Spectrum: Difference between revisions

From IFWiki

(mitigate some bashing (that BBC guy really doesn't like Spectrums!) and clarify a couple of things)
(add a list of major IF software houses, and IF creation tools)
Line 5: Line 5:


Besides all its limitations, the Spectrum was a commercial success and enjoyed a large scene in Europe. The basic Spectrum model was followed by the Spectrum+, which featured a better keyboard, the Spectrum 128, with 128KB of memory, the Spectrum +2, with an integrated tape unit and in 1988, the Spectrum +3, that featured a 3" disk unit. The [[SAM Coupé]] was largely backward-compatible with the Spectrum and could run much of its software.
Besides all its limitations, the Spectrum was a commercial success and enjoyed a large scene in Europe. The basic Spectrum model was followed by the Spectrum+, which featured a better keyboard, the Spectrum 128, with 128KB of memory, the Spectrum +2, with an integrated tape unit and in 1988, the Spectrum +3, that featured a 3" disk unit. The [[SAM Coupé]] was largely backward-compatible with the Spectrum and could run much of its software.
Among the significant publishers of interactive fiction on the Spectrum were:
* 16/48, a tape magazine.
* 8th Day Software.
* [[Adventure International]].
* [[Adventure Probe]].
* Artic Computing.
* CRL.
* Delbert the Hamster Software.
* [[Delta 4]].
* FSF Adventures.
* Gilsoft International.
* Incentive Software.
* [[Level 9]].
* [[Melbourne House]] (best known for 1982's [[The Hobbit]], a revolutionary program at the time).
* [[Zenobi Software]] (who continued to release adventures by mail order for some time after the commercial death of the Spectrum).
Adventure creation tools included [[GAC]] (Graphic Adventure Creator), [[PAW]] (Professional Adventure Writer), and [[The Quill]].


Other popular 8-bit microcomputers in Europe were the [[BBC Micro]], the [[Commodore|Commodore 64]] and the [[Amstrad CPC]].
Other popular 8-bit microcomputers in Europe were the [[BBC Micro]], the [[Commodore|Commodore 64]] and the [[Amstrad CPC]].

Revision as of 14:15, 27 December 2015

Note: This article is about the microcomputer. For other uses, see Spectrum (disambiguation).

The Sinclair ZX Spectrum was the most popular 8-bit microcomputer in Europe during the 80s. Released in 1982, the Spectrum was remarkable for its low cost, though this was reflected in limited sound and graphics capabilities and a much-criticised "dead flesh" rubber keyboard. Spectrum programs were stored on conventional audio tapes, taking around 2 to 3 minutes to load; disk and cartridge systems later became available but saw limited uptake among home users.

Besides all its limitations, the Spectrum was a commercial success and enjoyed a large scene in Europe. The basic Spectrum model was followed by the Spectrum+, which featured a better keyboard, the Spectrum 128, with 128KB of memory, the Spectrum +2, with an integrated tape unit and in 1988, the Spectrum +3, that featured a 3" disk unit. The SAM Coupé was largely backward-compatible with the Spectrum and could run much of its software.

Among the significant publishers of interactive fiction on the Spectrum were:

Adventure creation tools included GAC (Graphic Adventure Creator), PAW (Professional Adventure Writer), and The Quill.

Other popular 8-bit microcomputers in Europe were the BBC Micro, the Commodore 64 and the Amstrad CPC.

Links

Retrieved from "https://www.ifwiki.org/index.php?title=Spectrum&oldid=73069"