(C) Music DJ-DENS
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Today we have as our guest the well-known in our city SURDAKAR GROUP. On behalf of the group, Denis Ryabtsev (Dan, also known as DJ-DENS) answers our questions.
ADVENTURER: Tell us the story of your group's formation, what was its original lineup.
SURDAKAR GROUP: In 1993, I was engaged in a programming club, where I met Ivan Sosedov and Evgeny Ivanov (John). At the end of 1993, I hacked BATTY, made a CHEAT for it, improved the interface, and added nine additional levels. After I showed this to the aforementioned people, we decided to work together... But we didn't know how to apply our skills. After some deliberation, we decided to create an electronic magazine (at that time SPECTROFON didn't exist yet). We didn't think long about the name of the magazine, nor about the name of our group. The thing is, we were all in the club fans of the game "DUNE 2" (on IBM), and Vanya was also reading Frank Herbert's book "Dune". So we named the magazine "DUNE" and the group "SURDAKAR", as an abbreviation of the name of the hero of this book SARDAUKAR.
At that time, another well-known group in Rybinsk, INFOSOFT GROUP, was engaged in selling programs on floppy disks for SPECCY. These disks had MICROPROTECTOR copy protection, developed by a member of that group - SHRSOFT. We didn't like this situation very much, and without much thought, John hacked it (to be honest, SHRSOFT "messed up" - left the MICROPROTECTOR tables unprotected). After releasing the first issue of our magazine through TTC "GNOM", where we mentioned ANTIMICROPROTECTOR, we received a call from representatives of that group... That's how we met. But... This acquaintance resulted in the loss of John, who joined INFOSOFT. Together with Vanya, we continued to make the magazine until we met Andrey Smirnov in the same club.
A: I'm curious to know the current lineup of the group.
SG: Today in our ranks:
Denis Ryabtsev (DJ-DENS) - ideas, graphics, music, codes, texts;
Yuri Parshukov (YURI) - graphics, codes;
Andrey Smirnov - codes, 3D-animation;
Maxim Pozdnyakov (MAD MAX) - music.
A: What programs have been released by your group?
SG: It all started with the magazine "DUNE". Then the Russian localization of "DANGER MOUSE", "BLINKY'S", "REBEL STAR 2/2". Then musical demos: LIMONIA, MASTER BOY, TYPE DEMO. Original games - COLOR LINES (A: You will learn about this game in the next issue of ADVENTURER), PITHON (see appendix). And, of course, many LOADERS for games.
A: Are you involved in the development of system and application programs?
SG: Which programmer doesn't engage in this?! Of course, we do. We made PLAY - an ASM music player, BATTY DESIGNER - a level editor for the game BATTY 3+(+9 LEVELS), TAKE DISK - a utility for restoring the 8th sector of the 0th track. I am especially pleased to present to you our new development FONT EDITOR v1.5.
A: Tell us more about this program.
SG: To be honest, we didn't expect this font editor to be distributed. FONT EDITOR was created only because it was very inconvenient to create FONTS for our programs in ART STUDIO. But God sees, this program will be useful to you as well when creating your own programs. (Just like poetry...)
A: You brought us an article about hackers. Do you consider yourselves hackers?
SG: Not anymore... We used to deal with cracking games, CHEATS, but that's all in the past.
A: Rumors are circulating in Rybinsk about your mega-demo "IMAGINATION". Has anyone even seen any part of it?
SG: Indeed, these are not rumors. Separate parts were demonstrated to a narrow circle of acquaintances. (Comment by CHASM: Very interesting effects, pleasant, professionally written music, beautiful graphics. Overall impression: "Very good"). To give readers an idea of what to expect, a part of this demonstration is specially provided for ADVENTURER.
A: Great, let's watch it in the appendix! However, we have to disappoint the owners of SPECTRUM 48 - this demo is 128 ONLY...
A: What are your plans for the future?
SG: We have many plans... First of all, to finish the game "ROAD FIGHTER" (racing); secondly, to make the next version of FONT EDITOR - we will add character copying (A: O, YES!) and something else, feel free to suggest ideas; we are currently working on a disk utility for working with graphic images DIRECTLY ON THE DISK, without loading files into memory. The main goal, of course, is to finish "IMAGINATION", by the way, the title translates to "imagination".
A: Don't you think that the games you are making have their prototypes on other computers (IBM, DENDY, etc.)?
SG: Good question and importantly on topic. We have already thought about this ourselves. Therefore, a project for our own game (genre QUEST) has been developed and its implementation has begun. We won't go into details, but when it's done - ADVENTURER readers will be the first to know about it.
A: You were the first in our city to start making an electronic magazine for SPECCY. After the release of ADVENTURER, I would like to know your attitude towards this event, and what will be the future fate of your "DUNE"?
SG: The last part of the question just "killed" me, it feels like you are burying our magazine. It's strange, because the question of competition doesn't arise here. First of all, "DUNE" is a mini-magazine and when we created it, we didn't set such global goals as you did. A small space in "DUNE" is allocated for jokes. Secondly, we ourselves have less time now, but we do not intend to stop publishing our magazine. It will simply be published once a year. It will contain information about what we have done over the year, about our plans for the next one, and of course, new POKEs and new jokes.
A: How would you respond to our proposal for cooperation?
SG: The answer to this question is obvious!!! Since your magazine will be published more frequently than "DUNE", we will be happy to share our experience and our new developments with the readers of your magazine.
A: How would you respond to the suggestion of creating a page from SURDAKAR GROUP in ADVENTURER?
SG: Tempting... Perhaps, a good idea!
A: Thank you for the interview. We wish you success!
SG: We also wish you and your readers success!
A: Until we meet again!
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Contents of the publication: Adventurer #02
- Guests
Interview with SURDAKAR GROUP discussing their origins, notable projects, and future plans in software and game development.
- Modifications for PENTAGON 128
The article presents modifications for the PENTAGON 128 computer, including a keyboard fix to prevent accidental key presses and a joystick improvement for multi-player gaming. It also describes a stereo DAC development for enhanced sound quality with the AY 8910 audio processor. The author encourages programmers to create software supporting this DAC.
- Interface
The article discusses the ongoing engagement and challenges faced by the Adventurer magazine team, particularly in fostering contributions from readers. It highlights the importance of clarity in language and communication for potential contributors. The piece also provides game tips for several ZX Spectrum titles, emphasizing community support and collaboration.
- Interface
The article discusses the role of hackers in the SPECCY community, highlighting their contributions to software development and maintenance. It contrasts ethical hackers with those who engage in software piracy, illustrating the importance of hackers for preserving the legacy of ZX Spectrum. Ultimately, the author defends the positive impact of hackers on the gaming scene.
- Novella
This article presents a sci-fi novella detailing an interstellar conflict where Earth faces a malevolent alien race. A skilled coordinator must navigate through alien territories using robots to secure resources and defeat enemies. The story highlights strategy and exploration in a galaxy fraught with danger.
- Review
The article reviews various games from CODEMASTERS and others, evaluating them based on graphics, sound, and playability. The review highlights the evolution of game quality and the significance of user feedback in shaping perceptions. Overall, the article emphasizes the ongoing development in the gaming landscape.
- Experience Exchange
The article discusses essential assembly programming procedures for ZX Spectrum, aimed at beginners. It outlines several crucial routines, including memory clearing, screen commands, and mathematical operations. The text provides practical examples to enhance understanding and application of assembly language in programming.
- Advertisements
Article presents advertisements and calls for collaboration in the ZX Spectrum community, inviting programmers, artists, and musicians to contribute. It highlights the acceptance of any ZX Spectrum-related materials, along with details on available software and hardware for sale. The issue emphasizes the importance of participation and partnership among enthusiasts.
- Presentation of ROBIN OF SHERLOCK Adventure Game
The article presents the adventure game ROBIN OF SHERLOCK by DELTA 4 SOFTWARE, emphasizing the need for a good command of English to fully appreciate its humor and dialogues. It highlights game mechanics, including item collection, character interaction, and the interconnectedness of game parts. The text also offers tips on navigating the game and solving crimes within its storyline.
- Presentation
Авторская презентация игры 'МИНЕР', аналог MINESWEEPER для ZX Spectrum, с подробным описанием игрового процесса и особенностей управления.
- System Overview for ZX Spectrum
Overview of various utility programs for ZX Spectrum, including disk utilities and graphic editors, discussing their features and shortcomings.
