C64 owners could get the chance to enjoy a 16-bit classic as The Chaos Engine is ported to the 8-bit system.
16-bit run-and-gun classic The Chaos Engine looks amazing on the Amiga. So how come it also looks so good on the Commodore 64?
Set across four landscapes, the one- or two-player top-down shooter involves plenty of shooting as well as collectables and map sections that must be unlocked to proceed. It’s one of my personal favourite Amiga games latterly; back in the day, it frustrated me, but having revisited on the Evercade’s Bitmap Brothers Collection 1, I’ve found it an enjoyable and intensive gaming experience.
Here’s a look at the Amiga version, followed by the CD32, Atari ST, MS-DOS, SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive, and the SNES versions:
But with those stunning arcade style graphics and complex maps, how on earth could it run on the Commodore 64?
Well, let’s have a look:
Now of course the C64 version would never be able to hit the multicoloured 16-bit delights of those other versions. But WOW! It might have a paler palette, but the C64 can apparently do some very pretty animations for explosions – who knew?!
And as for the in-game soundtrack, well , that sounds excellent.
This project, billed as a “tribute” to The Chaos Engine, is by Marv Hardy. You can follow his progress on his Twitter feed, @MoreC64.
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.