Games published by Computerware
Select a publisher to browse its games.
We provide a complete list of games published by this publisher.
Apples
In 1982, the TRS-80 CoCo game, Apples, hit the market and became an instant classic among gamers. Developed by Synapse Software, Apples was one of the first games for the CoCo that combined both gameplay and strategy elements. It offered hours of entertainment and challenge to players of all ages.
Apples was a unique concept for its time, where players take on the role of a farmer trying to grow apples in their orchard. The game featured different levels of difficulty, ranging from novice to advanced, making it suitable for all levels of players. The objective was to manage resources wisely and strategically, while also battling challenges such as droughts and pesky insects that could ruin the crop. The game required players to think on their feet and plan ahead, making it a truly engaging experience.
One of the standout features of Apples was its colorful and vibrant graphics. For a game released in 1982, the graphics were surprisingly crisp and detailed, adding to the overall immersive gameplay experience. The sound effects and music also added a level of depth to the game, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for gamers.
One of the most exciting aspects of Apples was the multiplayer option. Up to four players could compete against each other in the same orchard, making it a fun and competitive experience. This feature was ahead of its time, making Apples a popular choice among friends and family for game nights.
The popularity of Apples can also be attributed to its high replay value. Each game was different, depending on the choices and strategies players used. This kept the game fresh and exciting, making players want to come back for more. With its variety of difficulty levels, multiplayer option, and engaging gameplay, Apples was a game that had something to offer for everyone.
Apples also received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its original concept and challenging gameplay. Computer Gaming World magazine gave it a 5-star rating, stating that it was "a 'must buy' for all CoCo owners." Its success led to multiple sequels and spin-offs, solidifying its place as a beloved classic in the gaming world.
Blockbuster Quiz
In the year 1985, a highly anticipated game called Blockbuster Quiz was released for the Dragon 32/64. Developed by British company Icon Design, this game was met with immense excitement and quickly became a fan favorite. This groundbreaking quiz game set itself apart from others on the market with its unique and challenging gameplay.
The premise of Blockbuster Quiz was simple yet gripping. Players were tasked with answering a series of questions from various categories such as science, history, and entertainment. The goal was to correctly answer as many questions as possible to accumulate points and claim victory. However, what made this game stand out was the concept of "blockbusting." If a player answered three consecutive questions correctly, they could choose one of their opponent's categories and block them from answering any further questions in that category, giving them a significant advantage in the game.
One of the most impressive features of Blockbuster Quiz was its extensive trivia database. With over 7,000 questions covering a wide range of topics, players were constantly challenged and never felt like they were repeating the same questions. This made the game highly replayable and kept players engaged for hours on end.
Another notable feature of this game was its multiplayer mode. Up to four players could compete against each other, making it an excellent choice for game nights with friends and family. The competitive nature of the game and the high stakes involved in blocking opponents made for an intense and exhilarating gaming experience.
In addition to its challenging gameplay and impressive trivia database, Blockbuster Quiz also had visually appealing graphics for its time. The colorful and detailed graphics were a refreshing change from other quiz games on the market, adding to the overall appeal of the game.
Blockbuster Quiz 2
Blockbuster Quiz 2 was a popular trivia game that was released for the Dragon 32/64 computer in 1986. Developed by The Power House and published by Microdeal, it was the sequel to the original Blockbuster Quiz game that had been released a year earlier. This new version boasted over 5,000 questions covering a wide range of topics, promising hours of entertainment and challenge for players.
The premise of Blockbuster Quiz 2 was simple yet engaging. Players would take on the role of a game show contestant, competing against the computer or another player in a battle of general knowledge. The game was divided into three rounds, with each round consisting of multiple choice questions. The questions varied in difficulty, forcing players to use their memory, logic, and quick-thinking skills to emerge as the ultimate champion.
One of the standout features of Blockbuster Quiz 2 was its extensive database of questions. Covering a wide range of topics such as history, science, literature, and pop culture, it provided players with a diverse and challenging trivia experience. The questions were also randomly generated, meaning that each playthrough would be different, adding to the game's replay value. Additionally, the game had a built-in editor which allowed players to create their own custom questions and add them to the database, further increasing the game's variety.
In terms of graphics and sound, Blockbuster Quiz 2 was ahead of its time. The game featured colorful and detailed graphics, with a host resembling a popular TV game show host at the time. The upbeat soundtrack and sound effects added to the game's overall atmosphere, making players feel like they were truly participating in a game show.
Blockbuster Quiz 2 was not only a game for entertainment but also a learning tool. With its vast knowledge base and challenging questions, it provided players with an opportunity to expand their knowledge on various subjects while having fun. It was also a game that could be enjoyed by players of all ages, making it a great choice for family game nights.
Despite being released over three decades ago, Blockbuster Quiz 2 still holds a special place in the hearts of retro gaming enthusiasts. It remains a beloved classic for many Dragon 32/64 players and a testament to the innovation and creativity of the developers at The Power House and Microdeal. Today, it serves as a nostalgic reminder of a simpler time in the gaming industry and a testament to the enduring appeal of trivia games.
Color Bowl Football
Color Bowl Football was a groundbreaking game released for the TRS-80 CoCo computer in 1983. Developed by Spectral Associates, it was one of the first football simulations to incorporate both color graphics and a comprehensive playbook. The game was a huge hit among football fans and gamers alike, setting a new standard for sports games on home computers.
The premise of Color Bowl Football was simple: players would take on the role of a football coach, leading their team to victory on the virtual gridiron. The game offered a variety of modes, including a single-player option and a multiplayer mode for head-to-head competition. With its realistic gameplay and detailed graphics, Color Bowl Football truly immersed players in the world of football.
One of the most innovative aspects of Color Bowl Football was its use of color graphics. While previous football games on home computers had been limited to monochrome displays, Color Bowl Football revolutionized the genre with its vibrant, detailed visuals. This not only made the game more aesthetically appealing, but also allowed for a more realistic experience on the field.
But Color Bowl Football wasn't just about pretty graphics. The game also featured a playbook that allowed players to make strategic decisions on both offense and defense. This added a whole new level of depth to the game, as players had to think not just about control and skill, but also about tactics and strategy. This made Color Bowl Football a truly immersive experience, unlike any other football game at the time.
The game also offered different difficulty levels, allowing both casual players and seasoned veterans to enjoy the game. And for those who wanted an even bigger challenge, there was a tournament mode where players could compete against increasingly difficult opponents. This added replay value and kept players coming back for more.
Color Bowl Football's success on the TRS-80 CoCo led to its release on other platforms, such as the Apple II and Atari 800. Even today, it is remembered as one of the most influential football games of its time. Its combination of color graphics, strategic gameplay, and challenging difficulty has left a lasting impact on the sports game genre.
Show Jump
Show Jump is a classic game that was released for the Dragon 32/64 home computer system in 1985. Developed by Microdeal Ltd., this game quickly became a popular choice among gamers due to its challenging gameplay and simple yet addictive concept. Show Jump combined elements of horse racing, strategy, and quick reflexes to create a unique gaming experience that kept players engaged for hours on end.
The premise of Show Jump was relatively simple - players take on the role of a jockey who must guide their horse through a series of jumps in a competitive race. The game featured colorful graphics and sound effects that added to the overall immersive experience. The controls were easy to master, which made it accessible for players of all ages to enjoy.
One of the standout features of Show Jump was its difficulty level. While the game may seem deceptively easy to play, it required precise timing and strategic planning to navigate through each stage successfully. The jumps became increasingly challenging as players progressed through the game, making it a true test of skill and concentration. This kept players coming back for more, determined to beat their previous high scores.
True to its name, Show Jump also had an element of showmanship. Players were awarded style points for performing jumps and maneuvers with precision and grace, adding an extra layer of competitiveness to the game. These style points were tallied up at the end of each race, giving players a sense of accomplishment and bragging rights if they achieved a high score.
As with many games of the time, Show Jump also had a multiplayer mode that allowed players to compete against each other. This feature was particularly popular among friends and family, adding a social aspect to the game. It also added an element of unpredictability as each player brought their own unique strategies and techniques to the table.
The success of Show Jump can be attributed to its simple yet addictive gameplay, challenging difficulty level, and competitive multiplayer mode. It became a favorite among Dragon 32/64 users and was a must-have addition to any gaming library in the 1980s. Even today, Show Jump remains a beloved classic among retro gamers, a testament to its enduring appeal and timeless design.
Star Trader
Star Trader was a groundbreaking game that was released in 1984 for the TRS-80 CoCo computer. Developed by Steve Bjork, this game revolutionized the strategy genre with its advanced gameplay and captivating space theme.
The game's premise was simple yet engaging - players take on the role of a trader in a distant galaxy, buying and selling goods on different planets to earn a profit. The ultimate goal is to become the wealthiest trader in the galaxy and gain the admiration and respect of other traders.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Star Trader was its graphics, which were far ahead of its time. The game featured colorful and detailed images of planets and spaceports, giving players a sense of actually being in a distant galaxy. This was no easy feat, considering the limited capabilities of the TRS-80 CoCo computer at the time.
But it wasn't just the graphics that made Star Trader a standout game. Its complexity and depth made it stand out from similar games of its time. Players had to navigate through a complex economic system, making strategic decisions on which goods to buy and sell, the best routes to take, and how to deal with unexpected events such as space pirates and market fluctuations.
Perhaps one of the most significant features of Star Trader was its multiplayer option. While most strategy games of the time were limited to single-player, Star Trader allowed players to compete against each other and trade with one another over a modem connection. This added a whole new level of excitement and competitiveness to the game, making it a favorite among friends and gaming communities.
The game's popularity was also due to its replay value. Every game session was different, with randomly generated galaxies, events, and encounters. This kept players coming back for more as they could never predict what challenges or opportunities awaited them in each playthrough.
