Phase 1: 6502 Assembly Through Tile-Based Games

Phase 1 introduces you to 6502 assembly programming through creating 16 complete games. Each game teaches one core programming concept while building a playable, engaging experience that showcases the Nintendo Entertainment System’s powerful PPU and sprite capabilities.

Learning Philosophy: One Concept, One Game

Each game in Phase 1 focuses on a single core programming concept:

1. Tile Walker - Tile-based movement and sprite positioning
2. Coin Corners - Collision detection and collection
3. Spike Jumper - Gravity and platform mechanics
4. Switch Sprint - State management and triggers
5. Bubble Pop - Projectile physics and timing
6. Tile Twins - Pattern matching and logic
7. Spring Board - Advanced physics and momentum
8. Garden Grow - Resource management and growth systems
9. Pet Trainer - Simple AI and following behavior
10. Element Switch - Transformation and state changes
11. Tile Take - Territory control and conversion
12. Combo Colors - Combination mechanics and scoring
13. Platform Path - Navigation and pathfinding
14. Tower Block - Construction and stacking
15. Dash Dots - Speed and reflex challenges
16. Tile Master - Advanced tile manipulation

Why 16 Games?

Focused Learning: Each game concentrates on one concept, preventing overwhelming complexity while ensuring mastery.

Immediate Application: Every 6502 instruction you learn serves a purpose in your current game project.

Portfolio Building: Graduate with 16 complete games showcasing different skills and techniques.

Genre Diversity: Experience various game types, from action to puzzles to simulations.

Progressive Complexity: Start with simple concepts and build to advanced techniques.

NES-Specific Advantages

Hardware Sprites: Master the PPU’s 64 hardware sprites with automatic priority handling.

Tile-Based Graphics: Learn the efficient pattern table system that defined NES aesthetics.

APU Sound: Create music and sound effects using the NES’s 5-channel audio processor.

Mapper Support: Understand how memory mappers expand the NES’s capabilities.

Authentic Experience: Use the same techniques and constraints that created legendary NES games.

Game Development Structure

Each game follows the same learning pattern over 32 lessons:

Foundation (Lessons 1-8)

• Set up the game structure and memory layout
• Create pattern table graphics and sprites
• Implement core mechanics and controls
• Add controller input handling

Enhancement (Lessons 9-16)

• Add visual polish with sprite animations
• Implement game state management
• Create scoring and progression systems
• Add collision detection and physics

Polish (Lessons 17-24)

• Integrate APU sound effects and music
• Optimize performance for smooth gameplay
• Add advanced PPU effects
• Create menus and user interface

Mastery (Lessons 25-32)

• Professional-quality polish and refinement
• Advanced optimization techniques
• Special effects and visual tricks
• Complete game packaging and testing

Technical Skills Covered

Assembly Programming: Complete 6502 instruction set, addressing modes, and programming techniques.

PPU Programming: Sprite control, background rendering, scrolling, pattern tables, nametables.

APU Audio: Pulse waves, triangle waves, noise channel, DMC sampling, music composition.

Memory Management: Zero page optimization, sprite DMA, memory mappers, bank switching.

Game Architecture: NMI-based timing, state machines, object management, collision detection.

Optimization: Cycle counting, memory usage optimization, performance profiling.

Platform-Specific Features

Sprite System: 8×8 and 8×16 sprites with hardware priority and flickering management.

Background System: Tile-based backgrounds with hardware scrolling capabilities.

Pattern Tables: Efficient graphics storage and CHR-ROM/RAM management.

Palette System: 4-color sprite palettes and background palettes.

Memory Mappers: Understanding MMC1, MMC3, and other mapper chips.

NES Heritage

Classic Techniques: Learn the methods used in famous NES games like Super Mario Bros. and Metroid.

Hardware Mastery: Direct control over every aspect of the NES’s custom chips.

Nintendo Quality: The polish and attention to detail that defined the NES era.

Homebrew Community: Join the thriving community of modern NES developers.

Learning Outcomes

By completing Phase 1, you will:

• Write fluent 6502 assembly code for the NES
• Create complete games from concept to completion
• Master PPU graphics and APU sound programming
• Build a portfolio of 16 finished games
• Understand professional NES development techniques
• Be prepared for advanced topics in Phase 2

Assessment

Progress is measured through:

• Completion of each game (playable and engaging)
• Code quality, organization, and documentation
• Understanding of concepts demonstrated in code
• Creative use of NES hardware features
• Technical proficiency growth across projects

Each game serves as both a learning exercise and a portfolio piece, demonstrating your growing mastery of 6502 assembly programming and the tile-based game development techniques that made the Nintendo Entertainment System the gold standard for home video game consoles.