Last updated on September 19th, 2024 at 12:42 pm
A classic Hangman game for Commodore 64 written in BASIC language by nostalgic Italian developer Naufr4g0
It comes in two versions: italian and english language.
Have fun with the game and guess as many words as possible!
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Corescape
Corescape is a recent addition to the Commodore 64 library that immerses players in a fast-paced, action-packed escape from a nefarious galactic empire. The game’s premise revolves around navigating through eight challenging stages after a trade gone wrong, where players must battle their way out of a heavily fortified space station.
### Gameplay Mechanics
The controls are straightforward, utilizing a joystick in port two for movement and firing, making it accessible for players of all skill levels. However, the game is not designed for casual play; it demands learning and memorization of levels to succeed. The challenge is heightened by the predictability of obstacles, requiring players to master their movements and timing to avoid them effectively.
Corescape features various cheats that can enhance gameplay but at the cost of high scores. For instance, trainer mode offers infinite lives, while other cheats allow players to skip levels or slow down the game for practice. This flexibility caters to both hardcore gamers and those looking to enjoy the experience without the pressure of high-stakes competition.
### Visuals and Sound
One of the standout aspects of Corescape is its impressive visual design. The game boasts parallax scrolling and vibrant graphics that evoke a nostalgic 90s aesthetic. The background plays a significant role in gameplay, often serving as an obstacle more than enemy ships themselves.
The music, composed by Crisps, complements the visuals well, enhancing the overall atmosphere with catchy techno dance tracks. Players have noted that while the gameplay can become monotonous due to limited enemy variety and scenery, the engaging sound design keeps the experience lively.
### Difficulty and Strategy
Corescape is unapologetically difficult. Players are warned that they will not conquer it solely through reflexes; instead, they must learn each stage’s intricacies. Tips provided within the game encourage exploration beyond the obvious paths to find hidden extra lives and credits. Mastering the first two stages without losing a ship is possible with practice, but later levels significantly ramp up in difficulty.
The game encourages strategic movement and shooting direction control, allowing players to tackle obstacles creatively. However, those who prefer a more relaxed experience can activate cheats to enjoy the music and visuals without the frustration of challenging gameplay.
#########Cheats
T: Trainer mode grants infinite lives.
L: Gives you another life.
R: Restarts the current level.
S: Skips the current level.
H: Slows the game to half speed.
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Elav
Elav is a compact and challenging Commodore 64 game that pays homage to the classic arcade game Rampage. Developed by Ice Team in collaboration with the Ready64 forum, Elav was released in 2006 for the Minigame Competition, where it placed 3rd.
### Gameplay
The objective of Elav is to clear 10 levels of buildings while playing as a giant monster. With only 4KB of space, including music, Elav packs a lot of content into a tiny package, less than a tenth the size of a typical C64 game.
Players take control of a monster and must destroy buildings, cars, and other objects to progress through the levels. The game features simple but addictive gameplay that captures the essence of Rampage while adapting it to the constraints of the C64.
### Graphics and Sound
Despite its small size, Elav boasts impressive graphics created using the Little Sara Sister Construction Kit, a special tool that generates 40×25 maps. The character sprites were made using Vice, a popular C64 emulator, and the source code is included in the game’s zip file for reference.
The game’s music, composed within the limited space, adds to the overall atmosphere and complements the fast-paced action.
### Compatibility and Availability
Elav is compatible with both PAL and NTSC versions of the Commodore 64, ensuring that players worldwide can enjoy the game on their preferred hardware.
The game is available for free download on the Ice Team’s Itch.io page, along with the Little Sara Sister Construction Kit used to create the graphics.
Elav is a remarkable achievement in compact game development for the Commodore 64.
Its small size belies the fun and challenging gameplay that pays homage to the classic Rampage while adapting it to the limitations of the C64.
With its impressive graphics, catchy music, and free availability, Elav is a must-play for fans of retro gaming and Rampage enthusiasts alike.
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Minotrace
Minotrace is a thrilling Commodore 64 game that takes players on a race against time through a series of increasingly complex mazes. Developed by drmortalwombat, this “little snack game” showcases an impressive grid-based ray-casting routine created with the Oscar C compiler.
### Gameplay
The objective in Minotrace is to navigate through 27 levels of mazes, each more intricate than the last. Players use joystick controls to move their character, with the fire button providing a speed boost. Before each level, a preview of the maze is displayed, allowing players to strategize their route using the left and right joystick controls. The STOP button opens an in-game menu for quick access.
The gameplay is reminiscent of classic 80s 3D maze games like 3D Hard Maze, challenging players to memorize layouts and react quickly to obstacles. The fast-paced action and tight controls make Minotrace an addictive and satisfying experience.
### Graphics and Sound
Minotrace’s visuals are a standout feature, with detailed 3D environments and a vibrant color palette that evokes the retro aesthetic. The ray-casting technique used to render the mazes is remarkably smooth and efficient, considering the limitations of the C64 hardware.
The game’s soundtrack, composed by Crisps, is a perfect match for the Victorian-era inspired setting. The title and in-game music create an atmospheric and immersive experience, complementing the gameplay perfectly.
### Difficulty and Replayability
Minotrace is not for the faint of heart. The game’s difficulty ramps up quickly, with later levels presenting complex mazes and tight time constraints. However, the sense of accomplishment when completing a challenging stage is incredibly rewarding.
With 27 levels to conquer, Minotrace offers substantial replayability. The varied maze designs and the need to master each one to progress add to the game’s longevity. Speedrunners and high-score chasers will find plenty to keep them engaged.
Minotrace is a triumph of C64 game development, showcasing the system’s capabilities while delivering an engaging and challenging experience. Its retro-inspired visuals, catchy soundtrack, and addictive gameplay make it a must-play for fans of classic maze games and C64 enthusiasts alike. If you’re looking for a thrilling race through a labyrinth of rainbows and zebras, Minotrace is the game for you.
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AARD MAZE 3D
One of our Italian team members reminded us of a similar, primordial video game from the early 80s for the Commodore 64 called Aard Maze 3D, developed by Massimo Scavanini and published by Playvision in 1984.
This game featured authentic Victorian-era music in the background, which contributed to a claustrophobic atmosphere while navigating its intricate mazes.
Great !!!
