The new issue of the classic computing magazine Pixel Addict explores the world of 8-bit games testing.
I was a big fan of the Firebird range back in the 8-bit days, a now-forgotten software house that was responsible for a collection of well known titles. Along with its sister company Rainbird, they published notable titles including Elite and Rick Dangerous.
Occasionally, games would go wrong, with bugs causing problems. In most cases, crashes would occur, forcing you to restart the computer and reload the game (if you had the patience). This shouldn’t happen, of course, as software companies have used games testers for years.
The author of Memories of Firebird: The Unofficial and Unauthorised History, Richard Hewison, takes Pixel Addict readers back in time in issue 29, looking at his job as a games tester, working on the games mentioned and others, including Druid, Thrust, and Savage.
What else is in Pixel Addict 29?
Also in issue 29 of Pixel Addict, you will find:
- Latest retro games reviewed: Capcom Arcade Stadium (Switch/Xbox/PC/PS4), Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind (Switch/Xbox/Steam/PS5) and Old Towers (Atari Jaguar).
- Exclusive documentary preview: Commodore 64: Classic Game Insights Vol.1.
- Fond memories of arguably one of the best computing publications in history, Personal Computer Games Magazine.
- Rare vintage computer hardware, including IBM PS/2 Model P70.
- Classic game analysis: Warlords (Amiga/DOS).
- Richard Moss of Terrorbytes speaks about the evolution of horror gaming. Full review of his documentary series also included!
- With a barrel of hot and sticky popcorn in hand, regular columnist and gaming movie enthusiast Matthew Smith gives his take on the 2024 movie Borderlands.
- Retro collector and Cronosoft founder Roy Templeman shares his Mattel Aquarius games development stories.
- Windows and DOS emulation using PCem.
- Pixel Addict editor Paul reconnects with his Atari ST roots, checking out the latest activity in the Atari community.
- Regulars such as Sony PlayStation Coding, News, Covermount Classic, Alex Trowers of Bullfrog (Populous / Syndicate), Deadlinez comic strip, vintage toy collectables (Transformers: Star Saber) and Homebrew Heroes games section.
- Plus lots lots more..!
Issue 29 of Pixel Addict can be pre-ordered now at www.addict.media, and ships from June 20, 2025.
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.