X-BASIC = BASIC-KUN = BASIC KUN COMPILER Yes, this is MSX-BASIC compiler, that makes fast JIT compilations of MSX-BASIC code. Nestor BASIC is a variation of this BASIC compiler, that practically adds library of music replayers, graphic compressors, TCP/IP support etc. to MSX-BASIC.
SUPER-X is Leatherman type of all purpose toolset for all MSX debuging. It can be used to monitor / disassemble / modify all MSX ROM / RAM / disk areas / files as characters / assembler / kanji / ascii / hex.
Actually... I just tested... You can use the Karoshi corporation BAS to ROM converter to execute also X-BASIC programs in ROM format, if you have X-BASIC.ROM in other slot.
Even better...
- Convert your X-Basic program to ROM (ie. test.ROM)
- Type in Win DOS-prompt: COPY /B XBASIC.ROM+TEST.ROM READY.ROM
Now you have a ROM file (32K), that you can burn to cartridge with all X-BASIC speed & features.
The idea of such a "Dreamcompiler" is simple... Doing that, anyone could create great games for the MSX, and dump the ROMs on the web, and burn cartridges compatible with any MSX. Try to imagine new Konami quality games running on any MSX without any kind of extension.
You still need to be a good programmer to make Konami quality games. A compiler can't do anything to make your skills better.
If you are brilliant enough to design Konami quality games, you are smart enough to learn assembly to program them.
However, games such as Space Manbow would not need much multiplies or divides in-game.
Targeting a bullet needs a divide function, or a bresenham line function. I do not know which algorithm Konami used, do you?
To Guyver... In Yami no Ryu Ou remake, I am using the ArcTan function to trace bullet angles.
Perhaps I am smart enough to learn assembly, it's just that I am also lazy.
And where do I download X-Basic, Basic-Kun, etc. ?
Get NestorBASIC from http://msx.konamiman.com/ :)
for X-basic and a manual, look from: Download / Utilities / Miscellaneous
I would not be surpriced, if you already have this... To give you tip: Sieni pakottaa, MOD-player for MSX1, Shoot the flying windows, Lumi etc. are made with X-BASIC. For example Diary and Cat'n Mouse are made with NestorBasic. (Sorry, that the list contains so many of my own titles, but I know them best )
Google is your friend. Super-X is a bit harder, but you can get it, if you mail me.
Still, a freeware/PD/GPL MSX BASIC compatible BASIC compiler or interpreter in ROM, other than X-BASIC and its siblings, would be a Good Thing[tm] to have around. In combination with C-BIOS, it would make it possible to ship emulators with a completely duty-free set of ROMs ...
Anyway, I did not know that I could join X-Basic and my program in the same ROM. Doing this really suits my needs...