The Spectrum Show EP47

Welcome to episode 47 of The Spectrum Show.

In this episode we take a trip through the news from November 1986.

Mat Dolphin reviews the Vidi ZX.



I review World Class Leaderboard, Robot Riot and 4K Race Refueled .

The development diary continues and Geoff brings us another hidden gems.

I finish with some serious software.

Enjoy.

Read more »

Spectrum Show Mag 9

Yes folks, the festive issue of The Spectrum Show Magazine is here!

Packed with reviews and features to keep you busy over the festive season.




You can download it from the Magazine page linked top right.
Enjoy.

Don't forget, if you want to send in a review or feature, please get in touch.

Read more »

The Spectrum Show EP46

Welcome to episode 46 of The Spectrum Show.

In this episode we take a trip through the news from October 1986.

We have a Lunar Rescue shoot out.

I review Arcadia, Scooby Do and Explorer.

The development diary continues and Geoff brings us another hidden gems.

I finish with some serious software.

Read more »

My Games On The Vega

Since the Sinclair Vega allowed users to build their own keymap files it has made it much easier to get games not supplied with the unit to work.

Below are the keymap files and new game files to use on the Vega.


Some games had to be re-built to take into account that the Vega uses ULA plus, and some of my later games such as Tooy's Winter Nuts and Kyd Cadet 3, looked terrible.

To save the keymap file right click and select Save As.

Game Name	Game File	Keymap File
Antiquity Jones	Download	Download
BaldyZX	Download	Download
Chopper Drop	Download	Download
Kyd Cadet 1	Download	Download
Kyd Cadet 2	Download	Download
Kyd Cadet3	Download	Download
Space Disposal	Download	Download
Toofy In Fanland	Download	Download
Toofy's Winter Nuts	Download	Download

Read more »

BaldyZX Vega

Since the Sinclair Vega was released, many fans set about putting their favourite games onto SD card to expand the 1000 games already provided. It seems that some classics such as Manic Miner or Deathchase were not included, but this was probably down to copyright issues.

Once my favourites were loaded, my next task was to get my own games onto the device, and this is where the problems began. Originally the Vega did not have the option to define its keys to suite the game, luckily this was quickly fixed.

Creating the key map files is relatively easy, and I even built myself a little app to do it for me. The first game I tried was BaldyZX, but this then threw up another problem, the Vega’s ability to use ULA plus.

ULA plus allows more colours, and because Arcade Game Designer (used to make BaldyZX) also supports it, the game was automatically switched to that mode. The problem was, I hadn’t defined the extra colours so the game looked pretty bad.

I have now re-built the game complete with re-defined colours, and putting it out for download. This game can be loaded onto the Vega and the accompanying Key Map file will make things even easier.
Just put both the files onto your SD card, pop it into your Vega and away you go.

Download the Tap File
Download the Key Map File. (right click and save .. otherwise you'll just see the text!)

Read more »

The Spectrum Show Ep 45

Welcome to episode 45 of The Spectrum Show.

In this episode we take a trip through the news from September 1986.

I report from the recent Replay Expo.

Games reviewed include Adventureland, Dandy and Stormfinch.

The development diary continues and Geoff brings us another hidden gems.

I finish with a look at Graphic Adventure Creator.

Enjoy.

Read more »

Spectrum Show Magazine #8

Announcing The Spectrum Show Magazine issue 8.

Grab yourself a drink, find a comfy chair and have a good read.

This issue has the usual mix of game reviews and special features including an extended and updated Vega review.

There is also part one of The Making Of BaldyZX. A look at how my last game came to be.

This issue also has two guest reviews from other contributors, and my thanks to them for making the effort to help.

You can download it from the Magazine page (top right) or direct from the link below.

Download Issue 8.

Read more »

The Spectrum Show Ep44

Welcome to episode 44 of The Spectrum Show.

In this episode we take a trip through the news from August 1986.

I test the hard to get hold of Stack Light Rifle.

Games reviewed include Moon Cresta, Street Gang Football, Luna Crabs and BaldyZX.

The development diary continues and Geoff brings us another hidden gems.

I finish with some serious software.

Read more »

The Spectrum Show Ep43

Welcome to episode 43 of The Spectrum Show.

In this episode we take a trip through the news from July 1986.

I get my hands on the new Sinclair Vega.



Games reviewed include Dynamite Dan, River Rescue and Castlevania Spectral Interlude.

The development diary continues and Geoff brings us another hidden gems.

I finish with some serious software.

Enjoy.

Read more »

The Vega Has Landed

The Sinclair Vega is a modern take on the classic 48k rubber keyed Speccy, and mine arrived earlier this week.

Being part of the second limited batch, it was quickly out of the box, plugged in and being put through its paces.



Unlike some unscrupulous people who put them straight on eBay for four times the price, mine will actually be used rather than trying to make a quick profit.

Unluckily, it arrived mid-way through episode 43 being put together, so I had to decide whether to try and squeeze it in or keep the intended feature. Luckily I am currently on annual leave, so had the time to test, film and play with the device, so the full review will be in episode 43.

I won’t say too much here, it will spoil the review in the show, but I have read other people’s comments and as expected they range from “a nice bit of kit” to “absolutely crap”. The Vega does need a bit more work to improve certain aspects and these are covered in the show.

New episode coming soon.

Read more »

Spectrum Show Magazine #7

The Spectrum Show Magazine Issue 7.

Packed with features and reviews, and material not in the video show.

Grab yourself a nice cuppa and have a read.


I am still looking for any reviews or articles from people who want to contribute.

Links to download can be found in the Magazine section top right.

Enjoy.

Read more »

The Spectrum Show Ep42

Welcome to episode 42 of The Spectrum Show.

In this episode we take a trip through the news from June 1986.

In an arcade shoot out, we compare BattleZone clones.



Games reviewed include Kickboxing at Volcanic Dungeon, plus the development diary, hidden gems and a look at some serious software.

Enjoy.

Read more »

50 Tips For Your Speccy

In February 1985, Sinclair User gave away a small, free booklet with the magazine. Named 50 Tips For Better Sinclair Computing, it contained a lot of neat little tricks and tips about the Spectrum.

These varied from border tricks, UDG effects, sound effects and many more.

Previously not available in the World Of Spectrum archives, today I bring you this little gem.

I obtained it with a load of other stuff bought from eBay, and it is, sadly, stained with something I hope is tea and nothing else. It does not make it unreadable though.

The next month, Sinclair User published several corrections, and I have added these as a separate page so as not to change the original.

You can download the PDF here.

Good reading.

Read more »

The Spectrum Show Ep41

Welcome to Episode 41 of The Spectrum Show.

It's the new series!!

This episode we get all the news and top selling games from May 1986.



I play with the Smart Card - a great peripheral for fast loading games.
I review Zaxxan and Cauldron.
I take alook at a new game ZX Destroyer.
There are three new sections: Hidden Gems with Geoff Neil, a game development diary from Jason Bullough and a section looking at serious software.

Read more »

The Spectrum Show Magazine #6

It's here - issue number 6 of The Spectrum Show Magazine.

Packed with features and reviews, and material not in the video show.

Grab yourself a nice cuppa and have a read.


I am still looking for any reviews or articles from people who want to contribute.

Links to download can be found in the Magazine section top right.

Enjoy.

Read more »

AGD Video Tutorial

It has been a long time since I did any video tutorials for Arcade Game Designer, so with a month off and a request from my AGD pages, I present two tutorials for you.

The first covers the LASER command and how to get your player to fire lasers. The second is how to use sprites for bullets.


These tutorials assume you have followed the others and so doe not go into details about sprite types and animation counts etc. It also uses the newer version of AGD (4.6) so remember that if you are following the code, as some of the commands were not available in earlier versions.

Hope you enjoy them.

Read more »

Old Imagine Games Fixed

It's amazing that fixes are still being found for ancient Spectrum games. Take two classic Imagine games for example, Arcadia and Ah Diddums, released in 1982 and 1983 respectively.

Both of these games suffered from a mysterious problem that caused the player ship (or teddy bear) to randomly move on its own, and in the case of Arcadia, fire on its own too.

This could sometimes cause you to destroy the last alien when you wanted to leave so you could get onto the next level.

Now, thanks to Lee Tonks over on the World Of Spectrum forums, both of these games can now be played as they were meant to.

Entering the following pokes will correct the problem.

Arcadia	29236,62 29237,255
Ah Diddums	29568,62 29569,255

For anyone interested, the issue was around the fact that games are looking for input from a Fuller joystick, and as none are connected, the random movement occurs. Obviously this doesn't happen if you do have a Fuller joystick, or you have set your emulator is use one.

It seems the developers didn't try the games without the joystick - or maybe they did, but couldn't fix the problem.

A big thanks to Lee for fixing these games. Although old now, both games are still enjoyable to play.

I covered the full set of Imagine games in Episode 20 of the show.

Read more »

No Show This Month

Don't forget folks, there will not be a show this month, the first time in over 3 years!

After putting out 40 episodes I think I deserve a little break, don't you? I will take a month off, but typically I am already gathering material for the next series.



The next series will be back at the end of June, and I already have the full ten episodes planned out including some great features.

I am also working on the next issue of The Spectrum Show Magazine, and without the pressure of the show, I am really enjoying this. The issue is coming along quite fast, and is already over 50% complete. It will most likely be ready before the next episode, so keep an eye for updates on twitter and here.

Thanks for your continued support.

Read more »

Baldy ZX

It's finally here, the Spectrum version of my 1992 Amiga PD game, Baldy.

It has taken a while and many, many attempts, so I am pleased to finally release the game to the public.

Before you jump in and download it, please remember this is not meant to push Arcade Game Designer to the limits, it is not meant to do anything different and it is not meant to impress. It is simply a re-creation of the Amiga game.

Like it's counterpart, it has 20 levels in which Baldy has to collect a number of games. In the case of the Spectrum, these are tapes rather than disks of the Amiga version.

The first ten levels are identical to the Amiga version, the last ten are new levels.

For more information about my Amiga game, click here to read about it.

The Story:
Some nasty person has stolen Baldy's games, but realising they were not modern, they threw them away as they ran off.

Help Baldy recover his games through 20 action packed levels, avoid the spikes and moving projectiles.

Screenshots:

Download:
Download BaldyZX here.

Vega Version (ULA Plus)
Download the TAP file.
Download the key map file. (right click and save as)

Read more »

Spectrum Show Magazine 5

The new issue of the Spectrum Show Magazine if now available, check out the links top left to download that and all the other issues.

This issue is the start of the shows Ultimate Play he Game special, and it will continue next issue.



There are also the usual reviews and features, including material not in the video show.

It would be nice to get some material from other sources, so if you fancy helping out, get in touch. It could be just a game review, or your favourite Spectrum related story, or your memories, anything. Go on... you know you want to...

Read more »

Magazine Reviews Needed

I am trying to update various parts of this blog, mainly to do with my games, and I am trying to locate any reviews my games have had in magazines.

I have ones for Bounty (Micro Mart), Chopper Drop (Retro Gamer), Kyd Cadet 1 (Retro Gamer), Talisman (Amiga User int.) and Video Ease (Amiga Shopper). These have all been added to the relevant pages now.

If you have any more, or know about any more please get in touch.

I am also looking for Amiga Action issue 54 (this came with Baldy on the cover disk).

Your help very much appreciated.

Update: Kyd Cadet 3 review added a few minutes after I posted!
Update: Baldy now has two reviews and Talisman has an additional review.

Read more »

The Spectrum Show 40

Welcome to The Spectrum Show episode 40.

This is the last in the current series, and we’re going out with a bang. This entire episode takes a look at the magazines of the 8 bit era, from the very beginnings in 1978 up to the end of the Spectrum’s commercial life and beyond.


As well as the usual favourites like Crash and Sinclair User, there are a few you might not have heard about.

It took a long time to put this episode together, around five months on and off, so I hope you enjoy it.

I will be taking a short break but will be back with the new series shortly.

Read more »

General Update

Hello World!
This is just a quick update of all things in general, keeping you in the loop about what is going on, what is to come and what is about to happen!

The last episode of the series is currently being put together and it's causing me no end of late nights and headaches. It won't be a normal episode, and the amount of work that has gone into it is difficult to describe. The idea has been in my mind for many months and work began on it around November, so you can imagine the struggle I have had.

There have been times when I genuinely wanted to quit because of setbacks, technical problems and numerous re-writes, but rest assured, it is all under control (hopefully) and the final finished product, I hope, will be worth it.

Looking forward to the next series, and I am already planning the format. Sadly, type-in-corner has been a casualty and will not be part of the show. There simply was not enough type-ins to make every episode, but the ones I have will form the basis of a feature for one of the episodes.

Also gone is Playing Tips and Demo Of The Month. Geof will be back with a new section, and another new segment will replace the demo.

My interest in producing new games has taken a bit of a back seat because of the show, but I hope to be able to release at least one game this year. I have three in-progress, so I really want to complete at least one of them!

Back to the show, which seems to be taking a lot of my time, and I have a lot of new hardware to review, and have content for the next ten episodes, which will take us up to episode 50, hopefully released in early 2016. So you can see how much work is left and how far we have to go. After that, I cannot say - it's simply too far away to make any decisions.

Thanks for watching the shows, and for your continued support.

I am going now to get very drunk, watch some old episodes, play a few games and try to avoid spending too much on eBay.

Read more »

The Spectrum Show 39

Welcome to Episode 39 of The Spectrum Show.

This episode we get all the news and top selling games from April 1986.

I put the RAMWRITE / RAMPRINT interface through its paces.

I review Dungeons,  Buck Rogers and Penetrator.

I take alook at a new game, Sunbucket.

There is the usual type-in-corner, Playing Tips and Demo of the Month.

The end of series special is in the making, and has been for a while now, its hopefully going to be great, but it is a lot of hard work.

I am also starting to plan the next series... but I think I will take a break after this one!

Read more »

Baldy Long Play

While on a long trawl of the interweb, I happened to notice a video on YouTube featuring one of my old Amiga games. This is something of a rarity so it came as a pleasant surprise, and what's more it contains all of the levels.

The game in question is Baldy, a PD game written and released in 1992 by myself. It was written using AMOS and initially distributed through 17Bit Software.

You can find out more about it here.

To watch the full play through you can view it here on youtube.

Thanks to to uploader for playing through all of the levels.

It's a long time since I have seen all of the levels, and some of them look really hard, but all credit to whoever played the game.

Read more »

The Spectrum Show 38

Welcome to Episode 38 of The Spectrum Show.

This episode we get all the Sinclair news and top selling games from March 1986.

I check out a Spectrum emulator for my mobile phone.

I review Super Hang-On, Frank N Stein, Blue Thunder and Sea Dragon.

There is also a new type-in game, some playing tips and the demo of the month.

Enjoy

Read more »

TSS Magazine Issue 4

It wasn't long ago since I put out issue 3, but having the festive season and a short holiday from work meant I had a lot more time to work on the various things that are going on, one being this magazine.

There is the usual game reviews and features as well as material that isn't in the video show.

You can download it by going to the Magazine section of this blog. (link top right).

It would be nice to get some material from other sources, so if you fancy helping out, get in touch. It could be just a game review, or your favourite Spectrum related story, or your memories, anything. Go on... you know you want to...

Read more »

The Spectrum Show 37

Welcome to Episode 37 of The Spectrum Show.

In this episode we take a look at the Sinclair news and top selling Spectrum games from February 1986.

In the feature I test out the Datel Light Writer light pen.

I review Road Racer from Thorn EMI, Ultima Ratio from Firebird and The Guardian from PSS.

The new game reviewed is Gimmie Bright.

There is also playing tips, type-in corner and demo of the month.

Enjoy

Read more »

Type-In Games Reminder

This is just a reminder - I need type-in games for the next series.

Please help to keep this feature alive! I have typed out a few myself, and a fan of the show has supplied 3 games, but I still need another 4 or 5.


Check your old tapes, or type out a game now - get that nostalgic feeling again... make sure it has not already been typed out by looking on the Type Fantastic website.. you get a shout out on the show... and the satisfaction of having brought a game not seen in over 20 years, back to the public.

Over to you guys.... get typing...

Read more »

New Discovery

Many moons ago, back in the mists of 1988 I was working in a well-known computer store and got to know the local Amiga users. They ranged from mad role-playing geeks, demo makers, cracking groups and even commercial game creators.

Twilight, the company who made WWF, Elf and several other Amiga games often popped in to test their latest game, and my name even appears in the high scores of Elf. The guy who wrote Honda RVF, Ed Hickman (also responsible for several Spectrum games like Apple Jam and Zig Zag) was also a regular. We all once went for a spin in his Porsche… oh happy days…

Anyway, back to the topic… digging through some old CD’s recently dragged up my collection of Amiga floppy disk images, for use on emulators. I knew I had my games (Baldy and Talisman) plus my commercial video titler (Video Ease), but what I also found was something I had forgotten about!

Amongst the things we did in those early days included trying to make our own demos. We had one written especially for the shop by a local demo coder named Mr Bit Blitter (I think) and spent many hours typing away the text for the scroller…

That is sadly missing… It went when I sold my Amiga, and several attempts to recover it have failed. But, I did make two attempts myself under the name of Squatter (taken from the Peter Cook and Dudley Moore sketch). The first one was a hack of an existing demo – I just replaced the pictures and sampled music, that is also missing… but the second…

Don’t get too excited here, but the second one was a kind of slideshow with music. All done by myself, and it is this demo I have found. There is no fancy machine code, just a menu that allows you to view a picture (hand drawn by myself using Dpaint) and listen to some music (created by me too using soundtracker) at the same time. OK, it’s not brilliant, but some of the pictures and music are quite good.. and I’m proud of a few of the tracks. Some of the music samples were from a friends synth and samples from Faulty Towers grabbed by myself.

I will add it to the download section shortly, in case you want to have a laugh, but here are some screen shots.

It was great to see the pictures again, and listen to that music.

Yeah - a dude on a jet-bike...
I think I copied it from a game advert...

Another game advert copy.. possible Bombozal?

Yep - something from The Jungle Book..

Some people refused to believe I drew this, they thought I had somehow ripped it from the game (Dragon's Lair). But honestly, I drew it from screenshots. He has a leg missing - something that always bugs me!

Read more »