Loadstar Explorer Menu Beta Released

In the works for a couple of months, the "Loadstar Explorer" menu system is now available to peruse. I spent a lot of effort on it, and I know it has its quirks and flaws, but I wanted to get something out there for people to try.

These are the "loadstar-main" downloads. Instructions on running and using are on the post. The "loadstar-full" download will remain, it has a lot more files (and consumes a lot more disk space). I've been focusing on the "main" version, which is intended for more casual exploration. The "full" version is for hardcore Commodarians and Loadstaries, who know their way around VICE.

In the menu you'll find a menu of nearly 7,000 items! It's nearly every program and text file runnable through Loadstar's Presenter system. The data file that drives this is MONSTROUS, and there are many errors in it, as well as plenty of program misclassifications. Ironing those out is for later. If you find something that doesn't run let me know, as my automated systems and checks can only go so far for rooting out problems. I also intend to greatly flesh out the Highlights menu with tons of interesting items, and suggestions for things to add to this are welcome!

Loadstar is a sadly neglected piece of computing history, and a much more important one than you may realize. In addition to Softdisk being the former working place of several of the founders of Id Software, Loadstar had an early arrangement with QuantumLink, which later became America On-Line, and several other early Softdisk and Loadstar staffers went on to play important roles in other software companies.

Thanks for supporting Loadstar and Loadstar Compleat!