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The idea of creating this section came to us while we were preparing the next issue of the magazine. In search of interesting and long-forgotten programs, we reviewed several old tapes with games. Some programs only brought a smile, while others pleasantly surprised us. In these simple prehistoric specimens, we discovered so many interesting ideas that some programmers today should still look at how to use basic BASIC.
Written at a time when the Soviet household computer "MIKROSH" was still just a dream for its creators, and our people were persistently instilled with the idea that "we are ahead of the whole planet," these games already delighted all the happy owners of "Speccy."
In the "ARCHIVE" section, we will look back into the past together with all our readers and consider long-forgotten programs that are simple yet interesting and quite playable.
Today, we dare to offer you the program "GREAT BRITAIN LTD," which was written in 1982.
GREAT BRITAIN LTD
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In this game, you take on the role of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in the mid-eighties. You will have to govern an entire country.
Elections are held every five years. Your task is to stay in power as long as possible and leave your name in history.
The opposition parties are quite determined, and you will need to demonstrate extraordinary abilities to conduct wise policies and gather a large number of votes in the upcoming elections.
After loading the game and choosing the party you will represent, the computer will provide you with reference information about the economic situation in the UK at the time of your assumption of office as Prime Minister.
At the top of the screen, the following information is displayed:
TERM (which term you are serving as Prime Minister)
INFLTN (inflation rate /%/)
UNEMPT (number of unemployed in the country /in millions/)
REFRMS (a value reflecting the effectiveness of your reforms)
YEAR (year in power)
EXCH.RTE (exchange rate of the dollar to the national currency)
POP. RTNG (your popularity rating in the country)
ACC.BALANCE (final balance /if the value is negative, there is a budget deficit/)
Just below, information about the country is displayed:
Population: 55 million
Of these, 10 million are children and 12 million are pensioners.
Here, data on the number of firms and companies in the country is also provided.
Next is information on major revenues:
VAT INCOME (revenue from value-added tax)
P.A.Y.E. INCOME (revenue from income tax)
COMPANY TAX (revenue from corporate tax)
EXCISE DUTIES (excise tax)
TOTAL INCOME (total received)
LESS EXPENDITURE (spent)
BALANCE (total)
After this, you are offered to familiarize yourself with the prices of basic consumer products:
PETROL (gasoline)
SCOTCH (whiskey)
CIGARETTES (cigarettes)
MILK (milk)
BREAD (bread)
TEA (tea)
Here you will also learn the average salary in the country (AVERAGE INCOME) and the price index (RETAIL PRICE INDEX).
Having familiarized yourself with the economic situation in the country, press ENTER and begin to fulfill your duties.
So, the day of decision-making has come (BUDGET DAY). You have the power to change the following types of taxes:
a. INCOME TAX (income tax)
b. CORPN.TAX (corporate tax)
c. VAT (value-added tax)
And also the excise rates on:
d. TOBACCO TAX (tobacco)
e. ALCOHOL TAX (alcohol)
f. PETROL TAX (gasoline)
g. Exit.
Next, you are invited to consider the main social benefits:
a. CHILD ALLOWANCE (child allowances)
b. OLD AGE PENSION (pensions)
c. UNEMPLOYMENT (unemployment benefits)
d. Exit.
If you decide that certain types of taxes and benefits need changes, press the corresponding key and enter the necessary numbers on the keyboard.
Finally, you will be asked to express your opinion on the main areas of reforming the country:
a. IMPROVE HEALTH SERVICE (improve healthcare)
b. BUILD NEW HOMES (build new homes)
c. JOBS FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS (jobs for school graduates)
d. BUILD NEW SCHOOLS (build new schools)
e. IMPROVE ROAD SYSTEM (improve road system)
If you wish to make changes in these areas, select the appropriate menu item and enter the number. At the end of each year, results are summarized. You are again presented with the economic situation in the country, and you can evaluate the results of your activities.
It is clear that the main criterion for you will be your popularity rating among the population. Remember that with a rating of less than 35%, you will never win the next elections.
Try to make well-thought-out decisions, show care for children and pensioners. Do not think that only by strengthening the national currency can you ensure your victory in the elections.
Before the next elections, an election campaign is conducted, during which you can raise your popularity rating among the population. You are allocated 1000 conditional units for the election campaign, which you can distribute across four main sections of your program:
INFLATION
UNEMPLOYMENT
FOREIGN POLICY
DOMESTIC POLICY
If, for example, you are not doing well with unemployment, you should focus on this issue, meaning that most of the 1000 conditional units allocated to you should be placed in the corresponding section of the election menu.
The election campaign lasts from one to four weeks. During this time, you can change the focus of your speeches and assess the population's reaction to your statements. It is clear that by the elections, you should choose the most optimal option, where your rating rises to the maximum possible level.
But finally, the voters head to the polls, and the counting of votes begins at night. Now you can only watch how the votes are distributed. If your party manages to win, you are elected for a second term. Sometimes, however, difficult situations arise when the elections yield no results, and then repeat elections are scheduled. In this case, you will again have to conduct an election campaign. From time to time, two opposition parties unite in the fight against you and create a coalition. Then the votes cast for these parties are summed up, and you have no chance of winning.
In conclusion, about the messages that sometimes appear in the form of a news ticker. These messages usually reflect the negative reaction of the population to your thoughtless actions. Most often, two messages are encountered:
"Throughout the year, protests have taken place in many major cities..."
"Against the backdrop of inflation, social benefits are very low..."
If you violate the country's legislation and lead the economy to collapse, then the parliament may raise the issue of early elections. Then hold on! Winning early elections is practically impossible.
In the appendix, we present you with the disk version of the game. If you win the elections, you will be able to save the game state to a diskette. It is advisable to use a clean diskette for saving, as an independent file "saved GB" is saved, which can be launched as a separate game.
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Contents of the publication: Spectrofon #03
- Экспертиза
Critical review of the strategic game 'GENGHIS KHAN' for its lack of historical and geographical accuracy. Provides gameplay mechanics and strategic tips, including unique missions. Discusses features such as army management and collecting magical elements.
- Дебют
The article reviews the game 'ZZZZ' by MASTERTRONIC, highlighting its innovative interface combining text commands and icons for easier gameplay. Despite some interface flaws, the game's humor and unique narrative elements are praised. A detailed walkthrough of the game's opening scenario is provided.
- Дебют
Review of the game Castle Master by INCENTIVE, focusing on its 3D graphics and gameplay mechanics on the ZX Spectrum. The player navigates a labyrinth to rescue a kidnapped lover, combating ghosts and collecting treasures. Detailed controls and gameplay tips are provided.
- Экзамен
Article presents a challenge question about the 'CASTLE MASTER' game. Prize for correct answer is an uncopyrighted issue of 'SPECTROFON'. The magazine seeks answers to previous issues' questions.
- Обзор
Discussion of the rivalry between Spectrum and Amiga users. Overview of new Spectrum-compatible games and their features. Insight into hacking culture and influence on gaming.
- С миру по биту
Discussion about reader feedback on the ABS program and magazine distribution. Explanation of ABS program integration and challenges in game creation. Considerations on magazine content and reader suggestions.
- Архив
Review of retro game 'GREAT BRITAIN LTD', highlighting its strategic role-play as UK Prime Minister in the 1980s, focusing on politics, economy, and elections.
- Система - Павел Никитин
Detailed guide on using TR-DOS functions in assembly for ZX Spectrum. Focus on track formatting and a disk reading driver without TR-DOS system variables. Includes code examples and practical tips.
- Реклама
The article provides information on how to acquire the 'SPECTROFON' magazine, invitations for collaboration, and various hardware offers.
