Micro #01: Various: The Shift in Disk Formats

ABOUT 5'25 DISKS

As you may have noticed, it is quite difficult to find clean 5'25 disks; if they are sold, it is at outrageous prices of 80 kopecks. This is primarily due to the fact that the production of these disks has practically ceased. This situation has arisen not only in Ukraine but also in Russia. In some Ukrainian cities, disks with games for both 5'25 and 3'5 have been sold for a long time. In particular, Donetsk can be mentioned. If you remember the 3'5 FLOP program, it was written in Donetsk. However, there are also arrivals of "stale" disks from nearby foreign countries (Poland, Slovakia) without envelopes, as well as MINISPOT disks produced in Kharkiv. Used disks can also be purchased at the market. Usually, such a disk (depending on the bitness) costs from 20 to 50 kopecks. You can also buy disks with games at a cheaper price, i.e., they have also been used. But all this will not save us from the looming disaster of the complete disappearance of both disks and 5'25 drives, as IBM-compatible computers have practically switched to 3'5. Therefore, prepare your sled in summer! It is possible that in the near future (I hope not too soon) we will be switching to 3'5 disks, which will naturally lead to a rise in prices for 3'5 drives. Much has been written about connecting the latter in magazines and newspapers. So don't waste time and install a 3'5 drive.

Contents of the publication: Micro #01

  • Краткий обзор игр
    A review of various ZX Spectrum games from 1998, highlighting gameplay features and unique aspects of each game.
  • Новости
    An overview of upcoming games and software releases for ZX Spectrum, including Black Raven and Animation version 3. Challenges in software distribution and humorous incidents with disk shipments. Insights into current developments and community contributions.
  • От редакции - Александр Тертышный
    Introduction to the first issue of Micro #01, discussing its creation, contributors, and aspirations for future issues.
  • Проходилки
    Analysis of the text adventure game Robin of Sherwood, its gameplay features, and issues with disk version saves. Exploration of the game's objectives and strategies. Tips for successful navigation and problem-solving within the game.
  • Проходилки
    Analysis of a demo game influenced by 'Star Heritage' with a mystical plot. Highlights include a load indicator, direction-based movement, and quality graphics. Notable limitations involve a limited vocabulary and lack of memory save function.
  • Проходилки
    Guide on game mechanics and strategies in a battle-focused fantasy game, detailing unit strengths and tactical advantages.
  • Разное
    Analysis of glitches in ARTSTUDIO 128 and comparison of two versions of the software. Discussion includes version differences and installation options. Editorial note on non-reproducibility of glitches.
  • Разное
    Discussion on the scarcity of 5'25 disks, their rising prices, and the transition to 3'5 disks.