Metal Mayhem (2024, drmortalwombat)

Metal Mayhem delivers an exhilarating tank combat experience with a nostalgic twist. What sets it apart is the rare vertical split-screen mechanic on the Commodore 64.

Each battle has a limited duration, and the tank that collects more points will win.

The aim of the game is to score more points under the time limit where the scoring methods are:

• Return flag to base: 1000 points

• Destroying an enemy tank: 200 points

• Collecting randomly appearing bolts: 100 points

Highlights:

• Engaging 2-player mode makes for intense battles when playing with friends
• Easy-to-learn gameplay: collect points, return flags, destroy tanks, and grab bolts
• Open-source code on GitHub gives developers room to mod and expand

Given the Commodore 64’s limitations and strengths, here are some creative yet technically achievable game improvement ideas using the open-source code of Metal Mayhem:

Ideas to enhance the game

• Add strategy tools: Introduce temporary mines or traps to slow down opponents chasing your flag
• New Game Modes:
  • Capture the Flag with multiple bases
  • Team Battle (2v2, if technically feasible)
  • Time Trial mode focused on point speedruns
• Tank Class Selection
  • Add simple tank archetypes:
    • Speedster: fast but fragile
    • Brute: powerful with slower movement
    • Balanced: jack-of-all trades
  • Each class could have unique movement speed or flag-carrying bonus
• Timed Power-Ups
  • Introduce temporary bonuses like:
    • Shields
    • Speed bursts
    • Double score
  • Power-ups appear randomly like the current bolt items

• Graphical Mods
  • Swap tank sprites, add alternate color palettes, modify textures

• Modem-Based Multiplayer on Real C64 Hardware
  • Creating an online multiplayer mode for Metal Mayhem over original C64 modem connections is technically ambitious, but definitely possible.

The game really has its Modding Potential: The open source code allows you to craft new maps, tank skins, or soundtracks – perfect for a remix contest where players share their custom builds.

The game is fantastic in its own right, with a pleasant feeling of nostalgia for the old “Battle City” or “Firepower” games.