Rift64 Client is a native Commodore 64 client application developed in 6502/6510 Assembly. It serves as the frontend interface for the Rift64 network system, bringing dynamic content and interactive applications to legacy hardware over low-bandwidth serial connections.
The client establishes a serial connection using a virtual or physical modem over a SwiftLink, Turbo232, or compatible interface. Once connected, it processes stream commands from a Rift64-compatible server to render rich, real-time graphical and audio experiences directly on the Commodore 64.
- High-Speed Serial Communication: Full integration with SwiftLink and Turbo232 interfaces, supporting speeds up to 38400 baud.
- Dynamic Asset Streaming: Real-time rendering of metatiles, custom fonts, multicolor sprites, and bitmaps sent on-the-fly from remote servers.
- Optimized Video Layouts: Direct VIC-II chip control, including custom raster splits and hardware-driven scrolling capabilities.
- Audio and Sound Effects: Low-level integration with the SID chip, managing music and sound effects using dedicated script slots.
- Robust Network Protocol: Custom client-side handling of the lightweight RIFT64 transmission protocol.
- Platform: Commodore 64 (NTSC or PAL)
- Serial Interface: SwiftLink, Turbo232, or compatible interface (I/O address default at $DE00)
- Connection Speed: 38400 baud (recommended)
- Software Dependencies: KickAssembler (for compilation)
To assemble the source code into a runnable C64 program, use KickAssembler:
java -jar KickAss.jar rift64.asm
Load and run the compiled program on a Commodore 64 or within the VICE emulator:
LOAD "RIFT64",8,1
RUN