AROS x86 - March 2025

monthly roundup

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The event of March is Deadwood’s release of a new 32-bit base version of the system (AROS ABIv0 20250313). This update brings the 32-bit kernel to the same level as the upcoming 64-bit release, which is constantly being worked on. In addition, the 68k version also receives patches. There is still a lot going on in the AROS world, and those interested in using the Amiga system in this release cannot complain of boredom!

A new version of the 32-bit AROS base system (ABIv0 20250313) is now available for download. This version includes all of the changes from the last three years of system development, as well as a number of improvements. Major changes include:

  • Improved support for newer hardware, including ACPI support.
  • Improved stability and support for disk and network drivers.
  • More than 60 bug fixes for programs and system libraries.
  • Stabilization of drivers for virtualization (VirtualBox, VMware and QEMU), allowing the system to be tested in virtual environments before purchasing the appropriate hardware.
  • Updates to core system libraries.

The packages are available for download on GitHub. An update has also been made available for those who already have a previous version of AROS installed (20220318-1). In addition, there is a list of recommended hardware on WikiBooks that can help you choose the right one.

Carlo Spadoni (AMIGASYSTEM) announced that based on the new system, the next release of the 32-bit AROS One distribution will soon be available. At the same time, work is underway on its first 64-bit version. In addition, AROS One 68k for Motorola processors is expected to receive an update to version 2.0 - a test version is already available.

Meanwhile, Olaf Schönweiß is on the final straight in working on the AROS Vision distribution for the 68k architecture, and its official release should be imminent.

Deremon continues to enhance the AROS C library with “wide character support,” adding missing features.

Matthias ‘Mazze’ Rustler is constantly working on the website www.aros.org bringing it up to modern standards. We can watch the changes on a regular basis.

The address of the AROS Archives website has changed. The domain archives.aros-exec.org, which for years directed to the AROS repository, has expired. The new address is: https://archives.arosworld.org.

In March, the AROS Archives was largely dominated by game ports intended for future 64-bit distributions. Most of them were already available on the 32-bit version of the system, but in some cases new ports were released for newer versions.

Hocoslamfy (v. 2016) x86_64

(Authors: Nebuleon Fumika, hi-ban, jxv)

Hocoslamfy is a simple arcade game in which the player controls a small bee, avoiding bamboo shoots growing from the top and bottom of the screen. The goal is to fly through the spaces between the shoots, earning points for each successful flight. The game ends when the bee collides with an obstacle or the edge of the screen.

Hocoslamfy Hocoslamfy

Mini Metal Slug (v. 2.0.0.04) x86_64

(by Clément Corde)

“Mini Metal Slug” is an unofficial tribute to the classic ‘Metal Slug’ series of games, created by fan Clement Corde. The game consists of three missions, each of which is divided into several levels. Players take on the role of a soldier who must defeat waves of enemies, free hostages and acquire new weapons and health. It features fast-paced gameplay and humor reminiscent of the original series.

Mini Metal Slug Mini Metal Slug

Tinytris (v. 2.3) x86_64

(by Daniel Champagne)

Tinytris is a minimalist version of the classic Tetris game. It features simple graphics and atmospheric music. In Tinytris, players arrange falling blocks in such a way as to form complete lines, which then disappear, awarding points. The gameplay gets faster and faster as you progress, increasing the difficulty level.

Tinytris Tinytris

OpenJazz (v. 20240919) x86_64

(by AlisterT)

OpenJazz is an open-source engine for running Jazz Jackrabbit, a classic 1994 platformer developed by Epic MegaGames. It does not include the original game files - users must have the original Jazz Jackrabbit data to run OpenJazz. It can be obtained legally using the GOG platform or other legal sources.

OpenJazz OpenJazz

Biniax 2 (v. 1.3) x86_64

(by Jordan Tuzsuzov)

Biniax 2 is a puzzle game created by Jordan Tuzsuzov, a sequel to Biniax. The game was released in 2007 and won acclaim for its unique gameplay and availability on multiple platforms.

The player controls an element of a certain color, moving around a board filled with pairs of colored elements. The goal is to match and remove pairs of the same colors, which earns points. The game ends when there are no more available moves.

Biniax 2 Biniax 2

GNU Robbo (v. 0.68) x86_64

(by: Arkadiusz Lipiec)

GNU Robbo is a free, open source reimplementation of the classic puzzle-arcade game “Robbo”, created by Janusz Pelec and released by LK Avalon in 1989 for Atari XE/XL computers.

Changes in gameplay compared to the original:

  • Removal of the life system: instead, the ability to restart a level was introduced.
  • No scoring system: the goal is to pass levels.
  • Improved logic of opponents: e.g. bears do not endlessly spin around each other.
  • Changes in game mechanics: e.g., capsules do not appear from question marks, and lasers do not remain active after the cannon is destroyed.

GNU Robbo GNU Robbo

Blips (v. 1.0) x86_64

(by Willems Davy, Bryant Brownell)

“Blips” is a sokoban-style puzzle game originally created by Bryant Brownell for the DOS platform. In the game, players take on the role of a character whose goal is to collect all the coins in a given level. To achieve this, you must move boxes to create paths to the coins, and use dynamite to destroy obstacles. The game consisted of 26 levels, offering a challenge for puzzle lovers.

The new version retains the basic mechanics of the original, while introducing improved graphics and adaptation to modern platforms. The remake also offers a level editor, allowing players to create their own challenges.

Blips Blips

Hydra Castle Labyrinth (v. 02/2024) x86_64

(Authors: E. Hashimoto, ptitSeb)

“Hydra Castle Labyrinth” is a free-to-play metroidvania game created by Japanese developer E. Hashimoto, also known as Buster, and released in 2011. The player takes on the role of a knight exploring a vast, labyrinthine castle in search of treasure and powerful artifacts, while battling a variety of enemies and bosses.

The game offers a vast world full of hidden items and secrets, encouraging the player to thoroughly explore every corner of the castle. During the adventure, the player acquires a variety of items, such as weapons, shields and keys, which allow access to new areas and make it easier to fight enemies. There are eight dungeons in the castle, each of which ends in a clash with a unique boss. Defeating them is crucial to progress in the game.

Hydra Castle Labyrinth Hydra Castle Labyrinth

Sokoban GP2X (v. 08032025) x86_64

(by Willems Davy)

Sokoban GP2X is a remake of the classic puzzle game Sokoban, created by Willems Davy for the GP2X portable console. In the game, the player takes on the role of a character whose task is to move crates to designated places in the maze. Once all the crates are placed in the correct positions, the level is completed.

The game offers more than 800 levels, divided into different sets, such as “Microcosmos,” “Minicosmos,” “Nabokosmos,” “Picokosmos,” “Polycosmos,” “Lomas,” “Gameboy Boxxle (1+2),” “Sokevo” and “Sokhard.” A built-in tool allows players to create their own level sets.

  • Customizable graphics and menu colors for each level set.
  • Support for up to 25 custom music files in MOD or OGG formats that can be played during gameplay.
  • Ability to undo up to 1,000 recent moves, which is helpful when solving more difficult puzzles.

Sokoban GP2X Sokoban GP2X

Open Tyrian (v. 02/2024) x86_64

(by Carl W. Reinke)

OpenTyrian is an open-source port of the classic shooter Tyrian, originally released in 1995 by Eclipse Software and Epic MegaGames. OpenTyrian is based on an open-source engine that allows the game to run on modern operating systems.

The player takes on the role of pilot Trent Hawkins, who fights against the sinister Microsol corporation, which wants to take control of the galaxy. As you play, you can upgrade your ship, adding new weapons, shields and support systems.

OpenTyrian faithfully replicates the original game’s mechanics, offering dynamic shoot ‘em up gameplay. It removes DOS hardware limitations and adds support for modern controllers and higher resolutions. The game offers a Story Campaign and an Arcade mode where players can quickly jump into the action. The original game files have been released as freeware, so OpenTyrian can be downloaded and played legally.

Open Tyrian Open Tyrian

xRick (v. 021212) x86_64

(by BigOrno)

XRick is an open-source port of the classic platform game Rick Dangerous, originally released in 1989 by Core Design.

In the game, we take on the role of Rick Dangerous, an Indiana Jones-inspired archaeologist. The action begins in the Amazon, where Rick must escape from the natives. During his adventure, he visits Egyptian pyramids, a Nazi base and a secret volcanic quarters, among other places. The player explores levels, avoids traps and fights enemies using a gun and dynamite.

xRick xRick

REminiscence (v. 0.3.2) x86_64

(by Gregory Montoir)

REminiscence is a port of the game “Flashback,” a classic 1992 action and platform game developed by Delphine Software. It is an open-source project that allows the original Flashback game to run on modern operating systems without the need for emulation.

Flashback tells the story of Conrad B. Hart, who wakes up on an alien planet with memory loss. His task is to escape danger and discover the mystery behind his amnesia. The game offers a variety of levels, full of action, solving puzzles and avoiding traps.

REminiscence REminiscence

filesysbox.library (v. 54.5) i386

(Authors: Leif Salomonsson, Fredrik Wikstrom).

Filesysbox.library is a file system layer compatible with FUSE. Originally developed by Leif Salomonsson. It manages locks, notifications, file handles, packages, update timeouts and more, freeing the file system from these tasks. Version 0.730 of the library was released as open source and was used as the basis for this version.