ZX Format #04 - Electronic Journal with Articles on Games and Programming

Publication articles

• Toys
  A team of adventurers, led by the Main character, explores the mysterious world of Softland, encountering various challenges, including a giant monster and a puzzle involving a helicopter. They navigate through clouds, engage with sea creatures, and employ creative problem-solving to overcome obstacles. Ultimately, they assist Neptune in exchange for freedom, capturing the essence of a fantasy adventure.
• Toys
  Description and analysis of the game 'La Abadia del Crimen', its gameplay, and the atmosphere reminiscent of gothic horror. Includes a translation of the game's introduction and gameplay tips. Noteworthy for its 3D graphics and detective-mystery plot.
• Toys
  A Winnie the Pooh adventure where he searches for Piglet, who has been kidnapped by humans. Pooh encounters various challenges, gathers items, and enlists friends' help. The journey leads Pooh to realize more adventures await.
• To Programmers
  Discussion of Basic's limitations on ZX Spectrum and combining it with assembly to overcome slowness using libraries like SUPERCODE.
• For Programmers
  Discussion on program adaptation for disk on ZX Spectrum, focusing on overcoming limitations and executing complex procedures. Includes techniques for handling mutilated programs and optimizing memory use. Ends with insights on software and hardware enhancements.
• For Programmers
  Continuation of programming discussion, focusing on binary-decimal representation and immortality toggling in games.
• For Programmers
  Discussion of music editors for ZX Spectrum, comparing non-digital and digital types. Analysis of popular programs like SOUND TRACKER, ASM, and PRO TRACKER, including their features and limitations. Includes a glossary of terms and technical specs of editors.
• For Programmers
  The article serves as a programmer's reference guide for the Scorpion ZS 256 computer's embedded software. It covers Shadow Service Monitor subroutines accessible via the assembler, detailing their inputs, outputs, and actions. The guide includes disk BIOS functions, TR-DOS file system subroutines, and hard disk operations.
• For Programmers
  Techniques for making games immortal on ZX Spectrum, focusing on life mechanics, memory addresses, and advanced assembly tricks.
• IS-DOS
  Description of IS-DOS command line monitor functionality and operations, including internal and external commands, and user menu setup.
• IS-DOS
  Discussion on using electronic disks in IS-DOS, their benefits and creation methods, covering device-specific drivers and disk setup.
• IS-DOS
  Advertising partnership and software development opportunities with IskraSoft's IS-DOS for ZX Spectrum, focusing on collaboration and new product promotion.
• Hardware
  Discussion of KAY bus applications in other computers, criticism of INFORKOM, and characteristics defining brand identity. Emphasis on technical integrity and user relations in the Spectrum scene. Information on available KAY models and disk drive recommendations.
• Hardware
  Discussion on undocumented commands in Zilog Z84C0010PEC CPU leading to compatibility issues. Exploration of company's stance and user suggestions for resolution. Implications for future CPU developments.
• Premiere
  Description of the XAS assembler for ZX Spectrum, highlighting speed and usability improvements over TASM. Includes a detailed guide on features, commands, and programming advice. Comparison with competing assemblers and performance optimizations.
• Premiere
  Detailed description of 'CONVER-Commander V 4.50 pro' software, including system requirements, new features, bug fixes, and user commands. The manual covers disk operations, file management, and disk doctor mode. Authored by Yuri Kovalevsky, 1996.
• Premiere
  Discussion of 'UFO-2' game release, initial bugs, and improvements made in version 2.10. Detailed technical aspects and future game development considerations by the author. Critique of negative reception from other media outlets.
• Presentation
  Introduction of Digital Reality, a software team from Novgorod, highlighting their history, members, and upcoming projects including games and software.
• Interview
  Discussion on the future of ZX Spectrum involving its technical limitations, potential for an operating system, and economic factors influencing its decline.
• Interview
  Nikolai Rodionov shares his early experiences with ZX Spectrum, collaboration with peers, and transition to IBM PC. He reflects on the evolution of programming quality and his current focus on commerce and electronic networks. He encourages modern Speccy users and programmers towards a more professional level.
• Interview
  Interview with Dmitry Mikhailov, discussing his journey from bus driver to creating the Hobbit computer. Mikhailov's innovations led to notable international recognition. The article highlights his work with Amiga and the release of his book on the platform.
• Let's Relax
  Conversation between a programmer and HAL 9000, highlighting the computer's capabilities and a humorous issue with its marketing campaign due to MS-DOS compatibility.
• Take a Break
  Discussion about personal computers and virtual reality in Russia during the 1990s.
• Mailbox
  Reader letters address issues with purchasing Spectrum magazines legally, floppy disk drive adjustments, and discusses the IBM's ability to run Mortal Kombat efficiently compared to other systems.
• Mailbox
  Advertising for software and hardware related to ZX Spectrum, including distribution offers and new product releases, such as KAY-256 boards. Discussion of improvements in the devices, like the new joystick design adapted from Dendy console. Contact information for acquiring products and services related to Spectrum.
• Mailbox
  Discussion on the significance of the Spectrum computer in education and industry, its role as a people's computer, and the proposal for its broader adoption and implementation.
• Miscellaneous
  A novella introducing the game 'Paradise Lost,' depicting a surreal journey into a sinister 'paradise.' The protagonist's friend reveals a conspiracy by a company freezing people. The protagonist vows revenge after a personal tragedy.
• Various
  Description of the adaptation of 'Warcraft' for ZX Spectrum by G_Software, its features, and gameplay elements. The article explores the plot involving Orcs and humans, including storytelling by Garona of the Dark Council. Hardware requirements and future release plans are also discussed.
• Miscellaneous
  Discussion of Amiga's capabilities, networking, and video applications, including the HAM graphic mode and market developments involving its ownership.
• Miscellaneous
  The article discusses the enduring debates and rumors about Amiga, exploring three potential reasons for its controversial status: marketing manipulation, disappointed owners spreading negative sentiment, and the unique appeal of Amiga among users.
• From the Editors
  Challenges in publishing and editorial changes in ZX Format #04. Call for new editor and publication plans. Announcement of upcoming features and competitions.
• Magazine Authors
  The article provides details about the authors of the ZX Format magazine, including their roles and contact information. It highlights the absence of a chief editor and lists contributors for coding, graphics, and music. Additionally, it provides postal, email, and phone contact details for communication.
• Lottery
  Announcement of the first lottery results conducted by the ZX Format editors for their readers. Listing of winning numbers and instructions for prize collection. Changes in distribution methods for future editions discussed.

Releases

Title	Year				Supported languages		Release type	Release by	Hardware			Times downloaded	Times played
ZX Format #04	1996	Play online			Russian		Original		🖥️ Pentagon 128	TRD disk		24	8
ZX Format #04	1996				Russian		Original		🖥️ Pentagon 128	FDI disk		5	0