Amiga developer Mateusz Staniszew has just dropped a visually ambitious work-in-progress preview—Sentinel-X Amiga Demo. Designed specifically for AGA-equipped Amiga systems, this fast-paced side-scroller leans hard on the chipset’s graphical muscle, delivering silky-smooth visuals through clever C coding and c2p (chunky-to-planar) routines.
The Sentinel-X Amiga Demo immediately sets itself apart with its lush CRT-style visuals, detailed parallax starfields, and heavy particle effects. Although compressed slightly in the video recording, the actual CRT output looks notably sharper and more vibrant. According to Mateusz, the demo uses a chunky buffer approach coded entirely in C, avoiding native assembly—a bold move given the performance demands of AGA-based rendering.
AGA Graphics, Pushed to the Edge
Running under the AGA chipset, the demo employs a powerful c2p technique that requires a strong processor for optimal performance. On machines with sufficient speed—like an 060-based Amiga—the action is fluid and visually impressive. The starfield alone contains over 100 moving two-pixel stars, with additional layers of asteroids and rich particle effects that add visual depth without compromising frame rate.
The technical challenge here can’t be overstated. Chunky-to-planar rendering is notoriously processor-intensive, especially when coupled with transparency and dynamic background effects. Yet, Sentinel-X Amiga Demo handles it with surprising finesse. While some may argue that assembly might squeeze out more efficiency, Mateusz’s C-based approach shows what’s possible when code is carefully optimized—even without hand-coded ASM.
Minimal UI, Maximum Gameplay Potential
Controls are as simple as they come. Arrow keys (or a joystick) handle movement, and the top arrow (or an assigned button) toggles the primary weapon. It’s an intentionally lean interface that lets the visuals and gameplay speak for themselves. The demo lasts roughly two minutes, timed with a driving, energetic soundtrack that perfectly complements the onscreen chaos.
While the gameplay is still in an early stage, the level design hints at classic horizontal shoot-’em-up roots with a modern Amiga flair. If this demo is any indication, the final product may deliver a full game that blends nostalgic style with contemporary homebrew polish.
More Than a Tech Demo
This isn’t just a flashy tech showcase—it’s a testament to what’s still possible on the Amiga, especially in the hands of determined modern coders. With the Sentinel-X Amiga Demo, Mateusz makes it clear that the AGA chipset still has some life left, particularly when paired with smart rendering techniques and the right kind of hardware.
You can download and try the demo yourself using this link. For the best experience, use a real AGA Amiga with a strong processor and a CRT display.
