ZX Spectrum
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for ZX Spectrum.
Latest coverage
Maniac Mansion - A legendary adventure game has unofficially arrived on the ZX Spectrum 128k
The 1987 graphic adventure game Maniac Mansion has been unofficially ported to the ZX Spectrum 128k by developers at Outsoftware, utilizing AI-assisted tools. This conversion features translated English text, reworked graphics, and an AY sound chip soundtrack, capturing the essence of the original PC and Commodore 64 versions.
Outpost - A new speccy game inspired by Dizzy series and modern metroidvania!
Juan J. Martínez has developed Outpost, a new platform-adventure game for the ZX Spectrum 48k inspired by the Dizzy series and modern Metroidvanias. Players explore a hostile alien planet, navigate 90 screens of platforming challenges, and collect 8 items to escape.
Sabre Wulf - Ultimate Play the Game classic gets a true C64 remaster and it looks sublime!
A new remaster of the classic 1984 game Sabre Wulf has been released for the Commodore 64 by Genesis Project. This version features significantly improved graphics and a new loader, bringing the Ultimate Play the Game title to modern audiences with a fresh coat of paint.
Wizball - Enhanced ZX Spectrum Edition - A brilliant game from the 1980's is enhanced by Gravious
Gravious has released an enhanced edition of the 1987 ZX Spectrum game Wizball. This updated version features decompiled code, bug fixes, reinstated content, and gameplay tweaks. It is available in multiple file formats for use with emulators or original hardware, catering to retro gaming enthusiasts.
Phil Searching for Mort - A faithful Next conversion of the classic 1988 ZX Spectrum isometric adventure!
MJB Software has released Phil Searching for Mort, a faithful ZX Spectrum Next conversion of the 1988 isometric adventure En Busca de Mortadelo!. The game tasks players with rescuing Mortadelo by navigating a labyrinth, solving puzzles, and battling enemies, featuring enhanced audio and over 190 isometric screens.
Steam Week in Review: The curious case of Wonder Boy in Monster Land's dubious PC debut
A PC version of Wonder Boy in Monster Land, released on Steam by Retro Maniac, is alleged to be an illegitimate ROM running in an emulator, lacking official licensing from SEGA or LAT Corp. The listing has been flagged for potential copyright infringement and is reportedly being processed for removal, highlighting issues with intellectual property rights and the availability of classic games on modern platforms.
Alleyway ZX - Block-breaking 1989 handheld game comes over to the ZX Spectrum
A fan-made conversion of the 1989 handheld block-breaker game Alleyway ZX has been released for the ZX Spectrum 48K and 128K. This unofficial release faithfully recreates the original's 32 stages, smooth 50 Hz gameplay, flicker-free sprites, and authentic audio, with support for keyboard and joystick controls.
Next Misifu - If you loved the 1980's classic of Alley Cat, you might like this ZX Spectrum Next version
Jordi has released an overhauled version of his ZX Spectrum game 'Misifu Remeow' for the ZX Spectrum Next. This new version is a demake of the classic 1980s game 'Alley Cat' and features completely overhauled stages, including a new kitchen level, with stunning visual upgrades by Jarlaxe.
Skool Daze - A classic school mischief simulator has finally arrived on the Plus/4
The 1980s school mischief simulator, Skool Daze, has received an unofficial debut on the Commodore Plus/4, thanks to Proky and Csabo. This new adaptation features completely refreshed graphics, an updated musical score, and lively sound effects, breathing new life into the classic open-world sandbox game originally released by Microsphere.
Retro platformer series Dizzy is back for a new game from its original creators, who are really happy for you to know it's made with AI
The Oliver Twins, creators of the retro platformer series Dizzy, have announced a new game that will serve as a remake of Treasure Island Dizzy with modern visuals and a new Mega Drive version. They openly discussed their use of generative AI in development, citing cost savings and the ability for indies to compete with larger studios. However, the article strongly criticizes this approach, labeling it as theft and harmful to artists.
Shadows of Belial - A stunning new game for your ZX Spectrum 128k by RetroWorks
RetroWorks has announced the release of Shadows of Belial, a new action-adventure game for the ZX Spectrum 128k. The game features five stages with a dark quest for justice and redemption, culminating in a lava-drenched underworld and a final trial.
Frogger Junior - Love the classic Arcade frogger? Then check out this new Amstrad GX4000 and ZX Spectrum NEXT game!
Frogger Junior, a modern reimagining of the 1981 arcade classic Frogger, has been released for the Amstrad GX4000 and ZX Spectrum Next. Developed by RedBug, Pulsophonic, and TITAN, the game features vibrant pixel art and challenging gameplay across highways and rivers, tasking players with guiding a frog to claim property portfolios.
L'Abbaye des Morts - Locomalito's brilliant platformer comes over to the ZX Spectrum Next via shrek128
The ZX Spectrum Next has received a new release with a custom port of L'Abbaye des Morts, developed by Locomalito and debuted at ByteFest 2026. This port brings the 2010 classic platformer, inspired by titles like Manic Miner, to its original hardware inspiration, featuring precise platforming and puzzle-solving without combat.
ZX Spectrum and Manic Miner legend Matthew Smith to get video game box set
A Kickstarter campaign is celebrating the life and works of 1980s UK game developer Matthew Smith with a physical media box set. The collection will include all four of his games: Styx, Manic Miner, Jet Set Willy, and Andre's Night Off, released on cassette tapes for the ZX Spectrum. The campaign has already surpassed its funding goal.
Dracula — An Amiga and ZX Spectrum Illustrated Adventure by DJSOFT
Developer DJSOFT has released Dracula, a new gothic interactive adventure game for the Commodore Amiga and ZX Spectrum. Inspired by Bram Stoker's novel, the game features a text parser combined with illustrated scenes, environmental storytelling, and a real-time mechanic. The Amiga version emphasizes complex puzzles, while the ZX Spectrum 128K Illustrated Edition offers enhanced visual depth in black and white.
Space Trolls of Mahlsdorf - A fully-featured shoot ’em up for the ZX Spectrum by Papi & Sohn
Papi & Sohn have released Space Trolls of Mahlsdorf, a new shoot 'em up for the ZX Spectrum featuring co-op gameplay for up to three players. The game utilizes tools like Multi-Platform Arcade Game Designer and Shmupkit, offering distinct ship types and a challenging campaign.
MAGIC 2 : The tech world - A new 48k ZX Spectrum platformer from Mansoft
Mansoft has released MAGIC 2: The Tech World, a new platformer for the ZX Spectrum 48k. The game features the wizard Mordebruk stranded in a technologically advanced dimension, requiring players to manage magic and life energy while navigating hazards to find components to rebuild a portal device.
Harrier Attack Reloaded - Amsoft's classic is unofficially coming to the Amiga
An unofficial Amiga port of the 1984 Amsoft classic Harrier Attack is in development by tonnyrh. This new version targets a stock Amiga 500 and aims to enhance the original gameplay with smooth hardware scrolling, improved audio, and optimized graphics, while keeping the project focused on Amiga development.
PiglyFlag - A very decent Monochrome ZX Spectrum game by RetroSouls
RetroSouls has released PiglyFlag, a new monochrome puzzle adventure game for the ZX Spectrum. Players guide a piglet through levels, avoiding creatures called Brymlis, to reach the exit. The game features contributions from several scene veterans for its loading screen and chiptune soundtrack.
The Demon Jar - A short horror based illustrated text adventure game for multiple systems such as Amiga, C64...
The Demon Jar, a retro-style illustrated text adventure game with a horror theme, has been released for multiple vintage systems including Amiga, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum. Developed by Alan Pemberton, the game features a Victorian-era setting and a sinister plot. It was built using the DAAD Ready adventure writing system and incorporates AI tools for graphics.
