Horizons

This tape is a compendium of various programs for the ZX Spectrum and is included with every Spectrum sold and supplied to anyone lucky enough to already have one.

The tape starts, not surprisingly, with a program entitled ‘Introduction’ which is broken down into three parts. The first is a loading check which makes sure you have the tape volume set correctly, the second part loads two high-resolution pictures directly onto the Spectrum screen. These two on their own should prove that the Spectrum is well up in the graphic and colour stakes. The final section of this program gives a graphic breakdown of the machine and attempts to put each component in perspective as to its function. The remainder of this side of the tape contains four keyboard trainer programs and a keyboard dictionary.

Side B contains eight programs which show different facets of the Spectrum’s capabilities. It kicks off with the compulsory game, in this case a version of the bat and ball game Breakout. Next comes a program entitled Bubblesort. A slightly strange choice this, but I suppose it would be useful to someone writing a home database or even a business program needing a sort routine. The next program is a simulation entitled Evolution in which you can observe the population changes of a colony of rabbits and their predators, foxes.

The fifth program is a version of Conway’s classic game Life. You set up colonies of organisms and watch them grow, stabilise and die from the comfort of your favourite armchair. Sixth on the list is a slightly odd one. Called Monte-Carlo, it bears little resemblance to the racing car game you would expect. Instead it displays on the screen the results of throwing two dice and gradually compiles a histogram, which it compares with a chart of the expected results.

Finally the last program is very useful to anyone writing games or graphics software. Called Character Generator, it does just that. With this program you can call up, change or create your own custom characters and store them on tape.

C.P.

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