In the world of sports and gaming, the name Brian Jacks is synonymous with excellence and skill. And in 1985, a game was released for the Commodore 64 that embodied all that Brian Jacks represented - Brian Jacks Superstar Challenge. This game, developed by Martech Games, was a compilation of six different sporting events, all based on the skills and challenges mastered by the legendary British judoka.
One of the highlights of Brian Jacks Superstar Challenge was the inclusion of real-life footage of Brian Jacks himself, which added a level of authenticity to the gameplay. The game was designed to test the player's reflexes, accuracy, and precision as they competed against the computer or a friend in six different events: squat jumps, ski jump, wall climbing, high jump, gymnastics, and hammer throw.
One of the most exciting aspects of the game was that each event was unique and offered its own set of challenges. For example, in the squat jump event, players had to coordinate their movements to help Brian Jacks complete a series of squats while avoiding falling barrels. Meanwhile, in the ski jump event, players had to control the speed and angle of their jump to land safely on the slopes below.
The graphics of Brian Jacks Superstar Challenge may seem primitive by today's standards, but back in 1985, they were top-notch. The game featured vibrant colors, detailed backgrounds, and smooth animations, making it a visually appealing experience. The sound effects also added to the overall immersive gameplay, from the loud roar of the crowd to the clashing of metal in the hammer throw event.
Aside from the exciting gameplay and impressive graphics, Brian Jacks Superstar Challenge also had a high replay value. Each event offered different levels of difficulty, and players could choose to compete against the computer or a friend, making the game suitable for both solo and multiplayer play. The game also featured a high score system, giving players the motivation to keep playing and beat their friends' scores.
With the success of Brian Jacks Superstar Challenge, two sequels were released, further cementing the game's popularity. The game was also ported to other gaming platforms, including the Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, and Atari ST. Brian Jacks Superstar Challenge has also been hailed as one of the best sports games to be released for the Commodore 64, and it continues to have a cult following among retro gamers.
1987, the year Catch 23 was released on Amstrad CPC as well as Atari ST. Made by Software Communications Ltd. and published by Martech Games Ltd., this action game is available for free on this page.
In 1982, the world of video games was changed forever with the release of Conflict on the Commodore 64. Developed by real-time strategy pioneer David Lester, Conflict quickly became a sensation and remains a classic even to this day. Set in a futuristic world ravaged by war, players take on the role of a commander leading their army in a battle for survival.
One of the most striking features of Conflict is its graphics, which were groundbreaking for its time. The game boasted detailed and colorful graphics that brought the world to life and captured players' attention from the start. The fluid animation of the game characters and the detailed terrain also added to the overall immersive experience of playing Conflict. Despite being released over 30 years ago, the graphics of Conflict still hold up and have a certain charm that is hard to find in modern video games.
The gameplay of Conflict is what truly sets it apart from other games of its time. Combining strategy and action elements, Conflict challenges players to make tough decisions and think critically in the heat of battle. Players must carefully plan their moves and use resources wisely to defeat the enemy and claim victory. The game also features a variety of units with unique abilities, adding another layer of depth to the gameplay. This mix of strategy and action was a revolutionary concept at the time and has remained a popular genre in the gaming world.
The single-player campaign of Conflict takes players through a series of challenging missions, each with its own objectives and obstacles. The difficulty level gradually increases as players progress through the game, keeping them on their toes and providing a sense of accomplishment once a mission is successfully completed. Additionally, the game also offers a two-player mode, allowing friends to compete against each other in a battle for supremacy.
Another aspect that made Conflict stand out was its iconic soundtrack. Composed by legendary musician Rob Hubbard, the music of Conflict perfectly captured the intensity and futuristic feel of the game. The catchy tunes and expertly crafted sound effects added to the overall atmosphere of the game and are still fondly remembered by players today.
The lasting impact of Conflict on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. The game was not only a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies, but it also had a significant influence on the development of real-time strategy games. Its innovative gameplay and impressive graphics set a new standard for the genre, inspiring future games and cementing its place in gaming history.
Cosmic Shock Absorber, released in 1987 for the Amstrad CPC, was a groundbreaking game that pushed the boundaries of traditional arcade-style gameplay. Developed by Micro Illusions, this sci-fi themed game combined elements of classic shoot-em-up games with innovative gameplay mechanics.
The premise of the game was simple yet intriguing. Players assume the role of a brave astronaut tasked with saving the universe from an alien invasion. Equipped with a powerful spacecraft equipped with the titular Cosmic Shock Absorber, players had to navigate through hostile environments and fight off deadly monsters to bring peace to the galaxy.
The game boasted impressive and vibrant graphics that were ahead of its time. The detailed backgrounds and smooth animations added to the immersive experience of playing Cosmic Shock Absorber. The attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the game, from the design of the spacecraft to the alien creatures that players encountered.
One of the most notable features of Cosmic Shock Absorber was its unique control scheme. Unlike traditional shoot-em-ups where players had control over the direction of their spaceship, in Cosmic Shock Absorber, the ship was constantly moving, and players had to carefully navigate it using the Cosmic Shock Absorber. This added a new level of difficulty and strategy to the game, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience.
In terms of gameplay, Cosmic Shock Absorber was a fast-paced, action-packed game that kept players on the edge of their seats. The game had a wide variety of enemies, each with unique attack patterns and weaknesses, keeping players on their toes and requiring them to master their skills to survive.
The game also had a unique power-up system, with various power-ups scattered throughout the levels. These power-ups provided players with temporary boosts such as increased speed, shields, or extra lives. This added an element of excitement and unpredictability to the gameplay, making each playthrough unique.
Cosmic Shock Absorber was also notable for its immersive sound effects and soundtrack. The futuristic soundtrack, composed by renowned composer Rob Hubbard, perfectly complemented the gameplay and added to the overall ambiance of the game.
Crazy Comets is a single screen shooter inspired by the arcade game Mad Planets in which you control a spaceship from behind at a slightly elevated angle and have to explode and destroy celestial bodies throughout various levels. The Universe is in chaos and out of control with all objects moving in erratic trajectories and the only way to save the Universe is to destroy all objects. The celestial bodies move around the screen and move in various directions, you must keep firing a large number of shots until you destroy them. You must avoid touching them because if you do then you lose one of the three lives. When a body is destroyed, another one appears until all the bodies on the screen are eliminated. In later levels, comets and lost space capsules appear and you must also destroy the comets, but the capsules can be collected for extra points. Two players can play and each player takes turns playing when the other player loses a life.
Eddie Kidd Jump Challenge, released in 1985 for the Commodore 64, was a revolutionary game that combined thrilling action and challenging gameplay to create a one-of-a-kind gaming experience. Developed by Martech Ltd., this game was inspired by the British stuntman Eddie Kidd, known for his death-defying motorcycle jumps. With its vibrant graphics and addictive gameplay, Eddie Kidd Jump Challenge quickly became a hit among gamers and solidified its place in history as one of the most iconic C64 games of all time.
The premise of the game is simple yet engaging - players take on the role of Eddie Kidd and must successfully navigate through a series of seven challenging motorcycle jumps. Each jump becomes progressively more difficult, with obstacles and hazards thrown in the mix to truly test the player's reflexes and quick thinking. The jumps are set in various locations, from stadiums to busy streets, giving a sense of realism and variety to the gameplay.
One of the standout features of Eddie Kidd Jump Challenge is its excellent use of the Commodore 64's capabilities. The graphics are visually stunning, with smooth animation and vivid colors that added to the excitement of the game. The sound effects and music also added to the overall experience, creating a sense of urgency and adrenaline as players attempted each jump. It truly showcased the capabilities of the C64 and set a high standard for other games to follow.
What made Eddie Kidd Jump Challenge stand out from other games at the time was its unique approach to gameplay. Instead of just mindlessly jumping over obstacles, players had to carefully time their jumps and navigate through a series of arrows that appeared on the screen. These arrows represented the direction in which Eddie must jump, adding an element of strategy and precision to the game. This innovative gameplay mechanic was well-received by critics and players alike, further cementing its status as a classic C64 game.
Furthermore, the game also had an extensive high score system, allowing players to compete with their friends and family. This feature kept players coming back to the game, trying to outdo each other's scores and perfect their jumps. It also added a sense of replayability, as no two playthroughs were the same.
Eddie Kidd Jump Challenge was also praised for its intuitive controls and responsive gameplay. Players could easily maneuver Eddie through the jumps, making the game accessible for both novice and experienced gamers. This, coupled with its addictive gameplay and unique features, made it a beloved game among C64 players and contributed to its success.
At a time when multi-event sports simulators were all the rage, this one was licensed by successful shot putter and strongman Geoff Capes. Six tests are offered, representing common strongman tasks such as truck pulling, tug-of-war and wrestling. Each must be completed within a time limit; points are awarded based on time remaining.
The control method and game design philosophy distinguish between each of the 8 major muscles Geoff uses. After a joystick challenge to achieve the greatest possible strength, you can choose which muscles to assign it to, which adds an element of strategy and memory testing.
During each event, the 8 muscles are displayed on either side of the screen, and when one comes into use, it flashes. Controlling a cursor, you must click on it as quickly as possible to get the maximum effect. The unused energy in each muscle is saved for future events.
Armageddon Man puts you in the shoes of the Supreme Commander of a barely balanced future Earth. Earth has been divided into 16 separate nuclear-capable countries, such as the Black African Republic, Japan and the European Union, and it's your job to make sure it doesn't run out of life.
The game is controlled by a point-and-click interface where you can check messages, deploy satellites and troops, send food to regions that need it, and spy on nations. Periodically you will receive messages that a country is deploying forces or increasing its diplomatic presence in another nation, and you can show your support or criticism of this. Keep in mind that these decisions have consequences: all 16 nations have feelings of importance and will not want to be left out.
Your SuperCobra assault helicopter is the most advanced in its class, packed with missiles and full of power, ready to take out everything in its path. All it needs now is a capable pilot; let's hope you're the one.
The action takes place in day and night levels, in different types of terrain. In each level you have to destroy a certain number of planes to move on to the next, otherwise the level goes back to the beginning. You can get extra lives and your plane is armed with smart bombs that you can use when the action is particularly hectic.
Mega-Apocalypse, released in 1987, is a classic Commodore 64 game that combines elements of strategy and action into a unique and addicting gameplay experience. Developed by Simon Nicol for Martech, this game puts players in the role of a human defending Earth from an alien invasion. The game received critical acclaim upon its release and has since become a cult classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
The premise of Mega-Apocalypse is simple yet engaging. The player controls a powerful laser cannon known as the Megalaser, which is the last line of defense against the evil alien race known as the Zzyaxians. As the game progresses, the player must strategically use the Megalaser to destroy incoming enemy ships and prevent them from destroying Earth. The gameplay is fast-paced and challenging, keeping players on the edge of their seats as they try to repel the ever-increasing waves of alien invaders.
One of the game's most noteworthy features is its graphics. Despite being released in 1987, Mega-Apocalypse boasts impressive and detailed graphics that hold up even by today's standards. The attention to detail in the enemy ships and explosions adds to the intensity of the gameplay and immerses players in the action. The game also features a fitting soundtrack that complements the fast-paced gameplay, adding to the overall appeal of the game.
What sets Mega-Apocalypse apart from other games of its time is its combination of strategy and action elements. While players must have quick reflexes to survive the onslaught of enemies, they must also plan their attacks strategically to conserve their limited supply of ammunition and energy. This makes the game both mentally stimulating and physically demanding, keeping players engaged for hours on end.
In addition to its main gameplay mode, Mega-Apocalypse also offers a two-player mode where two players can compete against each other to see who can destroy the most enemies. This mode adds a competitive aspect to the game, making it a hit at parties and gatherings among friends. The game also features a variety of difficulty levels, allowing players of all skill levels to enjoy the gameplay.
