Code the Classics

Code your own modern versions of retro classics inspired by the greatest video games of the 1980s.​

Code the Classics Volume II examines the seminal video games of the 1980s and shows you how to create your own games, using Python, Pygame Zero, and an IDE.

Full of game design tips and tricks from the masters, the book breaks down the fundamental tasks needed for every game: display images, play sound effects, and receive inputs from the keyboard or a game controller.​

Download and play game examples inspired by the classics:​

• Kinetix (An Arkanoid-style block breaker game)​
• Avenger (A horizontal 2D shooter game like Defender)​
• Eggzy (An action-adventure tribute to Dizzy)​
• Beat Streets (A take on the Beat-'em-up classic Double Dragon)​
• Leading Edge (An arcade racer homage to Pole Position)​

Simon Brew is the former editor and founder of Den of Geek - the popular culture news and reviews website. He is the author of three books including Movie Geek, TV Geek and The Secret Life of the Movies. Simon is also the founder of the magazine and podcast Film Stories.

Allister Brimble is a music and sound designer and has created the audio for over 400 video games since the early 1990s. During his time in the industry, Allister has worked on almost every format, from the early 8- and 16-bit home computers to hand-held devices and beyond, into today’s current consoles, phones, and tablets.

David Crookes began his career as a journalist in 1994 as a freelance writer for Amstrad Action. He has since written and worked for regional newspapers, The Independent, BBC Radio 5 Live, gamesTM, Wireframe, and Retro Gamer, among many others. His previous books include Cloud Computing In Easy Steps and Facebook for Beginners In Easy Steps. He also curated Videogame Nation, an exhibition celebrating the rise of gaming, which toured the UK.

Andrew Gillett grew up with early computers such as the ZX Spectrum, and was writing simple programs from the age of five. Since then, he’s worked on games that have sold millions, including Rollercoaster Tycoon 3, Kinectimals, and Kinect Disneyland Adventures. After working in the games industry for 13 years, he is now a computer science/programming tutor and indie developer.

Dan Malone has been involved in the UK games industry for over 30 years and has been writing stories, games, designing characters, and drawing comics for most of his life. His work includes design and graphics on games from Speedball 2 and The Chaos Engine (Amiga/Atari ST) to character model design on SSX Blur (Nintendo Wii).