A clear remake, although original, of Elite.
Made by very active group eXcess.
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The Last Defender
Set in the year 2073, Last Stand 2073 thrusts you into a desperate battle for Earth’s survival against a relentless alien invasion. This Commodore 64 title delivers a tense sci-fi action experience with tight gameplay mechanics and a compelling backstory that hooks you from the start.
The premise is simple but effective: after a surprise attack by a hostile alien race that has traversed countless star systems, humanity has fought back fiercely but is now on the brink of defeat. Only one hero remains to face the alien menace and reclaim Earth’s freedom. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere is charged with urgency.
Armed with a laser gun that drains energy with every shot, you must balance offense and conservation. Shooting recklessly leaves you vulnerable, as your weapon temporarily loses power after each blast. This energy management mechanic adds a strategic layer uncommon in many C64 shooters.
The aliens are no pushovers. They attack aggressively by dashing to the ground, during which they are invulnerable, forcing you to time your shots carefully. Floating mines act as deadly deterrents—hitting one means instant death for you and all enemies on screen, adding a thrilling risk-reward element.
Enemy projectiles include missiles you must shoot down and steel balls you need to dodge, while occasional shielded hopping aliens spawn to keep you on your toes. Scoring points rewards extra lives at regular intervals, with a cap of six lives, encouraging skilled play.
The game offers three difficulty levels—Recruit, Veteran, and Champion—catering to newcomers and veterans alike. You can choose to play through 21 stages for a defined campaign or opt for an endless mode that pushes you into infinite waves on maximum difficulty, perfect for high-score chasers.
Three different fire modes provide control flexibility, allowing you to tailor your shooting style to your preference. Movement and shooting are handled intuitively with the joystick in port 2, with pause and reset functions mapped to convenient keys.
One standout feature is its flawless compatibility with both PAL and NTSC Commodore 64 models. This means no matter your hardware region, the game runs smoothly without timing or display issues—a significant plus given the usual challenges of cross-region C64 game compatibility.
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Metal Mayhem
If you’ve been craving a vertical split-screen tank duel on the Commodore 64, Metal Mayhem delivers exactly that with old-school charm and competitive spirit. This one-on-one tank game brings back the thrill of head-to-head battles, whether you’re facing off against a friend or testing your mettle against a cunning AI opponent.
Metal Mayhem keeps things simple but intense. Each match is time-limited, pushing players to rack up as many points as possible before the clock runs out. The scoring system rewards multiple strategies: capturing the enemy’s flag and returning it to your base nets a hefty 1000 points, while destroying the opponent’s tank adds 200 points to your tally. Scattered bolts appear randomly across the battlefield, granting 100 points each when collected, adding an extra layer of risk and reward.
The vertical split-screen layout ensures you can keep an eye on your own tank and the enemy’s movements simultaneously, heightening the tension and tactical possibilities. It’s a pure, focused duel that harkens back to classic arcade-style competition.
Whether you want to challenge a friend in local multiplayer or prefer to test your skills against the computer, Metal Mayhem has you covered. The AI provides a solid challenge without feeling unfair, making it a great option for solo players looking to sharpen their tactics.
The game boasts broad compatibility, running smoothly on most Commodore 64 models as well as popular emulators. It supports both PAL and NTSC systems flawlessly, ensuring a consistent experience regardless of your hardware setup.
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Aquarius
In Aquarius, you control a small underwater craft navigating through various levels filled with obstacles and enemies. The gameplay blends action and strategy as you dodge hazards, collect items, and survive increasingly difficult underwater environments. The controls are smooth and responsive, allowing precise maneuvers essential for avoiding threats lurking in the depths.
The game challenges your reflexes and planning skills, with enemy patterns and environmental dangers that keep you on your toes. The pacing is well balanced, offering moments of intense action and brief respites to appreciate the underwater ambiance.
However there is an originality in this game like in no one other of this kind…
From the comment of its author:
Maneuver your space vessel Aquarius Kala and explore the lakes around the world and beyond.
Aquarius Kala is controlled entirely by your Commodore 1530 C2N Datassette! Press Play to dive, tap to shoot bubbles, and double tap to drop bombs.
Collect boots to recharge battery. Unlock the chests at end of each stage to spin a Bonus Game!
Algae slowly drags your ship deeper. Ship can’t be controlled while it’s entangled.
Gather samples of algae and take them to Proxima Centauri B. Why not build a new exo-ecosystem there?
Created for Zoo 2024 Game Dev competition.
Commodore 1530 C2N Datassette required for loading the game, controlling the game by touching and tapping the Play button, and receiving haptic feedback via the cassette motor.
(In the digital release, there is a “trainer” option for using the Space Bar instead of the Datassette Play button.)
