Introduction

If you're writing a game for the CPC this cross-development GUI tool will allow you to generate ready-to-use sprites and loading screens for the CPC in assembly language.

NOTE this initial release doesn't include any error checking so may crash at inopportune moments - save your work regularly.

This software is free and open source. It is very much work in progress, so if it breaks or is confusing, let me know!

Features

• Edit in Mode 0, 1, or 2.
• Export to MAXAM/WinApe ready assembler
• Select palette from authentic Amstrad set of 27
• Import any image file and convert to amstrad sprite or loading screen
• Import any video file and generate an assembly program to replicate on the CPC
• Export a blank image with indexed amstrad palette for editing in external paint program. Can be reimported.
• Includes a full test program to see your sprites in action on the CPC.
  
• Includes a basic level editor
• Includes a basic sound effects / music tracker.
• Cross Platform, run under Windows or Mac/Linux via MONO runtime.

Downloads

Download Windows XP/Vista Installer here:  AMSprite_setup.rar 1.2 (Requires .Net Framework 2.0)
Download Windows/Linux/Mac MONO Assemblies here : AMSprite_mono.rar 1.2 (Requires MONO 2.4 runtime minimum). NOTE I have tested the program under MONO and most features seem to work OK but you may experience bugs...

The source code is stored in a Subversion repository here, and is publicly available (read only). I recommend TortoiseSVN as a simple Windows based Subversion client. You will need VS2008 Pro or the free Express edition of Visual Basic .Net 2008 to make changes. If you make any changes, send me a diff and I will integrate.

Work in Progress

I am currently putting finishing the touches on a music tracker + sound effects editor. I have written a native .Net AY emulator so this should also work in Linux/Mac under MONO.

I am also actively tracking bugs in the MONO runtime that affect AMSprite and reporting these to the MONO community.

What's New

Version 1.2 26-May-09

• Functional (just) tracker and SFX tracker.
• Core functionality now fully working under MONO runtime.

Version 1.1 30-Apr-09 

• Level Editor
• Video Import and convert utility
• Animation preview
• Windows binary -> CPC assembly tool
• Numerous bug fixes and UI improvements
• Edit in Mode 2/Spectrum monochrome

Contact

You can contact me at lachlankeown @t gmail

Lachlan Keown

New Zealand