Drugwars for the TI-82/83/83 Calculators
A nostalgic look at the iconic text-based game "Drugwars" for TI-82/83/83+ calculators, this post shared the game's original TI-Basic code. It ignited a wave of memories for many Hacker News readers, who reminisced about their early programming experiences on these devices. The discussion delves into the unique hacker culture forged in math classes, where coding games on calculators was a rite of passage.
The Lowdown
The Hacker News community takes a trip down memory lane with the sharing of the original TI-Basic source code for "Drugwars." This classic text-based economic simulation game, a popular diversion on TI-82/83/83+ graphing calculators, allowed countless students to engage in a clandestine world of virtual illicit trade during their school days.
- Gameplay Overview: Players buy and sell various drugs like cocaine, heroin, and weed across different city locations, aiming to pay off debt to a loan shark and accumulate wealth within a one-month period.
- Dynamic Economy: The game features fluctuating drug prices influenced by random events such as police busts, rival dealers, or market surpluses.
- Risk and Management: Players must strategically manage their finances, limited inventory space (their "trenchcoat"), and navigate risks including muggings, police chases (which can lead to gunfights), and even hallucinatory drug trips.
- Early Programming: The provided code itself is a fascinating artifact, showcasing the fundamental TI-Basic commands (Disp, Input, If/Then, Goto, Menu) used to create a surprisingly complex and engaging game within the severe limitations of early graphing calculators.
More than just a game, "Drugwars" represents a significant piece of personal computing history for many, serving as an introduction to programming, economic principles, and a touch of digital rebellion for a generation of students.
The Gossip
Calculator Chronicles & Early Coding Craze
Many commenters fondly recall their TI-8x calculators as their first foray into programming, often writing games in TI-Basic or even Z80 assembly during math class. They share anecdotes about the labor-intensive process of hand-typing code from printouts, the satisfaction of building their own link cables, and the vibrant online communities like ticalc.org that fostered a unique hacker culture around these devices.
Drugwars' Enduring Legacy
The discussion is rife with deep nostalgia for "Drugwars" itself, described as an addictive and influential game from high school days. Users credit it as an inspiration for their own projects or lament the countless hours spent playing it instead of focusing on schoolwork. Commenters also clarify its origins on DOS, noting its various names (like Dopewars) and widespread impact across different platforms.
Modern Revivals & Collector's Cache
The thread highlights ongoing interest in TI calculators, with users discussing collecting old models, noting the surprisingly stable market prices for these decades-old devices, and even modern attempts to port or emulate classic games. One impressive example is an AI-generated web app emulator of "Drugwars," showcasing how this retro tech continues to spark creative endeavors and new ways to experience old games.