So I’m checking out the AppUp Center for new games and I come across DarkBASIC from The Game Creators. I look at the description and realize this is not a game, it’s a game development language, leveraging DirectX via the BASIC programming language for simple game development.

For $9.99 I’m thinking, OK I’ll try this, I’m sure I can expense it right, and how fun to flashback to college days of BASIC programming, i.e:

1. n=1
2. Print “Hello World “
3. n=n+1
4. If n>=10 Then Goto 6
5. Goto 2
6. End

Only LOGO was easier right? (Turn 90, Go 10, turn 20:)

So as I took a look I have to admit I was impressed with the graphic demos showing radiosity effects, water rendering and First Person Shooter examples that ran smoothly on my Dell Mini 10 netbook. It would seem the level of development and graphics are perfect for Netbooks and allows you to get back to some basics of game development. Could be fun to teach your kids game development, or have a contest with your friends and family on who can create a more awesome version of Omega Race or Moon Lander.

Go to intel.com/appup to download, and fall in love with BASIC development again:-)

Here’s a real quick video of me walking you thru some DarkBASIC demos .

Sample Code:

XRotate Object 1, 180 Scale Sprite 1, 100 Mirror Bitmap 1 Set Text Font "Arial" Set Light To Object Position If Joystick Fire A() Then GoSub PlayerShoot

Sample Texture Effects

Resources:

• Intel's AppUp Center
• The Game Creators
• DarkBasic Features
• BASIC Programming Language
• Follow Bob Duffy on Twitter