Commodore 64
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Commodore 64.
Latest coverage
Knight Lore - Ultimate Play the Game classic arrives on the Commodore VIC-20
The classic isometric adventure game Knight Lore, originally by Ultimate Play the Game, has been ported to the Commodore VIC-20 with a 35K RAM expansion. This follows previous conversions to other 8-bit systems like the Commodore 64. The game challenges players to collect items and brew a cure for a werewolf curse within forty days, navigating deadly obstacles in its signature viewpoint.
In 1985, one video game made you telephone for permission to nuke Europe
Theatre Europe, a 1985 wargame by Personal Software Services, is analyzed for its innovative and unsettling approach to nuclear war simulation. The game required players to make a real-world phone call to authorize a nuclear launch, a feature designed to highlight the catastrophic consequences of such actions. Despite controversy and a ban in West Germany, the game was praised for its chilling realism and its message against nuclear conflict, ultimately winning Strategy Game of the Year.
Galaga - A fast-paced VIC-20 tribute to Namco’s arcade classic!
Milasoft has released a new VIC-20 version of the classic arcade game Galaga, paying tribute to Namco's 1981 title. This release features smooth animations, scrolling starfields, authentic sound effects, and escalating difficulty. The game includes iconic elements like diving alien formations and Boss Galagas with tractor beams.
James Pond: RoboCod, my favourite Amiga game, is getting a limited physical Switch 2 release
System 3 has announced James Pond Legacy: The Pond Is Not Enough, a collection of four James Pond games including James Pond 2: RoboCod, set for a limited physical release on Nintendo Switch 2 in October 2026. The collection will feature 12 versions across multiple classic platforms and introduce the 'Pondverse,' an interactive museum dedicated to the series. This release emphasizes game preservation with physical copies and original versions of the games.
The James Pond Legacy: The Pond Is Not Enough announced for Nintendo Switch 2
System 3 has announced The James Pond Legacy: The Pond Is Not Enough for the Nintendo Switch 2, scheduled for an October release. This collection will feature twelve versions of four classic James Pond titles across multiple retro platforms, including an interactive hub called the Pondverse and a new original song. The physical collector's edition will be limited to 6,000 copies.
Rescue on Fractalus! - An 8bit classic is coming to an Amiga near you!
The classic 1985 game Rescue on Fractalus!, originally developed by Lucasfilm Games, is being ported to the Amiga by Vesuri. This port requires 1 MB of RAM and runs on Kickstart 1.3 or 3.1. The game is a tense planetary simulation where players pilot a Valkyrie fighter to rescue stranded pilots while avoiding alien saucers and ground emplacements.
Lemmings Reloaded - This enhanced version of a classic looks awesome for the C64 and you can play it NOW!
An enhanced, non-commercial version of the classic puzzle game Lemmings has been released for the Commodore 64. This free fan tribute, developed by Jörg Karwath and team, features 123 stages, new music, and modern features like a star-rating system and level select, while preserving classic password codes.
Warlock - A top down action slasher by Haplo is previewed for the C64
A preview for Warlock, a top-down action slasher developed by Haplo for the Commodore 64, has been released. The game draws inspiration from classic first-person shooters like Heretic but features a top-down perspective and handcrafted levels without permadeath. The current preview includes six levels and is expected to have bugs, with the developer planning to add more content and polish for the final release.
Wolf64 - Wolfenstein 3D comes over to the C64 via Kweepa
An unofficial fan port named Wolf64 has brought id Software's 1992 first-person shooter Wolfenstein 3D to the Commodore 64. Developed by Kweepa using pure 6502 assembly language, the port features a raycasting engine, full-color texture mapping, and responsive combat. This non-commercial project is available for stock Commodore 64 systems with a disk drive and includes a full shareware episode.
Ghostbusters Revisited - A new take on that classic Ghostbusters game is coming to the C64
A new Commodore 64 game, 'Ghostbusters Revisited', is in development by Dave Izon, building upon a previous unfinished demo. This homebrew title aims to recreate the classic Ghostbusters experience with a first-person perspective and proton stream mechanics. It is separate from another project called 'Ghostbusters Remastered'.
THEA1200 launch edition comes with an exclusive ZZAP! Amiga magazine
Retro Games Limited announced that the UK launch edition of the THEA1200 will include an exclusive collector's edition of ZZAP! Amiga magazine. This special magazine, created in collaboration with Fusion Retro Books, will only be available with the first production run of the THEA1200. The 36-page publication features new content and nostalgic Amiga content, including reviews and features on classic games.
Fix-It Felix Jr is coming to the ZX Spectrum Next!
The arcade game Fix-It Felix Jr, inspired by the Wreck-It Ralph film, is coming to the ZX Spectrum Next. Developed by a team including Antonio Savona, Steven Day, and Saul Cross, this homebrew conversion follows its successful release on the Commodore 64. The game will be available for free on itch.io with an option to donate to charity.
International Karate - A great fighting classic from the 1980's comes over to the Commodore Plus/4
The fighting game International Karate, originally by System 3, has received a full release on the Commodore Plus/4, coded by developer Ati. This new port features graphics that rival the Commodore 64 version and includes all original bonus mini-games, offering a complete experience for the system.
"There's a huge amount to be learned" - how the pioneering years of gaming are being preserved for a new generation in a corner of south London
Kingston University is hosting an exhibition called the Archive of Retro Computing (ARC), showcasing over 65 retro computers and consoles from the mid-1970s to the early 2000s. Led by computer science course leader Paul Neve, the collection aims to preserve gaming and computing history, offering insights into the pioneering years of the industry and the individuals behind them. The exhibit highlights the importance of physical media and hands-on learning in an increasingly digital and transient gaming future.
Callback64 - Deliver a phone in this upcoming Commodore 64 game by Horned Goat Productions
Horned Goat Productions has released Callback64: Operation Internot, a new Commodore 64 game addressing internet addiction. Players must deliver special flip phones to combat a dystopian algorithm that controls humanity, while dodging enemies who throw Commodore 64 computers.
Proving Doom can actually run on anything, one programmer has made a working build for Commodore 64
Programmer Steve McCrea is developing a version of the classic first-person shooter Doom for the Commodore 64, utilizing ray casting technology. While not a true 3D port, this homebrew project features variable floor and ceiling heights, opening doors, and visible weapons, building upon McCrea's previous work on the Commodore VIC-20. The project is still seeking a musician to compose the soundtrack.
Chromo Shock Reloaded - A side scrolling shoot 'em up for the C64 by cristiancubillos
Chromo Shock Reloaded is a new homebrew shoot 'em up game developed by cristiancubillos for the Commodore 64. This upgraded 'Reloaded' edition focuses on refinement, optimizing performance, and fine-tuning the soundtrack for a pure arcade blasting experience.
PETSCII Dungeons & Droids C64 - Fancy a bit of PETSCII gameplay, then check out this new game by Ko-Ko (Kornel Kolma)
PETSCII Dungeons & Droids, a new tactical roguelike deck-builder for the Commodore 64, has been released by developer Ko-Ko (Kornel Kolma) and published by PleasureBytes Games. The game features PETSCII graphics, card-based battles with sentient dice, and a soundtrack by Vincenzo, known for his work on The Witcher 3. It utilizes a single joystick for control and offers deep tactical gameplay with numerous enemy variations and upgradeable abilities.
Dune 2 - The C64 Demake - Arok Edition - Could Westwood's classic RTS hit be coming to the C64?
A fan project called Dune 2 - The C64 Demake - Arok Edition by Primal is bringing Westwood's classic 1992 real-time strategy game to the Commodore 64. This demake features scrolling, multicolor graphics, and supports up to 64 units and buildings. Future updates are planned to add more maps and units, with the current version already available.
A new retro and gaming exhibition arrives next month at Kingston University
Kingston University is hosting a free retro and gaming exhibition from August 5th to 11th, featuring over 60 playable machines from the 1970s to the present day. The exhibition, organized by the Archive of Retro Computing at Kingston University (ARC@KU), will showcase classic titles and consoles like Sonic the Hedgehog, Pac-Man, Tomb Raider, ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, and Atari 2600. The event aims to celebrate and preserve video game history, making it accessible to the public.
