Exciting games not yet released

There are still many special titles missing from the ever-expanding Commodore 64 game line-up, so I’ve compiled a list of those that have started development at some point but are not yet finished.

8bit Civilizations

Imagine blending the legendary Sid Meier’s Civilization with the nostalgic charm of 8-bit graphics—and voilà, you’re in the pixelated realm of 8bit Civilizations! This strategy title in development for the Commodore 64 aims to bring epic empire-building to the retro world of chunky sprites and chiptune melodies.

Game Concept

• Turn-based gameplay where you found cities, research technologies, raise armies, and conquer the world
• Simplified mechanics adapted to the C64’s limitations, while retaining strategic depth inspired by the original Civilization games
• Authentic C64-style visuals and SID music for full retro immersion

Development Status

The project has not received any updates in years, and according to community sources it may have been quietly abandoned. It was last mentioned on a list of upcoming C64 games around 2021. Since then, no new details have emerged, leaving the game’s fate uncertain. But if it ever sees the light of day, it could become a true gem for fans of the platform.

8bit-Dungeon

8bit Dungeon is an exciting role-playing game (RPG) in development for the Commodore 64. While it’s still being created and not yet released, it’s part of a list of upcoming C64 games that promise to bring fresh retro experiences to this iconic 8-bit platform.

Key Features (Based on early demos and concept):

• Classic dungeon crawler gameplay with pixel-perfect 8-bit aesthetics
• Scrollable character maps and sprite mechanics demonstrated through tech demos
• SID sound and music support to enhance the immersive retro vibe
• Compatible with both Commodore 64 and 128 hardware

Development Status:

• Created as a tech demo for 8bit-Unity SDK, showcasing multi-platform support
• Initially released as part of version 0.4 around April 2021
• Future updates, such as version 0.5 (alpha), are planned but currently hosted via GitHub
• It’s designed to be playable on other retro platforms too — Atari, Apple II, Lynx, etc.

8bit-Goblin

8bit-Goblin is a technical demo evolving into a full game, designed for the legendary Commodore 64 and 128 home computers. Developed by 8bit-Dude using the 8bit-Unity SDK, it showcases what’s possible on retro hardware while teasing a playful goblin-themed experience.

Key Information

• Latest Version: Alpha 0.5.0, available via GitHub as of January 2022
• Platform Compatibility: Commodore 64 and 128
• Developer: 8bit-Dude
• Status: Still in development; part of the broader demo disc by 8bit-Unity

Features & Gameplay Potential

Though not a finished game yet, current demos highlight several core capabilities:

• Colorful sprite animation and tile-based graphics starring goblin characters
• Smooth map scrolling and character movement across platforms
• Authentic SID sound for immersive retro audio
• Designed to be cross-compatible with other vintage systems (Atari, Lynx, Apple II)

Alien Neoplasma

Alien Neoplasma was a promising but ultimately stalled Commodore 64 project that aimed to channel the eerie, claustrophobic atmosphere of the Aliens franchise into a side-scrolling experience on the legendary 8-bit system.

Concept & Origins

• Originally developed for the ZX Spectrum, where it was released as Aliens: Neoplasma in 2019 by the Sanchez Crew.
• The Commodore 64 port was initiated by Eric Majikeyric of Digital Monastery, with graphics by ER and music composed by Mibri.

Gameplay & Tone

• Designed as a side-scrolling action-adventure, players would explore a dark research station infested with hostile alien creatures.
• The ZX Spectrum version set the tone with a tense atmosphere, creepy music, and detailed pixel art, which the C64 version tried to replicate.

Development Status

• The C64 adaptation started with promise—several work-in-progress videos showcased impressive progress.
• Unfortunately, the project stalled, due partly to technical challenges and community concerns. Many criticized its reliance on accelerators, which would exclude standard C64 users.
• The developer later shifted focus to other projects, so the port is currently on hold. The original ZX Spectrum game remains available and playable.

Curious to try it? You can check out the original ZX Spectrum version on the AVP Galaxy forum. And who knows—maybe the C64 port will rise again someday.

Another World

Although the original Another World (1991) became a cult classic on platforms like Amiga and PC due to its cinematic storytelling and pioneering animation techniques, a passionate team set out to recreate the experience for the Commodore 64 — a bold move considering the system’s technical limitations.

The Goal

• Not a direct port: The idea wasn’t to convert the original code but to reimagine the game within the 8-bit constraints of the C64.
• Preserve the mood: The team aimed to capture the atmospheric storytelling and visual vibe using clever sprite work, parallax effects, and SID music.
• Started as a demo: The project was launched primarily as a tech demo to show that a cinematic platformer like Another World could be done on the C64.

Development Status

The game was never completed in full, but prototypes and impressive visual demos were shared within the C64 community. Most updates were posted on retro forums and hobbyist blogs, with no final release.

Holcan – Warrior of the Sun

Holcan – Warrior of the Sun was a planned Commodore 64 game developed by smila, but unfortunately, it was never completed. The title refers to a “Holcan,” a Mesoamerican warrior, suggesting a storyline inspired by ancient civilizations and jungle mysticism. Here’s a breakdown of the concept and development details:

Game Concept

• The protagonist is a sun-warrior, likely of Mayan origin, battling in a jungle-themed setting.
• Intended to avoid typical side-scrolling platform mechanics—particularly mindless jumping—common in ninja games.
• The gameplay would have drawn inspiration from titles like The Last Ninja, but with a unique twist.

Graphics & Technical Ambitions

• Used high-resolution sprites layered over multicolor ones for visually rich character designs.
• This technique required double sprite resources, impacting performance—like limiting how many enemies could appear onscreen.
• Despite these limitations, screenshots showcased beautifully detailed jungle backgrounds and character models.

Music & Atmosphere

• Composer Richard of TND created a track in the style of Matt Gray using Goat Tracker, perfectly matching the game’s tone.

Read more or join the discussion on the Lemon64 forum post:

Hyperion

Hyperion was presented first time in 2015 as a massive sci-fi arcade adventure for the C64, expected to be one of the platform’s biggest releases.

Stunning design

The game’s main menu looked impressive, and the playable character could transform into a rolling ball.

• As of 2022, the developer confirmed the project was canceled.
• Assets recycled: Music and graphics created for Hyperion were reused in other projects, making a revival nearly impossible.

The intro created for Hyperion was reworked and included in the game Terrestrial, which channels the spirit of classics like Beachhead and Raid Over Moscow.

The ED-209 character from Robocop (used as a visual inspiration) showed up in Impossible Mission 3 in a modified form.

IGOR

IGOR is an upcoming platform game for the Commodore 64, developed by Mauricet, who previously created the visual style for A Pig Quest — a critically acclaimed C64 title. While IGOR hasn’t officially launched yet, it’s a promising project that’s already piqued interest among retro gaming enthusiasts.

• Expected to be a platformer, possibly with humorous or quirky themes — a hallmark of Mauricet’s artistic style.
• It will likely feature sprite-based characters, side-scrolling levels, and rich chiptune audio created with the SID chip.

Island Adventure

Not much is officially known about the game at the moment, but based on the preview videos, it looks like it may have been inspired by Pirates and Seven Cities of Gold.

Limbo

This is a Commodore 64 remake of LIMBO, originally released in 2010 on PC and Xbox. The creator, Søren Trautner Madsen—who worked on the original version—is crafting a demake featuring a curated selection of key areas, aiming to evoke the feel of the original game.

Due to memory constraints, less than a quarter of the original game’s content will be included. It’s designed to offer an engaging experience rather than a lengthy or repetitive one.

Currently, the game is being developed as a cartridge-only release for smoother performance. A free demo is available.

• Coding, graphics, music, and sound effects are all done by Søren Trautner Madsen
• He’s working on the project during his free time, humorously suggesting a 2024 release—though that may or may not happen

Stoker

Stoker is a Commodore 64 game inspired by Rhys Clatworthy’s children’s book Scarlett Bramwell and the Automaton Knight.

The book follows Scarlett, a girl accidentally transported through time into a magical armor by a wizard. To get home, she must help the wizard by pretending to be the knight.

During her journey, she meets a dragon named Stoker—who becomes the protagonist in the C64 game.

Stoker is left behind when other dragons escape to another dimension.

To follow them, he must collect crystal fragments hidden beneath a castle ruled by a dragon-hunting king.

His clever plan? Help a wizard gain favor with the king so he can access the castle as the wizard’s magical companion.

Ultimate Newcomer

Ultimate Newcomer is a legendary but unfinished role-playing game (RPG) project for the Commodore 64 that captivated retro gaming fans with its ambition and scale – even though it was never officially released in its full form.

• A reimagined and expanded version of the original Newcomer game, which itself was one of the most complex RPGs ever made for the C64.
• The project aimed to create a deeper, more immersive experience featuring a larger world, improved storytelling, and enhanced gameplay mechanics.

Planned features

• Over 180 non-player characters (NPCs), each with a unique personality, background, and dialogue options.
• Intricate dialogue system allowing meaningful interactions with the game world.
• Multiple endings based on player decisions and moral choices.
• Rich SID chip music and sound design tailored for immersive retro gameplay.
• Visually detailed environments, optimized to push the graphical limits of the Commodore 64.

Development status

• Development stretched across many years, with numerous tech demos and concept previews released to the public.
• Despite the passion behind it, the full version never saw an official launch—mainly due to technical constraints, limited resources, and shifts in the development team.
• The game remains a kind of mythical treasure in the retro gaming community, often cited as a “what could’ve been” masterpiece.

Wild Wood

Wild Wood is a highly anticipated platform adventure currently in development for the legendary Commodore 64 system. Designed with breathtaking ambition, it pushes the boundaries of what this iconic 8-bit machine can do.

• You’ll play as a heroic rabbit exploring enchanted forests filled with danger and mystery.
• The world evokes a fairy-tale vibe, combining dark undertones with charming visuals.
• Expect intricate level design and a rich story hinted at through the environment—no walls of text, just pure immersion.

Features

• Side-scrolling platformer with smooth animations and seamless multi-directional scrolling.
• Influenced by C64 classics like Mayhem in Monsterland and Flimbo’s Quest, but with modern game design twists.
• Dynamic pacing: run, jump, dodge enemies, solve light puzzles, and discover secrets.

xebWorld

There’s not much official information yet, but most of the feedback suggests that it’s similar to the famous Wizball game.

Zombie Island

A zombie-themed action platformer, currently just an idea and not officially in development or scheduled for release.

• Developed by Marv, who shared the project on Twitter.
• The game showcases impressive sprite graphics reminiscent of the style from First Samurai.