Orbis Basic 32x — Release Candidate 1

I am very happy to say that Orbis Basic 32x has reached Release Candidate 1.

This is a very important milestone for the project. The compiler is no longer only a technical experiment or a small demo tool. With this version, it is now possible to create real Sega 32X homebrew games and demos using simple BASIC code.

The goal of Orbis Basic 32x was always very clear: make Sega 32X development easier, faster, and more accessible, without requiring deep knowledge of low-level console programming. With Release Candidate 1, the most important building blocks are now in place.

What is supported now?

Orbis Basic 32x now supports the key features needed for complete game projects:

• Realtime graphics
• Image loading and drawing
• Scrolling backgrounds
• Character animation
• Sprite-style movement
• Audio playback
• Looping music/audio
• Full controller support
• Demo build scripts
• Simple BASIC-style commands
• 32X ROM generation

This means you can now build much more than small test programs. You can create platformers, arcade games, action games, puzzle games, menu systems, animated demos, music demos, and other complete Sega 32X projects.

Real games with simple BASIC

The biggest achievement of this version is not just one single feature. It is that all major parts now work together.

You can draw graphics, animate characters, scroll scenes, react to controller input, and play audio — all from a simple BASIC program.

That makes Orbis Basic 32x much more approachable for indie developers, hobbyists, retro fans, and people who always wanted to make something for the Sega 32X but did not want to start with a full low-level C or assembly setup.

The focus is on fast experimentation:

Write BASIC code. Build a ROM. Run it. Improve it. Repeat.

Release Candidate 1

This version is called Release Candidate 1 because the core feature set is now in place and the project is moving toward a stable public release.

There may still be polishing, documentation improvements, and small fixes before the final release, but the important foundation is here now.

For me personally, this is a big step. The Sega 32X is a fascinating system, but historically it has not been the easiest platform to develop for. Orbis Basic 32x tries to lower that barrier and make the system more fun to explore.

What can you make with it?

With the current feature set, you can already start building:

• Small arcade games
• Animated intros
• Music and audio demos
• Scrolling tech demos
• Character movement tests
• Menu-driven projects
• Experimental 32X games
• Full BASIC-based homebrew prototypes

And because generated ROMs can be distributed, it is possible to share your own Sega 32X creations with other retro fans.

Thank you

Thank you very much to everyone who followed the progress of Orbis Basic 32x so far.

This release candidate is a major milestone. The project now has realtime graphics, scrolling, animation, audio, and controller support working together in a simple BASIC workflow.

In other words:

You can now develop real Sega 32X games with Orbis Basic 32x.