Assembloids (Retail Version)

Playing Assembloids

To play the game (downloaded from the links above) you will need either a real C64 (and a method of transferring the files over to it) or an emulator. For emulator users, we recommend VICE, as it works on a variety of systems and is very user friendly. Just download the emulator and drag and drop the .prg file into the open program window (or attach the .crt image from the file menu).

When the game has loaded it will begin running through the attract sequence (logo, 'credits', 'how to play' and a short demo). Press fire on the joystick in port 1 or 2 (recommended) to skip through these screens and start the game. The title music will stop and a countdown will mark the beginning of the game.

The player's goal is to assemble faces using the tiles dropped in the central window, moving them to the adjacent windows by pushing the joystick in the corresponding direction before the time runs out (represented by the LEDs around the centre). There are four different faces consisting of four tiles each, and more points are awarded for creating faces using matching tile sets. To add some fun, the game speeds up during play.

Scoring

You achieve 10 points for a completely mixed face, 40 points for a part mixed face and 100 points in case only one tile is out of place. For a complete face, you score a whopping 300 points and another 500 points plus an extra life whenever you succeed in clearing the complete board!

After Game Over a four-digit CODE will be displayed in white letters. This code always corresponds to the current HIGH SCORE. You should note this code down, together with the high score – it can be re-entered next time you load the game (in the retail version) so you can attempt to beat your previous record. To do this, push the joystick up when on the 'how to play' screen is displayed. You can then enter the code and high score via the joystick or use it to validate your high score claims in web forums.

Additional Details & NTSC Compatibility

When you don't touch the joystick for a while outside of the game, you enter the ATTRACT MODE, i.e., the screens fade out after a while and you can watch the computer playing a few rounds automatically. You can exit the attract mode at any time by moving either joystick or pressing fire.

The retail version of Assembloids has been tested on both PAL and NTSC machines and works on the C64, C128 and C64GS (there is no keyboard input required to play). Additionally, the game has been coded to run at a comparable speed on both NTSC and PAL systems. SID 8580 recommended.

Order physical copies of Assembloids (Retail Version)

Cartridge version available at RGCD

Tape version available at Psytronik Software

Credits

Code & Design
Dr. Martin Wendt (RGCD/Onslaught)

Music & Sound Effects
Owen Crowley (Onslaught)

Graphics & Box Design
Ilija Melentijevic (RGCD)

Project Management, Manual & PAL Testing
James Monkman (RGCD)

PAL & NTSC Testing
David Simmons (Onslaught)
Sven Ruthner (Ptoing)
Raymond Lejuez (C64 World)

Cartridge Hardware
Tim Harris (Shareware Plus)

Assembloids is an Onslaught/RGCD production, Copyright 2012-13, published on cassette by Psytronik Software, and cartridge by RGCD 2013. Assembloids is based on 'Quartet', a Photon Storm game by Rich Davey and Ilija Melentijevic.