ZX Spectrum
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for ZX Spectrum.
Latest coverage
Deathchase for the VIC-20 - A port of the classic Spectrum 3d forest chase game has arrived on the VIC-20
A port of the classic ZX Spectrum 3D forest chase game Deathchase has been released for the Commodore VIC-20, requiring an 8K RAM expansion. Developer Kweepa implemented a clever raster split technique to overcome the VIC-20's color limitations and optimized performance by using a custom lookup table for faster rendering. The port retains the core gameplay while leaving approximately 2K of memory free for community modifications.
THE SECRET OF BARRON WOOD - A supernatural short story text adventure for multiple systems including Amiga, C64 and more!
Developer Alan Pemberton has released The Secret of Baron Wood, an atmospheric supernatural text adventure available on numerous classic 8-bit and 16-bit systems including Amiga, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum. The game is designed as a concise, single-sitting experience with logical puzzles, reminiscent of 1980s text adventures.
The Rivenor Relic - A great ZX Spectrum adventure platformer has appeared via EdD
A new adventure platformer titled 'The Rivenor Relic' has been released for the ZX Spectrum by developer EdD. The game features vibrant, detailed graphics, distinct themed rooms, and an infectious chiptune soundtrack, quickly capturing the attention of the homebrew community.
"We miss when genre wasn't a thing," say The Blood of Dawnwalker devs making their dream RPG: "We…
Developers at Rebel Wolves, a studio founded by veterans of CD Projekt Red, discuss their upcoming RPG, The Blood of Dawnwalker. Game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz and environment artist Adam Payet share their personal journeys into game development and their vision for the genre, emphasizing the importance of deep lore and player immersion. They aim to carve out their own identity within the RPG space, moving beyond strict genre labels.
River Raid+ An upcoming, sped up remake of the classic retro shooter for the ZX Spectrum by thealfest
An unofficial remake of the classic 1980s shooter River Raid, titled River Raid+, has been teased for the ZX Spectrum. This enhanced version offers a significant performance boost and cleaned-up sprites, though its engine sound is noted as poor. The original game was designed by Carol Shaw, one of the first female video game developers.
Chuckie Egg 3 - Henhouse Harry, star of ZX Spectrum classic Chuckie Egg is back via Langford Productions
Langford Productions has announced Chuckie Egg 3, bringing back the character Henhouse Harry from the classic ZX Spectrum game Chuckie Egg. The new title modernizes the gameplay for PC while offering a 'Spectrum Mode' with authentic retro graphics and sounds. The game features 30 levels across 10 scenes, tasking players with painting, collecting, and delivering eggs while avoiding farmyard enemies and a returning Mother Hen.
Sabre Wulf - An Ultimate Play the Game classic has arrived on the Commodore VIC-20
Homebrew developer gekka has released a new port of the 1984 classic Sabre Wulf for the Commodore VIC-20, originally developed by Ultimate Play The Game for the ZX Spectrum. The conversion features reworked graphics and new bonus collectibles, including the Grail, Necklace, and Treasure Chest, alongside the original amulet fragments.
Jet Set Willy - Willy finally arrives on the Commodore VIC-20!
The classic 1980s platformer Jet Set Willy has been ported to the unexpanded Commodore VIC-20 with a disk drive, a feat previously thought impossible due to the system's memory limitations. Developer Kweepa overcame technical hurdles, including adapting the game's visuals and mechanics to the VIC-20's narrower screen and limited hardware, to bring the legendary title to a platform that historically missed out on an official release.
GLITCHSIST - A striking new action-platformer built for the ZX Spectrum by Tartessos Games
Tartessos Games has unveiled GLITCHSIST, a new action-platformer for the ZX Spectrum. The game is set in a dystopian future where mega-corporations control human consciousness, and players must infiltrate AOX Corp to destroy Project DELTA and liberate humanity.
Yazzie Junior - Another spectacular release from RetroSouls for the ZX Spectrum
RetroSouls has released Yazzie Junior, a new platformer puzzle game for the ZX Spectrum. The game features fluid gameplay, vibrant sprite work, and chip tune music, challenging players to collect gold while navigating hazards and spectral guardians.
Space Invaders Co-Op Edition - Arcade classic... But now with Co-Op for your ZX Spectrum!
A new homebrew release, Space Invaders Co-Op Edition, brings the arcade classic to the ZX Spectrum with a simultaneous two-player mode. This enhanced version features improved visuals, sound effects, and extended score counters, while also offering players tactical awards and detailed statistics for both co-op and single-player modes.
--=O O=-- - Paint the screen with your balls in this new ZX Spectrum game by Briefer666
Homebrew developer Briefer666 has released an updated build of their ZX Spectrum game, --=O O=--. This competitive local multiplayer title challenges players to paint their half of the screen before their opponent, using a ball and a blade. The developer has also shared the source code to encourage community contributions.
Cyber Wraith - Another fantastic speccy game makes an appearance
Sisko_MSX has launched Cyber Wraith, a new sci-fi action game for the ZX Spectrum. Players are tasked with escaping the planet NOIRYS-9, which has been overrun by mechanical constructs controlled by an AI called the Great Cyber. To escape, players must collect 15 Mercuries to power a mythical spacecraft, while managing limited ammunition and navigating exploration blocks.
Sonic Spectrum Next - Sonic The Hedgehog comes over to the Spectrum NEXT via dave18
A new release titled Sonic Spectrum Next brings the classic Sonic the Hedgehog game to the ZX Spectrum Next, developed by dave18. This port is a direct conversion of the Sega Master System version and follows dave18's previous successful port of Astro Warrior. The developer cited architectural similarities between the Sega Master System and ZX Spectrum Next as enabling this ambitious project.
Head-On - A Clone of the original dot-munching arcade game for the ZX Spectrum by Indigobeetle
Indigobeetle has released a new adaptation of Sega's 1979 arcade game Head-On for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum. This homebrew title faithfully recreates the original's dot-collecting objective and frantic driving mechanics, where players must dodge oncoming enemy cars. A video showcasing the game has also been released.
Venture 48k - Another procedurally generated roguelike appears for the ZX Spectrum
Venture 48k, a new roguelike dungeon crawler, has been released for the ZX Spectrum 48k. Developed by Jason-Indie, the game features procedurally generated levels, rogue-ish gameplay, and 8-bit graphics and sound. Players aim to explore a mysterious dungeon, defeat monsters, and maximize their high score.
Tharkys The Knight - An ULTIMATE PLAY THE GAME inspired ZX Spectrum release by Jay-Droid133
Tharkys the Knight, a new ZX Spectrum game inspired by Ultimate Play The Game titles like Sabre Wulf and Atic Atac, has been released. The game features AI-generated elements, survival mechanics including health and hunger management, and a linear progression system with navigational tools.
81-year-old developer makes sequel to ZX Spectrum classic after 40 year wait
81-year-old programmer Colin Porch, who worked on the original 1980s ZX Spectrum game Head Over Heels, has released a sequel titled Return To Blacktooth: A Head Over Heels Adventure after nearly 40 years. Development initially began in 1989 but was abandoned until Porch was inspired to finish it, securing permission from the IP rights holders. The game is available on itch.io and will receive a physical release from Thalamus Digital Publishing.
The Morning Star - A classic text adventure for many different retro systems by Dareint!
The new dark fantasy text adventure game, The Morning Star, has been released for classic retro systems including the Amiga, Atari ST, Amstrad, Commodore 64, MSX, and ZX Spectrum. The game features text-driven exploration, illustrated backdrops, inventory management, and puzzle-solving, with a narrative focused on stopping the spread of the Void.
Comedian Alasdair Beckett-King was a die-hard adventure gamer until he discovered Morrowind: 'The first time I loaded it up, I walked straight into a little pond and was killed by a fish'
Comedian and adventure game designer Alasdair Beckett-King discusses his gaming history, from playing Dizzy on a ZX Spectrum to his love for Morrowind and point-and-click adventures like Broken Sword. He shares his current playthroughs of Tainted Grail: Conquest and his enduring affection for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, while also admitting to being stuck on Hollow Knight: Silksong.
