Robert Bernardo’s fourth video from VCF West features developer Dan Salvato presenting his new Magicore Anomala Amiga project—a modern bullet-hell platformer built entirely for stock Amiga 500 hardware. Known for creating Doki Doki Literature Club, Salvato takes a deep technical dive into how modern development tools can breathe new life into vintage machines.
From the start, Salvato’s talk is both candid and captivating. He shares his early connection to the Amiga, a system he first used as a child, describing it as a computer with “personality.” That passion eventually grew into a lifelong goal: making an original game for the platform. With Magicore Anomala Amiga, he’s now fulfilling that dream—coding everything in assembly while targeting a stock 7 MHz Motorola 68000.
The talk demonstrates how Salvato uses Python-based build tools, rapid iteration via emulation, and custom compression routines to push the Amiga’s limits. His framework, Build-A-File, automates data handling, while modern editors and debuggers integrate seamlessly with the aging architecture. Through these tools, he achieves smooth 60-FPS gameplay, vibrant visuals, and impressive soundtracks—proving that technical creativity can transcend hardware age.
Salvato emphasizes that Magicore Anomala Amiga isn’t just a retro-styled project; it’s a genuine Amiga game designed to harness the system’s native strengths. The title will eventually release on Steam, playable both through emulation and on original Amiga hardware. Salvato also plans to open-source many of his tools, inviting others to explore new creative possibilities for the classic computer.
This VCF West presentation offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how passion, precision, and clever engineering can transform a nostalgic dream into a modern masterpiece.
