Level Generation - GoKawiil

RGC Online IDE tutorial adds multi-level progression to C64 BASIC dungeon crawler

Part 11 of the C64 BASIC Dungeon Crawler tutorial series introduces five dungeon levels, replacing the single-map, single-chalice design from part ten. Each level now requires collecting a growing number of chalices (using the formula CL=INT((LV+1)/2)) before stairs become accessible, with maps regenerated per level using an expanded version of the earlier generator. The updated code is playable and editable directly in the free RGC Online Retro IDE as part11a.bas.

retrogamecoders.com · 2026-11-02

Breakdown shows NetHack's Gnomish Mines use four-pass cellular automata

A technical write-up details how NetHack generates its Gnomish Mines levels: 40% of cells are randomly set as floor, then four passes of cellular automata rules (based on counting floor neighbors) reshape the grid into organic cave layouts, with a final step adding corridors to connect any isolated caves. The author breaks down each pass's rule set, noting that the first pass is applied without buffering while the remaining three use buffered updates across the whole grid.

boristhebrave.com · 2026-10-19