asm-galacta

This was probably my favorite Computer Science project in college, and I have been wanting to revisit it for a while.

It is a simple game written in MIPS Assembly Language, runnable cross-platform using a Java runtime. The player controls a spaceship that can move left/right/up/down (arrow keys), and shoot projectiles at the enemies (B). It is loosely based on the classic arcade game Galaga.

Building this game was a great learning experience, and I am proud of the result to this day. About a year later was when I began learning app development in native iOS, and I can see now how this project was a stepping stone to that type of thinking.

Features

• Welcome screen with animated rainbow border
• Keyboard input for player movement and shooting
• Enemy spawning locations and timing randomized
• HUD with ammo, score, and lives
• Explosion animations when an enemy is hit
• Health drops to restore lives
• Game over screen with final score

Running the game

Prerequisites

• Java 8+ (I used Liberica JDK 21 LTS)
• Clone this repository:

git clone https://github.com/zpg6/asm-galacta.git

1. Open the JAR for the MIPS Simulator (tools/Mars.jar) and open the src/game.asm file.

2. Be sure to select "Assemble All Files" in the Settings menu.

3. Click the "Assemble" button and then the "Run" button.

4. Open the "Keypad and LED Display Simulator" and click the "Connect to MIPS" button.

5. Play the game!

Use the arrow keys to move the spaceship and the B key to shoot. Try to get the highest score you can!

If you lose a life, collect a falling health orb to restore one.