ZX Format #01: Toys: Software and Game Releases of 1995

(C) Pavlov Sergey  
This article highlights the most promising (or conversely) developments that appeared on the Saint Petersburg market in the autumn of 1995.  
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48 IRONS (48/128)  
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Authors:  
GALAXY  
Gatchina '95  
In our opinion, a quite powerful development, competitive with such masterpieces as DIZZY, SEYMOUR, and many others... The game has excellent graphics, music, storyline... There is a fairly large number of levels with passwords in the game.  

COLLINES & MAGLINES  
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Author:  
Khantsis Sergey  
Izhevsk '95  
Another "LINES", transferred from IBM. In our opinion, these lines are currently the most successful of all previous ones. Essentially, the programs are identical in their essence, the differences consist only in the fact that the first are made for color, and the second for black-and-white monitors. The game has a quite decent interface, although the arrow lacks acceleration.  

TETRIS 5 in 1  
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Authors:  
KSA & AIG  
Moscow '95  
A complete copy of the similar game on Game Boy.  

REGENERS  
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Author:  
Reserve  
Company '95  
A decent embodiment of the well-known game LIFE. The game has a well-developed design, quite acceptable interface, and a very complete description...  

NIGHT TETRIS  
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Author:  
Chemist Soft  
Krasnoyarsk '95  
Another Tetris, executed in a not-so-luxurious way. The ripped music and one single picture quickly become boring... The author certainly has something to think about...  

COLOR LINES  
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Author:  
Shchekin Alexey  
Saint Petersburg '95  
Another version of lines that you can find in the Appendix.  

INSTRUMENT 3.01  
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Author:  
Yeleseev Vadim  
Saint Petersburg '94  
A new version of the digital music player. It has the following capabilities:  
- Expanded melody volume up to 2048 notes.  
- Increased number of instruments to 7.  
- Built-in music converter from ASM.  
- Built-in analyzers.  
- Current position indicator.  
- Improved interface.  
- KEMPSTON MOUSE support.  
- Three melody disks.  
- Four quite powerful demonstrations.  
It also surpasses all hacker versions from Moscow...  

PRO-TRACKER 2.01  
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Authors:  
GOLDEN DISK  
Voronezh '95  
At the moment, this is the most popular music editor, although it has some drawbacks. Here are some of them: poor cursor acceleration, not very convenient control keys, the main menu is made too large, which complicates work. But despite all these drawbacks, it is the most powerful music editor. We hope that the authors will eliminate these shortcomings in future versions and that this editor will satisfy even the most demanding users.  
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Contents of the publication: ZX Format #01

• IS-DOS
  IskraSoft introduces IS-DOS Classic 4.0 with advanced text editing features, a disk utility, a hard drive controller for ZX Spectrum, and a program debugger.
• IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
  Overview of IS-DOS for ZX Spectrum, highlighting its advantages over TR-DOS. Discussion on installation, usage, and file management features of IS-DOS. Introduction to system utilities and interface similar to Norton Commander.
• IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
  The article provides a concise guide to the IS-DOS system disk, listing all essential files with explanations. Files are sorted alphabetically and grouped by directories for easy navigation. The guide focuses on a basic overview of files and commands without extensive descriptions.
• IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
  Discussion on the UniColor standard for color settings in IS-DOS programs, its implementation, and advantages for user customization.
• IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
  Discussion of IS-DOS window interface features. Implementation of window system in IS-DOS and its advantages. Example programs for creating windows and frames.
• IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
  Description of the internal workings of the gmen.com program for IS-DOS, focusing on device management and menu handling with detailed source code and comments.
• Hardware - Vladimir Larkov
  Discussion on modifying Scorpion ZS-256 hardware for compatibility with specific software. Describes blocking port #1FFD to run incompatible programs. Provides technical details for implementation.
• Железо - Nemo
  Discussing hardware braking devices for ZX Spectrum. Focus on creation and impact of brakes on overclocked processors. Warning about potential side effects.
• Железо
  Discussion of the impracticality of repairing old computers and the economic sense in replacing them with modern hardware. The article highlights challenges in DIY repairs and suggests alternative solutions. Emphasizes the benefits of upgrading to newer, more reliable components.
• Железо
  Discussion of new peripheral developments for Scorpion ZS 256, including an innovative universal controller and MIDI interface. Highlights enhancements in keyboard and mouse controllers and expansion of built-in software capabilities. Offers details on professional ROM extension and turbo mode for improved performance.
• Игрушки - Ruster
  A detailed walkthrough of the game Crystal Kingdom Dizzy, including solutions to puzzles and tips for progressing through the story.
• Игрушки - Павел Рындин
  Description of the logic game 'Bulls and Cows', its mechanics and gameplay. Explains levels of difficulty and the goal to guess a number with minimal attempts.
• Игрушки - Вячеслав Медноногов
  Discussion on the nuances of 'UFO: Enemy Unknown' game, focusing on alien species, their tactics, and gameplay strategies. Details on game mechanics and future sequel 'UFO-2: Devils of the Abyss'. Includes programming insights and development history.
• Игрушки - SParker
  Overview of games and software on the Saint Petersburg market in 1995.
• Интервью
  Vyacheslav Mednonogov shares his journey as a programmer, from assembling his first Spectrum-48 to developing notable games like 'UFO. Enemy Unknown'. He describes challenges and insights in game development and the rise of Russian game localization. His experiences highlight the evolution of programming and software distribution in the 1990s.
• Информация
  Introduction to ZX-Format, a new electronic magazine for ZX Spectrum enthusiasts, focusing on games, programming, hardware, and community interaction.
• Конкурс
  Discussion on organizing a new competition for the magazine. Readers are invited to submit their theme ideas. Selected themes will be featured in future issues.
• Конкурс
  ZX Format announces a competition for the best mission created using the mission editor for the game Laser Squad. Submissions are accepted by mail or in person. Winner receives a box of 3M disks and the next issue for free.
• Отдохнём - Килат Амор
  A programmer's day filled with dreams, gaming, and casual conversations. Vasetchkin balances ambition with relaxation, embodying the programmer's spirit. Reflects on the demands and enjoyment of a programmer's life.
• Mailbox - Максим Романов
  Discussion on hardware and software offers in St. Petersburg by LOGROS and Create Soft, including detailed insights on Kempston Mouse interface.
• Mailbox - SParker
  Compilation of cheat codes for ZX Spectrum games by Sergey Pavlov. Techniques for extra lives and immortality. Not recommended for fans of fair play.
• Mailbox
  Description of submission guidelines for letters and articles to the magazine, including formatting and submission preferences.
• Премьера - Алексей Щекин
  Gameplay of Lines game on ZX Spectrum, similar to Color Lines. Move balls to form lines of the same color. Scoring and controls are described.
• Программистам - Дмитрий Рудовский
  Introduction to advanced BASIC programming techniques for ZX Spectrum 48, highlighting its advantages over 128 BASIC. Plans for future articles include service programs and language extensions. The article serves as a guide for experienced programmers.
• Программистам - Михаил Спицын
  Introduction to assembly language on ZX Spectrum. Explanation of Z80 processor structure, registers, and basic commands. Includes example programs for learning.
• Программистам - Андрей Седов
  Mission editor for Laser Squad by Andrey Sedov allows fans to create new missions. Includes user-friendly interface with minimal controls. Offers features like object editing, price adjustments, and sprite assignment.
• Various
  History of Amiga computer development, its creators, and key features. Evolution from arcade games to a leading home computer. Amiga's market success and technological advancements.
• Разное
  Review of upcoming ZX Spectrum software products with demos. Highlights include adventure games, RPG trials, and strategic tactics. Several well-known developers contribute to these releases.