Content

With the space saved through optimizations, the team was able to add a hard mode to the game without significantly increasing the overall storage requirements. They achieved this by making changes to enemy behavior and level palettes, allowing for a more challenging gameplay experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the developers of micro mages utilized a combination of creative programming, graphics optimization, and level map compression techniques to fit their game into the limited 40 kilobyte space. By overcoming the constraints of the NES platform, they were able to deliver a rich and engaging gaming experience. Their ingenuity and resourcefulness serve as a testament to the potential for innovation within technical limitations.