Zzap!64

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Zzap!64 was a computer games magazine originally covering games on the Commodore 64. It was published in the UK by Newsfield Publications Ltd, and later by Europress Impact.

Zzap!64 launched in May 1985. As the sister magazine to CRASH, it focused on the C64 for much of its shelf life, but later incorporated Amiga game news and reviews. Like CRASH, it had a dedicated cult following amongst C64 owners and was well known for its irreverent sense of humour as well as its extensive, detailed coverage of the C64 scene. The magazine adopted an innovative review system that involved the use of the reviewers' faces, artistically rendered by in-house artists Oli Frey and Mark Kendrick, to express their reaction to the games. These eventually evolved into static cartoons as the magazine began catering for a younger market. With so many changes having been made, the decision was taken to relaunch the magazine (although by this time, the magazine was being published by Europress. Thus, issue 91 of Zzap!64 became issue 1 of Commodore Force, a magazine that itself lasted until March 1994.

Commemorative issues

In March 2002 a special issue 107 of Zzap!64 was published digitally in PDF format. Originally intended as a fan project based on a suggestion in a Zzap!64 discussion forum, a number of ex-Newsfield writers volunteered to join the project, including former Zzap!64 editor Gordon Houghton, who became editor of the new digital issue. The magazine reflected the C64's continuing popularity in the 21st century as a platform for retro gamers and hobbyists, with the majority of reviews focusing on new C64 games. A number of popular features from classic issues of Zzap!64 included Lloyd Mangram's letters page, the White Wizard and the Scorelord. The front cover was also illustrated by former Newsfield artist Oli Frey.

In July 2005 another special issue of Zzap!64 was created to celebrate the magazine's 20th anniversary. Dubbed The Def Tribute to Zzap!64, it was professionally printed and given away with issue 18 of Retro Gamer magazine. Although more celebratory and retrospective than issue 107, it nevertheless featured almost all new content, including a foreword and articles by former Newsfield director and Zzap!64 editor Roger Kean, as well as new material from former editors Gary Penn and Zzap!64 launch editor Chris Anderson (founder of Future Publishing). The front cover and centerfold featured rare illustrations by artist Oliver Frey, from his pre-Newsfield days.

References

External links

[Def Guide to Zzap!64] - site containing many scans of original Zzap!64 material

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