Spectrum: Relive the 80s with 48 classic games 🎮✨
The Spectrum Review: Relive the glories of video games ZX Spectrum of the 80s
Prima facie
Expert Rating
Pros
- Impressive fidelity to the original 🎮
- Allows you to play custom games from USB 💾
- HDMI and multiple USB ports 📺
Cons
- Power adapter not included ⚡
- Difficult controls for some 😕
- Games can be tricky 🎯
Our Verdict
The Spectrum accurately recreates the '80s original with its rubberized keys and classic games, delighting veteran gamers. Younger players may face a steep learning curve due to the complicated controls and the difficulty of some games. However, modern features like save and rewind options help mitigate that frustration.
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In 1982, the ZX Spectrum arrived, a British personal computer from Sinclair that was compact and affordable. It was made with as few components as possible and easily connected to a television. Programs ran from compact cassette tapes; some of you may remember listening to music from them before the advent of CDs. It could be programmed in Basic and played some games. The ZX Spectrum's competitor was the Commodore 64, a popular machine that Retro Games had already recreated.
Today we have The Spectrum, ready to take you back to the 80s (but with a modern twist)! 🎉
The Spectrum: Faithful to the original
The Spectrum is incredibly similar to the original. Best of all, Retro Games has managed to recreate the feeling Everything from the rubbery keys to the gameplay experience. However, I wouldn't recommend playing on a large, modern TV, as it feels awkward. It's better to opt for a smaller screen with HDMI. Also, the cables that come with it aren't long enough to comfortably sit with the computer on your lap on the couch. 😅
The press release includes a thick and comprehensive manual, which is gratifying. It describes all the games, including their controls, as well as explanations of the missions. I was able to navigate more difficult games thanks to this manual. I'm also grateful that the Spectrum has modern features like the save option (four slots per game). There's even a 40-second rewind feature to correct mistakes. 🕹️
Notice the faithfully recreated details. The rubber keys provide a proper '80s feel, and Basic commands are printed on each key.Ida Blix
The console includes 48 classic games, but you can also run your own from USB flash drives. The Spectrum supports USB controllers (though you may have to program the buttons yourself), but everything can be run directly from the keyboard. I was a little young to have experienced this machine when it first came out, so the controls were quite an adventure to master. 🚀
In the box, you'll find an HDMI cable (providing 720p at 50 or 60 Hz) and a USB cable (no power adapter included). It may look modern with USB-C, but you'll need to choose a simpler power adapter with 5V and 1A. My modern GAN charger didn't work, but an older iPhone charger did. 🔌
Ida Blix
The Spectrum: It's not for everyone
As with all retro consoles that are re-released in a new edition, the Spectrum isn't for everyone. For new users, there's a steep learning curve. I have no memories of Sinclair's wonderful personal computer, but my earliest gaming memories have the same graphics and feel, so it was a pleasure to take on this experience. For those who owned a ZX Spectrum and want to revive it, the Spectrum is a fun purchase where you get a lot for your money. 🤑
Specifications: The Spectrum
Product: The Spectrum
Manufacturer: Retro Games
Tried: February 2025
In the package: Console, HDMI cable, USB cable
Connections: 1 USB-C (for power), HDMI, and four ports for USB controllers or flash drives
Number of games: 48
Price:
Qualification: 4 out of 5 ⭐
Games included
- Alien Girl: Skirmish Edition
- Ant Attack
- Army Moves
- On the other hand, Monty
- Avalon
- Bobby Bearing
- Cosmic Payback
- Devwill Too
- Exolon
- Fairlight
- Firelord
- Football Manager 2
- Freddy Hardest
- The Great Escape
- Head over Heels
- Highway Encounter
- The Hobbit
- Horace Goes Skiing
- Jack the Nipper
- Knot in 3D
- The Lords of Midnight
- Manic Miner
- Match Day II
- Movie
- Nodes of Yesod
- Penetrator
- Phantis (Game Over II)
- Phoenix
- Pyracurse
- Quazatron
- Robin of the Wood
- Saboteur! Remastered
- Shovel Adventure
- Skool Daze
- Snake Escape
- Spellbound
- Starquake
- Starstrike II
- The Stompo
- Stonkers
- TCQ
- Target: Renegade
- Technician Ted – The Megamix
- Tenebra
- Trashman
- The Way of the Exploding Fist
- Wheelie
- Where Time Stood Still
In conclusion, The Spectrum It is a faithful and nostalgic recreation of the iconic personal computer from the 80s 🎮 that will especially delight veteran fans of the ZX Spectrum. Its authentic design, selection of 48 classic games 🕹️, and modern features like save games 💾 and error rewind ⏪ make this console a great way to relive the golden age of retro gaming.
However, its learning curve and controls can be challenging for younger players 👾 or those unfamiliar with the original platform.
Even so, The Spectrum It offers a rich experience that combines the best of nostalgia 🧡 with modern conveniences, making it an attractive option for collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts. 🚀
