Rig Attack is a horizontal side view game in which the screen scrolls left or right as the player moves. The objective is to patrol an oil rig and the surrounding oil fields in the helicopter in search of enemy submarines over several levels. When the player flies over the ocean and encounters a submarine, he must fly as close to the water as possible to bomb the submarine while avoiding its missiles. Once a certain amount has been destroyed, you move on to the next level.
Flying uses fuel, which is shown in the color of the border (at the bottom of the Amstrad screen), which starts green, then amber, then red, before flashing red. The player can land on helipads scattered throughout each level to refuel, but cannot do so while fighting a submarine. Being hit by a missile, hitting the water, or crashing into a platform or oil field will subtract one life (three on the C16, five on the Amstrad).
You are a knight, and your mission in this projection screen platformer is to explore a castle and collect 15 shields to reach the exit and collect the Sword of Power within a time limit. In addition to the platforms to move around, you have to use the doors to reach other parts of the castle. There are several obstacles to avoid such as water, drills and platforms that move left and right, and if you touch any of the obstacles you lose one of the three lives. Once you recover all the shields and get the Sword of Power, you can try to complete the game again to receive more points.
Rockman, released in 1985, is a classic computer game that was developed for the popular VIC-20 system. Created by experienced game designer, Nick Turner, Rockman is a fast-paced and addicting action game that takes players on a thrilling adventure through a series of challenging levels.
The game follows the story of a brave and agile hero, Rockman, who is on a mission to save the world from the clutches of an evil ruler. The gameplay is simple yet engaging – players must guide Rockman through various obstacles and enemies, collecting power-ups and defeating bosses to progress to the next level. With its smooth controls and immersive graphics, Rockman quickly became a fan-favorite among VIC-20 users.
One of the standout features of Rockman is its unique soundtrack. The game features dynamic music that changes depending on the level and action, adding to the overall intensity and excitement of the gameplay. The sound effects are also top-notch, immersing players into the world of Rockman and making the gameplay experience even more enjoyable.
As players progress through the levels, they encounter different challenges and enemies, each with their own unique characteristics. From flying robots to giant mechanical monsters, players must use their quick reflexes and strategic thinking to defeat them and advance to the next level. This keeps the game fresh and entertaining, as players never know what to expect.
One of the most impressive aspects of Rockman is its graphics. For a game released in 1985, the graphics are surprisingly detailed and vibrant. The developers made great use of the limited color palette of the VIC-20, creating a visually stunning game that still holds up well today. From the detailed backgrounds to the well-designed character sprites, Rockman is a true testament to the talent and dedication of its creators.
Even though Rockman was released over 30 years ago, it still has a dedicated fan base and is considered a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. The game received positive reviews upon its release and is still praised today for its challenging gameplay, impressive graphics, and catchy soundtrack. In fact, the game was so popular that it spawned several sequels and spin-offs, solidifying its place in the gaming industry.
1986, the year Room Ten was released on Commodore 64, as well as on Amstrad CPC and Commodore 16, Plus4. Published by CRL Group PLC, this action game is available for free on this page.
Runner is a single-screen multi-level platformer, in which you control a spaceman with a jet-pac who must traverse platforms and climb ladders to reach the top of each screen and collect three keys. Once you have collected all three keys, you move on to the next level. In each level there are enemies roaming around each screen and you will lose one of four lives when you touch an enemy, but you can use your jet-pac to fly over them and it can also help you jump over gaps. When the jet-pac is used, its fuel decreases, but the fuel increases when it is not used. If you fall from a certain height you will also lose a life and when they are all gone it is game over.
Released for DOS in 1989, Rush’n Attack arrived with a sharply focused idea: sprint toward danger, strike, and vanish before the room can finish you off. Instead of encouraging patient clearing, it rewards nerve and rhythm. The perspective feels like a tactical hallway brawler, where the battlefield scrolls past you and threats pop into view with grim certainty. From the first moment, you sense that every second counts, because enemies do not merely aim, they also reposition faster than you expect.
The controls are built around a charged dash system that turns the character into a moving problem for every guard on the map. You can fire, but the real tempo comes from advancing, landing a quick hit, then breaking line of sight. Melee attacks are short and decisive, and the stun window during movement makes close-range contact more than a last resort. Weapons and gear upgrades, including more effective armaments and defensive options, gradually shift the feel from frantic survival to coordinated raids. Still, the game keeps pressure on you; retreating is part of the strategy, not a failure state.
What makes the experience particularly memorable is the way it mixes straightforward objectives with chaotic enemy behavior. Barricades, turrets, and armored units force you to plan routes rather than just memorize patterns. Officers and foot soldiers patrol in believable swarms, while heavier machines punish careless exposure with sustained fire. The levels are compact enough to feel legible, yet busy enough that your brain has to multitask: track motion, time your push, and decide which threat to neutralize first. Even when you are doing well, you feel one misstep away from a restart.
Visually, the DOS version leans on bold sprites and clear contrast, so the action reads well even when the screen fills with muzzle flashes and incoming projectiles. The sound design supports that urgency with punchy effects and alerts that make incoming danger hard to ignore. While it is not trying to be cinematic, the game manages a lively, kinetic personality, the kind that draws you back after you lose a run.
Its reputation has grown over the years because it captures an unusual balance: arcade speed without total mindlessness. Players often describe it as a test of timing, but it is also a lesson in restraint. You learn to choose moments to commit, then disappear before retaliation catches up. That mix of aggression and discipline is why this 1989 DOS classic remains a go-to reference point for anyone who enjoys mission-based action built on precise movement.
Rush'n Attack, released in 1989, is a classic DOS game that provides players with fast-paced action and intense excitement. Developed by Konami, this side-scrolling run and gun game follows a lone soldier on a daring mission to rescue prisoners of war from an enemy base.
The game takes place during the height of the Cold War, with the player taking on the role of a special forces operative. Armed with a knife, a rifle, and a limited number of grenades, the player must navigate through various levels filled with obstacles and enemies, utilizing both stealth and brute force to achieve their mission.
What sets Rush'n Attack apart from other DOS games of its time is its fluid and responsive gameplay. The controls are simple yet effective, allowing players to easily run, jump, shoot, and throw grenades with precision. The levels are designed in a way that challenges the player's ability to strategize and adapt to changing environments and enemy patterns.
One of the most thrilling aspects of Rush'n Attack is the variety of enemies the player encounters. From basic foot soldiers to highly trained snipers, each enemy type has its own unique behavior and requires a different approach to take down. This means that players must constantly be on their toes and ready for any challenge that comes their way.
The game's soundtrack also adds to the overall intensity and excitement. The retro-inspired music and sound effects perfectly capture the atmosphere of the Cold War era, making players feel like they are part of a high-stakes military operation.
While Rush'n Attack is a challenging game, it also offers some reprieve through its power-ups and bonus items. These can range from additional health to higher powered weapons, giving players a fighting chance against the vast array of enemies they encounter.
Savage Island is a classic game released for the Commodore 64 in 1983. This game takes the player on a thrilling and perilous adventure on a deserted tropical island. Developed by Interceptor Micros and published by Firebird Software, Savage Island quickly became a fan favorite among Commodore 64 players.
The game starts with the player stranded on a deserted island after their plane crashes. The objective is to survive and ultimately escape the island. The island is full of dangerous animals, treacherous terrain, and mysterious hidden treasures. The player must navigate through the island and make crucial decisions to stay alive.
One of the standout features of Savage Island is its open-world gameplay. Unlike other games of its time, Savage Island allows the player to freely roam and explore the island without any linear progression. This adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to the game, as the player never knows what dangers or treasures they might stumble upon.
The graphics of Savage Island may not seem impressive by today's standards, but at the time of its release, they were top-notch. The detailed pixel art and vibrant colors of the island bring it to life and immerse the player in the game. The sound effects also add to the overall atmosphere of the game, making it even more engaging.
What sets Savage Island apart from other survival games of its time is its simulation aspect. The game features a day and night cycle, as well as the need to maintain the player's health and stamina. The player must hunt for food, build shelter, and keep an eye out for any potential hazards. This adds a sense of realism to the game and makes the gameplay more challenging and thrilling.
Apart from survival, Savage Island also features a unique storyline. As the player explores the island, they uncover clues and pieces of the story through journals and letters left behind by other stranded individuals. This makes the player feel more invested in the game and gives a sense of purpose to their survival.
