While not quite as popular as RUN or Compute!'s Gazette, Ahoy! was another major Commodore magazine covering Commodore's 8-bit computers (primarily the Commodore 64). The premiere issue claims to have a circulation of 190,000 and includes:
Features
The Computer as Communications Device - All about going online with your Commodore 64 or VIC-20 and a modem calling the modem the "indispensable appliance of the '80s." At the time, a 300 BPS modem would set you back at least $100 and 1200 bps was generally considered unaffordable costing more than a Commodore 64 itself at the time.
The Interrupt Music Maker/Editor - A type-in program that includes a small music making program and a 'driver' that allows music to be played while doing other things with your Commodore 64.
An Interview with Protecto's Bill Badser - Protecto was one of the majory mail-order shops for Commodore computers and other Commodore related hardware. Bill Badser was one of the co-founders.
Multi-Draw 64: A Graphics Tablet - A type-in drawing program for the Commodore 64.
Can the 64 Crack the Peanut? - Peanut was the code name for IBM's PCjr. This article contemplates how successful the Commodore 64 could be against it. Apparently when rumors of the Peanut first appeared, Apple's stock dropped by half and there was similar panic regarding other computer makers. It was felt IBM would easily dominate the home market. It turned out to be an accurate but premature fear. Other computers would have years more of success and it would not be the PCjr that finally led to the PC standards dominance but cheap clones. The PCjr on the other hand was a complete flop.
Table of Contents from the January 1984 issue of Ahoy!
Departments
Editorial - Editorial by Ben Bova about the Microcomputer Revolution, prominently featuring the Commodore 64.
Scuttlebutt - New products coming soon include the portable Commodore 64 (SX-64 or Executive 64), low cost printers from Alphacom, an EPROM burner called The Promqueen/64, new speech add-ons from Commodore and Alien Group, and much more.
Reviews
Astroblitz - A Defender clone for the Commodore 64.
Fort Apocalypse - A decent attack and rescue arcade type game somewhat similar to games like Choplifter.
Keyword Cross Reference - A couple of BASIC programs designed to generate a cross reference list given a series of inputs.
Moondust - A rather unique game available in cartridge format for both the C-64 and VIC-20.
Speed Racer - No relation to the anime, this is a not so good racing game.
Candy Bandit - An apparently terrible game for the Commodore 64.
Mailing List and Labels - A program designed for keeping track of mailing lists and printing mailing labels.
Suspended - Another Infocom classic text adventure for the Commodore 64.
Hometax - An income tax program for the Commodore 64 provided that you have a CP/M add-on.
Cannonball Blitz - A game by Sierra On-Line for the VIC-20 that happens to be very much like Donkey Kong.
