Games and Applications for the ZX Spectrum:
The Spectrum family enjoys a very large software library of more than 23,000 titles[5] which is still increasing. While most of these are games, the library is very diverse, including programming language implementations, databases (e.g. VU-File[6]), word processors (e.g. Tasword II[7]), spreadsheets (e.g. VU-Calc[6]), drawing and painting tools (e.g. OCP Art Studio[8]), and even 3D-modelling (e.g. VU-3D[9]) and archaeology software[10] amongst many other types.[11]
The hardware limitations of the Spectrum imposed a special level of creativity on video game designers, and so many Spectrum games are very creative and playable even by today’s standards.[12] The early Spectrum models’ great success as a games platform came in spite of its lack of built-in joystick ports, primitive sound generation, and colour support that was optimised for text display.[13]
[5] ^ a b van der Heide, Martijn. “Archive!”. World of Spectrum. Retrieved 2006-08-11
[6] ^ a b Pearce, Nick (October/November 1982). “Zap! Pow! Boom!”. ZX Computing: 75. Retrieved 2008-08-05.
[7] ^ Wetherill, Steven (June 1984). “Tasword Two: The Word Processor”. CRASH! (5): 126. Retrieved 2008-08-05.
[8] ^ Gilbert, John (October 1985). “Art Studio”. Sinclair User (43): 28. Retrieved 2007-01-18.
[9] ^ Carter, Alasdair (October/November 1983). “VU-3D”. ZX Computing: 76–77. Retrieved 2008-08-05.
[10] ^ Brown, Paul N.. “Pitcalc — simple interactive coordinate & trigonometric calculation software”. Retrieved 2008-09-16.
[11] ^ van der Heide, Martijn. “World of Spectrum”. Retrieved 2008-09-16.
[12] ^ McCandless, David (1998-09-17). “Retrospectrum”. Daily Telegraph.
[13] ^ Adamson, Ian; Richard Kennedy (1986-10-30). Sinclair and the “Sunrise” Technology: The Deconstruction of a Myth. Penguin Books Ltd. ISBN 0-14-008774-5.
