ZX Spectrum Games Code Club: Twenty fun games to code and learn - Softcover

Plowman, Gary

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0993474403 ISBN 13: 9780993474408

Publisher: Gazzapper Press, 2015

Synopsis

This retro computing game coding book is ideal for ZX Spectrum fans (aka Timex 2048 / 2068 in USA) and beginners to coding of any age, kids or adults that want to learn or practice coding simple computer games with Sinclair BASIC code. Contains 20 games specifically created for this book, from retro Arcade classics to more wacky game ideas.
Ideal for STEM coding activities for kids and adults. Learn to create a simple game loops and to create graphics with binary code using retro computing. Also makes a great nostalgic geek gift for someone interested in Game Design, Retro Game Development or just coding games with BASIC.

No special equipment needed! Get coding with ...

• ZX Spectrum Next computer
• Windows (using free emulators)
• Mac (using free emulators)
• Linux (Fuse)
• Internet browser emulators: using Chrome / FF etc.
• Chromebook
• Original ZX Spectrum 48k or 128k
• Recreated ZX Spectrum (Android / iOS)
• Raspberry Pi (Fuse)
• Tablet: Android / iOS iPad

Ideal for Retro Game Devs & Retro Computing fans that want to dust off their ZX Spectrum (Speccy) or an emulator and type in some code, 'old school'. Now Get Coding!

In one sitting type in a game, play it and then we will go through it. The book doesn't go over every single line of code, but rather summarises key components and newer sections for each game. This keeps the process fun and engaging.

This book covers coding fun arcade games in BASIC. The book has been used at STEM events and kids coding seminars across UK & Europe. Teachers have also used the book for introducing game coding to kids in the classroom.
An interactive learning book intended for all ages to enjoy at home and also a great introduction to programming and game design for Code Clubs and STEM events. So type in a retro game and lets have some fun!The game design concepts used are quite light but spark the imagination of the reader.

Includes: ZX Breakout, MiniPong Tennis, Astral Invaders, Battleship War, Flappy Bird, Takeaway Ted and many more...

Many Emulators to choose from: ZX Spin, Spectaculator, Marvin, Fuse, Speccy, etc.
The American version of the ZX Spectrum machine was sold under the name Timex Sinclair.

Other compatible clones of ZX Spectrum: TS2048 (Timex Sinclair), TS2068, Baltica, Microdigital TK95, Pentagon, CZ-2000, TK90X, Didatik, Hobbit, Czerweny CZ 2000, Kvorum, HT 3080C plus many more.Plus if you are lucky enough to have backed the new ZX Spectrum Next - then this is ideal for using with this book.If you have a STEM or STEAM event then why not bring the simplicity and geek fun of Retro Coding to it.If you want to encourage a retrogamer or family member to get coding and developing, this could be ideal. Whether you grew up with the Speccy, ,ZX80, ZX81, Amstrad, Atari 8-bit, BBC Micro, Atari or Commodore C64 machines you will still enjoy this nostalgic trip to the 80s.Top - ** Popular Geek Gift For Men **
Tags: retro coding, game programming, coding for beginners, easy coding, learn coding

About this title

About the Author

Gary Plowman is an Indie Game Developer and Web Developer with a passion for retro computing, retrogaming and game design.
In the 1980s computer magazines were bought for their Type-In games by eager young teenagers looking to decipher the mysteries of early microcomputers. The Type-in listings were very important as a first step to learning the coding language of a machine and allowed kids and teenagers to pick up the concepts as they typed in a listing for a game or utility.

This book aims to recreate that feeling but in a more structured and user-friendly way and provides a breakdown of the key concepts such as game loops, collision detection, game play improvements and suggestions for further enhancing the games.

The book has been bought and used by teachers, STEM facilitators, ZX Spectrum fans, Commodore 64 & Amiga owners too!

Sinclair BASIC is a fun and simple language but very productive and capable for learning the basics of computer coding.

Review

"With a games list that includes Flappy Bird, Breakout, Solar C5 race (above), The Numbers Game (see above - Countdown homage), Textrix (you can probably guess that one) Mini Pong and many others, you have a whole plethora of games to play with and plenty of genres to choose from."  - Paul Davies, IndieRetroNews.com

"When my kids are a little older, I hope to introduce them to this book. There can be no greater praise than that." - Ant Harper, RetroGamesCollector.com

"Yes, after the Colouring Books popping up everywhere, now it is time for us, retro computer enthusiasts to have our good old days back." - VintageIsTheNewOld.com

"If you are a fan of the ZX Spectrum and type-in programs then I would definitely recommend this book whether you are an 8-bit veteran or a newcomer." - RetroVideoGamer.co.uk

Edition details

• Publisher: Gazzapper Press
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0993474403
• ISBN 13: 9780993474408
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 127