Spectrum

Rainbow love

I’ve previously written about how the Sinclair line of computers kickstarted a life-long love of computing.

I still sometimes go back and play classic Spectrum games on my Nintendo DS.

I’ve also bought brand-new games for the platform in recent times. I love that people still code for these ancient devices.

Modern vintage classic

In April 2017, I backed the Sinclair ZX Spectrum Next Kickstarter campaign, which was ultimately successful. After some delay, I got my new Spectrum Next - in February 2020.

With a keen interest in all things “retro”, I’ve previously bought copies of Fusion Magazine, which I’ve enjoyed. Shortly after I blogged yesterday about The Best Portable Spectrum, I received a marketing email from Fusion Retro Books. With impeccable timing, they’re promoting a new Spectrum game, called Neadeital by Matt Birch.

They had me at the screenshot. I was a big fan of Tir Na Nog, Dun Durach (and Heavy on the Magick) as a kid. Neadeital is clearly inspired by those classic titles.

The Sinclair ZX Spectrum was the second computer I ever owned, a natural upgrade from the Sinclair ZX81. I still own a small collection of Spectrums which work perfectly after a bit of light refurbishment thanks to Mutant Caterpillar.

They’re not often setup to play with, due to the space needed.

Some Many of the Spectrum games are absolute classics, and still remain fun to play now though. There’s plenty of ways to play under emulation on desktops and laptops. But sometimes you just want to have a quick blast while out, or away from a PC. There’s been a couple of commercial attempts to make portable Spectrum’s, but the least said about those, the better.