Kick of the Spear – Return of Anubis is Magovinna’s enhanced take on the original Kick of the Spear, aiming to improve on the fighting combat game based on feedback.
Priced at $3.99 USD, this Commodore 64 title brings arcade-style fighting action to your retro machine.
### Gameplay
Return of Anubis tells the story of the fierce god Anubis rising from the underworld to spread fear. You must enter his lair, defeat his guards, and ultimately face Anubis himself. The game features a story mode with platforming sections interspersed between combat, a versus mode, and a two-player fighting mode.
The enhanced version includes an improved AI engine and a scrolling arena. However, despite these improvements, the fighting sections play similarly to the previous version. The new AI provides more of a challenge, requiring players to vary their attacks. The scrolling fighting area also adds depth to the fighting mechanic. Unfortunately, the number of attack moves remains limited, and all enemy fighters tend to feel the same.
The story mode’s integration is a mixed bag. The platform stage feels tacked on, with an inconsistent view compared to the combat sections. The platforming action itself is described as annoying, featuring floating symbols as hazards.
### Presentation
The presentation is a mixed bag. Digital speech, which was absent from the first Kick of the Spear, has been added and sounds good. The console panels at the top and bottom of the combat sections are improved, seemingly at the cost of the background graphics, which are now almost non-existent. The in-game music remains somewhat lacking. The game features large, high-resolution sprites.
### Pros
Large sprites
Digital speech
### Cons
Limited attack moves
All characters fight similarly
Bland background graphics
Annoying platform stage in story mode
While credit is due to the coder for attempting to improve Kick of the Spear, Return of Anubis still has room for improvement. More attack moves, distinct enemy characteristics, defensive moves, and greater strategy are needed to elevate the game to the quality of titles like SNK vs CAPCOM.
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Abyssal Karma
Abyssal Karma is a top-scrolling shoot ’em up for the Commodore 64, designed and with graphics by Rodrigo Yeowtch using the SEUCK editor.
### Gameplay
In Abyssal Karma, players navigate through desolate alien cityscapes, crushing enemies by fire. The game has a high difficulty level, but it owns final boss and an ending.
### Credits
Design and Graphics: Rodrigo Yeowtch
Level Editor: Pino Vox (Voxvideogame&Co.)
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Forgotten Forest 2
Forgotten Forest 2 is a free Halloween offering from Psytronik Software, created by Alf Yngve using SEUCK (Shoot ‘Em Up Construction Kit) and enhanced with music by Richard Bayliss. This Commodore 64 title plunges you into a dark and spooky forest where survival depends on quick reflexes and accurate shooting.
### Gameplay
The premise is simple: navigate a narrow path through a menacing forest, fending off attacking demons and monsters. The limited space for maneuverability means you must dispatch enemies quickly and efficiently. It’s a test of skill and reaction time as you fight to survive your journey through the forest.
### Controls
The game utilizes a standard joystick in port 2 for control. On the intro screen, moving the joystick up and down allows you to choose between audio settings or to start the game.
### Presentation
The game features eerie graphics and sound effects by Alf Yngve. The music by Richard Bayliss adds to the atmosphere, creating a sense of dread and tension as you progress through the forest. The intro screen, created by Milasoft, sets the stage for the spooky adventure that awaits.
### Pros
Spooky and atmospheric
Simple but engaging gameplay
Compatible with C64Mini/Maxi
### Cons
Limited maneuverability
May be too difficult for some players
Created with SEUCK, so has some inherent limitations
Possibly a Palpatine reference? (this reviewer feels like it should have a disclaimer to that affect)
Forgotten Forest 2 is a great example of what can be achieved with the SEUCK engine, creating a unique and atmospheric experience that captures the spirit of the season.
