Zuma Deluxe for ZX Evolution with VDAC2/FT812: an AI-built Z80 game with 640×480 gameplay, Adventure and Gauntlet modes, mouse and joystick support.
Zuma Deluxe for VDAC2 / FT812 brings the classic marble-shooter formula to the ZX Evolution (Pentevo / TS-Config), using the VDAC2 expansion and an FT812 graphics controller.
It is the first game developed specifically for VDAC2 and the first complete game written entirely by AI coding agents—Claude Code and OpenAI Codex. The result shows how a title designed for Pentium-class PCs can be re-engineered for a 14 MHz Z80 without losing its core gameplay.
How a Pentium-era game runs on a 14 MHz Z80
The project separates gameplay into two independent systems. A one-dimensional VDC (Virtual Discrete Chain) engine calculates ball-chain movement, positions and collisions, while a dedicated 2D engine builds each frame and sends the graphics workload to the FT812.
This design keeps the Z80 focused on game logic, makes debugging easier and allows the rendering layer to evolve independently. Because the architecture is not tightly coupled to ZX Evolution hardware, it can also serve as a foundation for ports to other retro platforms.
Hardware requirements and video output
- Computer: ZX Evolution / Pentevo with TS-Config.
- CPU: Z80 running at 14 MHz.
- Video hardware: VDAC2 with an FT812 graphics controller.
- Internal game resolution: 640×480.
- Monitor output: 1024×768.
- Sprites: selected assets are rendered natively at 1024×768, without upscaling.
General Sound and AY audio support
The preferred audio path uses General Sound. Systems without a GS board automatically fall back to the AY sound chip, so music and effects remain available across a wider range of ZX Evolution configurations.
Adventure and Gauntlet game modes
Adventure
Adventure is the main progression mode: start at the opening stage and clear levels in sequence as the campaign becomes more demanding.
Gauntlet
Gauntlet provides instant access to any available stage and lets you choose the difficulty. It is ideal for practice, testing specific mechanics or enjoying a quick session.
Levels, tunnels and dual ball chains
The current build includes several course layouts and gameplay variations:
- standard stages built around a single ball chain;
- levels with two independent chains;
- tunnel sections that temporarily hide moving balls;
- level 19, combining two chains with tunnels;
- bonus level 22.
Features planned for future versions
- bonus coins;
- bonus pickup animations;
- special bonus balls.
These items are not yet implemented, but every main level and both game modes are fully playable in the current release.
Keyboard, joystick and mouse controls
All supported input devices work in parallel, so you can switch between the keyboard, joystick and mouse without changing a setting.
- ZX Spectrum keys: Q, A, O, P and Space.
- Cursor keys: arrow keys and Enter.
- Joystick: Kempston Joystick.
- Mouse: Kempston Mouse.
- Return to the main menu: Esc.
- Swap the next ball: right mouse button or Right Alt (Alt Gr).
Download Zuma Deluxe for VDAC2 / FT812
Source code, project documentation and the latest build are available in the public GitHub repository:
If downloading from GitHub is inconvenient, you can get the same game archive directly from ZX-Evolution Global: