Publication articles

• Today in Issue
  Overview of ZX Format #06 contents, including games, programming articles, interviews, and hardware reviews for the ZX Spectrum in 1997.
• Authors
  Introduction of ZX Format magazine contributors including roles and contact information. Details on the founding and main staff members are provided. Key communication channels are highlighted.
• From the Authors
  Editorial introduction to ZX Format #06 with a reflection on its development delays and a preview of upcoming content in ZF-7.
• Toys
  A young protagonist seeks to uncover the adventures of his ancestor in a magical kingdom. He learns of a past era of grand change, concluding with the defeat of an enemy using unusual tools. The story ends with the kingdom in peace, hinting at potential future adventures.
• Toys
  Adventures of Winnie the Pooh continue as he navigates puzzles and interactions with various characters to find his friend Piglet. The narrative includes encounters with a dragon, gangsters, and a wizard, with Winnie using acquired tools creatively to progress. Filled with humor, challenges, and unexpected alliances, this story illustrates a whimsical journey.
• Toys
  A detailed guide for the game 'The Crypt' (Castle Master 2) with maps, explanations, and strategies for navigating floors and dealing with obstacles.
• Toys
  Technical guide for 'The Professional Adventure Writer' by Gilsoft. Details on its creation, functions, and translation into Russian. Overview of PAW's capabilities and operational structure.
• Toys
  Continuation of the technical guide for PAW, detailing actions for object manipulation and flag management within the game engine.
• Toys
  Technical manual for PAW database structures and editor options. Detailed guidance on tables, compression, and interface. Essential for creating text adventures.
• Toys
  A technical guide for PAW's graphics editor, focusing on drawstrings. It explains commands and error handling for efficient use. Includes detailed sections on subprograms and printer integration.
• Toys
  Technical guide for PAW software covering features like memory management, color limits, and parsers. Discusses object rendering and intelligent characters in ZX Spectrum games. Includes graphic editor commands and system messages.
• For Programmers
  Explanation of procedures and functions in Beta-Basic, comparison with Spectrum Basic, and parameter handling techniques.
• For Programmers
  Programming guide for General Sound on ZX Spectrum, detailing its technical specs and command system for module and sample playback.
• For Programmers
  The article provides a detailed manual for programming a modem driver for Macro Modem v2.20, explaining memory allocation, entry points, and data transfer methods. It also discusses the setup and operation of the modem, handling of system states, and error codes. The guide includes source code examples for driver installation and connection management.
• For Programmers
  Algorithm for calculating the shortest path in games using wave tracing is presented. Benefits include simplicity and reliability, drawbacks involve memory usage and speed. Discusses variations and real-world applications.
• For Programmers
  Discussion on AI in computer games, highlighting procedural approaches for tactical and strategic game elements and methods for optimizing AI decision-making.
• For Programmers
  Detailed technical guide on TR-DOS for ZX Spectrum programmers. Covers disk operations, motor control, formatting, and error prevention techniques. Practical advice for enhancing program reliability across different drives.
• For Programmers
  Exploration of 'Tricolor' technique for ZX Spectrum graphics without hardware changes. Explanation of image formation using CRT principle and implementation of color screens. Provides practical advice for coders to enhance game graphics using this method.
• For Programmers
  Development of '3Color' shell for ZX Spectrum using multicolor techniques. Explanation of graphic processing and tools for image conversion. Introduction of new projects by VolgaSoft.
• For Programmers
  Detailed tutorial on implementing multicolor effects for ZX Spectrum using programmatic attribute manipulation. Offers step-by-step instructions and code example. Geared towards experienced programmers familiar with border effects.
• IS-DOS
  The article details the customization of IS-DOS for various ZX Spectrum-compatible computers. It covers keyboard layouts, printer drivers, RAM disk, display drivers, and system settings. Aimed at optimizing the IS-DOS system for personal use.
• IS-DOS
  Detailed guide on creating a working copy of the IS-DOS system disk using track-by-track copying and manual methods, including file management and disk formatting.
• IS-DOS
  A detailed guide on programming within the IS-DOS environment, focusing on the system's lower levels. It covers cache management, block device operations, and keyboard handling. The guide aims to aid programmers in mastering IS-DOS and enhancing the available software offerings.
• IS-DOS
  Overview of new IS-DOS software including Alpha, Art Studio IS-DOS, IS-DOS Disassembler, Go game, and Scorpion Games with pricing and features.
• Hardware
  Discussion of Z80/Z180 processor development with a focus on design and architecture differences. Historical context and Zilog's concept of moderate performance. Technical analysis of advancements in timing, machine cycles, interrupts, and command systems.
• Hardware
  The article describes assembling a Multiviewer for ZX Spectrum to monitor data bus activity. It includes a detailed guide on necessary tools and steps for assembly. It highlights the importance of the DataBus mode for coding and system repair.
• Hardware
  Discussion of Sprinter, a new Spectrum-compatible computer by Peters. The machine offers advanced graphics and technical features. Addressing graphical shortcomings is crucial for competitiveness.
• Hardware
  Discussion of the SMUC controller's functionality for ZX Spectrum, highlighting its ability to boot from an HDD and emulate TRDOS. Critique of hardware compatibility issues and suggestions for improvement. Personal insights on transitioning from older systems to modern configurations.
• Hardware
  Discussion on Spectrum's outdated architecture and development of SuperSpectrum with open architecture supporting multiple modes.
• Hardware
  FAQ about connecting General Sound and XTR-modem to ZX Spectrum. Details on software support and adaptations for these devices. Advice for developers on optimizing game sound effects.
• Premiere
  Description of the Flash Tracker v2.1 music editor for SounDrive 1.* with its features and capabilities.
• Premiere
  Detailed manual for Macro Modem v2.20, explaining its features and hardware requirements. Instructions on program setup and usage with modems. Guide on mouse controls and terminal operation.
• Premiere
  Release of the domestic version of Mortal Kombat for ZX Spectrum. Features include seven fighters, two bosses, and a two-player mode. Hardware requirements and enhancements are detailed.
• Premiere
  Presentation of XReversy game, a reimagined Reversi with advanced graphics and themes. Players must complete 256 matches in adult mode, unlocking thematic images. The game features a demo version and requires minimal hardware.
• Interview
  Interview with Andrey Larchenko about his experience with ZX Spectrum, development of software, and the influence of Spectrum on modern computing.
• Here You Were
  A man summons the Devil and gains ultimate power, becoming the Master of the Universe, but faces the consequences.
• Here was you
  In a dystopian world, Val, a handicapped man, faces the deadly Road to achieve a fabled transformation. Driven by necessity and desperation, he embarks on a perilous journey across dangerous traffic. The story explores themes of survival, transformation, and society's harsh realities.
• Here Was You
  A parody narrative in the style of Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings'. The story humorously recounts the antics of Frodo, Sam, and other Middle-earth characters. It offers a satirical take on the quest to destroy a tooth, not a ring.
• Mail
  A reader apologizes for a previous critical letter, acknowledging errors and expressing a desire for reconciliation with the magazine's editorial team. The reader praises the KEMPSTON MOUSE interface despite its high cost and shares software and articles for potential publication. They also inquire about alternatives to receiving the magazine through 'ИНФОРКОМ'.
• Mail
  Discussion of reader ideas on ZX Spectrum's future, competition challenges, and magazine queries.
• Mail
  Advertisements for software and hardware distribution, including mouse controllers, ZX Spectrum programs, and peripherals in St. Petersburg and Moscow.
• Miscellaneous
  The article compares the development of Spectrum and IBM platforms, highlighting the cultural and structural differences between them.
• Miscellaneous
  Review of the book 'Digital Devices' by G.I. Pukhalsky and T.Ya. Novoseltseva, detailing its comprehensive yet accessible presentation of digital circuit technology.
• Miscellaneous
  Analysis of ZX Format reader survey results, revealing unexpected trends in magazine readership, distribution, and usage habits.
• Various
  Discussion of various ZX Spectrum contests. Challenges include level design for LS, anecdotes, and music. Music contest focuses on excluding acid and rave genres.
• Various
  The article analyzes the decline of the ZX Spectrum market, exploring causes like the lack of new software and piracy issues. It discusses the challenges developers face in selling their software profitably and the impact of hacking and unethical sales practices. The piece concludes with a reflection on user responsibility in supporting the platform.
• Miscellaneous
  Overview of demo versions for music editors Fast Tracker and Pro Sound Creator, and game demo Black Raven. Emphasis on usability and sound capabilities. Black Raven demo includes tasks like gathering resources and finding enemies.
• Various
  Description of a story about two students investigating eerie events following a teacher's death.
• Miscellaneous
  History and development of SPBZXNET, its challenges and expansion. Plans for future improvements and features. Guidance for joining the network.
• Amiga Club
  Comparison of Amiga A1200 capabilities to PCs. Discussion on hardware, software, and performance of Amiga systems. Evaluation of Amiga's suitability for various computing tasks.
• Amiga Club
  Personal reflections on Amiga computers compared to PCs in the 1990s. Discussion includes hardware configurations, performance, and purchasing challenges. Emphasis on gaming capabilities and user experiences.

Releases

Title	Year				Supported languages		Release type	Release by	Hardware			Times downloaded	Times played
ZX Format #06	1997	Play online			Russian		Original		🖥️ Pentagon 128	SCL disk TRD disk		30	6
ZX Format #06	1997	Play online			Russian		Original		🖥️ Pentagon 128	FDI disk TRD disk		9	3