Arlasoft creates version of mobile game, 2048, for a 1966 Apollo Guidance Computer

Nick Sherman of Arlasoft has created a version of the mobile game, 2048, for the computer that provided computation and electronic interfaces for guidance, navigation, and control of the Apollo spacecraft.

Sherman says, “The game is written in AGC assembly, just like the Command Module and Lunar Lander software from the Apollo missions, and takes up just over 75% of one 2K-word fixed memory bank, or around 3Kb. Fortunately, unlike the pioneering programmers of that software, I didn’t have to enter my code onto punch cards (one per instruction, two if the comment was long…), have it saved onto tape and then wait two months for it to be hand-woven into core rope memory. The joys of modern technology means it assembles in milliseconds and can then be tested in a Linux-based emulator, VirtualAGC.”

The game is called Niner 2048er, and is based on the popular mobile game, 2048 (which in itself is based very heavily on the game Threes) – however, as there isn’t room on the display for 2, 4, 6, 8 etc, the aim of the game is to create a single ‘9’ digit.

You can play the game in an emulator on this page here. (or, as Sherman mentions, “Or if you’re the person who bought the only remaining working AGC in the world for $300,000, get in touch … and let’s get this running on the real thing ;)”)