Nicron #74 05 февраля 1998

Press - ZX-Spectrum - The path to the future. Article from "Havigatora gaming world."

span class = 'RGB2'> "ezine":
            read on!

(C) WLODEK BLACK


  Hello!

  That came out so he expected all of us issue
"Ezine" Article Peter Davidov on the prospects and the present 
day Spectrum. According to the copyrighted material of the 
magazine, reprinting of articles available free only with 
reference to the source, which is satisfied. Personally for me 
article made a favorable impression - in fact the author wrote 
very friendly. Well, none of the errors insured, especially 
since he wrote the article did not spektrumist. I afford to do 
only one popravochku: Festival FunTop98 article called Russian, 
although he actually international. This is essential. 

  However, readers of the "Navigator grovogomira" certainly 
understand all generally correct, but we ... We already know 
everything. Yet she meneevot this article. 


           ZX-Spectrum
          Path to the Future

(C) Peter Davidov
(R) WLODEK BLACK


  Another seven years ago, ZX-Spectrum was the most popular 
home computer in our country. However, if you ask now about it, 
most gamers today, they are likely to puzzled shrug their 
shoulders. Few remember the name of a sad sigh, recalling his 
childhood computer. Other words, most of us have long since 
forgotten about the Spectrum. But he, contrary to popular 
opinion, and never thought to die. 

  After the official closing of the Spectrum line of the baton 
in its production assumed it was our country. We begin with

what is now St. Petersburg, not only is the mass
production of the Spectrum-compatible machines "Scorpion", and 
ends with the development of next-generation computer 
"Sprinter". In other words, the Spectrum is not only active, 
but is constantly being improved. Already, the Scorpion has 
256KB of RAM (compared to standard 48/128 kb), equipped with a 
controller Winchester, CMOS'om with nonvolatile memory, as well 
as PC-keyboard and mouse. By going to connect the said Sprinter 
even a CD-ROM, and memory will be increased approximately up to 
4 megabytes (!). And that's not to mention the special 
development of General Sound, which is an analog Sound Blaster. 

  More - more. For the Spectrum was developed a few special 
modems. And in Moscow, there is now a network of spektrumistov, 
ZX-Net (both published - WB). It employs approximately 600 
people. And people in this grid is not limited to communicating 
with each other. There are several gateways (working mostly on 
the PC and Amiga), through which people in Spectrum network can 
receive mail from FIDO, and even in touch with one another via 
e-mail. Unfortunately, the Internet itself with Spectrum leave 
while it is impossible, but who knows what will happen after 
some six months! .. 

  Spektrumistov in our country are many. According to the most 
approximate estimates, those in the CIS there are now four or 
five thousand. In Moscow - about 500 people in St. Petersburg - 
more than a thousand. Of course, it is unlikely that much, but 
nevertheless - if such a scenario, there is hardly anyone who 
dares to say that the Spectrum has sunk into oblivion. Actively 
developing and building on the solid in their allegiances fans, 
Spectrum now, perhaps, of all living things alive.


  At one time the software (mostly games)
for Spectrum produces an array of very large foreign companies. 
Alas - there now it is no longer involved. The reason is 
obvious - They are too small profits that can help out large 
financial capital from Spectrum market. But as interest 
computer stores, then as a consequence, Russia and the 
countries CIS has continued the development of the Spectrum by 
the masses. Many games are converted to a PC. But there is a 
lot of original games and programs created exclusively for 
Spectrum. 

  What is conversion? UFO 1 and 2, DOOM, Warcraft, Mortal 
Kombat ... That among the original game stands out "Star 
Legacy." Soon to come play of Viacheslav Mednogova (so Printed 
- WB) "Black Crow" - real-time strategy, the closest analog for 
which is Warcraft. 

  In addition to games for the Spectrum is actively creating 
new software software. Mainly - to work in networks. Do not 
forget all sorts of archivers, loaders (original system shell 
for the Spectrum) and other useful applications. 

  Special attention is given to demonstration - an annual 
International Festival, which attracts spektrumisty from around 
the world. Incidentally, in the production of demos Western 
groups yet can compete with ours. Unfortunately, these foreign 
friends yet and limited not going so far deal with the creation 
of games. Well, to each his own. In any case, it is gratifying 
that the Spectrum will remember not only in our country. 
Incidentally, in August 1998 in Moscow will host a festival of 
Russian (as published - WB) spektrumistov, FunTop98. Really 
ought not to miss - you learn a lot. 

  Spectrum fans regularly issued electronic journals
devoted to the ZX-Spectrum, and their number at first, even 
surprising: "spectrophone", "ZX-Format", "ZX-Power", 
"Adventurer", "ZXprogress. Is preparing to release a new 
magazine - "Synergy". 


  In a word, unforgettable creation of Sir Sinclair does not 
think take their positions. But if you think of buying PC

Fan the computer stops only the relatively high cost, then you 
are deeply mistaken. The general opinion nynyeshnih 
spektrumistov came down to the fact that it gives the vast 
expanses of the Spectrum for personal creativity. Here's what 
he said on this well-known Moscow spektrumist Sergey Novikov:



  "Create a sense of the word on the PC can not. Alone
nothing is achieved and released the program instantly lost in 
the crowd as well or even better. Work on the Spectrum as needed

others, respect for her. On the Spectrum is easier to achieve 
fame and respect from others. It's all your own. Many people 
know each another, all kept together, one of the jamb. 
Pisishnaya tusovka same very divided, that we saw on Inla. 
Moreover, self-realization on the PC pretty hard, while the 
Spectrum to learn assembler and start writing good software is 
relatively easy. Good game can do and one person that on a PC 
completely ruled out. " 


  If you have a Spectrum long as there is, and on a table 
adorned some Pentium Pro 200 MMX, then you may well come in 
handy numerous Spectrum emulator, which now has been quite a 
decent amount. The degree of compatibility achieved almost 
complete, which can not but rejoice. So, as you say, there is a 
will, but the possibility always exists. 

                        Peter Davidov.

                Special thanks to all
                spektrumistam,
                participated in the discussion.
                These were: Sergei Novikov,
                Roman Alexandrov,
                Wladimir Bulchukey,
                Andrew Savitchev, Eugene Tyukaev,
                Vladimir Kacev, Alexey Ivanov,
                Tim Kelly, Alexey Logotin.

"Ezine", Number 9, 1998

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