Tier 1: Copper Chase - Color Bar Movement and Copper Mastery

Welcome to your first Amiga game development project! Copper Chase introduces you to 68000 assembly programming through creating a complete copper coprocessor-based game. Learn the Amiga’s revolutionary custom chip architecture and the fundamentals of professional Amiga game development.

What You’ll Build

Copper Chase - A complete copper-based movement game featuring:

• Horizontal color bar controlled by player input
• Pure copper coprocessor programming (no sprites)
• Copper-generated obstacles and targets
• Responsive keyboard/mouse controls
• 4-channel Paula audio effects
• Professional VBlank-synchronized game loop

Game Concept

Control a horizontal color bar that moves up and down the screen using the Amiga’s copper coprocessor. Navigate through copper-generated obstacles while collecting targets, all created using pure hardware programming without sprites or traditional graphics.

Learning Journey (32 Lessons)

Foundation (Lessons 1-8)

• Lesson 1: Amiga system setup and custom chips
• Lesson 2: Understanding the copper coprocessor
• Lesson 3: Create basic copper lists
• Lesson 4: Control vertical positioning
• Lesson 5: Manipulate color registers
• Lesson 6: Read keyboard/mouse input
• Lesson 7: Create dynamic copper lists
• Lesson 8: Add boundary limits

Copper Programming (Lessons 9-16)

• Lesson 9: Create multiple copper objects
• Lesson 10: Add animated copper effects
• Lesson 11: Implement collision detection
• Lesson 12: Create scoring system
• Lesson 13: Add moving obstacles
• Lesson 14: Implement target collection
• Lesson 15: Add level progression
• Lesson 16: Create lives system

Visual Enhancement (Lessons 17-24)

• Lesson 17: Add copper gradient effects
• Lesson 18: Create copper starfield
• Lesson 19: Implement advanced copper effects
• Lesson 20: Add copper-based “sprites”
• Lesson 21: Create screen transitions
• Lesson 22: Add status display
• Lesson 23: Create title screen
• Lesson 24: Add copper particle effects

Audio and Completion (Lessons 25-32)

• Lesson 25: Paula audio basics
• Lesson 26: Create sample-based sound effects
• Lesson 27: Add 4-channel music
• Lesson 28: Implement game options
• Lesson 29: Create high score system
• Lesson 30: Add power-up effects
• Lesson 31: Performance optimization
• Lesson 32: Complete game packaging

Core Skills Developed

68000 Assembly Programming: Learn fundamental assembly concepts through practical application.

Custom Chip Programming: Master the Amiga’s legendary custom chip architecture.

Copper Coprocessor: Control the unique copper chip for real-time display effects.

Color Manipulation: Advanced color register control and palette effects.

Audio Programming: 4-channel sample playback using Paula.

System Programming: Direct hardware control and timing.

Why Copper Programming?

Copper programming is the perfect introduction to Amiga development because it teaches:

• Custom chip architecture: Understanding the Amiga’s revolutionary design
• Hardware acceleration: Direct control of specialized processors
• Real-time effects: Frame-perfect timing and synchronization
• Memory efficiency: Working with DMA and custom chip memory
• Parallel processing: Multiple chips working together

Technical Highlights

• Pure Hardware: No CPU-based graphics, only custom chips
• Copper Lists: Real-time display list programming
• Color Effects: Dynamic color manipulation
• Paula Audio: Direct DMA audio programming
• VBlank Timing: Professional frame synchronization
• Memory Management: Chip RAM vs Fast RAM optimization

Amiga-Specific Features

Custom Chip Architecture: Master Agnus, Denise, and Paula chips.

Copper Coprocessor: Real-time display list programming.

Color Registers: 32-color palette manipulation.

Paula Audio: 4-channel DMA-based sound system.

Memory Types: Chip RAM vs Fast RAM considerations.

Project Outcomes

By completing Copper Chase, you will have:

• Created your first complete Amiga game
• Mastered fundamental 68000 assembly programming
• Learned copper coprocessor programming
• Built a reusable Amiga game architecture framework
• Developed professional game development skills
• Created a polished, playable game for your portfolio

This project establishes the foundation for all future Amiga game development, teaching you the essential skills needed to create increasingly complex and impressive games throughout Phase 1, from basic copper effects to advanced blitter operations and beyond.