World Cup is a soccer game in which you and seven friends can choose one of 10 teams and compete to reach the final and win it. The computer will play as the other unselected teams. The match action is viewed from one side above the field and the screen shows only part of the field. The screen scrolls when a player moves with the ball. A joystick or keyboard can be used to control your team.
The C16 version has only two teams playing against each other with the two-player option.
Xargon Wars is a shooting game in the style of the arcade game Astro Blaster in which you are an artillery commander and must use your gun to defend your planet from wave after wave of alien invaders. There are 16 waves of aliens that you must destroy in each level to move on to the next one. Be careful not to overuse your cannon as it may overheat and then you will have to wait for it to cool down. A gauge to the right of the play area shows the temperature of your cannon. You can select from one to four lives and the game ends when they are all lost.
Your people have won the war against Xargon and now, in a final attack, you have been tasked with destroying their planet and its four satellite planets in your spaceship. The problem is that the Xargon have been warned of your arrival and have sent all their warriors to defend the planets against your attack. Xargon's Revenge is a one-sided, single-screen shooter for each planet. You sit on the left side of the screen and shoot Warriors that move from right to left in unpredictable patterns and if you touch one you lose one of your five lives. You have to destroy all the warriors on each screen to move on to the next, but you have to do it before the fuel gauge runs out. However, fuel capsules occasionally bounce towards you and if you pick them up they increase your fuel, as if you run out of fuel you lose a life.
Xcellor8 is an action-packed game released for the Commodore 16 and Plus/4 systems in 1986. It was developed by Mastertronic and published by Codemasters, known for their hit title, Dizzy. Xcellor8 put players in the shoes of a futuristic pilot tasked with traveling through various levels and defeating enemies with the help of their trusty spacecraft.
The game was met with enthusiasm from gamers and critics alike for its sleek graphics and challenging gameplay. The plot of the game revolved around the player being sent on a mission to stop an evil race of aliens from destroying the Earth. The setting was reminiscent of popular science fiction movies of the time, such as Blade Runner and Aliens.
One of the standout features of Xcellor8 was its unique soundtrack. The game featured an original, high-energy score composed by Rob Hubbard, a renowned musician in the video game industry. The music perfectly complemented the fast-paced gameplay and added to the overall futuristic atmosphere of the game.
In terms of gameplay, Xcellor8 offered a wide range of levels with varying degrees of difficulty. Players had to navigate through obstacles and shoot down enemy ships while collecting power-ups to enhance their ship's abilities. The game also featured a two-player mode, allowing friends to compete against each other in a split-screen mode.
The graphics of Xcellor8 were considered top-notch for its time. The game utilized the capabilities of the Commodore 16 and Plus/4 systems to create detailed and colorful environments. The enemies were creatively designed, with each level featuring its own set of unique adversaries. The attention to detail in the graphics was highly praised by critics and players alike.
One of the aspects that set Xcellor8 apart from other games of its time was its high level of replay value. The levels were randomly generated each time the game was played, making each playthrough a unique experience. This kept players engaged and coming back for more, even after completing the game.
Yie Ar Kung-Fu, released in 1986, was a highly anticipated game for the Commodore 64. Developed by the renowned Konami, this game was a one-of-a-kind martial arts fighting game that took players on an exhilarating journey through the world of kung-fu.
The game featured a protagonist named Oolong who was on a mission to defeat multiple enemies and become the grand master of martial arts. As players progressed through the game, they faced a diverse set of opponents, each with their own unique fighting style. This added an element of surprise and challenge to the gameplay, keeping players engaged and on their toes.
One of the most impressive features of Yie Ar Kung-Fu was its graphics. For a game released in the mid-80s, the graphics were stunning and ahead of its time. The characters were well-designed and animated, adding a level of realism to the game. The backgrounds were also visually appealing and varied, adding depth to the game's overall aesthetic.
Another noteworthy aspect of Yie Ar Kung-Fu was its smooth and fluid gameplay. The controls were perfectly responsive, allowing players to execute martial arts moves with precision and ease. The game also had a variety of moves and combos that could be unlocked as players advanced through the levels, giving them a sense of progression and satisfaction.
Yie Ar Kung-Fu's soundtrack was also a notable aspect of the game. It featured adrenaline-pumping music that perfectly complemented the fast-paced action of the gameplay. The sound effects were also top-notch, adding to the overall immersive experience of the game.
Yie Ar Kung-Fu was a groundbreaking game that set the standard for martial arts fighting games on the Commodore 64. With its stunning graphics, smooth gameplay, and captivating soundtrack, it captured the hearts and minds of gamers all around the world. Even today, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
1986, the year Zagan Warrior was released on Commodore 16, Plus/4. Published by Bug-Byte Software Ltd., this action game is available for free on this page.
Zodiac is an action game set from a top-down perspective similar to Shamus or Berzerk. A coven of black magic masters has gained terrifying powers after removing the Signs of Zodiac from the Vaults of Time, leading to great confusion. The Signs of the Zodiac are guarded by demons and a lethal force field flows down the walls of the corridors. The player's objective is to kill the demons and retrieve the twelve signs and return them to the vaults of time. There are four hundred corridors in total and the enemies multiply continuously. Any contact with the demons or the walls will result in the loss of lives. It is important to be on the move, as it is not possible to shoot while standing still. Once all the signs have been collected, the player will face Jemon, the most powerful of all demons.
The video game industry was booming in the 1980s, with the advent of home computers and gaming consoles. One of the most iconic and popular games of this decade was Zolyx, released in 1987 for the Commodore 64. Developed by Firebird Software, Zolyx was a puzzle game that quickly became a favorite among gamers of all ages.
The premise of Zolyx was simple, yet addictive. Players had to guide a spaceship through a grid-like playing field, avoiding enemy ships and collecting gems along the way. The catch? The spaceship could only move in straight lines, and the player had to use their strategic skills to navigate through the increasingly challenging levels. The gameplay was easy to understand but difficult to master, keeping players engaged and coming back for more.
One of the standout features of Zolyx was its graphics. The game utilized the advanced capabilities of the Commodore 64 to create stunning and vibrant visuals. The playing field was filled with bright, neon colors and the spaceships were intricately designed. The attention to detail in the graphics was impressive, making the game visually appealing and immersive for players.
In addition to its graphics, Zolyx had a captivating soundtrack that added to the overall gaming experience. The game featured an energetic and futuristic soundtrack that perfectly complemented the gameplay. The sound effects were also well-done, with every move of the spaceship accompanied by a satisfying beep or swoosh. These elements combined to create an immersive gaming experience that was ahead-of-its-time.
Zolyx also featured a multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other in a split-screen format. This added a whole new level of excitement to the game, as players could challenge their friends and family to see who could complete the levels the fastest. The multiplayer mode was well-designed and implemented, making Zolyx a popular choice for game nights and gatherings.
The success of Zolyx can also be attributed to its level design. The game gradually increased in difficulty, introducing new obstacles and challenges as players progressed. This kept the game fresh and engaging, as players never knew what to expect on the next level. The varied and well-designed levels ensured that players would not get bored or feel like they were repeating the same gameplay over and over.
After its release in 1987, Zolyx quickly gained a cult following and is still remembered fondly by fans today. Its unique gameplay, impressive graphics and sound, and well-crafted multiplayer mode cemented its place as one of the best puzzle games for the Commodore 64. Even decades later, Zolyx stands the test of time and continues to be enjoyed by retro gaming enthusiasts and new players alike. This game truly showcases the innovation and creative vision of developers during the golden age of video games.
