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Best Commodore 64 Games of All Time

If you are a gamer who grew up in the 80s and early 90s, chances are you remember the most popular gaming system at that time, Commodore 64. 

The computer was fast for that time, had excellent RAM and a VIC-II graphics chip, and provided plenty of other advantages, including low cost.

The C64 game setup came with a keyboard for commands and a joystick for games requiring more action. Due to its graphic and sound capabilities, the Commodore 64 gained the reputation of being the best gaming machine in that time period. 

That said, while on retro gaming, I am here to discuss the best Commodore 64 games of all time.

The Best Commodore 64 Games of All Time

The Best Commodore 64 Games of All Time

Commodore 64 was the best-selling computer model of that era, providing many games available for gamers. Hence, finding the best of so many takes time and effort. 

However, there are multiple incredible games that many gamers agree can secure a spot on such a list. 

Among the best Commodore 64 games of all time are Bubble Bobble, Impossible Mission, Buggy Boy, Ghostbusters, IK+, Sid Meier’s Pirates, and Ms. Pac-Man. 

Bubble Bobble (1986)

Bubble Bobble was released in 1987 and is one of the most successful arcade games. It has incredible visuals and vibey music and is an excellent game to play with friends. The game is fun to play and has inspired many other arcade games. 

In the game, the gamers play with two adorable dragons named Bub and Bob to save their girlfriends from the cave of monsters. 

The game has 100 levels; in each one, the players control the dragons to trap the enemies in bubbles and pop them. 

Bubble Bobble (1986)

Impossible Mission (1987)

Impossible Mission is a classic game that was released in 1987. In this game, you play as a secret agent who is on a mission to stop the plan of the evil mastermind who hacked national security computers. 

The levels are challenging yet entertaining, having players racing the clock to decrypt a password and freeze enemy robots in a limited time. 

Moreover, the character also needs to protect himself from an electrified ball that chases him and collect all the necessary puzzle pieces. 

Once the player has completed all puzzle forms, he gets a nine-letter password allowing him to reach the mastermind, professor Altombender. 

Impossible Mission (1987)

Buggy Boy (1985)

Released in 1985, Buggy Boy is a racing game with unique graphics. The game’s objective is to drive around and conquer five courses as quickly as possible. Every level is different and is filled with obstacles, such as brick walls and boulders.

With each flag you collect while racing, you earn points. However, the game enables players to earn extra points if they drive on two wheels or perform other stunts. 

As the player, you need to chase high scores while making each checkpoint, making you excited as if you are part of a real race. 

Buggy Boy (1985)

Ghostbusters (1984)

As a fan of action-adventure games, Ghostbusters is definitely a part of the selection of the best Commodore 64 games of all time. It has the popular tune from the widely-known ghost movie and provides a lot of entertainment.

In Ghostbusters, the character is recruited to become a member of the team of parapsychologists who are on a mission to capture ghosts. 

The game features a third-person shooting element, with an objective for the player to earn profit by eliminating evil ghosts. 

Ghostbusters (1984)

IK+ (1987)

International Karate Plus is a game that captures the essence of the Karate movies of that era. You will play as one of the three karatekas who fight each other on a beach, trying to score six points. In the game, your character will also need to kick bombs that fall from the sky.

What makes this game unique from other fighting games is its gameplay. IK+ lets you play with a friend while the computer plays the other character.

The game requires fluidity in controls and practice, making the character showcase incredible stamina and skills. It also features smooth animation and interesting sound effects. 

IK+ (1987)

Sid Meier’s Pirates (1988)

Sid Meier’s Pirates is excellent for gamers who enjoy playing strategy simulation games. The game is a simulation of the life of a group of pirates who are on a mission to conquer islands and sea ports. 

Sid Meier’s Pirates story was set in the Caribbean in the 17th century. During gameplay, the players must use strategic moves to conquer more islands successfully. 

This is a single-player game where players can hunt pirates, attack enemy ships and towns, find treasure, and trade. 

As the character in the game ages, the fighting becomes more difficult, forcing the character to retire and be given a title based on wealth and accomplishments. 

Sid Meier’s Pirates (1988)

Ms. Pac-Man (1984)

I am sure all of you are familiar with one of the most popular games, Pac-Man. The game has a simple concept but will keep your focus all the time. 

By moving Pac-Man’s wife, the players need to navigate through the mazes and eat all the dots while avoiding the ghosts on the way. 

If Ms. Pac-Man eats an energizer, the ghosts turn blue and can be eaten for extra points. When Ms. Pac-Man runs into a ghost, she loses a life. The game ends when all of its lives are lost. 

As maze games were extremely important in the 80s, the Commodore 64 version of this popular game was a huge success.

Read more: Best DOS Games of All Time

Ms. Pac-Man (1984)

Conclusion

That concludes the article about some of the best Commodore 64 games of all time. The games have much simpler graphics than the video games available today but provide an equally good gaming experience. 

Whether you grew up in that time period or you are a retro games fan, you will definitely have fun playing any of the provided games.