The Timex 2068 is based on the English ZX Spectrum computer, which is very popular in throughout Europe. Tons of excellent software is available for the Spectrum, yet very little of it will run on the 2068 due to design changes made by Timex.
With the proliferation of Spectrum emulators and ROM chips, more and more American 2068 users are becoming 2068/Spectrum users. Doug Gangi has provided a list of programming tips that work on his converted 2068 and reviews of “3D-Tanx” and “Ant Attack.” We’ve heard that the latter has become wildly popular in England.
Elsewhere in this issue is a review, by C. Hewitt that will tell you what you can expect when you get a Spectrum ROM replacement chip. Some people however may not like the idea of inserting and removing chips too well.
Fortunately there are less drastic solutions also available.
- G. Russell Electronics offers a kit that can be permanently mounted inside the case of the computer itself, and can switch the computer between Spectrum and 2068 modes by an external magnetic switch. It costs $54.95 from G.R.E., RD 1, Box 539, Centre Hall, Pennsylvania 16828.
- Doug Dewey of the Traingle Sinclair User Group has developed the “Chameleon” – a simple way to run an estimated 95-98% of all Spectrum software on the 2068. This does not require opening the computer, or any special software. For more information write to Doug, 206 James Street, Carrboro, North Carolina 27510. Phone 919/929-3079. The cost is $60.
3D Tanx (DK’Tronics)
If you are the type of person who likes the shoot-’em-up games, then you’ll love 3D Tanx. The graphics are very good, and the game is very addictive.
Your point of view in the game is a tank in the foreground (you can only see your turret) and there is a bridge in the middle of the screen with a street in the background. The street is divided into 4 lanes, each of which has an enemy tank. You can either raise or lower your gun to hit him. If you only hit the tank indirectly, the turret of the tank will still be able to function (and shoot at you!!). The only way to destroy the turret is by a direct hit. This will leave the tank looking like a crumpled mess. It takes only 1 hit by the enemy tanks to blow your tank up and end the game.
Since the Spectrum ROM is not set up to use the joystick ports, you can only use the keyboard. In 3D-Tanx, you can select the keys to suit your preference. There is also a key that pauses the game (if you need to make a quick shot to the refrigerator!). The price of 3D-Tanx is somewhere around 6 pounds (about 8½ dollars American money).
Ant Attack (Quicksilva)
Ant Attack is a super 3D game for the Spectrum. It really shows off the graphic capabilities of the machine.
The object of Ant Attack is to enter a 3D maze (seen originally from a diagonal above the maze, like “Zaxxon”), and rescue a girl (if you are a boy), or a boy (if you are a girl). It may sound easy, but it is not. There are many hungry ants roaming the maze looking for people to eat. Your only defense is a bomb of insecticide which you can throw at the ants. You can also jump onto an ant and paralyze him. Your person can jump to various levels (but the ants can only stay on the ground). If you run behind a tall wall and can’t see yourself, you can change the ‘perspective’ of the view. Sometimes it is very difficult to stay alive if the ants ‘swarm’ you. You may be able to kill off a few ants with bombs, but more will come and get you.
The way you move about in Ant Attack is unusual. The ‘m’ key turns your body to any of the 4 east, west, north, and south directions. Then pressing the ‘v’ key makes your person move, and the ‘c’ key makes him jump. The ‘d’ key throws a bomb a short distance and the ‘f’ key throws a long distance. The keys are hard to get used to, but eventually you will get to know them.
Ant Attack is a very good game. If you want to show off a game to your friends, this is it. I highly suggest Ant Attack to all game lovers (it may be a little hard for young children). The price is 6.95 Pounds. TSH
Helpful Hints (Spectrum):
Free memory: PRINT 65536-USR 7962
Scrolls:
RANDOMIZE USR 3280 scrolls whole page up one
line
RANDOMIZE USR 3330 scrolls whole page up to
first line
RANDOMIZE USR 3652 clears bottom ½ of screen
Cursor: POKE 23617,236 prints '?' as the
cursor for input prompts.
Protections: POKE 23659,0 disables 'break'
key and program can't produce
reports
Neat Method: 1 LET A=PEEK 23637+256*PEEK
23638: POKE A, 0: POKE A+1,0)
2 REM !!!!!!!LINE 0!!!!!!!
NEW: POKE 23755,100 makes listing
disappear
POKE 23755,0 makes it come back
Border: RANDOMIZE USR 1331 makes an
"exploding" border