Os copio las reglas de MSXdev'06 a todos (cogidas de
aquí) para que nadie se lleve sorpresas desagradables. Sé que a los hombres nunca nos resulta fácil leer unas instrucciones, pero creo que nos conviene a todos los participantes estar familiarizados con ellas:
As in the previous editions of MSXdev, the selected format is the MSX ROM file. Cartridges have been the most successful media format for first generation MSX computers, and most of the best games ever produced were published in this format. Nowadays, this format is also interesting because it can be easily loaded into real MSX
computers, using a Flash cartridge, a ROM loader or a ROM converter, and it can also be used directly on emulators. Eduardo Robsy's filosophy about the spirit of this contest still prevails on it, and because of this the games should be in compliance with the MSX standard definition.
All the games should be 100% compatible with the minimum MSX configuration, that is defined as follows in the referred “MSX Technical Data Book”:
CPU: Zilog Z80 running at 3.58 Mhz
VDP: TMS9918/TMS9928 or compatible video processor
PSG: AY-3-8912 or compatible sound chip
Cassette interface: 1200/2400 baud
RAM: 16 KB located in page 3 (C000h-FFFFh)
VRAM: 16 KB
Therefore the games will be tested and evaluated using this configuration. Other compatibility tests will be performed in different configurations, including MSX, MSX2, MSX2+ and Turbo-R computers. The games should work perfectly in any MSXcompliant machine. If a game does not run properly in all MSX generations, its score
will be penalised in accordance to the importance of the detected issues.
In addition, it is also allowed to make use of other additional MSX hardware or facilities included in newer generations, such as SCC, SCC+, MSX-Music, MSX-Audio or Moonsound music, or V9938, V9958 or GFX9000 graphics, Z80H, R800, disk drive, etcetera. This time, those additions will be taken into account by the jury when determining the final quality of the game.
The maximum size for the games will be 128 KB although smaller games are allowed. The following list are the only allowed mappers: konami without SCC, konami with SCC, ASCII 8KB and ASCII 16KB. Those are the most common MegaROM mappers, but still we think it is interesting to define the allowed mappers in order not to get games that could have severe uncompatibilities with existing hardware such as flash ROMs (thanks goes to manuel, dvik and Edwin for pointing us that fact in order us to include it inside the rules). For more inforation about these mappers, please check this technical document (thanks goes to BiFi for providing the information).
These ROM files can be developed using any programming language. There are no requirements here, but of course assembler is strongly recommended. Other compiled and/or interpreted languages are perfectly admissible. MSX BASIC can be used as well, when converted into a MSX ROM.
Although original games will be preferred, non-original concept games will be also accepted. This includes conversions from arcades and/or other console or computer systems, as well as adaptations of already existent games. However, recompiled games are not acceptable. Already released games or hacked games will not be accepted either. In case of doubt, the jury is entitled to ask for proofs, such as the source code of the game. Any suspicious game would be disqualified if the jury decides so. It should be remarked that only complete games will be accepted: beta-versions, demos or “to be finished” games will not be included in the contest.
Besides this, all the games should be accompanied by the required game instructions written in english and a high-resolution cartridge full-colour sticker.
