ACU Issue 01 (Aug/Sep 1984)
The very first issue of Amstrad Computer User published by Amsoft and distributed to members of the Amstrad User Club. This issue was not available for sale in the shops but thanks to the early popularity of the User Club, the magazine is still pretty widespread and frequently comes up for auction on ebay and the likes.
Contents
Contents
| Page Number | Title |
| Page 5 | Editorial |
| Page 6 | News |
| Page 9 | Overview |
| Page 11 | Q&A |
| Page 13 | Printing Money |
| Page 15 | Software Reviews |
| Page 16 | The Surprise Listing |
| Page 22 | Programs |
| Page 25 | CAD for beginners |
| Page 25 | Bustout! |
| Page 29 | Competition Time |
Games reviewed
Codename MAT
With titles like Jet Set Willy, Manic Miner, Atic Atac, it's not surprising that the inspiration for games naming is on the wane. There was a time when Codename MAT would have been called 3D-Hyper Mega Space Invaders - or worse. As it is, Mat stands for 'Mission Alien Termination' - not exactly the sort of sentiment to broadcast in case we are Not Alone.
That being said, the program itself is the classic space romp of all time. The solar system is being invaded by a bunch of unpleasant aliens who are gradually creeping through the outer reaches towards Earth. Your mission is to stop them.
This game combines the strategic skills of the classic Star Trek programmes that those of you with long memories may remember from the early days of CP/M S100 systems. In other words, you have a series of maps and tracking devices to help locate the little blighters as they wend their way towards Earth.
With these aids you must seek out and destroy as many of the aliens as possible (they are plotted on the Solar Chart for your convenience) by engaging them in one of the best 3D space fighter simulations you will ever see. When you get hit, sooner or later you will need to get repaired and refuelled, and docking with a planet or moon is one of the most delightful interludes in the game. Don't get too close, or gravity will draw you to your doom.
If you do nothing else in your first session, you must dock with Earth to see the detail that's gone into the game at every stage. Planets like Mars have their better known features on view - and although there isn't time or space to fit in all the known moons of planets like Jupiter, astronomers amongst players will not feel unduly cheated.
The only criticism is that the game takes a good evening to play properly. But if you 've had enough of the ten minute wonders then this is a must. Originals of Codename MAT may be changing hands in fifty years time in much the same way as the first editions of famous novels.
Micromega are further proof that for connoissuers of good software that its quality rather than quantity that counts in the end. If all they produce is one game every 3 months, and they're all as good as this, then you'll need three months before you are ready for the next one anyway!
Amsgolf
Take heart all you BASIC programmers. This program was written entirely in Amstrad BASIC, yet you would never have noticed if I hadn't told you.
The game consists of playing on an 18 hole golf course, with the aim of reducing your handicap. You can't cheat when the program asks for your handicap, since you are only given the first password, and must earn the rest by playing under par, and then being given the next level keyword.
There's a decent range of clubs to choose from, realistic strength shots (i.e. you cannot drive 800 yards by over hitting). If you land in the bunker or on the green, suitable screens await you.
Bounce off the trees at your peril, land in the water, in fact everything you might find on the local golf course without the expense or the exertion (or the danger of treading in the nasty reminders that the local dogs take their constitutionals on the course as well).
And if you wonder what the curious 'roar' is when you hit the green, that's only the crowd expressing their approval. Watch out for the 18th green, refreshment is at hand...
Roland in the Caves
Roland on the Ropes
Oh Mummy
Type ins
Bustout!
Function Keys Example
No Screenshot
Load Screen Example
Save Screen Example
Test Pattern
The Surprise Listing
RUN"SURPRISE"
Windows
Wire Frame Graphics Plotter
All of these programmes can be found on this Disk Image (with thanks to Ervin)
Scans
- Amstrad Computer User, Issue 1, 1984
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