Oberon #04: Review of Little Computer People and More

 Little  Computer
       People 

     128KB Only 

     Activision 

Disk Version: 
         Flash Inc. 

Size: 284 sectors

Many have been waiting for this game!
Although they could have not waited...
But someone particularly clever placed a translated article from a Western magazine with a review of this program in the third volume of game descriptions from the VA-PRINT publishing house. The article talked about some fundamentally new concept applied in the game, about a little computer person (see the title of the game), which could be controlled, commanded, or simply observed in its life within your computer.
LCP was searched for long and hard, everyone who could was looking for it, but only in April of this year did the first quality disk version of Little Computer People appear. And it was the Novosibirsk group Flash Inc. that gave the whole country the opportunity to feel like a boss.
Little Computer People is more of a research project than a game. It somewhat resembles such a well-known abomination as The Regener's, but only somewhat...

So, for a while, you are destined to be a god in a particular house and over a particular person. He tries to do his daily activities: exercising, watching TV, walking the dog, etc., but then you appear and force the poor guy to eat, drink, make phone calls, rejoice, and cry... And he will do all this unquestioningly... Who has it easy nowadays!?
Commands are entered from the keyboard at the top of the screen and in English. This is where the essence of the game opens up - exploring the vocabulary, and, as a consequence, gaining more and more power over your little friend(?).
Starting to explore your divine powers, pay attention to such things as the phone, typewriter (Write Me Letter), Commodore computer (Play Computer), refrigerator, gramophone, and piano (Play Piano). Try to make the little person feed the dog, do gymnastics, wash the dishes, or go to bed. If after entering your command the little person nods affirmatively, this is a clear sign that he understood your desire and is eager to fulfill it. Otherwise, try to find other words and concepts.
Before starting, you will be asked if you want to load a saved position. If you do not load the saved situation, the game for some unknown reason goes into DEMO mode, and the command line does not appear. Therefore, the only option for starting remains loading the saved state. Do not forget to correctly enter the current date and time, after which the clock in the house will show exactly what you entered.
In my opinion, Little Computer People is undoubtedly a masterpiece, but you probably won't be able to play it for long. The game is clearly nondeterministic, but not sufficiently voluminous and complex.
Our programmers should think about writing something similar, but on a more global scale. Imagine a game where you can create and raise your own character, teach him manners and principles of behavior, and then load him onto a floppy disk. What to do next? Send him against another character made by your acquaintance, and while tearing your sides with laughter, watch the silly dialogues between two computer "glitches."
In concluding the description of LCP, I want to note its incomparable sound design!
 Lost Caves         
           And             
      The Doom Tomb        
                           
        128KB Only         
                           
     Tag Computer Games    
     Players Premier'89    
                                          
      Disk Version : Diamond Software     
      Size       : 108 Sectors         
                                          
      Disk Version : Phantasy             
      Size       : 117 Sectors         
                                          
      Disk Version : Code Busters         
      Size       : 93 Sectors           
Solid, isn't it? I didn't want to include this program in the review since its first disk version appeared in the city relatively long ago. But after the second and then the third versions came, I decided to shed light on this diversity with the aim of guiding the user on the right path.
And what does Lost Caves represent? Briefly, it can be characterized as a well-made Boulder Dash. The idea is as old as the world: a dungeon, a maze, diamonds, monsters, and the inevitable stones falling on your head. However, this time everything is done very, very solidly!
The graphics, as is customary for games of this genre, are blocky. But the movements of your hero are quite smooth. The sprites that make up the game field are quite large (4 by 4 character spaces), but they are also well drawn. I was particularly pleased with the stones, which not only fall from above but also rotate!
By the way, it is also important to note that in Lost Cave, you can escape from a stone hovering right above your head by moving down. In some old samples of similar games, in such cases, the stone would immediately crush the skull of the unfortunate diamond collector as soon as he started moving down.
The entire game is divided into several levels. To pass the current level, you need to collect a certain number of diamonds and enter the coveted door.
And now for the main point - the disk versions!
The first version that made it to Samara was made in Novosibirsk by the Diamond Software group. In principle, the version was not bad, but "trainers" were completely absent.
The second version, from Phantasy, appeared a few months later. In this version, it became possible to get an infinite number of lives, but due to a cooler intro, the size of the game increased by 9 sectors. You might say, a trifle... No way! Besides the fact that the game increased in size, the opportunity to "enjoy" the branded picture disappeared, as it appeared only for a fraction of a second and was then overwritten by the output text.

And here is the finale (or maybe not?) of this story - the version from Code Busters! Here you have everything a true "gamer" dreams of. Small game size, two "trainers," and the game and intro load into memory at once, which undoubtedly speeds up the process. This is the version I recommend for purchase!
75Occ Grand Prix
                            
        Codemasters'91      
                            
    Disk Version: Crushers  
                            
                  Size: 142 sectors     
Another product from the well-known company Codemasters from 1991. Unfortunately, the product is incomplete. The version that came into my hands is clearly the 48th, as it completely lacks any special effects and music. Simply put, the program is just silent!
But it's not about the version. Eventually, a complete release of this game will appear, and for now, let's see what makes it so remarkable...

In principle, nothing special. Motorcycle racing - they are racing anywhere. Moreover, the screen design and game space strongly resemble another Codemasters creation, Paris to Dakar. But as soon as you reach the first turn, you will understand the charm of this program. Such implementation of turns has not been seen in any similar auto-simulator!!!
END OF PART 1...
* * *
Last Edition: 27.06.97

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.