Gaming News — Commodore 64

Now, if you've been following us this past month, you've noticed how we've dialled down the action just a teensy bit. We know it's a bit unusual, but worry not because we're back, and we're going all out this week. Kicking down the door and bringing you retro action gaming at its finest. This week we're looking at a few games featuring some awesome sword-slashing, magic plastic action on this side of your old-school consoles. So stick around because things are about to get intense. 

DEATHFLOOD: DUNGEON OF DOOM

Now if you want some side-scrolling action that puts you into the boots of a badass barbarian, then you might wanna check out Windigo Productions awesome looking Commodore64 game, Deathflood: Dungeon of Doom. Take note, there's a whole lot of emphasis on the “death flood”. Deathflood: Dungeon of Doom takes place in a large vertical dungeon full of enemies, traps, and, you guessed it, a constantly rising flood.

Your objective is to escape the dungeon by rising up while keeping your head above water, just like in real life. Of course, things aren't that simple. You also get bonus objectives, hidden secrets, and some decisions to make in advancing the story. With 3 unique worlds and 19 individual levels, there's a lot to do and quite a distance to swim.

So if you're looking for a survival side scroller with unique graphics, challenging gameplay, and a cool soundtrack, you might wanna prep for the Deathflood: Dungeon of Doom. 

RASTAN

It's time to take a look at an arcade to Amiga port that's equally action-packed, and equally barbaric, but in a good way. We just caught the wind that Basementape is an Amiga Port of Rastan, a side-scrolling hack-and-slash video game released by the absolute legends and Trito for arcades in 1987. Due to its popularity and legendary status, many titles followed in its footstep. Just taking a look at it brings back good old memories. 

Rastan brings five action-packed levels of satisfying hack-and-slash gameplay with your obligatory boss battle at the end of each. On your journey, you'll be ploughing through flying demons, chimaeras, valkyries, piranhas, undead, and many more to save a land of log graph from certain doom. However, things won't get boring as the game features a whole arsenal of badass weapons. You got axes, maces, and fire swords. Each with badass attributes like extended range or attack power.

It's an action game with a bit of RPG, as you can deck out your character with armour and accessories to make sure the enemies go down faster. When you become the last man standing. It's true, classic, badassery retro style. So if you have a spare Amiga 500 lying around, you might wanna give Rastan a good old spin.

SPELLBOUND

So we're shifting from Barbarian Brawlers to knights in shining armor. While this game might not be as gritty and hardcore as the first two, it's still a nice challenge that features your classic epic action fantasy elements. I'm talking about the MSX release for Spellbound, the iconic 1980s Classic by David Jones.

Now this classic came out in 1985 for the ZX Spectrum and Amstrad CPC home computers, and since then, it had quite the following. Even though it was the second game in the classic Magic Night series. Spellbound never came out on the MSX system back in 1985, but thanks to Mastropiero itch.io, things were about to change.

This MSX Port started development this year with the sole intention of bringing the entire Magic Night series to the MSX. Truly a heroic and much appreciated effort. However, this is an exclusive for itch.io with David Jones’ blessing. So if you want this classic for your MSX, make sure not to go anywhere else; otherwise, happy trails.

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We tone things down a little as you wrap up things this month and start April. Well, we won't be featuring anything too explosive. We're still looking at some pretty dynamic retro games that'll keep you wanting more. And no, we're not slowing things down, don't worry. From Rogue Light to Platformer to Tech Space Adventure, we're covering all our bases this week, so sit tight.

PLANET B

We got the four in one, and anyone looking forward to anything coming out on the Sega Mega Drive. The game Planet B is a 16-bit Roguelike RPG that offers just what any fan would expect, a unique run every time. Fabrice Fernandez, Hieu-Khai Bui-Quang, and Emmanuel Rousseau are leading in developing this title, and things are looking great with randomly generated content; players can explore dungeons, collect items, and go through a story with a different experience every time. Just like any good roguelike.

Currently, there isn't much info on planet B, but given the love for the genre, you can best believe we'll be following up.

CRACKY

Now it's time to look at a new game for the Amstrad C64, Plus4 and ZX Spectrum. Yeah, that's a lot of consoles, but we're looking at an intriguing game. Cracky is an arcade platformer where you collect all the stars while avoiding deadly baddies and other dangers you'll definitely come across. Cracky is a new title with an old-schooled book and feel. Written by a Japanese developer Infuto who habitually releases games on many eight-bit platforms. This one is his 13th release, and we can expect many more by the look of things.

The game objective is simple, clear each level by collecting all the stars without getting killed. As for the reason why it's called Cracky. While some parts on the game's floor literally crack when you walk over, creating holes in the platforms. To make things even more challenging, there's no jumping. So on most levels, you must use the cracks to your advantage or fall from the stars. So if you're in the market for a non-jumper platformer with a quirky twist, then it's time to get Cracky. 

GNOME RANGER & TIME AND MAGIK

Now for an adventure in text, retro style. Developer Csabo, together with Pigmy are doing old-school fans of the genre, a solid by reporting the classic text space adventure games of Gnome Ranger and Time and Magik over to the Commodore Plus4.

For those unfamiliar, Gnome Ranger is a text adventure game designed by Peter Austin and released by Level 9 in 1987, many, many moons ago. A year later, we got a sequel entitled Ingrid's Back, which further explores the series. As for Time in Magik, you got a trilogy of interactive fiction games by the same studio.

Level Nine first released the individual games separately from 1983 to 1986. The trilogy came out in 1988, with all three games revised, expanded, and rereleased together as a compilation by Mandarin Software. When it comes to text Adventures, Level 9 of the Gnome Ranger franchise, we're among the first to popularize the genre. It's nice to see the same games getting more love in 2023. Once the Commodore Plus Port comes out, we'll make sure to let you know. 

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We're blazing right through quarter one, and the games just keep on coming. We've covered our fair share of action-packed titles up to the point where the action was pretty much the name of the game.

Now we can't deny how much we love something a bit intense. Something challenging sprinkled with implied or explicit violence, you know what I'm talking about? Whether it's a side-scroller, action-adventure, or first-person shooter, best believe we'll talk about it no matter what console. So let's get to it. 

MIGHTY CASTLE ADVENTURE

We've been talking about a few Castlevania-inspired titles and even some that look to become full-blown spiritual successors. That said, we have another update for a game by yogtze, which looks to keep that running theme alive on the Amstrad CPC. Mighty Castle Adventure just might steal the show in a long line of Castle Crashing Metroidvanias.

It's nice that yogtze knows how huge the franchise has become, so coming up with something in the same vein is a win-win for everyone. We all love our Castlevania, and any game that comes close to capturing the same magic will be something we look forward to. Now this new Amstrad CPC title will hopefully be the next best thing for fans to look forward to.

So far, the gameplay looks pretty good for a side-scrolling action game, and we can only wait and see how things pan out for the Mighty Castle Adventure. 

(Short gameplay contains slight nudity)

GREY

The latest doom light game to take center stage is Grey. A new action-packed title being developed by Piotr Kozka set for release in the near future. While the game is still in early development, we're treated to some map exploration with some areas requiring a door key. As a player, you'll have access to a badass chain gun, lots of ammunition, and med packs to keep you topped up and on the hunt.

It does look like a title worth looking out for, especially if you like to let loose and pop a few shots into some evildoers. 

GELATINO 2

Last but not least, a quick shout out to the MSX community who've had a variety of games to play ever since and are now getting access to something more, well accessible. For those who remember the 2021 Sweet Arcade Game By Physical Dreams, you're in for a treat.

Gelatino 2 can now be played on your browser. Yes, it is indeed Alt Tab-le complete with all its colorful screens and challenging levels as you do your best to rescue 45 different bubbles across the entire game. And in case you're wondering, yes, it has all of the features that the physical edition had upon release.

Colorful graphics, sweet light effects, mysteries, secrets, a banging soundtrack, plus a variety of creature comforts to make sure you're having fun. Quite the deal, especially since all you need now is an internet browser. Something we all need nowadays. So next time you're at work or stressing over those spreadsheets, open up a new tab and taste some delicious Gelatino 2. 

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It’s about time we returned to some retro titles, as the list keeps getting longer, especially for February. Well, it’s not the most jam-packed time of the year for releases. We’re still looking at some major releases for our AAA siblings, so it’s safe to say we’re looking at the same for retro.

This week we’re looking at a remake in a couple of brand-new games that are guaranteed to tickle your fancy, and no, it’s not all intense action. There’s a bit of something for everyone. Let’s go.

AMBERMOON ADVANCED

When it comes to old-school gaming, Ambermoon is a name that usually pops into the conversation. It’s had a fair share of rereleases, from the updated Amiga version to the open-source PC remake. It’s pure 90s’ satisfaction that many players miss and long for even today. Now, if you’re a longtime fan of the game, you are lucky because Ambermoon Advanced by Pyrdacor might scratch that couple of decades-long.

Both episodes, one and two, have come to the PC and Amiga, which looks great. Ambermoon Advanced is in your usual remake. Aside from enhancing the original game, you’ll get some added features, like a new companion, new doors to open, new monsters, new items, and some new places to explore.

It’s retro gaming action at its core and is out right now! So if you enjoy Dangerous Dungeons and a good story split into two episodes, then you might want to check out Ambermoon Advanced.

VRADARK'S REVENGE

Now we’re moving on to RPG territory, a massive franchise of different games that’s been alive and kicking since the beginning. Whether it’s tabletop or video games, you can’t deny how influential RPGs have been to gamers everywhere. That’s why a brand new game, Vradark’s Revenge, is a welcome addition to the PC and ZX spectrum next. Sanchez Crew’s latest release has players exploring dark ancient tombs to find and hopefully defeat Vradark face-to-face.

There’s a lot of magic and mystery involved here, so if you’re into that, brace yourself. In terms of mechanics, you’re treated to a fantasy action RPPG genre with lots of demon-slaying action. As a wizard, it’s your goal to explore each level, find the boss demon, and destroy all the magic you can find while boosting your abilities.

A PIG QUEST

Lastly, we got an excellent action-packed side-scrolling platformer for the Commodore 64 and 128. A Pig Quest by Antonio Savona, Mauricet, Aldo Chiummo, and Gaetano Chiummo, is finally here, and it’s looking pretty good. Thank medieval fantasy action, but with a bit more pork in your diet. Yes, I know it sounded weird, but right now, A Pig Quests showcases a lot of action platform mechanics in its gameplay.

It features 200 screens across 5 worlds filled with gorgeous C64 details and dynamic weather effects. Something we all can appreciate. It not only looks good but sounds great too. We get a brilliant 36 situational SID soundtrack, collectible items, and countless dangerous enemies. You’ll explore secret areas, and detailed backdrops and enjoy cinematic cut scenes fit for your sweet old Commodore.

So if you want to pick out the action, this might be for you. Just make sure not to hog the controller.

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