How do I create a cartridge for Pikuseru?

Cartridges are text files (.PIK format) containing code, graphics, and sounds. Use the included pikuseru-editor or manually write them based on PICO-8's .P8 structure with extended sections for languages like Python or Rhai.

Pikuseru vs PICO-8: which should I use?

Pikuseru is free, open-source, and supports multiple languages, but PICO-8 has a larger community and more polished tools. Choose Pikuseru for flexibility and embedding; PICO-8 for ease and ecosystem.

Can Pikuseru games run on the web?

Yes, via the pikuseru-rs crate with Wasm bindings, allowing cartridges to be compiled to WebAssembly for browser execution. This leverages the WASM scripting support mentioned in features.

What scripting languages work best with Pikuseru?

Rhai is the default with stable support, while Lua and Python require optional features. WASM offers performance but less integration. Choose based on your project's needs and build configuration.

How to add custom fonts or palettes?

Use the font() API to switch predefined fonts, but custom font creation isn't detailed. Palettes are WIP per the README, so you're limited to predefined ones like pico-8 or commodore for now.

Is Pikuseru good for game jams?

Yes, its rapid cartridge-based development, PICO-8 compatibility, and multi-language support make it suitable for quick prototypes, though the 128x128 resolution constraint may limit scope.

Open-Awesome

Pikuseru

MITRust

An open-source fantasy console engine written in Rust for creating games and applications with 128x128 pixel resolution.

GitHub

118 stars5 forks0 contributors

What is Pikuseru?

Pikuseru Console is an open-source fantasy console engine written in Rust that allows developers to create games and applications with a 128x128 pixel resolution. It solves the need for a flexible, embeddable game engine that supports multiple scripting languages and maintains compatibility with popular fantasy console formats like PICO-8.

Target Audience

Game developers, hobbyists, and educators looking for a lightweight, scriptable fantasy console engine that can be integrated into custom projects or used for prototyping small games.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Pikuseru Console for its Rust-based performance, multi-language scripting support (Lua, Python, Rhai, WASM), and compatibility with PICO-8 cartridges, offering a free and extensible alternative to proprietary fantasy consoles.

Overview

Open Source Fantasy Console in pure Rust [Core]

Use Cases

Best For

Creating retro-style pixel art games with limited resolution
Prototyping game mechanics quickly using cartridge-based development
Embedding a fantasy console into custom applications or frameworks
Learning game development with multiple scripting language options
Building tools or editors for fantasy console cartridges
Developing educational projects or game jams with PICO-8 compatibility

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring high-resolution graphics or 3D rendering beyond 128x128 pixels
Teams seeking full, unmodified PICO-8 Lua syntax compatibility
Applications needing built-in networking or real-time multiplayer features
Developers preferring drag-and-drop or visual scripting interfaces

Pros & Cons

Pros

Multi-Language Scripting

Supports Lua, Python, Rhai, and WASM for cartridge code with no size limits, offering flexibility in language choice as listed in the features.

PICO-8 Format Compatibility

Reads and writes PICO-8 .P8 and .PNG cartridges, enabling easy asset reuse and porting from the popular fantasy console ecosystem.

Embeddable Engine Core

Library-agnostic design allows integration into various platforms without dependency on specific graphics libraries, per the philosophy section.

Integrated Development Tools

Includes a launcher (pikuseru-console) and editor (pikuseru-editor) built with EGUI and Pixels, facilitating game creation and testing.

Cons

Incomplete API Documentation

Key sections like Memory, Mouse Input, and Palettes are marked as WIP in the README, indicating gaps or instability in available documentation.

Feature-Dependent Build Complexity

Requires enabling Cargo features (e.g., cpython, rlua) for language support, adding extra steps and potential configuration issues during setup.

Partial Syntax Support

Does not fully implement all PICO-8 Lua syntax, such as compound assignment operators, necessitating code modifications for compatibility, as noted in limitations.

Open Source Alternative To

Pikuseru is an open-source alternative to the following products:

PICO-8

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