This obscure Commodore 64 classic is one of THEscariest – and most confusing – games of all time. Both in one!
In Scarabaeus you have to explore an ancient Egyptian tomb, chasing ghosts, avoiding zombies and spiders, and eventually making your way to the Pharaoh’s tomb in the centre of the third level.
Perhaps the least orthodox Epyx multi-event sports game, but arguably the best out of all of them, California Games was first released in 1987 to much acclaim.
One of many classic Epyx-published multi-event sports games from the Eighties, Winter Games is a collection of playable snow and ice-based Olympic events, but without the official license.
In my mind THE best Olympic sports type game on the Commodore 64.
HES Games – by 321 Software and HESWare – beats Epyx‘s great sports titles by virtue of its simplicity, and of it’s refined control system. And there’s an interesting mix of events too.
John Phillips‘ fabulous Nebulus attracted rave reviews when it was first released in 1987, and – to be honest – it still gathers rave reviews now. The Commodore 64 original in particular.
Drill Dozer is a fun, side-scrolling “drill ’em up” where you take control of a small tank with a drill on the front, which allows you to dig your way through the landscape and bump off your enemies. You can upgrade the drill as you play, which then requires the learning of new control techniques – using a kind of gear type system. It’s all quite clever and original.