Overview
Unfortunately, the stream of software from the West for Spectrum-compatible computers has significantly narrowed lately. In the West, the machine with the magical name "ZX-SPECTRUM" has practically died, and we are left with only one option: to keep the warm breath of our beloved "Speccy" alive by our own efforts. In this section, we will accumulate all the freshest information on gaming software.
Here we plan to tell you about what is new in Moscow, which games are worth attention, and which are just worthless fakes. In the "OVERVIEW," you will find not only reviews but also a chart of the best games.
By the time this issue is published, practically nothing new has appeared in the Moscow software market, except for a few "toys" that are two to three months old. Let's agree right away that we will call "new" those games that have only recently appeared in Moscow, regardless of their release date in the West.
It is probably clear to everyone that games for our "Speccy" come to us with a delay of two to three years.
Take, for example, the game "SHADOW WARRIORS," which appeared on the markets of Moscow in the summer of 1993. This was the most interesting novelty of the season, and fighting enthusiasts broke more than one joystick on this game. By the way, this game took first place in the game chart in England back in 1990.
So, we will consider here what new we found on the markets.
ELITE-3 (remixed THD)
This game is a remake of the world-famous ELITE. The Moscow company THD has always had a penchant for remaking various games and has succeeded quite well in this. Our "reconstructors" have broken programs and, using the codes of the original authors, created something of their own based on this, not always the best. ELITE-3 is a characteristic confirmation of that. We must give credit to THD for the colorful design of the program's splash screen, the control panel, and the music that calms you after difficult space battles, but perhaps we have exhausted our supply of positive emotions on that.
Now, about what in this game did not satisfy us. The first and probably the most unpleasant thing is the radar. It must have taken a long time to invent such an unclear and inconvenient radar. Oh, where is our old, good, familiar device! Space aces, who have been feared by pirates and Targons of all eight galaxies of our star brotherhood for years, sitting at the helm of the modified "Cobra" made in THD with such, to put it mildly, an alien radar, felt like infants and, without having time to blink, left this crazy world somewhere on the way to the planet ZAONCE with curses directed at the "reconstructors."
As a result, the Federation lost yet another experienced pilot, and his relatives were not even paid posthumous compensation.
Add to this the unpleasant moment when a pirate "Cobra" suddenly starts firing missiles at your ship, while a "Fer-De-Lance," like Targons, sends a whole squadron of "Krytes" at you. Resistance in this case is useless.
The second point in this remake is the additional menu, which adds a few new options to the traditional trading operations.
This in itself may not be bad, but with the acquisition of some so-called drivers, the original meaning of the game itself is distorted. In this regard, one can imagine that in the future, THD will prepare some new cool version of ELITE, titled ELITE-39(remixed&remixed&remixed THD), in which lazy pilots, having just received a pilot's license on the planet LAVE, with one press of a button acquire a SUPER GALACTIC HYPERDRIVE, along with an ELITE rating and in the blink of an eye are transported to a well-deserved rest on the planet RAXXLA. And considering the strange tendencies of the "reconstructors" towards the innards of unfortunate slaves in ELITE-3, one can assume that on the planet RAXXLA, you will have to engage in cannibalism.
Of course, we all understand. Times are tough, there is nothing to eat, but in the end, let’s not transfer the specifics of our life into ELITE. Let the world of this game remain as the authors of the original conceived it.
We still have not found the Novosibirsk version of ELITE-2, although rumors are constantly circulating in the market that it is a worthy thing and worth checking out. Apparently, the protection there is very serious if the game has not yet appeared for sale. Well, we are ready to buy a copy of this program from the authors on mutually beneficial terms.
LASER SQUAD with "five" levels
The authors of this version of the popular game remain unknown. The editorial office of our magazine knows one thing: the disk version of the program is signed with the initials K.O.T.
For which we can only say "thank you," as three "native" scenarios of the game load here even on the 48th machine, unlike other disk versions. The other two scenarios - DEAD CITY and SABOTEURS - are tasteless remakes of the first two from the "native" game.
Here we should digress and talk a little about the game LASER SQUAD itself.
It so happened that the game originally appeared during the existence of the Soviet Union in incomplete form, with only two scenarios. Desperate attempts to find the missing other two scenarios were in vain. In the end, fans of the game began to doubt whether these missing scenarios actually exist. Well, really: the authors just left a reserve for the future and got involved in other problems, and then somehow they never got around to it, etc. By the way, this guess is confirmed by the fact that years later a third scenario of the game appears in the country, which, by some game parameters, stands a step above the previous two.
Perhaps the authors returned to the game and found the strength and courage to write another version of the "laser squad's" adventures. However, to this day, the final scenario is absent. The editorial office of the magazine "SPECTROFON" would be very grateful if someone suddenly finds the missing scenario and writes us a few lines.
Let’s return to our conversation. It is clear that many of our hackers have the desire to write the missing scenarios themselves. And this can only be welcomed. But... There really is one "but."
Barely having learned to program, and sometimes even before learning to read and write, some hackers begin to bring their unfinished works to the markets, which may only be of interest to themselves.
An inexperienced user, who has recently bought a Spectrum, is bewildered and throws up his hands at the first sight of an international brigade of warriors with names like Vasya, Rambo, Goblin, etc. Lacking sufficient experience, he, in his simplicity, enthusiastically tells his neighbors that our people are also participating in a foreign computer action. And he does not realize that some hacker named Vasya just decided to immortalize himself in a popular game. But that’s not the worst part. "Whatever the child is entertained with...".
Maybe the game field is drawn with taste? Unfortunately, even this looks completely clumsy here. An attentive player will notice the incompleteness of the game field, its dull space, and the illogical arrangement of some details. We will not dwell on other, frankly vulgar elements present in the game.
Overall, the added scenarios of the game LASER SQUAD leave an unpleasant impression. And we would not write about them here if we did not love and value the original version of the game. Someone has to separate the wheat from the chaff.
It would probably be better for everyone if our programmers released an editor for the game LASER SQUAD, allowing everyone to create the scenarios that interest them. We, for our part, could provide support to the authors of the editor, starting from publishing a description of it on the pages of the magazine SPECTROFON, and ending with a competition for the best scenario for the "laser squad."
If such an editor has been created, we appeal to its authors with a proposal for publication.
'CHEVY' CHASE (PAL DEVELOPMENTS)
Finally, the full version of this game, released in 1992, has reached us. The long-circulating demo version delighted all fans of car racing. Magnificent graphics, good dynamics, and ease of control placed this game alongside classic car simulators like CHASE H.Q. and WEC LE MANS. In 'CHEVY' CHASE, you race on the wings of love for your girlfriend, who lives in another city. You have a limited supply of time, and at each stage, you will have to sweat to reach your beloved on time.
Along the way, you will encounter service stations where you can upgrade your not-so-new car.
Now allow me to make a small digression and talk about something. Our dearly beloved hackers (and even those who are not ours) do a very important and necessary job: they retrieve programs, adapt them for disk interfaces, and offer their product on the software market. Users of Spectrum-compatible machines appreciate this difficult work and vote "for" with their wallets by purchasing programs. The process is ongoing and developing quite rapidly. More and more enthusiastic people are getting involved in this interesting business.
From the pages of the magazine, we would like to express a few thoughts regarding hackers' interference with the original games. For some time now, a tradition has emerged among our "crackers" to engage in program reconstruction. Loading a game, the user faces a soft but quite persistent question: "INFINITE LIFE?" That is, do you, dear user, wish to obtain "eternal life" and almost "paradise." In the guise of a serpent tempter, the hacker's spirit penetrates your computer and offers to satisfy your curiosity at the cost of one press of a button. Succumbing to temptation, you immerse yourself in this game and in an hour, or sometimes even faster, complete it and never return to it again.
As an example, we can cite the disk version of the program "SAINT DRAGON" with "eternal life." In this game, you fly through all levels "with ease," without ever touching the joystick, as if in some nightmare. With the same success, one could record the game on a video recorder and sell the tape to anyone who wants it. But who would buy THAT? And the game, perhaps, would not have disappointed you if you had not succumbed to the temptation to install eternal life; it would have continued to delight you with its interesting puzzles, obstacles, and traps that you would have managed to overcome on your own and without the help of "eternities." After all, all normal people have a desire for self-affirmation in this world, even if this world is computer-based.
The hacker asserts himself at least by finding several POKES, establishing infinite limits of time, weapons, energy, etc. But this is incorrect in relation to the user. We have always been and remain opponents of all kinds of "infinites" and call such versions of games "crippled." We know that our opponents will have counter-arguments. Typically, there are two: if you don't want eternal life - choose the normal one, and the second argument - people with reduced reaction speed sometimes find it very difficult to complete a game, practically impossible. Regarding the first argument, we have already said that it should not tempt people by offering an easy version of the game right away.
The second argument also does not convince us: people with normal reactions sometimes cannot complete some excellent shooter or successfully finish a car race, but this is not a reason to mutilate the program.
Let the authors of games create different programs, and we believe that only the authors can decide how to ease the player's life on the one hand, and on the other, maintain a stable interest in the game. It is the authors' task to find the reasonable balance that ensures the harmony of the entire game. And only the user can judge how professionally the author knows his business.
And we would like to wish all hackers to use the principle of "DO NO HARM" in their work. It is not worth distributing "crippled" games to the masses. Keep them at home and show them to no one. We would like this principle to become the norm among our hackers.
DYNAMO (CODE MASTERS 1992)
This typical arcade game is for those who work quickly with the joystick and have strong nerves. Here you will have to control a little man, collect diamonds, and overcome devilish obstacles and traps. In the game, you may discover secret rooms where numerous treasures are hidden. The game does not require much intellect and will be interesting for both children and adults who want to stretch a little.
The graphics in the game are decent, and you won't get bored unless, of course, you expect something unusual from this toy.
PANIC DIZZY (CODE MASTERS 1992)
A magnificent game belonging to the category of "stacked" games with stunning graphics and a concept simple to the point of genius.
The progenitor of this type of game is the unforgettable TETRIS. The creators of PANIC DIZZY managed to find that reasonable balance when a person, regardless of age, gender, and level of education, forgetting all their problems, switches to solving a trivial task: how to fit as many pieces as possible into the corresponding cells. The game captivates completely and for a long time.
The joystick crackles from the convulsive movements of sweaty hands, and the twentieth level seems hopeless. But there are still masters storming the heights of the leaderboard of this game.
It's just a pity that the results of the efforts cannot be saved on disk, and you cannot immortalize your name on the family honor roll.
* * *
WRESTLEMANIA (OCEAN 1991)
Oh, how I knocked him down! To the roar of the excited crowd, my opponent flew over the ropes and, it seems, did not get up anymore. But I felt that was not enough. I rushed out of the ring, lifted the limp body, and threw it into the crowd of stunned fans. What a victory that was! The fans applauded enthusiastically and threw me flowers. No one here was stronger than me today...
This game will attract the attention of all who love to work with their fists for a long time. The situations arising in the ring are quite convincing and realistic.
A good game for active relaxation after a hard day at work, as well as a great emotional release after a quarrel with the boss. If you need to calm your nerves, boldly load this game and mentally invite your annoying boss to the ring. A wonderful sleep is then guaranteed for you. If, of course, victory is yours...
- TOP 20
Today we present to you a chart of games compiled based on sales data from the radio market in Mitino (Moscow).
Let us clarify right away that we do not claim complete objectivity of this chart, as it was created based on sales data from only a few points of sale. We invite everyone to participate in creating our common chart, which will be formed only based on your taste and interest. Letters with the names of your favorite games can be sent to the editorial office of the magazine "SPECTROFON."
______TOP 20 "SPECTROFON"_______
1.WRESTLEMANIA 11.LASER SQUAD
2.DIZZY (1-6) 12.RODLAND
3.ELITE-3(r.THD) 13.S.DRAGON
4.TURTLES-2 14.T.RENEGADE
5.D.DRAGON 15.ROBOCOP-3
6.DINAMO 16.IRONLORD
7.S.W.I.V. 17.SIM CITY
8.STEG 18.MYTH
9.TERMINATOR-2 19.F-16
10.TETRIS-2 20.PANIC DYZZY
Comments here are unnecessary. One can only say that our people still love to fight and shoot. All this is good, but do not forget that there are other games that deserve to occupy the top spots in our charts. In the pages of the magazine, we will tell you about masterpieces that have not yet received due recognition.
Contents of the publication: Spectrofon #01
- Вступление - Юрий Матвеев
The editorial note introduces the first issue of 'SPECTROFON' magazine for ZX Spectrum enthusiasts. It highlights the potential of the ZX Spectrum in Russia, emphasizing local advancements like the IS-DOS operating system. The editor encourages collaboration and innovation among Russian developers.
- Экспертиза
Analysis of the game 'Enigma Force' from Beyond 1985, focusing on its complex controls and challenging missions. Players manage a team of four characters with distinct skills, using pictograms for commands. The article provides guidance for completing three main missions: allying with the Center's staff, neutralizing General Zoff, and escaping on his shuttle.
- Дебют
Discussion of challenges faced when starting complex games due to lack of proper instructions. Examination of two games: 'Driller' and 'Kayleth', detailing gameplay mechanics and unique features. Provides basic gameplay guidance for 'Driller'.
- Дебют
Description of the game 'Kayleth' by Adventure Soft, inspired by Isaac Asimov's themes. The plot involves a player controlling a robot facing existential threats and overcoming challenges. Tips are provided for navigating the game's mechanics and storyline.
- Экзамен
A regular column presenting puzzles related to games featured in the magazine's sections. The current challenge involves identifying the location of a boat in the game 'DRILLER' using a provided image. Correct answers can earn a free copy of the next magazine issue.
- Обзор
A review of the current state of gaming software for ZX Spectrum in Moscow, highlighting the delayed arrival of Western games. Criticism of local remakes like ELITE-3 and LASER SQUAD's fan scenarios. Discussion on the issue of game hacks offering 'infinite life' and its impact on gaming experience.
- С миру по биту
The section invites readers to submit letters with observations and comments. Initially, the mailbox was empty but will soon fill up. Readers can address their inquiries to a provided postal address.
- Горячий привет - Сергей Симонович
Detailed description of aerial maneuvers and tactics for flight simulators, focusing on strategies like scissors and Immelmann turn. Discusses air combat evolution from gun-based to missile-based warfare. Insights into missile evasion and electronic countermeasures in modern air combat.
- Система
Introduction of 'ADVENTURE BUILDER SYSTEM' for creating adventure games. ABS is a framework requiring programming knowledge, not a complete product. Guidance provided includes example files and a detailed study plan.
- Реклама
Details for purchasing the SPECTROFON electronic magazine for Spectrum-compatible machines and distribution licensing. Information on becoming an official distributor in Russian regions. Contact information for purchasing software and advertising in the magazine.
