I got that new Spectrum. I was going to call it a Spectrum Mini, but it really isn’t — it’s a well-crafted replica of the original 48K Speccy, rubber keys and all, only it has stuff like HDMI out, USB ports and suchlike.
Like TheC64 Mini/Maxi, TheA500 Mini and The400 Mini, it’s an emulation box with a bunch of built-in games (48 this time) and the ability to load your own stuff from USB.
As I type this, a vast collection of Spectrum games and demos are copying themselves to a USB stick, so I haven’t had time to try that side of things today. I have had a play with some of the built-in games, though, and they’re a really interesting mix.
There’s expected stuff like Manic Miner and Skool Daze — though no Jet Set Willy, interestingly — but of particular note is the selection of modern indies that are included. There’s some really cool stuff in there, including a 3D platformer called Cosmic Payback and and light-based puzzler called Tenebra, both of which I’ve had some fun with today.
The Spectrum is not a system I know well at all, having grown up an Atari boy. So I’m thinking I may chronicle some of my explorations and discoveries on YouTube. While I’m on, I’ve never really covered the built-in games on TheC64 and TheA500 Mini either, so between those three I think they’ll make some nice companion pieces to my 400 Mini playlist and all the other Atari stuff I’ve done.
These systems were bitter rivals back in the day, but today it’s easy to be in a position where you can appreciate all of them. And you should, because they all have unique charms, for sure.
Anyway, that’s a loose plan in place that I’ll likely start on tomorrow. For now, sleep beckons!
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