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Beginners > Super Noobie post - Getting Started plan and questions.

#65727 - Meatwad - Thu Jan 05, 2006 7:44 am

Howdy folks, I'm new to all this, and have some questions on a lot of stuff. I've only read the first 1/3 or so of the FAQ, so if something has already been answered, just kick my ass and tell me to RTFM. XD

First, a bit of background, so you know where I'm coming from.

I'm starting with GBA programming, even though I will be leading into DS development, because it's an obvious path, and the GBA has better documentation right now.

My current learning plan:
Right now, I'm reading Programming the Gameboy Advance's online version
I plan to follow that up with the TONC tutorials and then follow the Crash Course

Now, this should get me off to a good start with GBA programming.
(I've done C++ for a few years now, so I am fairly comfortable with it)

I'm doing the development primarily for my Red DS, and I know all abouth the firmware problems, but I'm not worried.

Anywho, on to the questions.
1. Which Flash Cart currently supports GBA Development best?
2. Which Flash Cart currently supports DS Development best? ( I know about the passkey and whatnot, so ou can skip the info on it)
3. VBA can be used to run my GBA code well, but which DS emulator can run test code best?
4. How big of a jump will going from GBA 2d programming, to the DS's 3d modes?
Finally, what are some examples of the best programs the dev. scene has to offer?

I'm sure I have more questions, but I can't think of them now...

#65768 - tepples - Thu Jan 05, 2006 5:17 pm

Meatwad wrote:
1. Which Flash Cart currently supports GBA Development best?

Any NOR card. Flash2Advance and EFA-Linker are popular. You could also use a SuperCard if you want access to the CF card.

Quote:
2. Which Flash Cart currently supports DS Development best?

Currently, SuperCard CF. It's the only one where you can pak-swap the NAND memory card without removing the adapter.

Quote:
3. VBA can be used to run my GBA code well, but which DS emulator can run test code best?

There does not exist an emulator that's even as accurate at emulating the Nintendo DS as Nesticle is at the NES. You'll probably have to move a CF card back and forth between your PC and your Supercard.

Quote:
4. How big of a jump will going from GBA 2d programming, to the DS's 3d modes?

Nintendo DS 3D is a subset of OpenGL.

Quote:
Finally, what are some examples of the best programs the dev. scene has to offer?

The games on the gbadev.org compo cart (coming to a romsite near you), and perhaps [plug]TOD and Luminesweeper[/plug]
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#65843 - gauauu - Fri Jan 06, 2006 2:34 am

MrD's Blast Arena Advance, while simple, is one of my favorites.

#65864 - MrD - Fri Jan 06, 2006 8:23 am

It's best to get to TONC as soon as you can. When you hit TONC, everything else makes much more sense. If your C-fu is good, then you don't have to do this, but Allegro is loads of fun to chuck around if you're a little rusty on some aspects of C.

Quote:
1. Which Flash Cart currently supports GBA Development best?

I like EZFA carts, but that's only because it's the only type I've used and it does the job 110%.

I'm a bit partial to a bit of Another World on the GBA... (but I guess that doesn't help if you're looking for examples of background and sprite uses)

But now, I must glomp gauauu. :)
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#70425 - RickA - Mon Feb 06, 2006 10:37 am

MrD wrote:

I'm a bit partial to a bit of Another World on the GBA... (but I guess that doesn't help if you're looking for examples of background and sprite uses)


You wouldn't be willing to post that file somewhere would you? It looks like the main site is down (don't know for how long or since when though).

#71872 - douglasking - Wed Feb 15, 2006 12:57 am

I am partial to the M3 Movie Player..,

http://www.m3adapter.com/

They come in CF and SD versions. The software/firmware is updated frequently and you can also remove the SD card without removing the cartridge. The CF cartridge must still be removed.

If you get any removable media flash kit, be sure to get the fastest (50X and above) that you can afford.

It makes a difference.

Good luck!