Once upon a time, in the late ’80s and ’90s, when the internet was but a glimmer in the eyes of tech visionaries and floppy disks were the height of sophistication, there existed a magazine that was more than just a publication—it was a lifeline. For young Amiga owners, Amiga Format wasn’t just a magazine; it was a monthly ritual, a treasure trove of knowledge, and, most importantly, a source of new games. Yes, in a world where “downloading” meant physically carrying a disk from one computer to another, Amiga Format was the hero we didn’t deserve but desperately needed.
Launched in 1989 by Future Publishing, Amiga Format quickly became the bible for Amiga enthusiasts. It covered everything from hardware reviews to software tutorials, but let’s be honest—the real stars of the show were the cover disks. These little gems were the highlight of each issue, packed with demos, utilities, and sometimes even full games. For many young Amiga owners, these disks were the only way to get their hands on new games without resorting to begging, borrowing, or… well, let’s not talk about the other options. The excitement of popping in a new cover disk and discovering what treasures awaited was unmatched. It was like Christmas morning, but with fewer socks and more Lemmings.
The magazine enjoyed a glorious run of 136 issues, spanning over a decade. It was a time when Amiga users felt like part of a community, united by their love for this quirky yet powerful machine. But all good things must come to an end. In May 2000, Amiga Format published its final issue, marking the end of an era. The Amiga itself had been overshadowed by the rise of PCs and consoles, but the memories of those floppy disks and the joy they brought live on.
Now, for those feeling a pang of nostalgia, here’s some good news: you can relive the magic. Download links for Issue 1 & 136 are available, so you can experience the beginning and the end of this iconic publication. Dust off your floppy drive—or find a modern workaround—and dive back into the world of Amiga Format.
But wait, there’s more! The Amiga spirit is alive and well, thanks to Amiga Addict, the latest magazine dedicated to all things Amiga. This community-driven publication celebrates the old and the new, with a focus on classic games and modern releases like Rouge Declan and Cecconoid. It’s a testament to the enduring love for the Amiga and its vibrant community. So, whether you’re a seasoned Amiga veteran or a curious newcomer, Amiga Addict is here to keep the flame burning.
Here’s to Amiga Format, Amiga Addict, and the indomitable spirit of the Amiga community. Long live the floppy disk!
If you’re looking for the other issues of Amiga Format – they can be viewed downloaded from THE archive
https://archive.org/details/AmigaFormatMagazine_201902/Amiga%20CD%20Format/
