This is a proof of concept of a Core War VM for the X16.
It implements all ICWS'88 opcodes (plus a couple extra); as proof of concept it runs many of the "historical" redcode programs from that period. It has a PETSCII arena view which follows colorized redcode programs. Up to 8 programs may run at a time, and each may have up to 8 processes.
It does not handle operand expression math.
The project is here: https://github.com/bobbyjim/x16-corewar
Updated with a simple demo mode.
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1988 opcodes and modes supported.
Core size is 16,000.
Several redcode warriors included.
Command-line interface has step capability and can directly write instructions to the core.
Run breaks after 16,000 epochs, and can be continued if desired.
Operand expressions *NOT* supported.
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Two computer programs in their native habitat -- the memory chips of a digital computer -- stalk each other from address to address. Sometimes they go scouting for the enemy; sometimes they lay down a barrage of numeric bombs; sometimes they copy themselves out of danger or stop to repair damage. This is the game I call Core War. It is unlike almost all other computer games in that people do not play at all! The contending programs are written by people, of course, but once a battle is under way the creator of a program can do nothing but watch helplessly as the product of hours spent in design and implementation either lives or dies on the screen. The outcome depends entirely on which program is hit first in a vulnerable area.
