Commodore 64 recommendations?

[j_factor]

Sounds like a thread that would've been done before, but I didn't find one with a search. Apologies if it's been done.

Anyway, I got a C64 at CGE. I'm not too familiar with it -- I did have one for a while way back when I was a kid, but I never had much for it -- and I know there's multiple Commodore fans/experts around here. To get to the point, I'm looking for specific game recommendations, general recommendations, etc.

[Mangar]

Bruce Lee

Probably one of the best games i've ever played on any system, and it was never ported to a console. IE: Unique to computers of that era.

Also relatively easy to obtain.

[insinion]

chucky egg :onfire:

http://www.old-computers.com/museum/software/acorn_bbc_chucky-egg_ss.gif

[tom]

So you just got the computer; no fdd?
Then you need some carts:
Look out for Activision, Atari, Spinnaker, Sierra, etc....almost 300 carts to chose from.

Or get yourself a fdd, and then get some serious stuff from EA, Origin, SSI, Microprose, Sierra, Accolade, Access, Broderbound, Activision....etc

As for game recommendations, it depends on your taste, platform, RPG, racing, shoot 'em ups...all of the above?

Don't bother with tape, it's not worth the hassle.

[Trebuken]

I played tons of C-64 games and never even noticed the carts back in the day. I did play several games on (load times were insane sometimes). Most notably was a game called Blue Max which I loved for awhile.

If you had a disk drive I could give you all sorts of titles. The graphics are dated as well for many games; having an original Commodore (or similar) monitor gives tham a better feel...

[Family Computer]

that Bruce Lee game looks awesome

found a video on youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aZuMXRgTxQ

[Family Computer]

While I don't own and have never played any C64 games, I really want to try out "Ghettoblaster" & that Bruce Lee game.

Looks like I've got a computer to hunt down..

[diskoboy]

Here we go:

-Raid on Bungling Bay
-Blue Max
-Gorf
-Beach Head 1 & 2
-Summer Games 1 & 2
-Jumpman
-Jumpan Junior
-Lode Runner (can we say "level editor"!!??)
-Adventure Construction Set
-Pinball Construction Set
-BC's Quest For Tires
-Impossible Mission
-Raid Over Moscow
-M.U.L.E.
-Spare Change
-Archon (or any of it's sequels)
-Bruce Lee
-Karetka
-The Last Ninja
-Pirates!
-Wizard Of Wor
-Pitstop 1 or 2
-Tapper
-Up & Down
-Spy Vs. Spy
-Buck Rogers: Planet of Zoom
-Congo Bongo
-Donkey Kong
-Tooth Invaders

Hope that helps! :)

[supermarrio]

Commodore 64 rules man. Congrats on the find, I hope you enjoy it!

As far as my personal recommendations go, in my opinion, you need to get a FDD if you haven't already. My favorite games are:

-Mail Order Monsters (sorely underrated game)
-Little Computer People
-Hard Hat Mack
-Jumpman/ Jumpman Junior
-Donald Duck's Playground (bizarre kids game)
-Choplifter
-Ghostbusters
-Bruce Lee
-Impossible Mission
-Wizball

I have a lot of other personal favorites, but those are the one that stick out at the moment.

[zektor]

You should really look into this:

http://www.64hdd.com/index_en.html

I had this set up a while back on the A800. You can sent C64 disk images right to the C64, your PC acting as a virtual 1541 disk drive. I never got around to doing this on the C64, but it worked great on the Atari 800. I really wanted to archive some of my old 5 1/4 disks which contain my old BBS's ...posts and all....but I just never got around to it.

I now play all of my C64 games in DreamFrodo, which does just fine for me. Even plays my old group's demos :)

Enjoy the C64, the best computer ever created!

[Kid Ice]

Here we go:

-Raid on Bungling Bay
-Blue Max
-Gorf
-Beach Head 1 & 2
-Summer Games 1 & 2
-Jumpman
-Jumpan Junior
-Lode Runner (can we say "level editor"!!??)
-Adventure Construction Set
-Pinball Construction Set
-BC's Quest For Tires
-Impossible Mission
-Raid Over Moscow
-M.U.L.E.
-Spare Change
-Archon (or any of it's sequels)
-Bruce Lee
-Karetka
-The Last Ninja
-Pirates!
-Wizard Of Wor
-Pitstop 1 or 2
-Tapper
-Up & Down
-Spy Vs. Spy
-Buck Rogers: Planet of Zoom
-Congo Bongo
-Donkey Kong
-Tooth Invaders

Hope that helps! :)

Great list! Couldn't have said it better myself.

Keep your eyes peeled for loose "home made" C64 discs on eBay. Every Commodore owner I knew back in the day had discs with hundreds of pirated games. It's conceivable that you could get all the games listed here on ten loose floppies.

I would additionally recommend a few RPGs such as Phantasie, Questron, and Wasteland. I spend so many hours on those games that by the time we started getting console adventure games I had pretty much had enough.

Also there are several good C64 emus and the roms are easy to acquire. You might want to try one of those to get a feel for which games you "really" want to get.

[j_factor]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. A few people really came out of nowhere for this topic. Keep 'em coming. :)

And yeah, I don't have the floppy drive... yet. I was definitely planning on getting one. I'm sure it won't be too terribly hard to find.


As for game recommendations, it depends on your taste, platform, RPG, racing, shoot 'em ups...all of the above?

All of the above. Maybe not so much on the racing and shmups due to the time period. And I hate flight sims. But definitely platform, graphic adventure, most RPGs (some of the old RPGs are just too boring for me, but I do like Ultima), arcade ports, Epyx-style games, etc.


Enjoy the C64, the best computer ever created!

It's funny, C64 was definitely not my first choice for a classic computer (I really wanted an Amiga, and still do). But now that I've got one, I'm very excited about it.

Lastly, does anybody know of any sort of internet source of type-ins? I only found a site specifically for Spectrum.

[majinbuu]

Archon I and II were good, Archon III you should stay well away. AFAIK it was an unfinished product.

[icbrkr]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. A few people really came out of nowhere for this topic. Keep 'em coming. :)

And yeah, I don't have the floppy drive... yet. I was definitely planning on getting one. I'm sure it won't be too terribly hard to find.

Not that I'm volunteering Flack, but he does seem to have a leaning tower of 1541 drives... :)


The suggestion for the 64HDD is alright, but it is a pain to get up and going (and sometimes impossible unless you happen to have an old Pentium 90 or 486 lying around). Though it's quite a bit slower, I'd suggest picking up an MMC64 from http://www.c64reloaded.com/. It will allow you to bring disk images over to your C64 on a MMC memory card and make real disks from them.

Also, we had a thread going about a video on You Tube with 100 C64 games here: http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=102106&highlight=commodore

[kaedesdisciple]

The suggestion for the 64HDD is alright, but it is a pain to get up and going (and sometimes impossible unless you happen to have an old Pentium 90 or 486 lying around). Though it's quite a bit slower, I'd suggest picking up an MMC64 from http://www.c64reloaded.com/. It will allow you to bring disk images over to your C64 on a MMC memory card and make real disks from them.


Hm, I DO have an old P90 laying around. Would this be a good solution when I decide to start tinkering with a C64 again?

[Sanriostar]

Archon I and II were good, Archon III you should stay well away. AFAIK it was an unfinished product.

A3 was a hack of A2; Free Fall Associates have claimed no affiliation with A3, and word is it was done by some bored teenagers.

[Mayhem]

See, I told you that you'd made a good choice at the show ;)


Lastly, does anybody know of any sort of internet source of type-ins? I only found a site specifically for Spectrum.

I probably expect to hear you say you'd like to type them in yourself, but a lot of type-in games are archived at Gamebase64 (http://www.gamebase64.com)...

[le geek]

For carts I recommend tracking down Frogger II and Gyruss, both are fantastic versions. Kickman is great fun as well...

Disk games I recommend: Beach Head II, Fast Tracks, Goonies, Great American Cross Country Road Race, Impossible Mission, Lode Runner, Master of the Lamps, Skate or Die, Space Taxi, Super Cycle, Times of Lore, Tower Toppler, and Ultimate Wizard

Cheers,
Ben

[j_factor]

See, I told you that you'd made a good choice at the show ;)

Of course you'd say that... being British and all. I'm surprised you didn't try to sell me on a Spectrum. :)


I probably expect to hear you say you'd like to type them in yourself, but a lot of type-in games are archived at Gamebase64 (http://www.gamebase64.com)...

Typing them in myself is what I was thinking of, but thanks for the link nonetheless... That's a very extensive site.

[Family Computer]

when available on both the NES & the C64, which game is usually better?

For example, let's say Skate or Die

[Steve W]

http://www.monroeworld.com/forbiddenforest/index.htm

Forbidden Forest was a great little game. The graphics are incredibly clunky, even by 1983 standards, but the game was pretty great.

[kaedesdisciple]

when available on both the NES & the C64, which game is usually better?

For example, let's say Skate or Die

One example, Archon. Graphics are better on the NES, but the gameplay on the C64 trumps every time. Another example, The Last Ninja. Once again, C64 version > NES version, even if there are load times.

[boatofcar]

M.U.L.E.

One of the most unique (and fun!) games of all time, and another example of a C64 game that's better than the NES port.

[Raedon]

Space Taxi

[Buyatari]

Bruce Lee (great 1 or 2 player game)
Castles of Dr Creep. (great 1 or 2 player game)
Almost all the Early EA games such as mail order monsters,mule,Archon I&II, 7 cities of gold etc

[KJN]

Newcomer (http://www.protovision-online.de/games/newcomer.htm)
Metal Warrior IV (http://cadaver.homeftp.net/games/mw4.zip)
Mayhem in Monsterland
Creatures 1 & 2
Turrican 1 & 2
Last Ninja 1 & 2
Citadel
Enforcer: Full Metal Megablaster
SWIV
The Bard's Tale Series
Armalyte
Wizball
Maniac Mansion
IK+
Project Firestart
Impossible Mission 1 & 2
Stunt Car Racer
Turbo Charge
Exile

[Mayhem]

One example, Archon. Graphics are better on the NES, but the gameplay on the C64 trumps every time. Another example, The Last Ninja. Once again, C64 version > NES version, even if there are load times.

And the music... never forget about the music ;)

(Skate or Die AND Last Ninja are two of the best stuff about for the C64)

[majinbuu]

interesting about archon III, so it was not made by a software company after all? I always had a feeling playing it that it was not the same as the first 2 and after a few goes really had no interest in playing it again. As for the first Archon, a bloody legendary game!

Also, have you thought about getting some demos for the system. Some of the fancy gfx and sound some people can pull out of the system are amazing and make for great background music while you are doing other things around the house.

[KJN]

Also, have you thought about getting some demos for the system. Some of the fancy gfx and sound some people can pull out of the system are amazing and make for great background music while you are doing other things around the house.
Oh yes, so many great demos. Here are some Youtube videos.

Desert Dream: part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9TT55hrz90), part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcTMOkwkFt0) (it's a C64 remake of this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH2GyQQIBNo) Amiga demo)
Deus Ex Machina: part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEjXGIkQCcI), part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFSXwjC6b_Q)
Cycle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twEhXZIfsnE)
Soiled Legacy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyvLSuChvNc)
Insomnia: part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQlZ80WYmD4), part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idQbxgbWGF0)
Boogie Factor (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2szfM-lbLQE)

[kainemaxwell]

The Movie Monster game is pretty fun too, same with Skyfox I and II.

[telengard]

Telengard is my fav C64 game, highly recommended. Space Taxi is probably #2.
For something good with a little more depth try out Laser Squad or M.U.L.E.

~telengard

[Family Computer]

KJN....those demos are amazing...

Is it not possible to make games with those type of graphics or are the people who make them just into the interactive art aspect rather than coding games?

It reminds me of the first time I saw the original Metal Gear 2 opening for MSX. If only more early games could have made the most out of the graphics as that game did...

[koster]

Crossroads and Crossroads II: Pandemonium (available here (http://dessgeega.com/crossroads.html)) were two of the better type-in games for the C64.

Mario Brothers is a surprisingly fun two-player game when played competitively, with the primary goal of eliminating the other player. :)

[ConsoleFreek]

Here we go:

-Raid on Bungling Bay
-Blue Max
-Gorf
-Beach Head 1 & 2
-Summer Games 1 & 2
-Jumpman
-Jumpan Junior
-Lode Runner (can we say "level editor"!!??)
-Adventure Construction Set
-Pinball Construction Set
-BC's Quest For Tires

-Impossible Mission
-Raid Over Moscow
-M.U.L.E.
-Spare Change
-Archon (or any of it's sequels)
-Bruce Lee
-Karetka
-The Last Ninja
-Pirates!
-Wizard Of Wor
-Pitstop 1 or 2
-Tapper
-Up & Down
-Spy Vs. Spy
-Buck Rogers: Planet of Zoom
-Congo Bongo
-Donkey Kong
-Tooth Invaders

Hope that helps! :)



You forgot the best platformer ever released on the C64, "Monty on the run".






.

[Hardcore]

I would also suggest all the gold box SSI RPGs if you enjoy that genre.

[idrougge]

Newcomer (http://www.protovision-online.de/games/newcomer.htm)
Metal Warrior IV (http://cadaver.homeftp.net/games/mw4.zip)
Mayhem in Monsterland
Creatures 1 & 2
Turrican 1 & 2
Last Ninja 1 & 2
...


Thank you, KJN, for listing something made after 1984, so that I don't have to. Just a word of warning to the thread originator, who seems to be American: You may have to find NTSC fixed versions of these games. Otherwise I concur with KJN.

[Kevin H]

To me, the GI.Joe (funner than the NES versions) and 2nd Transformers (Hot Rod) are classic. Mail Order Monsters also.

[diskoboy]

You forgot the best platformer ever released on the C64, "Monty on the run".


Never played that... I'll give it a try.

I'll add these games to my previous list..

-Drol
-Gridrunner (Jeff Minter clasic)
-Lazer Zone (Another Minter classic)
-Attack of The Mutant Camels (Minter just pilin' up the classsics)
-Shamus
-Fort Apocolypse
-Montezuma's Revenge
-Gateway To Apshai (And it's prequel, Temple of Apshai)
-Choplifter
-Julius Irving and Larry Bird go One On One (should be credited as EA sports' first game ever)
-Lemonade Stand (Next to Oregon Trail, one of the best edutainment games, there is..)
-Master of the Lamps
-Spelunker

[robo3355]

I always enjoyed the neat little RPG called Neuromancer based on the book of the same name, it's not easy to find, as i've never seen another C64 copy. Also pirating has been blocked by making codes only obtainable by owning the PAX codewheel. but it's definately very neat and fun, mark mothersbaugh from devo did the soundtrack so it's definately catchy and well written.

Neuromancer is most easily described as being a cyber punk RPG.

speak of the devil.

http://cgi.ebay.com/COmmodore-64-128-Neuromancer-game-adventure_W0QQitemZ250149155757QQihZ015QQcategoryZ 4315QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Qixmaster]

if you need a working 1541 drive send me a PM. I have a stack. $25 shipped anywhere in the US. serial cable included

[Cyan]

I just wanted to chime in and mention that 'Wizard' is a great platformer, and 'Space Taxi' is an excellent Lunar Lander type game with a twist.

M.U.L.E. is, of course, legendary. My brother and I *still* play this game on a regular basis. Why it hasn't been remade yet, I have no clue, but maybe that's a good thing (after all, they just might botch it in the process.)

-RS.

[Mayhem]

There was an NES version, and I think she was trying to write Son of MULE for the Genesis, but it was never completed.

[idrougge]

No-one has mentioned the extremely addictive Thrust yet.

[Cyan]

There was an NES version

Yeah, there was. But, I guess I sort of lump that in as being more or less the same as the C64 version. (Of course, I prefer to play the C64 version.)

By a remake, I mean, remade to a modern system. Some PC coders have had at making various clones, but nothing compares to the original. Sort of like Scorched Earth, you know? ;)

-RS.

[Ruudos]

Here's my list:

- BC's Quest for Tires
- Boulder Dash
- Clowns
- Commando
- Duck Tales
- Eindeloos
- Giana Sisters
- Gridder
- International Karate 2
- Microprose Soccer
- New Zealand Story
- Ninja Spirit
- Pipeline
- Power Drift
- Run the Gauntlet
- Summer Games
- Tapper
- Way of the Exploding Fist
- Wings of Fury
- Winter Games
- Yie Ar Kung-Fu