Dice8Next

ZX Spectrum Next dice strategy game

A fast, colorful ZX Spectrum Next take on the classic Yacht/Yahtzee formula. Roll smart, hold the right dice, and outscore everyone across 13 rounds.

About The Game

DICE8 NEXT is a modern ZX Spectrum Next adaptation of the classic dice score-attack game known as Yacht/Yahtzee. It combines luck, risk management, and tactical category planning.

You can play solo, with friends, or against CPU opponents. A full match supports up to 8 player slots.

Core Rules

The game is played over 13 rounds per player.

In each round:

1. You can roll up to 3 times.
2. After each roll, you can hold/release any die.
3. You must score exactly one category.

Each category can be used only once. If a category is not possible or not worth taking, you can sacrifice it for 0 points. Highest total score wins.

Scoring Categories

Upper section:

• ACES, TWOS, THREES, FOURS, FIVES, SIXES (sum of matching face values)
• BONUS: +35 points when upper section reaches 63+

Lower section:

• 3 OF A KIND (sum of all dice)
• 4 OF A KIND (sum of all dice)
• FULL HOUSE (25)
• SMALL STRAIGHT (30)
• LARGE STRAIGHT (40)
• YACHT (50)
• CHANCE (sum of all dice)

What DICE8 NEXT Offers

• ZX Spectrum Next native implementation in hand-written Z80 assembly.
• Crisp Layer2 visuals and hardware sprite-based dice pips.
• Stylish score panel inspired by classic 8-bit board game UI design.
• Music playback with in-game toggle.
• Human and CPU players in the same match.
• Persistent Top 8 all-time leaderboard.
• Wi-Fi leaderboard upload from the game directly.
• Keyboard and mouse support in menus and gameplay UI.

Controls

In-game:

• SPACE: roll dice (up to 3 rolls)
• 1-5: hold/release individual dice
• Arrow keys: move score cursor
• ENTER: confirm selected score category
• M: music on/off
• T: show current game leaderboard (temporary view)

Main menu:

• P: player setup
• L: persistent leaderboard (Top 8 all-time)
• C: credits
• M: music on/off

Player setup:

• 1-8: select player slot
• 0: add CPU player
• SYMBOL SHIFT + 1-8: clear selected slot
• ENTER: next slot
• SPACE: start game

Persistent Leaderboard and Wi-Fi Upload

DICE8 NEXT stores a local all-time Top 8 leaderboard. From the main menu, open it with L.

On the leaderboard screen:

• UP/DOWN: select entry
• DEL: delete selected entry
• U: upload local leaderboard to the online server via Wi-Fi

Upload uses the ZX Next and ESP AT modem path inside the game.

Technical Highlights

• Platform: ZX Spectrum Next
• Language: Z80 Assembly (sjasmplus)
• Graphics: Layer2 and hardware sprites
• Audio: PCM playback engine
• Build output: NEX executable for real hardware and emulators

Why Play It

If you enjoy score optimization, probability decisions, and one-more-round gameplay loops, DICE8 NEXT gives you a classic ruleset with modern Next presentation and online connectivity.

Credits

• Program: Shrek / MB Maniax
• Music: Martin Borik
• Based on a classic C64 game concept (credits included in-game)