Oberon #04: Overview of ZX Spectrum Games and Reviews

M.M.A/SPEED CO. 

KOMANDO 2 
                      
 MICROTECH SYSTEMS'92 
                      
 DISK VERSION: FLP    
                      
 SIZE: 156 SECTORS
                      
 DISK VERSION:        
                      
            MAGIC SOFT
                      
 SIZE: 180 SECTORS
 

The title of the game evokes memories of the good old game COMMANDO and this is not a coincidence! 

KOMANDO 2 is indeed a continuation of that old and surely beloved game by all true gamers. Once again you control a lone warrior, abandoned deep in enemy territory. Three and a half kilometers to the rescue helicopter and dozens of innocent hostages waiting to be freed. 

His goal is to make it to the end, his principle is KILL'EM ALL. He has no thoughts, as his brain has already decomposed due to radiation... Unlimited ammunition and a few bulletproof vests are all he can rely on. 

The fight continues .... 

The game was written by MICROTECH SYSTEMS in 1992. Many have probably already appreciated the quality of this company's games from the two previous products: FANTOM F4 and KLIATBANOCI. And KOMANDO 2 is no exception. The graphics in the game are simply stunning! If previously games of this type were graphically led by IKARI WARRIORS, now it looks dull and gray. 

The behavior of enemies is somewhat calmer than in the old COMMANDO, but this does not mean that the game has become easier. On the contrary, the introduction of factors such as radiation, limitations on the number of additional weapons, and an increase in types of weapons significantly raise the difficulty and awaken new interest in games of this kind. 

And there are only two negative factors in KOMANDO 2: poor sound quality and message text in Slovak language. Well, Slovaks are still from the same linguistic branch as us, and if someone doesn't like the sound, it's quite simple - turn off your SOUND DEVICE and put your favorite cassette in the tape recorder! 

Note that the disk version from FLP, although shorter, does not contain the branded picture for the game. Otherwise, both versions of the game do not differ in anything else. 

An outstanding program, I recommend it to everyone! 

                    
WRESTLING SUPERSTARS
                    
       48/128       
                    
   CODEMASTERS'92   
 REFLECTIVE DESIGNS 
                    
DISK VERSION:       
                    
          MAGIC SOFT
                    
                      SIZE: 140 SECTORS 

Another unknown product from CODEMASTERS recently appeared on the markets of Samara. And, of course, many were lured by the name of the company, known for such masterpieces of modernity as DIZZY, GRELL & FALLA, SEYMOUR.... But in reality, CODEMASTERS is just a company publishing the game, while the real authors are REFLECTIVE DESIGN. This is where everything comes to light! 

WRESTLING SUPERSTARS is yet another computerization of the famous Western show WWF (WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION). For those who still don't understand, let me clarify: guys in superhero costumes enter the ring and, with a considerable amount of farce, beat each other up without any rules! One of the most famous heroes of WRESTLING is HULK HOGAN. 

Back in late '93, the game WWF WRESTLEMANIA appeared on the country's markets and it was cool! And now, four years later, we see WRESTLING SUPERSTARS before us - not quite a continuation, not quite the beginning of WRESTLEMANIA. 

 

The game is made quite poorly. Small square figures of fighters, a limited number of movements, monotony of levels, strikes, and much more. But this program also has its advantages: excellent coprocessor sound and the ability to work from 48K. Moreover, WRESTLING SUPERSTARS resembles similar games on DENDY like two drops of water, which will ease the transition for fans of that bluish elephant to SPECCY. 

Not very relevant, but it goes well with beer! 

                    
 TAG TEAM WRESTLING 
                    
        48/128      
                    
 ZEPPELIN GAMES'92 
                    
 DISK VERSION:      
                    
          FLASH inc.
                    
SIZE: 125 SECTORS
                    

Here is another implementation of wrestling on the SPECTRUM. And what an implementation it is! At first, you might think that you have mistakenly loaded WRESTLING SUPERSTARS, but then everything falls into place ..... 

In TAG TEAM WRESTLING, you can play either alone (against the computer) or with two players (against a live opponent). Moreover, this is not a single fight, but, as the name suggests, a team one. If you notice that the energy of one of your fighters is running low, you can send another one to the ring while the first one takes a well-deserved rest! 

In addition to a single match, you can play in a tournament mode and face all teams in a "deadly" battle one by one. 

TAG TEAM WRESTLING is about 25% better than WRESTLING SUPERSTARS, but even taken together, they don't come close to WRESTLEMANIA! 

 

    CAPTAIN PLANET    
                      
   MINDSCAPE INT'91   
                      
 DISK VERSION:        
            FLASH INC.
                      
 SIZE: 132 SECTORS  

Many have been waiting for this game for a long time and the expectations were not in vain. CAPTAIN PLANET is a "true masterpiece of the home collection"! 

Do you remember such impressive things as 

      SAVAGE 1-3, TRANTOR, PAPERBOY 2,    
      
        TEENAGE HERO NINJA TURTLES,       
       
       EXTREME, DAN DARE 3, etc.?      

Manufacturers changed, years passed, and technologies improved, but the two brilliant programmers who gifted us these games remained unchanged:      

         DAVID PERRY & NICK BRUTY         

CAPTAIN PLANET is also their work and, of course, it is done to the highest standard! If I remember correctly, the game is based on the eponymous Western cartoon. From the title itself, it follows that there is no superhero here. And indeed, you control a very standard superhero in tights and a cape. 

Your coordination center sets new and new impossible tasks. Sometimes it's freeing dolphins from cages deep in the ocean, sometimes preventing the formation of the ozone hole, and so on in superhero style... And you, of course, perform all this without complaint. And there is a reason! After the first level, the second, third, and so on will follow, each bringing new surprises and dangers, and most importantly, stunning colorful graphics! 

CAPTAIN PLANET is one of the few games that you wouldn't be ashamed to show to someone from another platform. You won't have to explain why pale two-color sprites crawl in a small window, reminiscent of TETRIS. 

CAPTAIN "PLANET" is a colorful widescreen feature film, and you can become its participant! 

Contents of the publication: Oberon #04

• From the Editorial
  This editorial discusses the legal 'charges' against the creators of Oberon #4 as a humorous narrative, highlights the challenges faced in publishing this issue, and announces a potential hiatus for the magazine.
• Scroll
  Analysis of the game 'Chaos' by Julian Gollop. Simplified gameplay mechanics and strategic elements. Description of creatures, spells, and tactics.
• Scroll - Unbeliever
  Description of a mathematical game for ZX Spectrum where players collect formula symbols while navigating gears.
• Scroll - M.M.A
  Discussion of 'Doc the Destroyer', a unique fighting and adventure game for ZX Spectrum. The article covers controls, character customization, and game mechanics. Compatibility issues on different ZX Spectrum models are also addressed.
• Overview - M.M.A
  The article provides a review of games for ZX Spectrum, including KOMANDO 2, WRESTLING SUPERSTARS, TAG TEAM WRESTLING, and CAPTAIN PLANET. It highlights the features, graphics, and gameplay of each game, noting both strengths and weaknesses. The review concludes with recommendations and comparisons to other platforms and games.
• Overview
  Overview of various ZX Spectrum games, highlighting their unique features, gameplay mechanics, and design elements. Includes critique on sound effects, graphics, and technical issues. Discusses games like 'Stryker in the Crypts of Trogan', 'Phileas Fogg's Balloon Battles', and 'Survival'.
• Overview - Alex Noman
  The article reviews games for the ZX Spectrum, including BOOVIE, MOTOR MASSACRE, SOCCER PINBALL, and HUXLEY PIG 1 & 2. Each game is detailed in terms of gameplay, graphics, and unique features. The discussion includes comparisons to other games and highlights specific technical aspects.
• Review
  A review of various games, including Little Computer People and Lost Caves, highlighting their features and versions. It also discusses 75Occ Grand Prix by Codemasters with its limitations. The article provides insights into game mechanics and versions.
• Review
  Detailed review of various assemblers like Alasm 3.8, TASM 4.12, and others, highlighting their features and shortcomings.
• About Everything
  Announcement of the creation of the SamZxNet network in Samara and the challenges of setting it up with HAYES modems. Explanation of the modems' power requirements and potential difficulties. Invitation for technical advice from experienced readers.
• About Everything
  Description of travel to ENLIGHT'97 and meeting various demoscene participants. Observations of event organization and issues. Insights into participant experiences and scene discussions.
• About Everything
  Report on the second day of ENLIGHT'97: events, challenges, and reflections. Describes voting results and organizational difficulties. Highlights future prospects for Spectrum demo parties.
• About Everything
  The article features reader feedback on Oberon #04, critiquing design and content choices and discussing issues with software protection and game enhancements.
• About Everything
  Discussion of the adventure game KAYLETH with gameplay tips and advice. Includes a game dictionary and suggestions from the author and their team. Calls for a local artist for future RPG development.
• About Everything
  Reflection on the closure of the 'ZX-REVIEW' magazine and the adaptation of its article for 'Oberon'. Discussion on the development of ultra-short boot loaders. Optimization techniques for writing one-sector boot loaders on ZX Spectrum.
• About Everything
  Exploration of amateur contributions to electronics, music, and computing history, highlighting figures like Faraday and Babbage. The evolution from handmade instruments to personal computers. Discussion on jazz, blues, and rock'n'roll's informal origins.
• About Everything
  The story of Lieutenant Edward Roberts' journey from radio kits to creating the first PC, the Altair 8800, overcoming skepticism and challenges.
• About Everything
  The article explores the rise and evolution of the computer industry, highlighting the transformation from passionate hobbyists to corporate dominance by giants like IBM and Microsoft.
• About Everything
  An exploration of Sir Clive Sinclair's project after selling the Sinclair brand, detailing the features of the Cambridge Computers Z88 laptop.
• About Everything
  Discussion of software market problems in 1997 for ZX Spectrum, highlighting lack of new software and user reluctance to pay.
• Announcement - M.M.A
  Announcement of 'Black Raven' game by V. Mednonogov, focusing on gameplay, technical challenges, and upcoming features.
• Announcement
  Discussion of the decline in ZX Spectrum development, reviews of new games and utilities, and announcements of future projects.
• Educational Program
  The article provides an overview of FidoNet, a non-commercial computer network often considered the predecessor of the Internet, detailing its origins, growth, and unique cultural aspects.
• Hardware
  Instructions for connecting the 'ALEGRO' modem to computers with normal port #FF, detailing hardware modifications required for proper signal handling.
• Hardware
  Connecting Hayes-compatible modems to ZX Spectrum, focusing on Scorpion and Pentagon models, detailing hardware modifications. Specific instructions for internal port blocking and signal alignment provided. Step-by-step process and technical intricacies explained.
• Hardware
  Discussion of the transition from 5.25' to 3.5' floppy disks for ZX Spectrum, including installation issues and solutions for compatibility with existing software.
• Let's Feast
  A satirical story about a Rabbit who lost his house to a cunning Fox and how a Rooster helped him reclaim it.
• Let's Gourmet
  A humorous tale about Malysh and Karlson's adventures with technology, drawing parallels between computers and everyday life, culminating in a comic mishap with an AMIGA computer.
• Advertising
  Article discusses free advertising policy of Oberon, catalog of programs and hardware for ZX Spectrum, and adventure game engagement.
• Advertisement - Kano
  Promotional campaign by Magic Soft and RPSG in Russia for Amiga multimedia computers, offering exhibitions, sales, and consultations. They highlight Amiga's advantages over other systems, describe various models, and provide price lists. Collaboration with 'Computers for Population' for distribution and services.