Koala Image Loader & Linker (K.I.L.L.E.R.) (2025, milasoft64)

The Koala Image Loader & Linker, K.I.L.L.E.R. for short, is a modern yet authentic utility developed by milasoft64 and released in 2025 for the Commodore 64 platform. This software specialises in the management and integration of images in the legendary Koala Painter format, allowing users to create spectacular loading screens and intros for their games or programs.

Koala K.I.L.L.E.R. stands for Koala Image Linker and Loader, so technically “Koala Koala Image Linker and Loader” rather than just “K.I.L.L.E.R.” which would scare away potential users.

The aim and purpose of the software

K.I.L.L.E.R. is a utility designed to efficiently link graphics in the Koala format – one of the most well-known and widely used image formats on the Commodore 64 – with other programs, such as games or demos. Koala images are traditionally 40 blocks in size (about 10 KB) and take advantage of the VIC-II graphics chip’s multi-colour support mode, which allows for rich, 320×200 pixel, 16-colour graphics. The software allows these images to be compressed, used as loading screens and custom intros to be created, while also optimising memory management and compatibility.

Features

• Compressing image files: the software is written in 6502 machine language and uses Brian Conrad’s compression algorithm to convert 40-block Koala files into a more efficient, executable format. This is particularly useful when working with limited disk space.

• Create a loading screen: it is possible to create loading screens that remain visible throughout the loading of the main program (e.g. a game), making the experience more professional.

• Create intro with scrolling message: users can create custom intros with scrolling text message and optional music. Text can be placed in the top or bottom frame to maximise screen space.

• Flexibility and customisation: the scroll position (Y-axis) is adjustable, and although there were some minor bugs in the initial release (such as documentation and interface differences), the developer is constantly refining the software based on community feedback.

• Free distribution: K.I.L.L.E.R. is free to distribute and modify, and the source code is available in C64Studio format, so programmers are free to develop it further.

Technical details

The software is written entirely in 6502 assembly language, which guarantees speed and low resource requirements – a must on a machine with only 64 KB of RAM. Loading and displaying Koala images takes advantage of the capabilities of the VIC-II chip, while scrolling and music playback can be synchronised with the C64’s famous SID chip. The developer had originally planned an IRQ-based loader that would have allowed music playback during loading, but this was eventually dropped to leave more memory for the main program.

User experiences

Using K.I.L.L.E.R. is simple, but requires some basic Commodore 64 knowledge. The included PDF documentation provides detailed instructions on how to install and use the functions. The program can be downloaded from milasoft64’s itch.io site, where the community is already actively testing and providing feedback. For example, users have reported that frame scrolling on NTSC systems does not always work properly due to PAL/NTSC timing differences, which the developer has acknowledged and promised a fix in a possible v2 release.
In practical use, the software allowed a simple Koala image to be converted into a loading screen in a few steps and then attached to a game. The scrollable message gives a particularly atmospheric retro demo feel, although minor graphical errors (e.g. character loss) at the end of the text need some tweaking.

Summary

The Koala Image Loader & Linker (K.I.L.L.E.R.) is a fascinating tool in the retro world of Commodore 64, bridging the gap between past and present. It offers a nostalgic experience and modern functionality while respecting the limitations of the platform. It’s the ideal choice for those who want to add unique loading screens or intros to their projects, whether it’s a game, a demo or just a simple experiment. Although there are some minor bugs, the developer’s openness and the community’s support guarantee that the software will continue to evolve.
If you’re a Commodore 64 enthusiast and want to get the most out of your Koala graphics, K.I.L.L.E.R. is an essential tool in your repertoire. Download, try and immerse yourself in a world of 8-bit creativity!