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  • A.N.A.L.O.G. Computing (February 1986)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment


    Source: A.N.A.L.O.G. Computing – Issue Number 39 – February 1986

    ANALOG Computing was probably the most popular Atari 8-bit computer magazine, at least in North America. However, it also covered the Atari ST at times and that includes Atari’s display at COMDEX 1985. Also prominently displayed at COMDEX that year was the Atari 130XE. The XE line represented the last of the Atari 8-bit computers.

    The Feburary 1986 issue of ANALOG Computing includes:

    Features

    • Unicheck – ANALOG Computing’s universal checksum program.
    • High Noon – The showdown between Atari’s 520ST and Commodore’s Amiga for first place in home computing.
    • Load It – Autoboots any BASIC or machine language program.
    • Adventurous Programming – Dare to write your own adventure? Clayton gets you started.
    • Utilities for the 520ST – An in-depth look at what “tools” are available now for the Atari 520ST.
    • Formatter – Format 5.25-inch disks endlessly – and quickly!
    • Debug+ – A screen-oriented, machine language debugging utility.
    • C-manship, Part 1 – The first of a series of C programming tutorials for the beginner.
    • COMDEX 1985: Atari’s back! – Atari can say, “We came, we saw, we conquered.”
    • Calc Pi – A simple example of programming in C for the ST, in BASIC for the 8-bit users.
    • DOS Mods – Keep track of updated programs without losing the originals.
    • Program Helper – Convert constants to variables to save RAM.
    • XL CAPS Toggle – A modification for our Home-made Translator.

    Reviews

    • SmartDOS – (The Programmer’s Workshop) This DOS has a number of nice features, is it really the best?
    • Sparta DOS – (ICD, Inc.) We evaluate the performance of another DOS for the Atari.
    • Hippo ST Ramdisk – (Hippopotamus Software) Set aside any size portion of memory for use as a ramdisk.
    • XM301 – (Atari Corp.) This classy little modem is just what we’ve been waiting for.
    • Disk Wizard II – (C.A.P. Software) Four menu-driven disk utlities.
    • Critical Connection – (USS Enterprises) This powerful accessory means business.
    • Kennedy Approach – (Microprose Software) A fascinating, entertaining, and nerve-wracking experience.

    Columns

    • Editorial
    • Reader Comment
    • New Products
    • ST News
    • The End User
    • Index to Advertisers

    …and more!




    Atari 8-bit Atari ST Computer Arcana 📎and tagged

  • Leader Board (Access Software)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment


    Leader Board (Commodore 64, Atari 800, Atari 520ST, Amiga)

    http://darth-azrael.tumblr.com/post/181782856169/retrocgads-usa-1986-leader-board

    I am not much of a sports fan (or a golf fan for that matter) when it comes to video games. However, Leader Board was among the first true golf sims. Not only that, it was initially available for platforms other than the PC, including the Commodore 64, Atari 800, Atari 520ST and Amiga.

    Leader Board had a number of pretty sophisticated features for the time (1986). Up to four players could play, players could choose club type and shot type among other parameters, and the game included multiple 18-hole golf courses. There was even a practice driving range.

    Leader Board was very well received. It received very positive reviews and also sold very well. However, most sports games don’t hold up terribly well over time and while there are some exceptions, Leader Board really isn’t one of them. Other golf games would soon come along, including sequels to this one, that would leave the original Leader Board in the dust.

    Other than emulation or original hardware, there really isn’t any other way to play Leader Board. There was an expansion called Leaderboard Tournament that added new courses as well as two sequels. The first sequel was released in 1987 and was called Leaderboard: Executive Edition. World Class Leaderboard was the final, best and probably most well known game of the series. It would also eventually have new courses released as an expansion.

    Screen shots above are from the Commodore 64 version.

     



    Amiga Atari 8-bit Atari ST Commodore 64 Computer Arcana Retro Games 📎and tagged