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Commodore 64 Programming with AI
Posted on 8/4/26 at 9:59 am
Posted on 8/4/26 at 9:59 am
A long time ago a buddy and I wrote a screenplay entitled "Parade of Death" along with a few sequels. I was screwing around with my new Commodore 64 Ultimate, VICE (C64 emulator), ChatGPT, and Codex. Basically I'd use ChatGPT to develop the vision, base graphics as inputs, and a prompt for Codex. Codex would take the inputs, write the Python to convert the graphics to something C64-compatible, write the Assembly to run it on the C64, execute it, assess it, make changes as necessary, and then deliver it to me, the human, to confirm quality before sending it to the actual C64U. I also had it create a theme tune to play while displaying this title screen. This was done in about six hours as I was doing other things.
Now I have to decide what I'm doing. Maybe a C64 graphic novel...?
Now I have to decide what I'm doing. Maybe a C64 graphic novel...?
1
Posted on 8/4/26 at 11:43 am to RoyalWe
Graphic Novel for the 64? Pretty niche market. But I applaud your efforts...it was a great platform in its day...there are many days I regret getting rid of all my Commodore stuff, never thought 'retro' would be a thing back then.
How about sharing your real thoughts on the 64U? Worth ordering one or stick with VICE?
How about sharing your real thoughts on the 64U? Worth ordering one or stick with VICE?
Posted on 8/4/26 at 11:58 am to dakarx
I wouldn't build anything to be marketable. It would just be for myself and close friends who read the originals.
I'm sure my C64 stuff was in my parent's attic and either got thrown away or sold with the house. Like you said, who knew retro would be a thing.
I think there are several good reasons to own a Commodore 64 Ultimate, but nostalgia is probably the biggest one.
It is not merely a modern computer running a C64 emulator. You have to relearn the old interface and remember how to interact with the machine. Even the simulated disk-drive sounds are eerily accurate. Formatting a disk sounds different from trying to access the drive without a disk mounted, just as it did on the original hardware. Those little details bring back the experience in a way that software emulation on a PC does not.
At the same time, it adds a lot of modern conveniences to a retro machine. It supports FTP, Telnet, and an HTTP web service. I have enjoyed learning how all of those pieces work together. Building a development loop between my Windows PC and the C64U was a fun project by itself. I can write and compile software on the PC, transfer it to the Ultimate, and immediately test it on something that behaves like real C64 hardware.
It also opens the door to other projects. I can experiment with digital electronics, create cartridges or hardware modifications, and use my 3D printer to make enclosures or replacement side panels. For example, people have added externally accessible microSD slots and physical reset, freeze, or reboot buttons.
That is probably the real appeal for me: it is both a computer and a project. The C64 is simple enough to make computing feel understandable again, but there is still plenty of room to build things, experiment, program, modify the hardware, and play the old games.
That said, I think you probably need to have had a real affection for the original Commodore 64 to justify buying one. Without that connection, it is an expensive and limited retro computer. With that connection, it is a surprisingly deep hobby platform that happens to recreate the original experience extremely well.
I'm sure my C64 stuff was in my parent's attic and either got thrown away or sold with the house. Like you said, who knew retro would be a thing.
I think there are several good reasons to own a Commodore 64 Ultimate, but nostalgia is probably the biggest one.
It is not merely a modern computer running a C64 emulator. You have to relearn the old interface and remember how to interact with the machine. Even the simulated disk-drive sounds are eerily accurate. Formatting a disk sounds different from trying to access the drive without a disk mounted, just as it did on the original hardware. Those little details bring back the experience in a way that software emulation on a PC does not.
At the same time, it adds a lot of modern conveniences to a retro machine. It supports FTP, Telnet, and an HTTP web service. I have enjoyed learning how all of those pieces work together. Building a development loop between my Windows PC and the C64U was a fun project by itself. I can write and compile software on the PC, transfer it to the Ultimate, and immediately test it on something that behaves like real C64 hardware.
It also opens the door to other projects. I can experiment with digital electronics, create cartridges or hardware modifications, and use my 3D printer to make enclosures or replacement side panels. For example, people have added externally accessible microSD slots and physical reset, freeze, or reboot buttons.
That is probably the real appeal for me: it is both a computer and a project. The C64 is simple enough to make computing feel understandable again, but there is still plenty of room to build things, experiment, program, modify the hardware, and play the old games.
That said, I think you probably need to have had a real affection for the original Commodore 64 to justify buying one. Without that connection, it is an expensive and limited retro computer. With that connection, it is a surprisingly deep hobby platform that happens to recreate the original experience extremely well.
Posted on 8/5/26 at 11:49 am to RoyalWe
Thanks for that write up!!
Guess i might be sending Peri and Mrs Fractic some $$$ to support their new venture and get a new toy to play with.
Guess i might be sending Peri and Mrs Fractic some $$$ to support their new venture and get a new toy to play with.
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