For many, a computer is just a machine, a tool to perform a job. Well, that wasn't always the case. In the early eighties, computers were much more to their owners and each platform had it's own legion of followers.

When Apple launched this computer to replace it's aging Apple II computer line it probably wasn't the most advanced personal computer on the market. Both the Amiga and the Atari ST had better microprocessors and the Amiga had incredible graphic capabilities for the time as well as an impressive multitasking OS. However, the Apple IIgs was backward compatible with the full Apple II line of computers which had tons of software titles written for it and it included an impressive 32 channel Ensoniq sound chip.

A very simple game, written in less than a week. It was never meant to be published but my editors at Britannica liked it and convinced me. Jigsaw! sold over 100,000 copies on multiple platforms. I never expected such a success.

Unlike Jigsaw, this program required almost a full year of work. Managing to write a 3D game on a 2.5MHz computer was no easy task. Additionally I had to learn to produce music with the Ensoniq chip but that was fun and gave me the idea to write SoundSmith, my next program.

This is probably the most rewarding program I have written to date. SoundSmith became an instant hit. People had purchased their Apple IIgs to enjoy their Ensoniq chip and there wasn't a decent music application. SoundSmith filled that gap and I really enjoyed all the positive feedback I received from the Apple II community.