Games published by Island Software
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We provide a complete list of games published by this publisher.
Black
Black is a classic Commodore 64 game that took the gaming world by storm upon its release in 1983. Developed by Avalon Hill and designed by Dennis Walker and Mark Baldwin, this game provided players with a thrilling experience unlike any other.
As one of the earliest role-playing games for the Commodore 64, Black was a pioneer in its genre. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players took on the role of a character attempting to survive and rebuild in a world ravaged by a nuclear war. The game offered players a unique and immersive experience, where they had to navigate through dangerous landscapes, make strategic decisions, and engage in intense battles to survive.
One of the standout features of Black was its impressive and realistic graphics. The game utilized advanced technology for its time, with detailed images and animations that added to the overall immersive experience. The dark and atmospheric visuals perfectly complemented the post-apocalyptic theme, making players feel as if they were truly a part of this desolate world.
In addition to its impressive graphics, Black also boasted a complex and engaging gameplay. Unlike many other games at the time, Black offered a deep and intricate storyline with multiple paths and outcomes. Players were faced with tough decisions and had to carefully manage their resources and relationships with other characters in the game. This added an extra layer of depth and challenge, making the game a must-play for serious gamers.
Black also offered a multiplayer option, allowing players to connect with others and embark on their post-apocalyptic journey together. This feature added a social aspect to the game, making it perfect for friends to bond over and compete against each other.
The success of Black on the Commodore 64 paved the way for many other role-playing games to come. It set a high standard for graphics, gameplay, and storytelling, which many games continue to strive for today. Even decades after its release, Black remains a beloved and highly praised game among Commodore 64 enthusiasts.
Jigsaw
Jigsaw, released in 1983, was a groundbreaking game for the Commodore 64. Developed by Jayce Productions, this puzzle game captured the hearts of players and became an instant hit. With its simple yet addictive gameplay and clever design, Jigsaw stands the test of time as one of the most iconic titles for the beloved Commodore 64.
The premise of Jigsaw is straightforward – players must reassemble a jumbled image by swapping and rotating puzzle pieces. Each puzzle is accompanied by a timer and a limited number of moves, adding a sense of urgency and challenge to the gameplay. What makes this game truly unique is its wide variety of images to puzzle over, ranging from landscapes and animals to famous works of art. Each puzzle presents a different level of difficulty, making it suitable for both novice and experienced players.
One of the most impressive features of Jigsaw is its graphics. For a game released in 1983, the intricate and detailed images were ahead of its time. The color palette used was vibrant, adding to the overall appeal of the game. It was a true testament to what the Commodore 64 was capable of achieving in terms of graphics.
Moreover, Jigsaw added an exciting multiplayer element to the puzzle genre. Players could compete against each other to see who could solve the puzzle the fastest. This multiplayer mode added a whole new dimension to the game and brought friends and family together to enjoy this engaging and challenging game.
Jigsaw also received high praise for its intuitive controls. With a user-friendly interface, players could easily swap and rotate puzzle pieces with a few keystrokes. This made the game accessible to players of all ages and experience levels. Additionally, the game's soundtrack was considered one of the best for its time, with catchy tunes that added to the overall enjoyment of the game.
Despite being released nearly four decades ago, Jigsaw remains a fan favorite among retro gamers. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless gameplay and clever design. It has even inspired numerous remakes and a dedicated community of players who continue to create and share their own custom puzzle images for others to enjoy.
Kayles
Kayles is a classic Commodore 64 game that was released in 1983. Developed by David Kittinger and published by Tri Micro Inc., this game quickly became a popular choice among gamers and has stood the test of time to become a fan-favorite retro game.
The name "Kayles" comes from the French word for "skittles", a popular European pub game. It is a single-player strategy game that tests the wit and skill of the player. The objective of the game is to remove all the skittles (or pegs) from the board, leaving only one skittle in the center. This may seem like a simple task, but as the game progresses, the challenge becomes tougher and requires strategic planning.
The game boasts of simple yet engaging gameplay. The player can choose the difficulty level of the game, ranging from beginner to expert. The skittles are arranged in the shape of a pyramid, with 15 skittles in the first row, 14 in the second, and so on. To remove a skittle, the player must "jump" over other skittles, removing those that are jumped over. The rules are straightforward, but mastering the game requires advanced tactics and skillful planning.
One of the unique features of Kayles is its adaptive AI. As the player progresses through the game, the computer opponent becomes more challenging, utilizing different strategies and making it harder for the player to win. This ensures that the game never becomes monotonous and provides a constant challenge for players.
The graphics and sound of the game are also worth mentioning. The graphics are simple yet charming, giving the game a retro feel. The sound effects, although basic, add to the overall fun and excitement of playing Kayles.
Kayles also offers a two-player mode, allowing gamers to challenge their friends and family in an epic battle of wits. This feature was a game-changer at the time, as most games during that era were limited to single-player mode.
To this day, Kayles remains a beloved game among Commodore 64 enthusiasts. Its addictive gameplay, challenging AI, and nostalgic graphics and sound make it a must-try for any retro gaming fan. With its perfect blend of simplicity and complexity, Kayles continues to stand as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic video games.
