retro_matrix

This is a C++ apllication that runs various cellular automata and retro games on a raspberry Pi and an LED matrix. It can be controlled using a controller, I have used a PS4, and Nintendo Switch Pro controller successfully. Consider this a pre alpha version, install and play around with it if you are interested, but it doesn't function as a finished product yet. This requires a raspberry Pi, I have tested on the Pi 4 and a headless Pi zero. The Pi 4 works flawlessly, the Pi zero works alright for some of the cellular automata, but the games are too laggy to play. This was written for a 64x64 matrix, but have also tried most of it on a 32x64 matrix. This isnt officially supported right now and requires editing the code but try it if you like. It can also interface with an iPad companion app I wrote. The iPad app allows you to paint individual pixels and communicates these over a local network to the matrix.

Games

Snake, one and two player
Tetris
Space Invaders

Cellular Automata

Conway's game of life
Rule 30
Langton's ant
Langton's loop

You will need

Raspberry Pi, preferably better than a Pi zero
LED matrix, preferably 64x64
A Nintendo Switch Pro controller, PS4 controller or it also works with one of these cheaper controllers
(recommended) matrix hat or bonnet, so you don't have to wire it to the GPIO pins yourself
(optional) 3D printer to print the case
(optional) 5v fan to prevent overheating in the case
(very optional) iPad and Xcode if you want to try and get the paint application working

Install instructions

Note that this is a very early version and the install process is not at all streamlined. It wont be too difficult if you have some experience with compiling C++ libraries though. The binary is currently in the repository so you might not even need to compile.

Install the dependancies below and change the Makefile to point to the libraries.
./setup.sh to run the compilation and a command that reduces flickering
./run_retro_matrix
fix any bugs you have during this process
(optional) 3D print the case found here https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4605737