Gaming News — Commodore 64

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.

Check the Weekly Gaming News video here:

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If you've been a follower of our Retro News series, you know we do our best to find the most action-packed, riveting, and awe-inspiring classic titles this side of the retro-sphere. 

This week, of course, is no different. It's how we run things, after all. So, we've got three games that'll pique the interest of possibly any gamer who enjoys a quicker pace in their gameplay. They’re not all run-and-gun, but you won’t sit still for hours. And it’s about time we checked ’em out!

CAIM

Speaking of classics, good ol' Haplo just dropped a sweet Commodore64 port for the brand new game, 'Caim- a top-down action-adventure title that's available to download right now. We get a top-down action-adventure game tailor-made for the Commodore64 It features action, exploration, and puzzles with an intriguing story to boot.

As the main character, you take on the role of an unnamed amnesiac hero who wakes up in a strange place for reasons unknown. It's up to you to explore the facility, avoid danger and uncover the mystery behind your history. Good stuff!

As you learn more about the place, the world, and yourself, you get closer to putting together all the clues and reaching the exit. So, if you want to uncover these mysteries and have a good time while at it, Caim might be worth the time.

Super Bomberman 2 Remix

We're moving on to an explosive classic! Bomberman, or Dynablaster in Europe, is a game first released way back in 1983 by Hudson Soft, which was eventually published by industry juggernaut Konami. In terms of fun and gameplay, it was and still is an awesome title that can still be played on a variety of modern consoles right now.

That being said, it looks like we're getting something new in the Bomberman Universe as Super Bomberman 2 Remix, a remake of the original is coming to the ever-reliable ZX Spectrum 128k. According to Alexey Khaydukov, who’s in charge of the remake, development is nearing its conclusion with a few loose ends to clean up.

A few more things were implemented to keep things interesting but won't take away from the overall feeling of the classic. With music written by the notorious n1k-O and graphics completely redrawn by Joe Vondayl. It's no wonder people are hyped. Friends, rejoice. It looks like we can relive our collection childhood the best way we can, blowing things up just for funsies.

Agonman

Last but not least, we have an Amiga announcement featuring a much-awaited original game, Agonman by Pixorra Games, based on an older game named Agony, which was a clear inspiration. As players were put in the boots of Johnny, an absolute badass who's forced to battle dangerous monsters in a dangerous land, all to protect the earth and find his way home.

Pixorra Games tells us more. Confirming Agonman is a platform game that combines a variety of elements. Graphics, get some more modern touch alongside the gameplay. In terms of system requirements. Make sure you're packing a 68020 and 2MB RAM for the game. Of course, anything more than that would guarantee a better experience.

Agonman needs to find his way home. So if you're the kind of player who can help a man out best to download the game and save the world.

Check the video here:

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The wheels of the hype train stop for no one, especially for the retro gaming folk, as we're constantly treated to game, after game, after game. As you all know, we've been getting a number of remake hacks and brand-new titles in the past year, and it looks like 2023 is gonna be the same, if not a lot more exciting. So sit back, relax, and let's tear through a few titles that might tickle your fancy. 

THE LAST NINJA

Let's take a trip to 1987 where System 3 released one of the greatest action-adventure games ever to be made available for the C64, The Last Ninja. It was a great time for this title since it did make its way onto a variety of other consoles. But finally, in 2023, this legendary title is making its way to the Atari XL/XE. 

You follow the exploit of the Ninja Armakuni on his journey to the palace of the evil shogun, Kunitoki, to assassinate him, avenge his clan, and retrieve the sacred scrolls.

Very anime and very badass. The original game combined adventure, exploration, puzzle solving, and ninja-based combat. So in terms of mechanics, you can expect something familiar with a modern port. This version of Last Ninja is being created for the Atari XL/XE by Jakus Husak and will be a complete port of the BBC Micro version, which is good news all around. So if Slain Baddies from the Shadows is your kind of weekend getaway, then you just might be The Last Ninja.

CREEPING ME OUT HEX NIGHT

Mixel's upcoming Amiga platformer Creeping Me Out Hex Night is looking to be an absolute banger. It's a scorpion engine-created platformer that doesn't just feature complex levels, but it also delivers an intriguing story and a whole lot of action that one would expect from a game of the genre.

The game's creator has just released a new demo, which he says Features much better game performance, and now works smoothly on A1200s without the use of Fast Ram.

If you're interested, imagine a combination of Turrican, Castlevania, and a little bit of Addams family thrown into the mix.

You can expect a variety of playable characters, passwords, save game support, enhanced graphics, and a huge campaign with hours of gameplay, it's a nice, fun, challenging adventure that's worth your time. If you don't mind diving into the weird and quirky.

WIZARD OF WOR

If you're a fan of Pac-Man but aren't really fond of the cutesy roundish aesthetic, then this arcade classic just might pique your interest. The 1980s classic arcade game, Wizard of Wor was quite the hit back in the day and also appeared in other systems like the Atari 8-bit, Atari 2600, and 5200. Bally Astrocade, and of course the C64.

Right now we're looking to get its enhanced edition for the Commodore Plus/4, and it is looking pretty damn good. A lot of care was put into making sure that this release stays as faithful to the original as possible.

The game looks, plays, and sounds like a classic and features all the action-packed two-player monster shooting fund that most retro gaming veterans will remember. Hey, it's never too late to fall in love again, so why not with the Wizard of Wor?

Check the video here:

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New year, new you, and hey, new games! The retro side of gaming will always have a thick dummy treasure trove that offers a lot of titles for everyone's taste. And while 2022 gave us a great offering of platformers, brawlers, and shooters, this year is looking promising from the get-go.

As always, we're starting the year by hitting the ground running action at its finest, just the way you like it. If you were planning to start things slowly, you'll have to wait a bit because this week, we're kicking a lot of ass. Responsibly, of course.

SCORCH

Now, they say there's beauty in simplicity and that's pretty much true. The same applies to games that employ a bit of action. As simple as they come, this new Atari XL/XE release is looking to encourage players to use a bit of imagination while using heavy machinery. Scorch is a very nice Scorched Earth clone developed by Pirx with help from Pecusx and Miker. It isn't just a multiplayer game with up to 6 players, but a battle royale that uses the power of physics.

You wipe out your opponent by working out the correct trajectory of your Baby Missile and making sure it actually hits something. It's a game that requires a bit of strategy, and you'll definitely find yourself, well, SCORCHED, if you decide to run and gun.

GREEN BERET

It's about time we showed our high school science teachers some appreciation. Now, for some side-scrolling action! The game Rush 'n Attack or Green Beret (to avoid a bit of controversy) was an action arcade game released by Konami in 1985. Just like the time, it reflected the Cold War setting while showing a surprising amount of brutality--seeing the player use a knife or even a flamethrower to dispatch enemies.

It was an absolute classic for the arcade and 8-bit ports such as the Amstrad or C64. If you were a fan, you'll be happy to know that Dante Mendes just gave it an update that's perfect for the Amiga. This more modern version doesn't just feature a great rendition of the classic soundtrack, but it also has 2 selectable difficulty levels, minor improvements, and a whole lot more.

So if you wanna go back in time and make that Cold War a bit hotter, then it's time to get your green Beret on the actual soldier, not the hat. 

IMPOSSIBLE MISSION 3

Yes. Impossible Mission 3. I know what you're thinking and no, this has nothing to do with Tom Cruise. Well, maybe.

Regarded as one of the best games for multiple systems, the original Impossible Mission was released in 1984. Dennis Caswell developed and Epyx published. It's a tense platformer where it's a race against time to reassemble and decrypt the password to Atombender's control room, while also avoiding killer robots.

This much-awaited sequel will be available for the Commodore 64 and will likely come with all the nice modern improvements that gamers crave. 

It's also worth noting that this will be an officially licensed sequel through Icon64, and it'll be built completely from scratch, so definitely worth looking out for, especially if you're a fan of action-packed sleuthing retro style. 

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