Software

Notable applications, games, and programs that defined vintage computing.

Manic Miner

game

Platform: zx-spectrum

Released: January 1, 1983

Developer: Matthew Smith

A pioneering platform game that established many conventions of the genre whilst showcasing the technical capabilities of the ZX Spectrum through precise controls and challenging level design.

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Jet Set Willy

game

Platform: zx-spectrum

Released: January 1, 1984

Developer: Matthew Smith

An ambitious platform game featuring 60 interconnected rooms to explore, representing one of the largest game worlds created for 8-bit home computers and establishing the template for non-linear platform adventures.

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MacPaint

application

Platform: apple-macintosh

Released: January 24, 1984

Developer: Bill Atkinson

Revolutionary bitmap graphics editor that introduced intuitive paint program concepts to personal computing, featuring innovative tools and Bill Atkinson's breakthrough dithering algorithm for displaying grayscale images on black-and-white screens.

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Super Mario Bros.

game

Platform: nintendo-entertainment-system

Released: September 13, 1985

Developer: Nintendo EAD

The revolutionary platform game that revived the video game industry after the 1983 crash, featuring innovative level design, memorable music by Koji Kondo, and technical excellence that demonstrated the potential of the Nintendo Entertainment System.

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