Covert BitOps is once again pushing the limits of the Commodore 64. Steel Ranger 2 is currently in active development, and the recent “Desert Test Teaser” proves this sequel aims to be far more than a remake: it’s an ambitious new experience built on the solid foundation of the first game.

Key Features & Progress
- Desert environment: The teaser highlights a fully realized desert tileset — sandy terrain and atmospheric backgrounds that promise a more diverse set of locations.
- Gameplay systems: Movement, weapon handling, and core enemy behavior are already functioning, with smooth controls and dynamic action as a central focus.
- Graphics and audio: Backgrounds, tiles, and sprites are being polished, while the soundtrack is already significantly developed, adding to the game’s atmosphere.
- Work still ongoing: Boss fights, narrative cut-scenes, complete world structure, and final enemy placements are not finished yet. These elements will be crucial for the final gameplay balance and story flow.



Why Steel Ranger 2 is Worth Watching
- It builds on the strengths of the first game — tight run-and-gun combat, exploration, and atmosphere — while expanding the world with new environments.
- Development is transparent, with clear progress updates and teasers showing how far the systems have come.
- Technical compatibility ensures it will run smoothly on both PAL and NTSC systems, with fastloading support and optional C128/SCPU acceleration.
- The tone and feel of the teaser already capture the kind of immersive, action-driven retro experience C64 fans crave.



What We Don’t Know Yet
- No official release date.
- World size, difficulty curve, and final content are not yet revealed.
- Boss design and story sequences remain works in progress — meaning the game is still evolving.

The latest gameplay video:
Steel Ranger 2 looks set to deliver an ambitious, content-rich sequel for the Commodore 64. The foundation is already strong, with smooth gameplay, atmospheric visuals, and a promising soundtrack. If you enjoyed the original Steel Ranger, or simply love action-exploration on the C64, this is one of the most exciting projects currently in development. Follow Covert BitOps and community updates for future teasers, as the next milestones will include bosses, story scenes, and full world integration.
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wow, looks great..
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