The best VIC-20 games ever!
Given the limits of the VIC's processor, graphics and sound capabilites,
games designers had to focus on gameplay. The fact that these old games
look dated today but still play well proves that gameplay is what makes
a great game, nothing else. |
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Blitz |
One of the most popular VIC-20 games ever and my first
VIC-20 gaming experience was the deceptively simple Blitz.
Fly over a city of skyscrapers and bomb them flat so your
ever-descending plane can land. If you don't flatten the
buildings in time, you crash in to them and die - simple as that!
Blitz sold many tens of thousands of copies in its day and has
been remade many many times since, so I know I'm not alone in
loving it!
For unexpanded VIC-20s
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Tape Image (T64 Format) (2Kb)
Tape Image (TAP Format) (51Kb)
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Jetpac |
The Acme Interstellar Transport Company is delivering
spaceship kits to various planets in the solar systems
throughout the Galaxy, and as chief test pilot, all you
have to do is assemble the rockets, collect the fuel and
other valuables, avoid or blast the native lifeforms
before finally thrusting on to your next destination.
Simple but very addictive gameplay that is the hallmark
of many of the best VIC-20 games, and an early example of
the work of Ultimate - now better known
as Rare !
For VIC-20s with 8K+ expansion
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Download: |
Tape Image (T64 Format) (6Kb)
Tape Image (TAP Format) (111Kb)
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Matrix |
The aliens are attacking the solar energy grids (again) and it's up to you
to stop them (again)! This is the sequel
to Gridrunner
and, like its predecessor, it is an action packed blaster with great graphics
and sound. The gameplay is much like Centipede but with many unique features
to keep you interested, just as you would expect from a
Jeff Minter game.
For VIC-20s with 16K+ expansion
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Download: |
Tape Image (T64 Format) (9Kb)
Tape Image (TAP Format) (158Kb)
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R.I.P. |
This flick screen arcade adventure from
Mastertronic's
budget range had you running around underground caverns collecting
sacred Ankhs to stop an undead invasion of earth (I think).
A superfically very simple game, R.I.P. had an addictive
"one more go" quality that kept me coming back for more.
For unexpanded VIC-20s
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Download: |
Tape Image (T64 Format) (4Kb)
Tape Image (TAP Format) (80Kb)
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Rock Man |
Boulderdash comes to the VIC-20 with
Mastertronic's Rock Man.
Classic puzzling gameplay as you attempt to clear the caverns
of gemstones while avoiding the falling rocks and cave dwelling
creatures. This is, quite simply, the most fun, addictive and
downright infuriating example of the genre that I have ever played!
For unexpanded VIC-20s
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Download: |
Tape Image (T64 Format) (4Kb)
Tape Image (TAP Format) (81Kb)
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Star Defence |
Star Defence from Kingsoft is the VIC-20 version of the sequel
to the classic arcade hit Defender. It has all the features
of the arcade original and is a fast, fun shoot'em'up. I misspent
a large portion of my youth becoming very good at this game!
For VIC-20s with 16K+ expansion
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Download: |
Tape Image (T64 Format) (11Kb)
Tape Image (TAP Format) (271Kb)
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