Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Vlambeer knows your C64 is in the attic, made Super Bread Box anyway]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/vlambeer-knows-your-c64-is-in-the-attic-made-super-bread-box-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/vlambeer-knows-your-c64-is-in-the-attic-made-super-bread-box-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/vlambeer-knows-your-c64-is-in-the-attic-made-super-bread-box-an/#comments Vlambeer knows your C64 is in the attic, made Super Bread Box anywayWhen we first heard Super Crate Box would get a Commodore 64 version this December, our first question was, "Why?" As Rami Ismail of Vlambeer answers us, it's mostly because he can.

"When we released Super Crate Box almost two years ago, one of the things we kept on hearing was that the game felt like the classics - the arcade era of old," Ismail says. "We like to think that our games could've been made in the 80s - that they would've worked in some way on a C64 or similar. When Adam Saltsman released C64anabalt, we decided that it could be worth trying to see whether it'd work. We got in touch with the team that developed the C64 version and decided developing a real, actual C64 version was the ultimate test."

OK, that's fine, we thought. Developers challenging themselves is a great way to ensure the industry doesn't stagnate. But then we thought of another conundrum. "Who the hell still has a C64?"

"One of us does have an old one somewhere, although we're not quite sure whether it still works," Ismail says. "We don't know how many people actually have a C64, but we hope that enough people would grab it from their storage to give Super Bread Box a try. Either way, we're mostly doing the project because we want to see whether it is possible."

Continue reading Vlambeer knows your C64 is in the attic, made Super Bread Box anyway

JoystiqVlambeer knows your C64 is in the attic, made Super Bread Box anyway originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bread-binbreadbinc64c64anabaltCommodore-64rami-ismailsuper-crate-boxvlambeerMon, 22 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Crate Box free on iOS today, C64 version out in December]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/super-crate-box-free-on-ios-today-c64-version-out-in-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/super-crate-box-free-on-ios-today-c64-version-out-in-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/super-crate-box-free-on-ios-today-c64-version-out-in-december/#comments
Super Crate Box turns two today, Vlambeer announced - just two years ago, the PC version of the addictive, endless platform shooter launched. To celebrate that milestone, the developer has made the non-free iOS version free, for today only.

Along with that giveaway, the developer also showed off an early build (above) of Super Bread Box, an incredibly faithful adaptation for Commodore 64 by C64anabalt creator Paul Koller. It'll be available in "early December," giving you plenty of time to dust off your C64.

JoystiqSuper Crate Box free on iOS today, C64 version out in December originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commodore-64iosipadiphonemobilepcsuper-bread-boxsuper-crate-boxMon, 22 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City as a Commodore 64 game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-as-a-commodore-64-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-as-a-commodore-64-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/grand-theft-auto-vice-city-as-a-commodore-64-game/#comments
If you haven't finished GTA: Vice City yet, you don't want to watch this C64 demake because it totally ruins the ending. Then again, if you haven't finished Vice City yet, you're the biggest procrastinator we've ever met and maybe it's time you caught up to the rest of the world.

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto: Vice City as a Commodore 64 game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commodore-64demakemacmicrosoftpcplaystationps3pspsonyxboxFri, 27 Jul 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prince of Persia leaps to Commodore 64]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/prince-of-persia-leaps-to-commodore-64/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/prince-of-persia-leaps-to-commodore-64/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/prince-of-persia-leaps-to-commodore-64/#comments
Finally, those stalwarts who refuse to "upgrade" from their trusty Commodore 64 computers can experience that hot new game, Prince of Persia. Homebrew developer mrsid ported the 1989 game from its original Apple 2 version, making the cartridge image available for download from his site. If you have a C64 or 128 and a flashable C64 cartridge -- or, more likely, if you have a C64 emulator -- you can check out the achievement.

The rest of us will have to settle for this video, which looks remarkably smooth for an unofficial port on such an old system. It drew the attention of Prince of Persia creator Jordan Mechner, who commented to say "I'm amazed and humbled by the amount of work this must have taken."

Mechner also solved the mystery of why there wasn't an official C64 version, even though there were so many ports: "Back in 1989, when I was making POP on the Apple II, I couldn't get anyone interested in doing a C64 port," he commented, "because it was too old a system."

JoystiqPrince of Persia leaps to Commodore 64 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Commodore 64commodore-64homebrewjordan-mechnermrsimpcPrince of Persiaprince-of-persiaPrince-of-Persia-ClassicretroSci/TechMon, 17 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Add Water reveals screenshot of abandoned Paradroid remake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/just-add-water-reveals-screenshot-of-abandoned-paradroid-remake/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/just-add-water-reveals-screenshot-of-abandoned-paradroid-remake/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/just-add-water-reveals-screenshot-of-abandoned-paradroid-remake/#comments The Oddworld franchise isn't the only series developer Just Add Water had its sights on for a reboot -- the company recently tweeted a concept image of an abandoned remake of the Commodore 64 classic Paradroid. (That's Spanish for "for Droid," you know.)

Continue reading Just Add Water reveals screenshot of abandoned Paradroid remake

JoystiqJust Add Water reveals screenshot of abandoned Paradroid remake originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancelledcommodore-64just-add-waterparadroidrebootremakeFri, 08 Apr 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Commodore 64 returns as a modern PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/the-commodore-64-returns-as-a-modern-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/the-commodore-64-returns-as-a-modern-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/the-commodore-64-returns-as-a-modern-pc/#commentsIf you want a working Commodore 64 in your home, but would also like something that you could actually use as a computer, somehow there's now a product to fit your needs. The new Commodore 64x looks as much like the beige wedge of old as you could ever expect, but has an Intel Dual Core 525 Atom processor, 2GB of RAM, and an Nvidia Ion 2 graphics chipset.

Though it's now a PC in C64 clothing, it's also designed to run the original software, using either an emulator or a custom Workbench 5 operating system, both of which are included. No release date or price information has been announced yet, but you can stare at pictures of the prototype in our gallery while you wait for information on your new Impossible Mission machine.

Gallery: Commodore 64x

JoystiqThe Commodore 64 returns as a modern PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commodoreCommodore-64commodore-64xCommodore64pcTue, 21 Dec 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone Commodore 64 emulator back on the App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/iphone-commodore-64-emulator-back-on-the-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/iphone-commodore-64-emulator-back-on-the-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/iphone-commodore-64-emulator-back-on-the-app-store/#comments Having been rejected, accepted and subsequently removed, developer Manomio has finally gotten its iPhone Commodore 64 emulator back on Apple's App Store. The emulator had originally been rejected by Apple, thanks to its inclusion of a BASIC interpreter. Access to the interpreter was later removed, and the app was accepted, only to be later removed after some users figured out how to hack it and access the interpreter.

Now, with further revised code, the emulator has reappeared on the App Store. In addition to the revised code, Casualgaming.biz reports that the application has received a boost in performance as well as three new games, International Basketball, International Baseball, and International Tennis. These new titles join the other bundled games, Dragons Den, Le Mans, Arctic Shipwreck, Jack Attack and Jupiter Lander.

C64 ($4.99): 5 Minutes to Kill (Yourself)

JoystiqiPhone Commodore 64 emulator back on the App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applec64commodore-64commodore-64-emulatoriphoneipodmanomioTue, 10 Nov 2009 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VC in Brief: Wonder Boy III (SMS) and Cybernoid (C64)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/vc-in-brief-wonder-boy-iii-sms-and-cybernoid-c64/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/vc-in-brief-wonder-boy-iii-sms-and-cybernoid-c64/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/vc-in-brief-wonder-boy-iii-sms-and-cybernoid-c64/#commentsThis week's Virtual Console update is quite the doozie, giving us one obscure C64 title and one game we've played a billion times. We don't mean to sound bitter, but we're pretty sure there's a baker's dozen Wonder Boy games littering the lands of the Virtual Console. Check 'em out above!
  • Cybernoid (C64, 1 player, 500 Wii Points)
  • Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap (Sega Master System, 1 player, 500 Wii Points)
Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks like that.

JoystiqVC in Brief: Wonder Boy III (SMS) and Cybernoid (C64) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c64commodore-64commodore64cybernoidsegasega-master-systemvc-in-briefwonder-boywonder-boy-3wonder-boy-iiiMon, 09 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VC in Brief: Last Ninja 2 (Commodore 64)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/vc-in-brief-last-ninja-2-commodore-64/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/vc-in-brief-last-ninja-2-commodore-64/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/vc-in-brief-last-ninja-2-commodore-64/#comments
Last Ninja 2 (Commodore 64, 1 player, 500 Wii Points)
We say: Save your sawbuck

This week's VC in Brief is all about Last Ninja 2, the story of one ninja trapped in 1988 New York city. For me, it was more the story of ninja persecution at the hands of the NYPD, but, to be fair, juggling clowns in the park didn't seem to like me either. Regardless, I found that Last Ninja 2 -- much like its predecessor -- just isn't for me.

Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.

JoystiqVC in Brief: Last Ninja 2 (Commodore 64) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commodore-64last-ninjalast-ninja-2vc-in-briefMon, 21 Sep 2009 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: You, Last Ninja 2, Family Tennis and the Cubes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/nintendoware-weekly-you-last-ninja-2-family-tennis-and-the-cu/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/nintendoware-weekly-you-last-ninja-2-family-tennis-and-the-cu/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/nintendoware-weekly-you-last-ninja-2-family-tennis-and-the-cu/#comments
Studies show that American consumers are most receptive to downloadable content at the beginning of the week. It's true! Why do you think Nintendo dumps its releases out on Mondays? It's not rocket science, people. But, we digress. Hop past the break to check out what's new this week for download on Wii and DSi.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: You, Last Ninja 2, Family Tennis and the Cubes

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: You, Last Ninja 2, Family Tennis and the Cubes originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysaksys-gamesclubhouse-gamesclubhouse-games-expresscommodore-64DSdsiwareelectronic-artsfamily-tennislast-ninja-2mysims-cameraNintendonintendoware-weeklyvirtual-consoleWiiwiiwareyou-me-and-the-cubesMon, 21 Sep 2009 10:56:00 EST<![CDATA[C64 emulator ready, running on iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/c64-emulator-ready-running-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/c64-emulator-ready-running-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/c64-emulator-ready-running-on-iphone/#commentsEarlier this summer, developer Manomio's officially-licensed Commodore 64 emulator app for iPhone hit the news -- not because it was released then, but rather because it wasn't. Apple rejected the app because it "launched other executable code," specifically, C64 games.

Now, Apple Insider reports that the app has been given a second chance. Apple approved it, now that the 3.0 SDK allows in-app purchases -- and therefore, we supposed keeps the emulator part, and the ROMS, closed and inaccessible. Now we just have to wait for the official release of the app! Oh, except it's already in the App Store right now for five bucks, with included copies of Dragons Den, Le Mans, Jupiter Lander, Arctic Shipwreck, and Jack Attack.

C64 (Manomio, $5.99) C64

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqC64 emulator ready, running on iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applec64commodorecommodore-64emulationiPodMon, 07 Sep 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[If you only watch one 8-bit Lego animation today, make it 8-bit trip]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/24/if-you-only-watch-one-8-bit-lego-animation-today-make-it-8-bit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/24/if-you-only-watch-one-8-bit-lego-animation-today-make-it-8-bit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/24/if-you-only-watch-one-8-bit-lego-animation-today-make-it-8-bit/#commentsRymdreglage's 8-bit trip (see it after the break!) combines an original chiptune composition by Daniel Larsson with a ridiculously amazing Lego animation by Thomas Redigh to create a memorable tribute to the Commodore 64 and NES. The video is composed almost entirely of Lego pixel animation, with stop-motion nods to International Karate, Tetris, Super Mario Bros., and Pac-Man. The Pong sequence is especially jaw-dropping, featuring the proto-game playing on the interior of a spinning structure as it constantly destroys and rebuilds itself. The animation, according to the video's YouTube description, took 1,500 hours, and it shows.

More work by Rymdreglage can be found at the duo's website. Not right now, though, because the Internet has crushed the site with its love.

[Thanks, Darric]

Continue reading If you only watch one 8-bit Lego animation today, make it 8-bit trip

JoystiqIf you only watch one 8-bit Lego animation today, make it 8-bit trip originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-bit-tripanimationchiptunescommodore-64legonewrymdeglagevideoMon, 24 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Final Fantasy IV, Mighty Flip Champs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/nintendoware-weekly-final-fantasy-iv-mighty-flip-champs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/nintendoware-weekly-final-fantasy-iv-mighty-flip-champs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/nintendoware-weekly-final-fantasy-iv-mighty-flip-champs/#comments Even though we're beginning our hellish descent into the mouth of madness that is E3, Nintendo is still taking the time to unload the downloadable goods to fans. This week, you'll find some fresh DSiWare, and your usual doses of WiiWare and Virtual Console goodies to boot. So, head past the break to check out what's available this week on Nintendo platforms.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Final Fantasy IV, Mighty Flip Champs

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Final Fantasy IV, Mighty Flip Champs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boulder-dashc64commodore-64DSdsiwarefinal-fantasy-ivmighty-flip-champsNintendonintendoware-weeklysquare-enixtexas-hold-emtexas-hold-em-tournamentvirtual-consolewayforwardwayforward-technologiesWiiwiiwareMon, 01 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB rates Tecmo's Wiimote-shaking WiiWare game, more C64 VC games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/23/esrb-rates-tecmos-wiimote-shaking-wiiware-game-more-c64-vc-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/23/esrb-rates-tecmos-wiimote-shaking-wiiware-game-more-c64-vc-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/23/esrb-rates-tecmos-wiimote-shaking-wiiware-game-more-c64-vc-gam/#commentsTecmo's Atsui 12 Game Furi Furi Party was initially revealed at TGS as a barebones WiiWare game that did nothing but score players based on the speed of their waggling. When it was released in Japan late last month, it appeared to be much more full-featured, with multiple modes and, you know, graphics.

We'll have our chance to experience the Furi Furi Party in the future! The ESRB has posted a rating for a Tecmo Wii game called 3-2-1 Rattle Battle. Rattle Battle! It's pretty catchy.

In other ESRB news, two more Commodore 64 games have been rated for release on the Wii: Impossible Mission and Boulder Dash.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqESRB rates Tecmo's Wiimote-shaking WiiWare game, more C64 VC games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-2-1-rattle-battleatsui-12-gamesboulder-dashcommodore-64esrbimpossible-missiontecmovirtual-consolewiiwareThu, 23 Apr 2009 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: Let the Games Continue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/vc-friday-let-the-games-continue/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/vc-friday-let-the-games-continue/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/vc-friday-let-the-games-continue/#commentsEuropean Wii owners this week are treated to something they must have known was coming sooner or later: Epyx's Winter Games. The multi-event Olympic games seem like canonical European games of the era, and Summer Games 2 is already out. Eventually, North American gamers will get to enjoy things like this! Personally, the last time this blogger played Winter Games, it was on the Atari 7800.

Also available this week for PAL downloaders: last week's North American release, Wolf of the Battlefield: MERCS. It lacks the multiplayer of the arcade game, but it's a pretty okay action game on its own, full of ridiculous attitude and 16-bit bombast. Overall, it's not the greatest week, but neither is it Urban Champion.
  • Winter Games -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points
  • Wolf of the Battlefield: MERCS -- Mega Drive -- 800 Wii Points
Videos of the Games: CLIPS after the break.

Continue reading VC Friday: Let the Games Continue

JoystiqVC Friday: Let the Games Continue originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcommodore-64epyxfridaymega-drivemercsvirtual-consolewinter-gamesFri, 20 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: Impossible Mission II on PAL Wii Shop ... FOREVER]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/vc-friday-impossible-mission-ii-on-pal-wii-shop-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/vc-friday-impossible-mission-ii-on-pal-wii-shop-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/vc-friday-impossible-mission-ii-on-pal-wii-shop-forever/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've talked about our love of Impossible Mission in a previous VC Friday, and now the PAL Wii Shop has the sequel! That we never played! Oh, happy days. If you haven't downloaded the first game, why on earth not? Beyond the crude visuals lies a highly entertaining and surprisingly atmospheric puzzle-based platformer. The sequel sounds like more of the same but with a few new robots, which is fine with us.

Meanwhile, Last Ninja 3 is the second C64 title available this week. Has it aged as poorly as the first two? Probably. It certainly looks similar in footage, though Reyn Ouwehand's soundrack still rocks our socks. Then there's Boogerman, which you really shouldn't download. Here's a video explaining why.
  • Last Ninja 3* -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points
  • Impossible Mission II* -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points
  • Boogerman: A Pick and Flick Adventure -- Mega Drive -- 800 Wii Points
* Europe only, obviously. As usual, make the jump for videos of all three.

Gallery: Impossible Mission II (Commodore 64)

Continue reading VC Friday: Impossible Mission II on PAL Wii Shop ... FOREVER

JoystiqVC Friday: Impossible Mission II on PAL Wii Shop ... FOREVER originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaboogermancommodore-64epyxeuropefridayimpossible-mission-iilast-ninja-3mega-drivepalplatformsystem-3Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Beloved C64 Mario clone now on a Nintendo system]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/beloved-c64-mario-clone-now-on-a-nintendo-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/beloved-c64-mario-clone-now-on-a-nintendo-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/beloved-c64-mario-clone-now-on-a-nintendo-system/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Time Warp Productions' The Great Giana Sisters is highly regarded as one of the Commodore 64's best platform games. It was also an unsubtle Super Mario Bros. clone, a fact which resulted in the removal of the game from the market. Even handicapped by total retail unavailability, the game propagated enough to become a classic, as did its much more original soundtrack.

Developer Spellbound Entertainment is bringing the sisters back, with a new game on the DS. The graphical style has changed quite a bit, with smooth backgrounds reminiscent of Cave Story, but the Mario influence is still as clear as ever. Publisher dtp Entertainment is planning a June 2009 release (presumably in Europe, where people know what The Great Giana Sisters is).

It's not new, but if you're so inclined, you can play the original Great Giana Sisters on the DS right now in the form of a homebrew remake.


[Via press release]

JoystiqBeloved C64 Mario clone now on a Nintendo system originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commodore-64dtp-entertainmentplatformspellbound-entertainmentthe-great-giana-sistersTue, 09 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: A trip to the Fantasy Zone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/vc-friday-a-trip-to-the-fantasy-zone/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/vc-friday-a-trip-to-the-fantasy-zone/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/vc-friday-a-trip-to-the-fantasy-zone/#commentsFiled under: ,

After last week's fairly abominable update, Space Harrier is back to save us all. The last time we played Sega's classic rail shooter was in the arcades of Shenmue, and we seem to recall it feeling a bit ancient, but still being a bit of a hoot.

Also appearing is Street Fighter II: Special Championship Edition (which, rather ludicrously, is the third variation of Street Fighter II to appear on the PAL Virtual Console) and Mayhem in Monsterland, one of the very last of the Commodore 64's 20,000 or so titles, and a graphical stunner for the time. Footage of all three is past the break.
  • Street Fighter II: Special Championship Edition -- Mega Drive -- 800 Nintendo Points
  • Mayhem in Monsterland -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Nintendo Points*
  • Space Harrier -- Master System -- 500 Nintendo Points

Continue reading VC Friday: A trip to the Fantasy Zone

JoystiqVC Friday: A trip to the Fantasy Zone originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apexaustraliacapcomcommodore-64europefightingfridaymaster-systemmayhem-in-monsterlandmega-drivepalplatformspace-harrierstreet-fighterstreet-fighter-iiFri, 17 Oct 2008 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: A blue blur]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/vc-friday-a-blue-blur/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/vc-friday-a-blue-blur/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/vc-friday-a-blue-blur/#commentsFiled under: ,

A triple whammy of 500 Wii Point games this week, starting with the Master System version of Sonic the Hedgehog, from the days when the world loved and respected Sonic the Hedgehog. With the Mega Drive/Genesis version already available on the Virtual Console for 300 Points more, we suspect the Master System edition is for either Sonic completists or cheapskates. We fit both categories.

Then there are a couple of ye olde classics from the Commodore 64: Boulder Dash and Jumpman. The name "Jumpman" is coincidental, by the way, though the game is probably similar enough to Donkey Kong to warrant suspicion.
  • Sonic the Hedgehog -- Master System -- 500 Wii Points
  • Boulder Dash -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points*
  • Jumpman -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points*
See all three doing their thing past the break!

Continue reading VC Friday: A blue blur

JoystiqVC Friday: A blue blur originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaboulder-dashcommodore-64epyxeuropefridayjumpmanmega-drivepalplatformpuzzlesegasonicsonic-the-hedgehogFri, 19 Sep 2008 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: Sequel week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/vc-friday-sequel-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/vc-friday-sequel-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/vc-friday-sequel-week/#commentsFiled under: ,


Game sequels often suffer from a reputation of being weaker than their predecessors, but that hasn't stopped Nintendo whacking a whole pile of them on the PAL Virtual Console this week. The M-rated Splatterhouse 2 leads the charge, bloodied lead pipe in hand, and is joined by Samurai Shodown II, Pitstop II, and Ecco Jr. (okay, so that's not a sequel in the strictest sense of the term, but a spin-off for the kids). Here's what that little lot will cost you:
  • Ecco Jr. -- Mega Drive -- 800 Wii Points
  • Splatterhouse 2 -- Mega Drive -- 800 Wii Points
  • Samurai Shodown II -- Neo Geo -- 900 Wii Points
  • Pitstop II -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points *
* As usual, Australia misses out on the Commodore 64 game.

Footage of all four is past the break -- try listening to six minutes of Pitstop II's engine effects without going insane.

Continue reading VC Friday: Sequel week

JoystiqVC Friday: Sequel week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacommodore-64ecco-jreuropefridaygenesismega-drivenamconeo-geonovotradepalpitstop-2samurai-shodownsamurai-shodown-2segasequelsnksplatterhousesplatterhouse-2Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Finally: Motion control comes to the C64]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/finally-motion-control-comes-to-the-c64/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/finally-motion-control-comes-to-the-c64/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/finally-motion-control-comes-to-the-c64/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Old hardware doesn't die ... it just gets hacked. As documented in the above video, Jeff Ledger has pieced together a clever little collection of chips and wires to bring vaguely Wii remote style interaction to the Commodore 64.

Perhaps it should be called Wii-ffle Ball, since he's taken a wiffle bat, attached an accelerometer to it, and created an interface that lets the C64 read the sensor's output as a button press. When the bat is swung fast enough, it triggers the switch and, in this case, tells Street Sports Baseball to "swing away."

[Via Hack a Day]

JoystiqFinally: Motion control comes to the C64 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commodore-64motion-sensingwii-remoteTue, 08 Jul 2008 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: A monstrous update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/vc-friday-a-monstrous-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/vc-friday-a-monstrous-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/vc-friday-a-monstrous-update/#commentsFiled under: ,

Maybe "monstrous" is overdoing it, but after last week's no-show for the Virtual Console, we're back to five games for this Friday's PAL region VC update. Hurrah! These range from forgettable spin-offs (Pac-Attack -- the first SNES title we've seen in over three months, bizarrely) to a Commodore 64 fan favorite (Cybernoid) to SNK's excellent King of the Monsters, which probably hasn't been bettered in the monsters-breaking-stuff genre since its release.
  • Super Fantasy Zone -- Mega Drive -- 800 Wii Points
  • Pac-Attack -- SNES -- 800 Wii Points
  • Summer Games 2 -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points
  • Cybernoid -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points
  • King of the Monsters -- Neo Geo -- 900 Wii Points
We have some videos featuring some of the above for you, but you'll have to smash the break down with your giant monster limbs to access them.

Continue reading VC Friday: A monstrous update

JoystiqVC Friday: A monstrous update originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacommodore-64cybernoideuropefridaygenesisking-of-the-monstersmega-driveneo-geopac-attackpalsnessummer-gamessuper-fantasy-zoneFri, 27 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: Back on form]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/vc-friday-back-on-form/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/vc-friday-back-on-form/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/vc-friday-back-on-form/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you think we've already forgiven Nintendo for totally neglecting the PAL Virtual Console last week, you can think again, sunshine. Nope, Ninty is officially in our bad books, and no amount of sweet talk, flowers, weekends away, or singing telegrams can let the company out of the doghouse right now. Frankly, we've never felt so unwan -- eh, what's that you say? Five games? Two of which prominently feature ninjas? Oh, go on then.
  • Alex Kidd in Miracle World -- Master System -- 500 Wii Points
  • Fatal Fury 2 -- Neo Geo -- 900 Wii Points
  • Ninja Combat -- Neo Geo -- 900 Wii Points
  • Last Ninja 2: Back with a Vengeance -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points *
  • Nebulus -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points *
* Unavailable in Oz, we're afraid, but look at the bright side: footage of all five games is past the break! Actually, we're not sure how that's meant to console you, or how those two facts are even related. Ridiculous, really.

Continue reading VC Friday: Back on form

JoystiqVC Friday: Back on form originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionalpha-denshiaustraliacommodore-64europefatal-furyfatal-fury-2fightingfridaymaster-systemneo-geoninja-combatpalplatformpuzzlesegasnksystem-3triffixFri, 13 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: Taking a breather]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/vc-friday-taking-a-breather/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/vc-friday-taking-a-breather/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/vc-friday-taking-a-breather/#commentsFiled under: ,

After the joy/expense of WiiWare's Euro and Aussie launch, Nintendo has put its feet up and given us just the one game this Friday: the Commodore 64's Paradroid. We're totally okay with that! As our credit cards have already endured a thorough battering this week, they could do with the break. Breathe easy again, our little plastic friends.

Not massively familiar with Paradroid myself, though its Wikipedia page makes it sound like the ideal preparation for the inevitable war between humans and robots. One thing I am aware of is that Paradroid is discussed in hushed, reverent tones by those in the know, so if any of my fellow Old People would like to enthuse about it in the comments, be my guest. The rest of you can take in some footage of the game past the break.
  • Paradroid -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points*
* Only in Europe. Sucks to be Australia.

Continue reading VC Friday: Taking a breather

JoystiqVC Friday: Taking a breather originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-braybrookcommodore-64europefridaygraftgoldhewsonpalparadroidsci-fiFri, 23 May 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: Ninja Dragon Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/vc-friday-ninja-dragon-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/vc-friday-ninja-dragon-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/vc-friday-ninja-dragon-games/#commentsFiled under: ,

A trio of games this week on the PAL Virtual Console (all of which would be dead to us if "Ninja Dragon Games" actually existed), including one we totally want, one that will probably be undeservedly overlooked in favor of the one we totally want and, um, World Games (Commodore 64), which we're entirely unfamiliar with.

The former, obviously, is Double Dragon (NES), and although we plan to download Technos' landmark game with a quickness, we feel a bit bad for The Last Ninja (Commodore 64), which deserves some attention, if only for its amazing soundtrack. Check videos of all three out after the blue words, and marvel at how barrel jumping looks ... oddly compelling.
  • Double Dragon -- NES -- 500 Wii Points
  • World Games -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points*
  • The Last Ninja -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points*
* Only in Europe.

Continue reading VC Friday: Ninja Dragon Games

JoystiqVC Friday: Ninja Dragon Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiac64commodore-64double-dragoneclipseepyxeuropefridaykunionespalsystem-3technosthe-last-ninjaworld-gamesFri, 25 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: 'Stay a while ... Stay FOREVER']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/vc-friday-stay-a-while-stay-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/vc-friday-stay-a-while-stay-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/vc-friday-stay-a-while-stay-forever/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Nintendo, with this week's four Virtual Console releases you are really spoiling us!"

We feel extra special this week, because kindly old Uncle Nintendo has lavished the PAL Virtual Console (or at least the European Virtual Console) with four new titles, including another two Commodore 64 additions (both of which are cracking), and the first Master System games to reach Australia. Unusually, all four are worth a look, but Impossible Mission has a special room all of its own in this blogger's heart. As usual, there's footage of all titles past the break.
  • California Games -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points*
  • Impossible Mission -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points*
  • Wonder Boy -- Master System -- 500 Wii Points
  • Fantasy Zone -- Master System -- 500 Wii Points
* Europe only, for now -- sorry, Aussies!

Continue reading VC Friday: 'Stay a while ... Stay FOREVER'

JoystiqVC Friday: 'Stay a while ... Stay FOREVER' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacalifornia-gamescommodore-64epyxeuropefantasy-zonefridayimpossible-missionmaster-systempalplatformsegashmupshootersportswonder-boyFri, 11 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: Commodore 64 hits the ground running]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/vc-friday-commodore-64-hits-the-ground-running/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/vc-friday-commodore-64-hits-the-ground-running/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/vc-friday-commodore-64-hits-the-ground-running/#commentsFiled under:



Ladies and gents, let's make some noise for the latest addition to the PAL European (sorry, Aussies) Virtual Console, the Commodore 64. Woo!

Yep, after what feels like an eternity, the fondly remembered platform has made its Virtual Console debut with two of the strongest titles from its vast library: International Karate and Uridium. Both are comfortably worth the entrance fee of 500 Wii points, and begin to look like an even more obscene bargain when you consider this week's other addition: Midway's totally mediocre Cruis'n USA. Hit the break for videos of all three.
  • International Karate -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii points
  • Uridium -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii points
  • Cruis'n USA -- N64 -- 1000 Wii points

Continue reading VC Friday: Commodore 64 hits the ground running

JoystiqVC Friday: Commodore 64 hits the ground running originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacommodore-64cruisncruisn-usaeuropefightingfridayn64palracingshmupuridiumFri, 28 Mar 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Commodore 64 coming to European Virtual Console in 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/commodore-64-coming-to-european-virtual-console-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/commodore-64-coming-to-european-virtual-console-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/commodore-64-coming-to-european-virtual-console-in-2008/#commentsFiled under: ,

Another classic game console has joined Nintendo's Virtual Console lineup. A press release on the Nintendo Finland site announced that Commodore 64 titles will appear in the European Wii Shop Channel. That C64 is coming to Virtual Console isn't surprised (we've known since 2006), but we now know a timeframe (sometime this year) and a price of 500 points (€5 / £3.75) per game.

The first two games for the shop will be Uridium and International Karate. Are these games really worth the price of an NES title? Other recent Virtual Console platform additions include the Sega Master System. No word on when C64 will find its way into non-European Wii units.

[Via VGB, NWF]

JoystiqCommodore 64 coming to European Virtual Console in 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c64commodore-64international-karateuridiumvirtual-consoleWiiThu, 21 Feb 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Commodore 64 games coming to European VC later this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/commodore-64-games-coming-to-european-vc-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/commodore-64-games-coming-to-european-vc-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/commodore-64-games-coming-to-european-vc-later-this-year/#commentsFiled under: ,



We've known since late 2006 that Nintendo intended to add classic titles from the Commodore 64's library to its Virtual Console service, but Nintendo of Europe has been hesitant to reveal any concrete details until now.

According to NoE, the C64 games are only planned for release in Europe so far, and they will be available to purchase for 500 Wii Points (€5, approximately $7.35) later this year. 500 Wii Points?! That's as much as an NES release on the Wii Shop Channel!

Nintendo has already confirmed Uridium and International Karate as potential VC titles, both of which you can find video for after the post break. The 25-year-old console has a line-up of over 4,000 games to draw from, so it's guaranteed that we'll see regular C64 releases for years. Maybe this means that Nintendo will start putting out three to four Virtual Console games a week again.

Continue reading Commodore 64 games coming to European VC later this year

JoystiqCommodore 64 games coming to European VC later this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c64commodore-64commodoresepyxeuropeinternational-karateuridiumwii-shop-channelThu, 21 Feb 2008 09:45:00 EST