Vault Entry
[📷 suggested: CRASH cover art featuring Oliver Frey illustrations]
Overview
Published by Newsfield, CRASH focused entirely on the ZX Spectrum. Its combination of lavish cover art, detailed reviews, and personality-driven columns captured the machine’s chaotic creativity.
Fast facts
- Editor: Roger Kean with art director Oliver Frey; reviewers included “Crash Smash” icons like Lloyd Mangram.
- Features: multi-page maps, tech tips, adventure solutions, and a letters page thick with in-jokes.
- Notable columns: “Lloyd Mangram’s Forum,” “Playing Tips,” and later “Crash Powertape” cover cassettes.
Lesson connections
- Spectrum-focused Vault entries reference CRASH when discussing community feedback loops.
- BASIC Block 2’s map lessons point to CRASH fold-out maps as historical inspiration.
- Our editorial tone borrows its mix of humour and authenticity when explaining technical concepts.
Legacy
Even after Spectrum hardware faded, CRASH continued as specials and digital revivals. Its archives remain a treasure trove for understanding the UK 8-bit scene.