ZX Format #07: The Existential Journey of a Man with the Stop Crane

SWITCH.

music by MIDISOFT  
(C)Saggitarius  

I was slowly walking down the street, kicking a cobblestone. After launching it on its next journey, I noticed a person approaching me. To be precise, he drew my attention by loudly calling my name. Deciding that the stone wouldn't run away, I stopped and looked at him. He was waiting for the banal question "How do you know my name?", but the water in the puddles, frozen twenty-five degrees Celsius, was hardly inspiring for long conversations. Therefore, my response was quite laconic:  
- Well?  
- Do you need a Switch? - he asked.  
- For..?- I almost blurted out.  
- Why?  
- To switch off! - he replied cheerfully.  
- What to switch off? - I sighed.  
- Everything! - this strange guy explained in a conspiratorial tone.  
"A crazy salesman," - I thought, turning my thoughts back to the cobblestone.  
- Some authors call the Switch a Stop-Cock.  
Halting my swinging leg, I said:  
- But I don't know what to do with it.  
- Of course, you do. - he smiled.  
And I really did know.  
First grade. Reading lesson. My classmates, using their symbol recognition systems, struggled to assemble them into a single word. The young teacher was nervous. I, who could read since I was five, sat there, calm as an elephant, barely holding back mocking laughter.  
- Vova, the first paragraph. - our teacher said.  
- Vэ. E. Lэ. I. Ka.A. - Vova tirelessly fought through the thicket of knowledge.  
The teacher grimaced, finally stopping him and asking me to read the mangled first paragraph by that time.  
- Great and mighty is our Motherland. Countless are its green meadows and yellowing fields.  
- Well done. Five.  
It was then that I first had the thought that being different from others was good.  
Diary for third grade: Fought with a friend. Reading - five. Drawing - five. Likes to talk in class. Mathematics - five.  
Eighth grade: conversation with the deputy principal. Deputy principal: "Rude." Response: "You're rude yourself." Physics - 5. Algebra - 5. Literature - 5.  
Tenth grade: first direct encounter with law enforcement.  
Chemistry - 5. Biology - 5. Computer Science - 5.  
Institute. Session with straight fives and  
- Shall we step outside and sort this out?  
- Why not step outside.  
- I don't like you, kid. - and a punch that knocked the conversation partner down. Returning to the hall and:  
- Miss, may I invite you to dance?  
I went to the right, until I noticed someone going there too. If the left was already taken, I was the first to invent a diagonal and rushed along it. I was venturing into other dimensions, unknown to anyone before.  
But no path was new. No matter how thick the layer of dust covering it was, there were always someone’s footprints on it.  
And however winding my path was, I seemed to be heading in the same direction as everyone else.  
At that time, I came across an interesting book. Among other things, the author wrote: "There is a theory that thinks of life as a train, speeding along, regardless of our jumps on it, in a direction known only to it. But some inhabitants of that train strive to find the Stop-Cock to interrupt this mockery and start exploring the worlds they see through the window, which they fly past every moment."  
I ceased my attempts to stand out, I spat on everything and everyone, but I did not remain without a goal. My goal became to stop the experiment, to break out of the confines set for us and to find out who set them. Simply put, I wanted to stop the train and look at the engineer.  
And then fate handed me a chance. What chance?!  
- Who are you? - I asked directly.  
- Is that really so important? I represent a certain organization that is concerned about your excessive activity. The Stop-Cock would eventually end up in your hands, but before that, you could have caused a lot of trouble.  
- Yes, that makes sense. And where is it?  
- It's in your pocket. I wish for your dream to come true. Goodbye.  
I reached into my pocket and found a small elegant device with a single button.  
- How does it work? - looking up, I found that I was alone with the cobblestone.  
Upon coming home, I drank coffee, took It in my hands, and pondered. Am I entitled to decide for others? "No, of course not." - I said, smiling for the first time in a long while, and pressed the button.  
When I was gone, an investigation probably took place, finding nothing, the case was filed away, and someone else was moved into my apartment. Recently, if one can put it that way, I often ponder who followed my coffin. However, I will never know that, for apart from fantasies, I have only one occupation - to think about what the author wrote immediately after describing the Stop-Cock: "But even this theory cannot say what will happen after the application of the Stop-Cock: will the train stop or will it continue on, leaving behind on the rails that which has stopped Time."  
And for me, having completely separated from society, there remains only to repeatedly contemplate the phrase caught by my gaze a moment before I, like a butterfly in amber, froze in the fifth second of the second hour of the afternoon of the twentieth day of December nineteen ninety-seven years after the birth of Christ. 

Contents of the publication: ZX Format #07

• From the Authors
  Update on SMUC, distribution issues, and plans for future ZX Format issues. Authors address outdated SMUC info and distribution problems of ZF-6. Upcoming content includes game descriptions and new projects.
• Аторы журнала
  Contact information and editorial team details for ZX-Format No.7. Provides mailing and electronic addresses, as well as contact phone numbers. Information on the availability of their website and specific contact instructions.
• Содержание номера
  The article provides an overview of notable software releases on the St. Petersburg market for autumn. It also includes detailed descriptions of games, programming tips, and hardware projects. Interviews, philosophical tales, and reader letters enrich the issue.
• Игрушки - Welcome
  An overview of software novelties for ZX Spectrum, including games like 'Los Angeles Drugs Bust' and 'Jungle Warfare'. Each game description provides insights into graphics, gameplay, and features. A variety of genres from action to strategy are covered, showcasing the diversity of software offerings.
• Игрушки - Алешкин А.В.
  The article describes the game 'TAI-PAN' as an arcade-economic game set in the 19th-century East, focusing on trading and survival amidst pirates and danger. It details the gameplay mechanics, such as trading goods, managing finances, and navigating seas with different ships. Despite its engaging plot and interface, the game didn't achieve much popularity in Russia.
• Игрушки - Soft
  A whimsical narrative in a fantastical world where colors converse with the Last, a character recounting tales of ancient humans, coders, and a mysterious past. The story explores themes of language, translation, and the creation of 'the Last' amidst fantastical beings like flying hippos and sea giraffes. It serves as a fictional narrative with humorous elements, blending science fiction with satire.
• Игрушки - Alex ASP
  A parody on Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' named 'Bored of the Rings' by Delta 4 is explored. The text references adaptations, humorous adventures of characters like Fordo and Bimbo, and differing versions from Delta 4 over the years. Anticipated prequels and correspondence excerpts with Delta 4's Fergus McNeill are mentioned.
• Игрушки - Гил-Гелад
  The article provides a detailed guide on navigating the 3D Construction Kit interface for ZX Spectrum. It explains menu options for file management, game setup, and in-game conditions. Additionally, it covers object creation, editing, and logic implementation within the program.
• Программистам - Дмитрий Рудовский
  The article concludes the description of BB commands and provides tips on their usage. It details the usage of the CLOCK command for time and alarm management on ZX Spectrum. Additionally, it explains the SORT command for array sorting and introduces new logical and mathematical functions.
• Программистам - Angel
  Introduction to assembly programming for beginners, covering basic concepts and commands. Detailed explanation of processor registers and flags, with examples. Offers practical advice on transitioning from Basic to assembly language.
• Программистам - GreenFort
  Discussion on fast calculations in assembler for tasks like vector graphics and astronomy. Describes procedures for binary division and multiplication, with examples for different byte sizes. Highlights the adaptability of these methods for increased precision.
• Программистам - TP, Stinger
  Detailed technical description of the Mod file format for music composition on ZX Spectrum, focusing on structure and data offsets for title, instruments, and patterns.
• Программистам - Research
  The article describes the capabilities and limitations of the Convert program, focusing on its use for converting images to the BMC format. It includes technical details about the program's functions, such as dithering methods, sprite and screen format output, and the removal of extraneous dots. Additionally, the article briefly discusses the source code of X-Color and its potential applications.
• Обзор
  The article discusses the ENLiGHT'97 demo-party held in St. Petersburg on August 24, 1997, featuring platforms like Spectrum, Amiga, and PC. The event attracted around 1100 delegates, leading to overcrowding and technical issues, which caused the cancellation of the second day. Despite these issues, the event was generally enjoyable, and there is hope for another event in 1998.
• Обзор
  Review of VideoFAIR exhibition in Manezh with highlights on video and audio equipment. Amiga-service and various companies showcased their technological advancements in video editing and broadcast systems. Notable innovations include 3D laser-scanned displays and professional audio solutions.
• Железо - Nemo
  Discussion of KAY technology export to decentralize Spectrum production. Highlights potential benefits and challenges of local manufacturing. Emphasizes quality assurance and support systems.
• Железо
  The article describes the development of a new Scorpion motherboard, focusing on enhancing graphics, speed, and compatibility with modern peripherals like IBM keyboards and mice. It introduces the GMX (Graphic Memory Extension) board, designed to upgrade existing Scorpion models to match the capabilities of the new motherboard. The GMX board offers significant improvements in memory, graphics, and processing speed, while maintaining compatibility with ZX Spectrum and Pentagon standards.
• Железо
  The article provides a detailed overview of two popular audio amplifiers for ZX Spectrum users in St. Petersburg. It highlights the advantages and specifications of the 2 X 2W low-voltage amplifier and the 2 X 22W car amplifier. The article also includes a price list and ordering instructions through the 'Nemo' company.
• Примьера
  The article describes the improvements and features of the Turbo Assembler version 1.1 for ZX Spectrum. It highlights the differences from version 1.0, such as bug fixes, screen size changes, and added features like line editor and syntax checking. It also details the memory allocation and provides a guide on using the editor and compiler functions.
• Примьера - STS
  Description of the Riff Tracker MOD-editor for General Sound, its features, and functionalities. Provides detailed instructions on using editing and sample management. Notes on the current version limitations and expected improvements.
• Примьера - Paul Atrides, Alex Noman
  Presentation of Oberon Creative Pack, consisting of ZX-WinWord and Sprite Cutter. ZX-WinWord is a text editor combining text and graphics with advanced features. Sprite Cutter allows sprite creation and manipulation in various formats.
• Примьера
  Presentation of the second demo version of the game Headball by ZX-Masters, discussing its features and improvements since the first demo. The game offers two-player mode, four levels, three types of projectiles, various options, and computer difficulty settings. Availability of Turbo mode and enhanced synchronization and animation make it unique among other Spectrum games.
• Интервью - Ruster
  Interview with Digital Reality about ongoing projects like DOOM and Paradise Lost. Discussion of challenges and progress in game development. Preview of their submissions for the ENLiGHT event.
• Интервью - Ruster
  Interview with members of the newly formed group EXTREME. They work on demos for Spectrum and Amiga platforms and discuss their team members and activities. The interview also touches upon the state of the Amiga scene in Moscow.
• Интервью - Борис Прытков
  Interview with Samara-based Spectrum enthusiasts discussing their achievements and challenges. Emphasis on community building and publication of Oberon magazine. Efforts to establish a Spectrum network and convert the game WALKER.
• Интервью - Борис Прытков
  The article is an interview with members of the group Flash inc. discussing their projects for ZX Spectrum and PC, including a music editor with an innovative interface and a new multicolor graphic editor.
• Интервью - Михаил Акимов
  Interview with Moscow-based group Progress discussing their current work on Spectrum demos, plans for future projects on Amiga, and opinions on the Russian demoscene.
• Интервью - Михаил Акимов
  Interview with Felix about changes in the tech landscape, the enduring appeal of Amiga despite PC dominance, and his work on 'Winnie the Pooh - 2' for Spectrum.
• Интервью - Ruster
  Interview with Slash about the ENLiGHT event, including sponsorship issues, attendee behavior, and the quality of music and demos. Discussion of the current state of the Spectrum and Amiga markets. Commentary on music trackers and the future of hardware development.
• Интервью - Ruster
  Interview with V. Mednonogov after ENLiGHT'97 discussing impressions of the event, future of Spectrum, and his current project 'Black Raven'. Mednonogov shares his views on new hardware and software development and the importance of copyright. He also discusses his plans for upcoming projects and the challenges faced in game development.
• Здесь был ты
  A satirical guide to gaining power and invisibility using magical rituals and Orbit gum.
• Здесь был ты - Saggitarius
  A contemplative novella about a man's existential journey after encountering a mysterious individual offering a device called the Stop Crane. Through flashbacks, the protagonist reflects on his life, uniqueness, and his desire to break free from societal constraints. Ultimately, he faces the moral dilemma of using the Stop Crane to transcend time and existence.
• Почта - Eagle Soft
  Critique of ZX-Spectrum software, highlighting the limitations of current programs and recommending the removal of outdated tools. Discussion on the limitations of assembly programs and the need for more efficient assemblers like M80. Evaluation of current music and graphic editors, with a focus on the redundancy of certain applications.
• Почта
  Discussion of reader inquiries on ZX Format distribution and content. Responses include details on acquiring issues and technical insights on the KAY-256 computer. The magazine also addresses criticism of its market outlook article.
• Почта
  This advertisement highlights XL Design Inc.'s software distribution campaign, offering games like 'Plutonia' and upcoming releases such as 'Mortal Kombat'. Mouse controllers are promoted with humorous selling points and pricing details. Studio LOGROS provides a wide range of software and peripherals, with options for local and remote purchases.
• Разное - Александр Сысоев
  The article discusses the creation of an RPG game by the OBERON GROUP, inspired by 'Eye of Beholder'. It describes the game's humorous plot set in a distant galaxy and the battle against invaders on a planet named Agima. The team invites musicians, artists, coders, and scriptwriters for collaboration.
• Разное - Viator
  The article describes the development of a new graphics editor called STATE OF THE ART for ZX Spectrum, aiming to improve upon existing editors like ART-STUDIO and ARTIST-2. The team AVALON, inspired by feedback from the SPECCY artist community, incorporates features from editors on Amiga and PC, while also addressing specific user requests. Key features include a user-friendly interface, enhanced magnify mode, advanced shape and window manipulation, and optimized performance.
• Разное
  Discussion on enhancing consumer quality of Spectrum computers without altering their technical specifications. Suggestions include improving existing support, developing platform ideology, and structural changes. The article also touches on the potential of electronic books and their commercial viability.
• Amiga Club - Максим Петров
  The article describes the author's admiration for the Amiga computer, emphasizing its aesthetic and technical merits compared to other platforms. It explores the author's programming experiences on Amiga, highlighting its efficiency and the impressive capabilities of its new hardware upgrades. The article concludes by reflecting on the unique community and passion of Amiga enthusiasts.