REVIEW: Hydra Game Console

Written by Nicholas McClanahan

Tuesday, 02 June 2009 15:08

Does this Propeller powered game console sink or swim?

The Hydra makes for a nice introduction to the Propeller and videogame programming concepts without being overwhelming. You don't need to know SPIN to get started, but understanding some of core programming paradigms (control structures, procedural programming) is extremely helpful. A little background in BASIC is going to go a long way to help you tackle the Hydra and related concepts.

Hydra & Accessories
hydra_image

There aren't a lot of other books about video with the Propeller, so the included book is a necessity for anyone who's trying to do moderate-to-advanced graphics. It comes with the Hydra, or you can purchase it separately. The book is written in a conversational tone and includes a walkthrough of SPIN. It also has a few chapters dedicated to game physics, audio, and AI that serve as great introductions to the topics. I've found most dedicated books skip the introduction that these chapters provide, and the specific examples offered in SPIN are easy to understand. A few example chapters are on Parallax's site. The book isn't perfect, but I found it useful and well written.

Also included is a CD of SPIN libraries that you can use to build your own game, and plenty of example games. Code is well documented and useful. Since the release of the Hydra, the CD has also been made available for download here. These libraries are very useful for many video and audio projects. The audio libraries can be used to create musical instruments, playback pcm files, and more. The Hydra also includes a full set of accessories; a keyboard, NES Controller, Mouse, a few expansion cards, USB cable, video / audio cables, and a power adapter. I never found a lot of use for the expansion cards, but the Keyboard and Mouse were useful as I didn't have any Ps/2 devices. The NES controller is great, although it seems like a very tight fit when plugging it into the socket.

There really aren't any alternatives to the book, but there are a few alternatives for the hardware. If you already have SpinStudio & a PropPlug, the SpinStudio Game Stacker is a great setup and adds an SD reader. Our Propeller Development Pack includes 1 NES controller and 1 PS/2 (and a ton of extra space). I don't know a lot about the Hybrid, but it deserves a mention.

Complaints — I would say that $200 is too much for someone who isn't sure they're going to enjoy game development. Not that the alternatives are a lot cheaper when you include the cost of a Prop Plug, Hydra book and accessories. Don't think this kit is all you need to make games! You'll still need 100+ hours to dedicate before you gain proficiency.

Nice Stuff — Build quality is high. The book is extremely helpful and the included libraries make it easier to get started. Sourcecode is well documented. The Hydra assumes little prior knowledge.

VERDICT
If you're sure you're going to enjoy game development, the Hydra offers a good value. If you aren't sure, you might want to just get the book and the Propeller Demo Board or Protoboard. If you've already started with Propeller development and have a Prop Plug, the book and SpinStudio or the Propeller Development Pack are great options.

Great If: You want to learn how old videogames were made and make a few of your own AND you can dedicate the time.

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