C64 Emulator?

[rdefabri]

Old school A8 guy, and I've been playing with Atari emulators for years. Never had a C64, but I do admire them and wouldn't mind a good C64 emulator + software / games to play with.

 

I know nothing - where should I look / start?

[karokoenig]

I use VICE as emulator, and it works like a charm. Might be slightly more cryptic if you have never used a C64 before, but should work ok for you. VICE also emulates all the other Commodore 8-bit machines.

 

All the games you'll ever need can be found here:

 

http://www.gb64.com/search.php?h=0

 

...and here:

 

http://www.lemon64.com/

[rdefabri]

I use VICE as emulator, and it works like a charm. Might be slightly more cryptic if you have never used a C64 before, but should work ok for you. VICE also emulates all the other Commodore 8-bit machines.

 

All the games you'll ever need can be found here:

 

http://www.gb64.com/search.php?h=0

 

...and here:

 

http://www.lemon64.com/

 

Excellent - thanks! I'm sure I can figure out the C64, I'm pretty savvy with it, but not above asking for help if needed!!!

[carlsson]

WinVICE lets you drop files - D64 images, PRGs, even CRT images onto the window which causes the emulator to reset, load and run the file so that is a very easy way to get started.

[Keatah]

To get the latest builds of VICE you need to go here:

http://vice.pokefinder.org/

 

Seems all the other download areas host a +5 year old copy that doesn't render colors correctly.

[rdefabri]

What are some of the "must have" C64 EXCLUSIVE titles to get? Owning an A8, I know there are versions of the same game, I'm looking for those games not ported to the A8 or where the C64 is superior (Panther, Zaxxon)...

[carlsson]

One game that has been a reoccuring matter for discussion among Atari 8-bit programmers is Armalyte which clocks in at 8.5 of 10 on Lemon64. I suppose Paradroid (8.7 on Lemon64) is also a C64 exclusive.

 

Try this list and then deduct which games you have heard of before: http://www.lemon64.com/games/votes_list.php

[+OLD CS1]

I think that "what games" question has a whole other thread dedicated to answers.

[carlsson]

Yes, for instance this topic: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/245585-good-games-for-c64/

 

However, the best games for the C64 may still contain games that are just as good on another system, while exclusive C64 games sometimes may not be among the very most playable you can find for the computer, yet unique and reasons to own one. A number of the modern homebrew games, in particular those who stem from the RGCD 16K cartridge competition, are based on Flash or browser games faithfully ported to the C64. Those often are of very high quality, like C64anabalt, Micro Hexagon, Assembloids, Super Bread Box and many more, but whether you'd consider them exclusive depends on how much they borrow. Some also have been ported to other systems already.

 

Of course he could be looking for games that originated on the C64, no matter if subsequent ports were prettier, more playable or not. That could extend the list somewhat.

[Bill Loguidice]

This is a really nice turnkey solution for C-64 emulation: https://www.c64forever.com/

[karokoenig]

What Carlsson said... If you explicitly ask for "c64 exclusives" that list is hard to name on the top of one's head. The Lemon list Carlsson posted is definetly the way to go for a first look.

 

A good source for decent newer homebrews and demos is also the "Heftdisk" of the RETURN magazine:

 

https://www.return-magazin.de/ausgaben/return-ausgabe-26/

 

It's in german, but you only have to look under "Ausgaben", where you find download links to the disk images in the lower right for each issue.

[rdefabri]

Yes, for instance this topic: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/245585-good-games-for-c64/

 

However, the best games for the C64 may still contain games that are just as good on another system, while exclusive C64 games sometimes may not be among the very most playable you can find for the computer, yet unique and reasons to own one. A number of the modern homebrew games, in particular those who stem from the RGCD 16K cartridge competition, are based on Flash or browser games faithfully ported to the C64. Those often are of very high quality, like C64anabalt, Micro Hexagon, Assembloids, Super Bread Box and many more, but whether you'd consider them exclusive depends on how much they borrow. Some also have been ported to other systems already.

 

Of course he could be looking for games that originated on the C64, no matter if subsequent ports were prettier, more playable or not. That could extend the list somewhat.

 

Correct - I have just about every A8 title I can think of - I've owned my system since 1980, and have a massive library of titles (including in emulated format).

 

Since I've NEVER owned a C64, I want to experience the best of it. Some games on the A8 and C64 are virtually the same - no real interest in that. I want something that's either exclusive to the C64, or superior to any A8 version - as noted, Panther on the A8 SUCKS. It's WAY better on the C64 IMHO. Those would apply.

 

I could parse the list - that's a good idea and I'll figure it out. Feel like I've been drinking from a fire hose, as I've been in / out of the scene over the past few years, but I'm back "in" now!!!

 

Thanks to everyone for the guidance!!!

Edited October 28, 2016 by rdefabri

[Gentlegamer]

Find a friend and play G. I. Joe.

[motrucker]

I rarely use an emulator for the C-64 or C-128 (The C-128 is really my favorite 8 bit computer!), but if I have to use one, I use Vice - it's the best emulator I have found.

 

[eightbit]

Hoxs64 is pretty good too....and a little less complicated than Vice for new users:

 

http://www.hoxs64.net/default.aspx

 

 

And what do you know...it runs in wine under Linux too and works fine here as well

Edited October 31, 2016 by eightbit