Saturday 31 October 2015

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

Friday 30 October 2015

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!)

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.

Tuesday 6 October 2015

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.

 
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