Published on2025/04/30 at 20:35
Discology +3 was the first of two Spectrum +3 utility packs I bought from New Frontier (Discopack +3 was the other). An ad in Microhobby, an order, and almost uncontainable excitement until I received the long-awaited package. This excitement would last for some time, because the disk didn't work, and I had to call them to send me another copy. My memory fails me, but I remember mentioning to Raúl "The Punisher" Montón that he was probably in the office when I called. It's just a coincidence.
The program consisted of four utilities (or subprograms, as described in the instructions): a sector editor, two copiers, a POKE finder, and a computer explorer, which were selected via a colorful menu.
The Disk Editor allowed you to edit the physical sectors of the disk, with quite a few limitations if they were protected.
The copier had several options, the most notable being Dicopy, designed for protected discs (the one I used most of the entire package). I don't remember if the copies I made were with Discology or Discopack; that was many years ago, but what I do know is that the ones I have were all from unprotected tapes.
Then there was Discpoker, which was used to search for infinite lives, and finally Explorer, which was supposed to check the computer and start with a curious warning that the process would be carried out in English, for mysterious reasons that weren't explained in detail.
The manual, written by Paco Rojas, praises the program's quality in almost every line, ensuring its effectiveness in 90%-100% of cases, depending on the issue. As I said, my memories are hazy, but I'm afraid there was a bit of exaggeration in those words (because it seems, and because I had a conversation with Raúl at the time about the actual effectiveness of the utilities).
It's been a while since I wrote a nostalgic review, because I'd already played all the games from that era, but there were still the utilities left. And although all these compilations always promised more than they delivered, and despite the fact that I was only twelve years old (I'm sure I could have gotten a lot more out of it than I did), I had a great time tinkering with it and still remember it (and cherish it) with great affection.
The program consisted of four utilities (or subprograms, as described in the instructions): a sector editor, two copiers, a POKE finder, and a computer explorer, which were selected via a colorful menu.
The Disk Editor allowed you to edit the physical sectors of the disk, with quite a few limitations if they were protected.
The copier had several options, the most notable being Dicopy, designed for protected discs (the one I used most of the entire package). I don't remember if the copies I made were with Discology or Discopack; that was many years ago, but what I do know is that the ones I have were all from unprotected tapes.
Then there was Discpoker, which was used to search for infinite lives, and finally Explorer, which was supposed to check the computer and start with a curious warning that the process would be carried out in English, for mysterious reasons that weren't explained in detail.
The manual, written by Paco Rojas, praises the program's quality in almost every line, ensuring its effectiveness in 90%-100% of cases, depending on the issue. As I said, my memories are hazy, but I'm afraid there was a bit of exaggeration in those words (because it seems, and because I had a conversation with Raúl at the time about the actual effectiveness of the utilities).
It's been a while since I wrote a nostalgic review, because I'd already played all the games from that era, but there were still the utilities left. And although all these compilations always promised more than they delivered, and despite the fact that I was only twelve years old (I'm sure I could have gotten a lot more out of it than I did), I had a great time tinkering with it and still remember it (and cherish it) with great affection.
