The demand for retro video games is on the rise, particularly among older gamers who grew up in the home-computer era. As we age, we find ourselves reflecting on our youth and wanting to revisit the classics of that time. Whether it’s playing mini versions of the original consoles and computers or even on our phones, there’s a strong desire to relive those nostalgic gaming moments.
One such iconic console is the ZX Spectrum, which was released in 1982. Despite its basic features, such as only having eight basic colors, a rubber keyboard, and 48K of RAM (compared to the much higher RAM capacities of today’s phones), some still consider it a legendary console akin to the Beatles. Games like Manic Miner, Chuckie Egg, and Atic Atac were truly groundbreaking and unlike anything seen before. However, some also remember it fondly for its flaws and limitations.
Enter the Comp.Sys.Sinclair Crap Games Contest (CGC), an annual event that has been running since 1996. The purpose of the contest is to create the worst Spectrum game possible. It has become a cherished tradition within the Spectrum community and is currently organized by Jamie Bradbury, a 44-year-old enthusiast from Hull. Bradbury shares his motivation for participating, saying, “I always wanted to make my own game; it was an unfulfilled childhood ambition. Now, I’ve got the bug. It’s fun to cook up the stupidest possible idea and enjoy the misery of whoever has to review the damn thing.”
Paul Collins, a 43-year-old participant from Reading, explains the entertainment value of the CGC, which revolves around British humor and self-deprecation. He mentions some examples of ideas that could never work, like Sim City: The Text Adventure or Blind Flight Simulator, as well as amusing game names like Whack a Nun II and European Sandwich Hunt. The CGC has become an institution in the Spectrum community, with many enthusiasts eagerly awaiting new entries each year.
The CGC’s origins trace back to a cassette tape called Cassette 50 by Cascade, released in 1983. The tape featured 50 games, including Barrel Jump, Fishing Mission, and Race Track, and promised hours of entertainment for the family at a low cost. However, the games turned out to be remarkably terrible. This led to disappointment among readers who tried to replicate the game codes published in computer game magazines of that time.
One notable magazine, Your Sinclair, had been known for publishing game code listings. However, they eventually started including cassette tapes with games attached to the cover. This sparked a cover tape war among various magazines, with each one trying to include the most games and demos. Your Sinclair even went as far as occasionally featuring songs on their tapes. The magazine’s humorous and unconventional approach to gaming content, including the famous prank of Advanced Lawnmower Simulator, contributed to its popularity and dedicated readership.
Duncan MacDonald, a staff writer at Your Sinclair, devised the prank of Advanced Lawnmower Simulator as an April Fool’s joke in 1988. The non-existent game was ironically awarded the highest accolade by the magazine, and the following month, the full game was included on the cover tape. The simple yet hilarious concept of mowing lawns in perfect lines, occasionally encountering breakdowns and game over screens, struck a chord with readers. It became a fan favorite, leading to readers submitting their own versions, updates, and sequels of the fictional game.
This enthusiastic response prompted Your Sinclair to introduce Crap Game Corner, a regular feature dedicated to deliberately awful games. As a writer for the magazine at the age of 14, I had the opportunity to contribute to this corner by reviewing games and providing commentary. The feature became increasingly popular as the games became progressively worse, and readers found joy in the harsh criticisms. The games were rated based on their “Crap Factor,” with 100% being the pinnacle of crappiness.
Now, even after over 30 years, the spirit of creating intentionally bad Spectrum games lives on through the CGC. Participants strive to outdo each other in crafting the most abysmal gaming experiences, keeping the humor and enjoyment alive within the Spectrum community. It’s a testament to the lasting impact and charm of retro gaming.