When I started in technology in the 1980s, I often lamented that there were no stories or adventures in technology. Geography had history, Mathematics and Physics had history, and even History had history.
In truth, the history of technology is filled with incredible characters, many of them far from the spotlight that now illuminates today’s great billionaires. Before the glorified days of startups and big techs, there were figures like Ada Lovelace, considered the first programmer; Ted Codd, the father of relational databases; Alan Turing, whose genius laid the foundations for modern computing; Tim Berners-Lee, who gifted us with the World Wide Web; and lesser-remembered pioneers like Leonard Kleinrock and Ray Tomlinson, who shaped the foundations of what we now know as the internet and email.
Then came the names that dominated headlines and wealth: Steve Jobs with his vision of design and innovation, Bill Gates with Microsoft, Sergey Brin and Larry Page turning internet searches into an empire with Google, and another Larry—Ellison—who built a database empire with Oracle.
But the history of technology is much richer than the names that became brands or amassed billions. There are countless unsung heroes and stories that continue to inspire generations. Today, however, we won’t dive into this universe of billions and bytes… we’ll talk about the MSX.
Oh, by the way, I still have one working here. It’s my little DeLorean of computing, ready to take me back in time whenever I want!
The MSX was one of the most iconic microcomputer platforms of the 1980s, bringing innovation and accessibility to the world of personal computing. Combining a unified technical standard with a wide range of manufacturers, the MSX captivated enthusiasts, professionals, and gamers alike. Let’s explore its origin, history in Brazil, technical specifications, programming languages, and the games that defined an era.
MSX Origins
The MSX standard was conceived in 1983 by Kazuhiko Nishi, vice president of Microsoft Japan, and Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft. The goal was to create a unified standard for microcomputers, similar to the VHS format in the videocassette market.
- First Manufacturer: Matsushita (Panasonic) launched the first commercial model.
- MSX: The acronym has various interpretations, but it is believed to stand for “MicroSoft eXtended.”
MSX in Brazil
In Brazil, the MSX arrived in the mid-1980s, initially imported by enthusiasts and later manufactured by local companies.
Main Manufacturers in Brazil:
- Gradiente Expert: One of the most popular models in Brazil.
- Sharp Hotbit: Another major national bet.
- CCE MC-1000: Simpler, but still within the MSX standard.
Uses of the MSX
The MSX was designed to be a multifunctional microcomputer:
- Home Use: Education, entertainment, and games.
- Professional Use: Office automation, programming, and graphics.
Companies used the MSX as a low-cost solution to digitize operations, while developers explored the standard to create educational and entertainment software.
Key Accessories
- Floppy Disk Unit: For storing data on 3.5” disks.
- Memory Expansion Cartridge: Expanded RAM, essential for more complex games.
- Joystick and Keyboard: Crucial for gaming and programming.
- Cassette Recorder: Used for loading and saving programs.
- Modem: Allowed rudimentary network connections, a precursor to today’s internet.
Technical Specifications
- Processor: Zilog Z80 at 3.58 MHz.
- RAM: 16 KB to 128 KB (expandable).
- Storage: Cassette tapes or floppy disks.
- Graphics: Resolution of 256×192 pixels with up to 16 colors.
- Audio: PSG (Programmable Sound Generator) with 3 channels.
Evolution of MSX Standards
- MSX1: First version.
- MSX2: Improved graphics and sound.
- MSX2+ and MSX Turbo R: Advanced models with better performance.
Programming Languages
- MSX-BASIC: Built into the ROM, it was the primary programming language.
- Assembler: For low-level applications, directly utilizing the Z80 processor.
- Pascal and C: Used by professionals and students.
- LOGO: Popular in educational environments.
Games That Defined an Era
MSX games captivated generations, including classics that defined entire genres.
Top Titles:
- Metal Gear (Konami): The debut of the famous stealth franchise.
- The Maze of Galious (Konami): An adventure and platformer game.
- Knightmare (Konami): An epic adventure with impressive graphics.
- Aleste (Compile): One of the best shooters of its time.
- Bomb Jack (Tehkan): Addictive platforming gameplay.
- Yie Ar Kung-Fu (Konami): A pioneer in fighting games.
The MSX was not just a computer; it was a tool that inspired creativity, learning, and fun. Whether programming in BASIC, playing Knightmare, or writing your very first lines of code, the MSX was a gateway to a universe of possibilities. It’s not just part of history; it’s a living legend, like the heroes we’ve always admired. May the Force be with the MSX… and with you, nostalgia adventurer!
Star Wars-Inspired Games on MSX
- Star Wars (1986)
- Developer: The Bytebusters
- Description: This action game puts the player in control of a spaceship, facing waves of enemies in a style reminiscent of Star Wars’ space battles.
- Star Wars (1985)
- Developer: Frédéric Markus
- Description: Published in the Hebdogiciel magazine, this BASIC game allows the player to pilot a spaceship and destroy enemy ships, evoking the atmosphere of the saga’s space battles.
Star Trek-Inspired Games on MSX
- Star Trek (1986)
- Developer: SEGA
- Description: Known as “Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator,” this simulation game places the player in command of the USS Enterprise, fighting Klingon ships and protecting starbases.
- Super Star Trek (2007)
- Developer: PIROYAN
- Description: An updated version of the classic text-based game, where the player commands the Enterprise on strategic missions through space.
These games, despite their technical limitations, captured fans’ imaginations and brought the adventures of Star Wars and Star Trek into the universe of MSX microcomputers. Often created by enthusiasts, they were programmed in MSX-BASIC, an interpreted language embedded in MSX computers.
Star Wars (1985) by Frédéric Markus
This game was published in the French magazine Hebdogiciel in 1985. The code was provided for readers to manually type into their MSX computers. Below is a snippet of MSX-BASIC code that defines the game’s title screen:
10 PRINT "STAR WARS"
20 PRINT "BY FREDERIC MARKUS"
30 PRINT "PRESS A KEY TO START"
40 A$=INPUT$(1)
50 GOSUB 1000
60 ' ... Continuation of the game code ...
1000 ' Initialization routine
1010 SCREEN 1
1020 COLOR 15,0,0
1030 CLS
1040 RETURN
Super Star Trek (2007) by PIROYAN
“Super Star Trek” is an updated version of the classic text-based game where the player commands the USS Enterprise on strategic missions through space. Below is an example of MSX-BASIC code that defines the space quadrant matrix:
100 DIM Q(8,8)
110 FOR I=1 TO 8
120 FOR J=1 TO 8
130 Q(I,J)=INT(RND(1)*3) ' 0=Empty, 1=Klingon, 2=Star
140 NEXT J
150 NEXT I
160 ' ... Continuation of the game code ...
Games for the MSX, especially those developed in MSX-BASIC, offer a fascinating glimpse into game programming in the 1980s. While simple by today’s standards, they showcase the creativity and ingenuity of developers from that era. Exploring these codes is like traveling back in time and appreciating the roots of video games.
We have far more technology stories than Star Wars and Star Trek combined. It’s up to you, my dear Padawan—whether from the new generation or mine—not to let them fade away.
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