Commodore 64
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Commodore 64.
Latest coverage
Broken Crown - A procedurally generated roguelike for the Commodore 64 by BarracudaBits
BarracudaBits has released Broken Crown, a new procedurally generated roguelike for the Commodore 64. The game features a dynamic overworld and randomly generated dungeons, paying homage to 1980s dungeon crawlers. Broken Crown is available via a D64 disk image for real hardware or emulation, a standalone PRG file, and a browser-based version.
Atari just bought the rights to the big daddy of PC RPGs, and a reissue campaign is afoot
Atari has acquired the rights to the influential Wizardry RPG franchise, with plans for reissues, remasters, and console ports. The first game, Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord, released in 1981, pioneered grid-based first-person RPGs and was highly influential, especially in Japan. Many early titles in the series have been unavailable for decades.
A Brief History Of James Bond Video Games
This article chronicles the history of James Bond video games, tracing the spy's evolution from early text-based adventures to modern first-person shooters and open-world titles. It highlights key games like Goldeneye 007 and discusses the varying success of the franchise across different platforms and eras.
The Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum Are Getting Retro Clamshell Handheld Comebacks
HyperMegaTech!, a brand of Blaze Entertainment, has announced two new retro-inspired handheld consoles: THEC64 Mini and The Spectrum Handheld. These devices feature clamshell designs reminiscent of the Nintendo 3DS and come pre-loaded with 25 games each, with expandable storage via microSD. Both consoles are priced at $129.99 and are available for pre-order, with collector's editions limited to 2000 units each.
GoatBeat - Dance Dance Revolution for the C64, but with a twist!
GoatBeat, a new rhythm game developed by Roman Werner, is set to release for the Commodore 64. Inspired by Dance Dance Revolution, the game utilizes a joystick for input and features authentic SID chip music from artists like Rob Hubbard and Ben Daglish. It aims to provide a challenging experience for both newcomers and retro gaming enthusiasts.
Rob-Ball - An Arkanoid clone makes an appearance on the C64 via Hanyic.Robert
Developer Hanyic.Robert has released Rob-Ball, a new Arkanoid clone for the Commodore 64. The game features advanced 6502 assembly programming, smooth parallax scrolling, 24 randomized stages, and dynamic physics, pushing the hardware to deliver a premium arcade experience.
Evil Spirit - Another brilliant release for the C64 by WindigoProductions!
Windigo Productions has released Evil Spirit, a new dark first-person adventure game for the Commodore 64. The game features four chapters, over 150 locations, more than 70 items, and real-time combat. Players are stranded in a nightmarish environment and must fight for survival against hostile creatures.
Brek'n'Bubble - A Block'n'Bubble and Brektwon mash up as a new action and logical puzzle game for the C64
Brek'n'Bubble is a new action and logical puzzle game for the Commodore 64, developed by natthrafn. It combines mechanics from the developer's previous titles, Block'n'Bubble and Brektwon, offering 50 stages, hidden treasure rooms, and diverse environments. The game also includes modern conveniences like save states and a high score table.
Games Inbox: Are live service games becoming less popular?
Readers discuss the declining popularity of live service games, with some hoping for a return to 'proper' games. The discussion touches on the financial model of free-to-play games, the impact of upcoming titles like Grand Theft Auto 6, and the potential for AI upscaling in future consoles. Other topics include the viability of dedicated handhelds, the emotional impact of certain game narratives, and the pricing of game DLC.
Nigel Alderton interview - the man behind ZX Spectrum classic Chuckie Egg
Nigel Alderton, the creator of the 1983 ZX Spectrum classic Chuckie Egg, discusses his early career in game development, the design philosophy behind the game, and its recent mobile remake. Alderton, who developed the game as a teenager, reflects on the differences between early home computer development and the modern industry, and shares his thoughts on the enduring appeal of his seminal platformer.
Task Manager's creator says it used to be 50 times smaller because 'in that time and place, small was fast and…
Dave Plummer, the creator of Windows Task Manager, reflects on the software's evolution and its original design philosophy. He explains that Task Manager was intentionally kept small and efficient, prioritizing speed and minimal resource usage, a stark contrast to the larger, more feature-rich applications of today. Plummer attributes this approach to his early experiences developing on the Commodore 64, where every line of code had a significant cost.
Games Inbox: Are retro games better than modern gaming?
Readers debate whether retro games are superior to modern gaming, citing the current industry's perceived issues and long waits between major releases. While some appreciate the raw excitement of older titles, others acknowledge the advancements in technology and gameplay offered by contemporary games, including indie titles and remakes like Resident Evil 4.
DayZ creator Dean 'Rocket' Hall has over 2,000 hours in Kerbal Space Program and played the original XCOM at Mount Everest base camp: 'I think when I die, I will still be playing that game'
DayZ creator Dean Hall discusses his extensive gaming habits, revealing over 2,000 hours in Kerbal Space Program and a lifelong love for XCOM, which he played at Mount Everest base camp. Hall, founder of RocketWerkz, also shares his current passion for RimWorld and Ostranauts, and his belief that XCOM is a game he will play until he dies.
Commando - This Hack/Mod of an 8bit classic looks rather super now on the ZX Spectrum
A new hack/mod for the classic ZX Spectrum game Commando has been released by tiboh'24-26. This modification overhauls the intro graphics and adds AY-Music, bringing it closer to versions on other platforms like the Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, and Commodore 64. The game, originally released by Elite Systems Ltd in 1985, is a vertical scrolling shoot-'em-up.
Escape From PETSCII Planet - A Wolfenstein 3D inspiration but for the Commodore C64 by Jimbo
Developer Jimbo has released Escape From PETSCII Planet, a new first-person shooter for the Commodore 64 inspired by Wolfenstein 3D. The game features a ray casting engine, alien robots, and multiple difficulty modes, pushing the limits of the 8-bit hardware.
Trenchangle - Tower defense with a tech-tree for your Commodore 64!
Developer drmortalwombat has released Trenchangle, a new tower defense game for the Commodore 64. The game features strategic tower placement, upgrades, and a tech tree for progression, with enemies described as 'evil geometry'. It supports joystick or keyboard controls and is designed for PAL systems.
Crystian and the Lost Crystals - An incredible Commodore 64 game has made an appearance!
Developer ntpr has released Crystian and the Lost Crystals, a new platform adventure game for the Commodore 64. Created by solo developer Marcel Sásik with music by Hans Svala, the game features detailed graphics, fluid motion, and classic maze exploration with modern depth. It is available now for retro enthusiasts.
Everything Evercade: All the latest cartridge releases and consoles for Blaze's modern retro platform
Blaze's Evercade platform has expanded significantly since its 2020 debut, offering a range of retro consoles from handhelds to arcade machines that utilize physical cartridges. Recent releases include Taito Arcade 3 and The Turrican Collection, with upcoming compilations like Mega Cat Studios Collection 3 and Activision Collection 2 on the horizon. The Evercade Nexus handheld is set to offer enhanced features for early 3D games, while the platform's unique emulation approach prioritizes convenience and accuracy over user customization.
Commodore 64 game sequel is so old school it's being released on cassette tape
A sequel to the classic Commodore 64 action platformer Impossible Mission, titled Impossible Mission 3, is set to be released on May 18, 2026. Developed by Icon 64 and published by Psytronik, the game will be available as a digital download and on physical cartridge or cassette tape for the original Commodore 64, featuring retro-style visuals and digitized speech. The game's design, graphics, and coded speech are by industry veteran Trevor Storey.
The Last Starfighter
The Last Starfighter for NES, developed by Graftgold and published by Mindscape, is a poorly executed shooter that loosely ties into the 1984 film. It is essentially a rebranded version of the 1986 Commodore 64 game Uridium, featuring frustrating gameplay mechanics, repetitive level design, and an overbearing difficulty that makes it an unenjoyable experience.
