Retrofinity - retro gaming

The UK personal computing industry came alive with the introduction of the Sinclair ZX81 and its massively successful follow-up the Sinclair ZX Spectrum. Much of the current wealth of the UK’s programming talent was created thanks to these little machines. We learnt to program in front of the family television, saving our hard work to cassette tapes.

Of course, the Spectrum was a games machine too, with some brilliant and memorable games developed. Today, even Manic Miner, Jet Set Willy and Sabre Wulfe are still treasured as gaming memories. There was something special about games at that time - quickly hitting the Spectrum’s limited barriers. That something was gameplay. Solid enduring gameplay. Spectrum games proved that a game can be popular despite limited graphics.

The ZX Spectrum saw the release of Ultimate’s Knight Lore - one of the first spectacular isometric 3D games. Elite’s simplistic 3D wireframe graphics was enough for compelling gameplay. Boundaries were pushed in 3D, Incentive’s Freescape engine saw the first of a range of 3D textured games, from Driller and Dark Side, right through to Castle Master and Total Eclipse.

Strategic gameplay was definitely possible, Mike Singleton’s phenomenal Lords of Midnight is still a world class game. Chris Wild’s PC port directly from the Spectrum version still has that unique mystique that’s perhaps still unmatched today.

There were great developers back in the mid-eighties. Denton Design’s range of games still sparkle of quality. Mike Singleton’s massive epics are still compelling. Dominic Robinson’s games are still very playable. Ultimate’s games are still another high mark of quality.

I’m surprised, and delighted, that over 20 years on, these games are still playable and enjoyable. Over the last few months I’ve been reliving those games on a Spectrum. Some games haven’t lasted the test of time, but some still grip you with the “Just another go” level of addictiveness.

I’m frankly disenchanted with the console games out these days. Unfortunately, the typical game development cycles and skills make it impossible for another Raffaele Cecco, or Mike Singleton to surface. The Spectrum games market saw big software companies and small independent companies producing excellent and lasting value in games - today’s market is all about massive conglomerates and huge teams.

I’m revisiting the games of my childhood, and remembering those great times. Its very easy to get hold of a working Spectrum and a few cassette games for about the same money as one console game. Retro gaming is fairly cheap (unless you are hunting for a Level 9 Adventure).