1989, the year Taskforce was released on Commodore 64, as well as Commodore 16, Plus/4. Published by Players Premier, this action game is available for free on this page.
In the world of retro gaming, few titles hold the same level of nostalgia and cult following as Tazz, a game released for the Commodore 64 in the year 1984. Developed by the famed gaming company Synapse Software, Tazz quickly captured the hearts and minds of gamers with its mesmerizing gameplay, stunning graphics and captivating storyline. It was a game that many 80s kids spent hours playing, mesmerized by the vibrant colors, catchy tunes and addictive gameplay.
Tazz follows the story of a small alien creature named Tazz who finds himself stranded on an unknown planet. The player takes on the role of Tazz, navigating through treacherous terrain and facing challenging enemies in order to find a way back home. With its unique storyline and engaging concept, Tazz offered players a well-crafted and immersive gaming experience that set it apart from other titles of its time.
One of the most striking features of Tazz was its graphics, which were considered to be revolutionary for their time. Thanks to the advanced programming techniques used by the developers, Tazz boasted vibrant colors and smooth animations, making it stand out in a sea of older and pixelated games. The attention to detail in the game's visuals was truly unprecedented, with each level showcasing a different and beautiful background, adding to the overall immersive experience.
But it wasn't just the graphics that made Tazz a hit among gamers. The game's soundtrack, composed by renowned musician David Whittaker, was a masterpiece in itself. The catchy tunes and sound effects added an extra layer of depth to the gameplay, making it a complete sensory experience for players. The soundtrack of Tazz went on to become one of the most beloved and memorable in gaming history, with many fans recreating it on modern platforms.
Tazz's gameplay was also a major factor in its success. The game offered a perfect balance between platforming, puzzle-solving and action, keeping players engaged and challenged throughout. With each level becoming progressively more challenging, Tazz provided endless hours of gameplay and kept players coming back for more. It also introduced new elements such as power-ups, hidden collectibles, and boss battles, adding to the excitement and variety of the game.
Tazz received critical acclaim upon its release and was considered to be one of the best Commodore 64 games of its time. It was also a commercial success, with many fans eagerly awaiting its sequel. While a sequel was planned, it never came to fruition, leaving fans to cherish the memories of the original game. However, Tazz's legacy lives on and it is still considered to be a must-play for anyone interested in retro gaming.
Terra Cognita is a groundbreaking game that was released for the Commodore 64 in 1986. Developed by Code 3 Software, this game was ahead of its time in terms of graphics and gameplay, pushing the boundaries of what was possible on the Commodore 64. It combined elements of strategy, exploration, and adventure, creating a unique gaming experience that captivated players for hours on end.
In Terra Cognita, players take on the role of an explorer tasked with the mission of charting an uncharted planet. The game is set in a futuristic world where space travel is common, and humanity is eager to expand their reach beyond Earth. As the player progresses through the game, they encounter various challenges and obstacles, making strategic decisions that impact the outcome of their mission.
One of the most notable aspects of Terra Cognita is its impressive graphics. Despite being released in 1986, the game featured detailed and vibrant visuals, taking full advantage of the Commodore 64's capabilities. The game's environments, from alien landscapes to futuristic cities, were thoughtfully designed and added to the immersive experience. The game also had a dynamic soundtrack that complemented the gameplay, creating an atmospheric and captivating experience.
Another unique feature of Terra Cognita was its open-world exploration element. Unlike many games of the time, players were not confined to a linear storyline. Instead, they could explore the planet freely, discovering new areas, and making their own choices. The game also had a variety of enemies and creatures to encounter, adding an element of danger and excitement to the exploration.
Terra Cognita's gameplay was challenging yet rewarding. The player had to manage resources, make strategic decisions, and solve puzzles to progress through the game. It required a combination of skill and careful planning, making it a truly immersive experience. The game also had a multiplayer option, allowing players to team up and tackle the mission together, adding a social aspect to the game.
The game's reception upon its release was overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising its innovative gameplay and impressive graphics. It gained a dedicated fan base and is still remembered fondly by many retro gamers today. Its influence can be seen in many modern games, as it paved the way for complex and immersive open-world games.
The Commodore 16, Plus/4 game Tetris was released in 1990 and quickly became a hit among gamers. Developed by the renowned Soviet programmer Alexey Pajitnov, Tetris was one of the first puzzle games to be released on the Commodore 16, Plus/4 platform.
The premise of Tetris is simple yet addictive. Players are tasked with stacking falling blocks of various shapes and sizes to create complete rows without any gaps. The ultimate goal is to prevent the blocks from reaching the top of the screen. Each completed row earns points, and as the game progresses, the blocks fall faster, making it more challenging.
The game's graphics on the Commodore 16, Plus/4 were impressive for its time, with vibrant colors and smooth animations. The design of the blocks and backgrounds was minimalistic yet effective in immersing players in the game. The soundtrack was also catchy, and it added to the overall gaming experience.
What makes Tetris stand out is its ability to appeal to players of all ages. The simple gameplay mechanics make it easy for anyone to pick up and play, but the increasing speed and difficulty make it challenging for even the most skilled gamers. It was a game that could entertain both casual and hardcore gamers alike.
One of the most notable features of Tetris on the Commodore 16, Plus/4 was its multiplayer option. Up to four players could compete against each other in a race to see who could clear the most lines and earn the most points. This added a competitive element to the game, making it even more exciting to play with friends.
Tetris was also available in various versions, with different modes and challenges, keeping the game fresh and engaging. It was a game that could be played for hours on end without getting repetitive or boring. This was a significant factor in its long-lasting popularity and success.
Thai Boxing is a one-on-one fighting game shown from an isometric perspective (side view in the Amiga, Atari ST and C16 versions). Different joystick combinations allow your fighter to perform high, medium or low attack moves, as well as dodge or block his opponent's attacks. Fighters receive scores for successful attacks. The more difficult or effective the attack, the higher the score. Unless one of the fighters is knocked out, the one with the highest score at the end of the three rounds wins. Although the game is shown from an isometric perspective, it is not possible to move in three dimensions.
The Chip Factory is a single-screen platformer based on the arcade game BurgerTime. You play the role of Charlie, who is a trainee accountant at a silicon chip factory who dreams of working in the manufacturing section making the chips themselves. One night, when everyone has gone home, Charlie turns on the machines to try making the chips.
To make the chips, Charlie has to move around the screen by going up and down the stairs and over the chips to push them down a level and the chips below. The chips have to be placed on a conveyor belt at the bottom of the screen in the correct color order with a switch at the top of the screen moving the conveyor belt to the left.
Problems have arisen, however, as various creatures move around the screen looking to disrupt the process by either moving the conveyor belt with the switch or touching Charlie so that he loses one of three lives. To avoid being touched, Charlie can either avoid the creatures or use an anti-static spray that is limited to a maximum of 19 squirts. Letters also appear that form the word CHIP and when each letter is collected, it gives Charlie an extra spray and when the word is made then his spray is refilled. Two players can play and each player takes it in turns when the other player dies.
1986, the year The Exploits of Fingers Malone was released on Commodore 16, Plus/4. Made by British Software and published by Mastertronic Ltd., this action game is available for free on this page.
Released in 1983, The Golden Baton was a groundbreaking game for the Commodore 64, setting the standard for future adventure games. Developed by Action Software, this game was a unique blend of action, puzzle-solving, and exploration, making it a must-have for any gamer in the early 1980s. The game follows the story of a brave adventurer who sets out on a quest to find the elusive Golden Baton, a powerful artifact that promises unlimited wealth and glory to whoever possesses it.
The gameplay of The Golden Baton is a perfect balance of action and strategy. The player takes on the role of the adventurer, exploring various environments, battling fierce creatures, and solving challenging puzzles to progress through the game. Each level is designed with intricate details, creating a sense of immersion and adding depth to the gameplay. The controls are easy to learn but take skill to master, making the game suitable for players of all skill levels.
One of the most impressive features of The Golden Baton is its graphics. Released during a time when graphics were still relatively primitive, this game was ahead of its time with its detailed and vibrant visuals. The environments are richly colored, and the characters are well-designed, adding to the overall atmosphere of the game. The sound effects and music also enhance the gameplay, immersing the player in the world of The Golden Baton.
The storyline of The Golden Baton is one of its strongest aspects. The player is thrown into a gripping adventure, uncovering secrets and encountering unexpected twists at every turn. The game is divided into different chapters, each with its unique challenges and obstacles. As the player advances, the mystery surrounding the Golden Baton deepens, keeping them engaged until the very end. The game also features multiple endings, adding to its replay value and ensuring an unpredictable experience each time.
The Golden Baton was a commercial success, receiving widespread praise for its gameplay, graphics, and story. It quickly gained a cult following and is remembered fondly by many gamers as one of the best adventure games of its time. It also paved the way for future adventure games, setting a standard for excellence that has influenced the genre to this day. For those who missed out on playing it in its prime, The Golden Baton is still available through online emulators and is a must-try for any fan of classic games.
A once prosperous land, inhabited by an evil wizard, has been left uninhabited long after he left. However, it is said that he left in his lair a priceless golden statue. You play as an adventurer who has entered the land in search of the buried treasure. The game is a flat screen arcade adventure seen from the side with elements of a platformer. There are eight skill levels to choose from and when you complete the game you restart at a higher skill level.
As you explore, you'll find buildings to explore, as well as creatures and objects that will hurt you. As you move around, you have a strength meter that gradually decreases, but you can find potions and food to keep it topped up. If you touch creatures like bats or objects like falling apples or water, the meter will decrease even more, and watch out for certain potions that are poisonous and whose antidote you must find before you die and the game ends.
To succeed in your quest, you must find certain items before reaching the statue, which are seven talismans scattered around, two keys to open doors to enter buildings and a candle to see in the subway section. You can use a joystick or a keyboard to control your hero.
In this sequel to the Boulder Dash clone, Rockman, you again try to get all the diamonds in ten multi-directional scrolling caverns. Each level, as well as the diamonds, has a number of hazards to avoid: rocks, arches, holes and radioactive waste. The main danger is the rocks and when you walk underneath clearing the dirt they will fall down if a hole appears and the ones stacked on top will fall down where there is no dirt and kill you if they fall on you. Bows cannot be touched, holes move randomly and are deadly to the touch and radioactive debris scatters where there is no dirt and although not deadly can dissolve rocks causing others to fall. If you are hit by a rock, touch an arc or a hole, you lose one of your four lives.
