C64 Mini

Mr E · 29-09-2017 3:25pm #1

Jumping on the mini bandwagon, a C64 mini was announced today. 64 fully licensed games are included. There are A LOT of great games there, but some questionable choices too. If sideloading is possible (like Hakchi on the NES classic), this will be even better.

Love the competition pro controller too.

(I hope it has microswitches and is nice and clicky!)

£69.99, out next year.
http://metro.co.uk/2017/09/29/commodore-64-mini-console-coming-out-in-2018-with-over-35-games-6965332/

AlleyKat
Anarchy
Armalyte: Competition Edition
Avenger
Battle Valley
Bounder
California Games
Chip’s Challenge
Confuzion
Cosmic Causeway: Trailblazer II
Creatures
Cyberdyne Warrior
Cybernoid II: The Revenge
Cybernoid: The Fighting Machine
Deflektor
Everyone’s A Wally
Firelord
Gribbly’s Day Out
Hawkeye
Heartland
Herobotix
Highway Encounter
Hunter's Moon
Hysteria
Impossible Mission
Impossible Mission II
Insects In Space
Mega-Apocalypse
Mission A.D
Monty Mole
Monty on the Run
Nebulus
Netherworld
Nobby the Aardvark
Nodes Of Yesod
Paradroid
Pitstop II
Rana Rama
Robin Of The Wood
Rubicon
Skate Crazy
Skool Daze
Slayer
Snare
Speedball
Speedball II: Brutal Deluxe
Spindizzy
Star Paws
Steel
Stormlord
Street Sports Baseball
Summer Games II
Super Cycle
Temple of Apshai Trilogy
The Arc Of Yesod
Thing Bounces Back
Thing on a Spring
Trailblazer
Uchi Mata
Uridium
Who Dares Wins II
Winter Games
World Games
Zynaps

DinoRex · 29-09-2017 3:42pm

There's also a new version of Hunters Moon that went up on Kickstarter today.

http://kck.st/2ycA3qn

Good times for the C64!

Tom Mann Centuria · 29-09-2017 3:50pm

People behind this are involved in the acrimonious Sinclair ZX Vega +, they've left the project but a lot of dirt has been thrown at them, and vice versa. The full sized model that's taking pre orders with actual working keyboard looks better bet but I personally wouldn't trust anyone from the Vega+ sh*t storm.

Mr E · 29-09-2017 4:06pm

Martin Walker was a hero of mine, back in the day. Loved his work.

DinoRex · 29-09-2017 4:10pm

Tom Mann Centuria wrote: »

People behind this are involved in the acrimonious Sinclair ZX Vega +, they've left the project but a lot of dirt has been thrown at them, and vice versa. The full sized model that's taking pre orders with actual working keyboard looks better bet but I personally wouldn't trust anyone from the Vega+ sh*t storm.

That was Retro Computers Ltd... This is by a crowd called Retro Games.

Arthur Daley · 29-09-2017 4:22pm

64 games but only know 2 of 3 of them. No manic miner, purple turtles, chucky/chocky egg or green beret. Missed opportunity not to have some of the classic launch games.

Mr E · 29-09-2017 4:26pm

Jesus Purple Turtles was awful in hindsight. Absolutely impossible after a certain point.

Loved it at the time though! How naive we were back then!

pawrick · 29-09-2017 4:28pm

Arthur Daley wrote: »

64 games but only know 2 of 3 of them. No manic miner, purple turtles, chucky/chocky egg or green beret. Missed opportunity not to have some of the classic launch games.

Same here, only played one of the games listed

CiDeRmAn · 29-09-2017 4:28pm

Is this not very similar to the C64 in a stick we had a number of years ago?

Mr E · 29-09-2017 5:00pm

I just counted - I've played 50 of them.

Wish it had a few more Thalamus games like Creatures 2, Quedex, Snare, Delta, Summer/Winter Camp and Retrograde.

Also Myth, Turbo Outrun, Bruce Lee, Citadel, Last Ninja 1/2/3, Flimbos Quest, Head Over Heels, IK+, Parallax, Sacred Armour of Antiriad, Cauldron, Traz, Wizball, Turrican 1/2.... probably loads more if I thought about it.

Tom Mann Centuria · 29-09-2017 5:48pm

DinoRex wrote: »

That was Retro Computers Ltd... This is by a crowd called Retro Games.

Former directors of RCL Paul Andrews and Chris Smith new company Retro Games.

CiDeRmAn wrote: »

Is this not very similar to the C64 in a stick we had a number of years ago?

The joystick on the box looks exactly like that thirty in one joystick. I know the pi in and case is leveled at a lot of these but this really does just look like a pi like board and emulator in crappy case.

Doge · 30-09-2017 6:27pm

DinoRex wrote: »

There's also a new version of Hunters Moon that went up on Kickstarter today.

http://kck.st/2ycA3qn

Good times for the C64!

Theres also a Project Hubbarb which will be kickstarting on the 5th of October with lots of content.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tGOf0IRO4g

KeRbDoG · 30-09-2017 9:00pm

I already have my C64 Mini

Lemming · 01-10-2017 9:59am

What I'd like to see is support for something like the SDW2IEC card reader that would allow loading other games. Some of the games on that list are a bit middling at best and it sort of reads like they just found the first lot of working ROMS that they could find.

Tom Mann Centuria · 01-10-2017 10:08am

Lemming wrote: »

What I'd like to see is support for something like the SDW2IEC card reader that would allow loading other games. Some of the games on that list are a bit middling at best and it sort of reads like they just found the first lot of working ROMS that they could find.

I think they will probably be tinkerable via USB, I think in the failed crowd funder they started with, it was always the intention to be able to put your own games on it.

I'd still rather have a real, fully functional Commodore 64 with SD2IEC for very similar money to what this thing costs.

TinCool · 02-10-2017 3:44pm

I'd be interested in this if you can get other games loaded on to it. There's loads of old classics that aren't there that I'd want. The Arthur Pendragon games (Staff of Karnath, Entombed, Blackwyche and to a lesser extent Dragonskulle), Beach Head, Spy vs Spy I and II (never played III), Green Beret, Ghost N'Goblins, Chiller. Some old school Hunchback, Jet Set Willy, China Miner. The list goes on and on. I do have pi with retropie on there but the C64S emulator menu system is real clunky.

On a completely separate note, Impossible Mission in a browser -> Mod Edit: No links to emulated games not in the public domain I'm afraid

CiDeRmAn · 03-10-2017 9:14am

Any opportunity to play Uridium again.

In fact, I'd buy that game on every format I could, it's as much a classic to me as Super Mario World, a brilliant game worthy of mention in the company of other great Shmups like Raiden and Truxton.

smurf492 · 05-10-2017 9:02am

Available for pre order on smyths website now. Tried copying and pasting link here but computer said no!

Mr E · 05-10-2017 9:36am

Amazon Preorder (£70): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Koch-International-RGL001-UK-HW-THEC64-Electronic/dp/B0764BK6L1/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1507196142&sr=8-1&keywords=c64+mini

Smyths (€80): https://www.smythstoys.com/ie/en-ie/video-games-and-tablets/retro-gaming/the-c64-mini/p/163296

Mr E · 05-10-2017 9:42am

I'm going to preorder. This thing better be hackable.

eamo22 · 05-10-2017 9:44am

Thanks for that preordered on Amazon.

CiDeRmAn · 05-10-2017 9:56am

Mr E wrote: »

I'm going to preorder. This thing better be hackable.

Firmware upgradeable via USB flash drive

That would make me think it is.
I remember the early SD card enabled Megadrive plug'n plays said something similar, before they dropped the pretense completely.

Mr E · 05-10-2017 10:04am

The thing is, I'd probably keep about 75% of the original list. They've done a great job with the game selection. Just a few missing gems.

sham69 · 05-10-2017 10:13am

Preordered thanks.
I have c64 emulated on lots of consoles/devices but this should be more authentic (I hope)
Happy with the list of games.
Needs to be hackable though...

CathalDublin · 05-10-2017 10:52am

Pre-Ordered through Smyths, I already have 2 Commodore64's one with IEC2SD but I'm enjoying the SNES mini so much I said feck it and pre-ordered this too

ninja 12 · 05-10-2017 11:06am

Is this a limited run , or is it planned for long term availability ?

Great to see Paradroid , but it's a pity there's no Last Ninja games , Boulderdash , Turrican , IO ( impossible to please everybody

)

Hopefully they can be added .

CathalDublin · 05-10-2017 11:12am

It having 2 functioning USB ports might make it easier to load extra media on or even run from a USB HDD

Mr E · 05-10-2017 11:25am

Most games are less than 128kb and there were about 10,000 commercial titles on the C64 (according to wikipedia). That is just over a gigabyte by my maths (but probably much less). You're not going to need massive storage here.

Plus I'd rather cherry pick 200 great games than have a library full of crap.

TechnoFreek · 05-10-2017 11:30am

Needs some Flimbos Quest and Turrican!

I'll Defo get one and hope the inevitable hacks come.

Lemming · 05-10-2017 12:01pm

Found this on the official company community forums: link

Lots of people are asking about how to add software to THEC64 Mini.

We are happy to confirm that firmware and software upgrades will be possible via the USB ports, to allow more functions to be added to the THEC64 Mini in the future.

More details will follow in due course.

Looks like they intend to provide an ability to update software & firmware. Just how far their notion of software changes goes is anyone's guess, but it's a starting point for those hoping to be able to load additional games.

ninja 12 · 05-10-2017 1:01pm

I just preordered on Amazon .

I sent an email earlier to the makers at theC64.com asking if it was a limited run or will it be available in the long term .

The reply I just got back was -

thec64.com wrote:

Limited initial run but long term also

CathalDublin · 05-10-2017 1:04pm

Mr E wrote: »

Most games are less than 128kb and there were about 10,000 commercial titles on the C64 (according to wikipedia). That is just over a gigabyte by my maths (but probably much less). You're not going to need massive storage here.

Plus I'd rather cherry pick 200 great games than have a library full of crap.

I think I've the full library on my IEC2SD and the card in it is a freebie 2/4GB SD card that came with a phone:D

Mr E · 05-10-2017 1:10pm

Preordered at lunchtime in Smyths for €20 anyway... something to look forward to in the new year.

The guy who took the order asked me if they're any good. I think realistically, you need to have grown up with a C64 to appreciate it.

To everyone else, they aren't going to look very appealing.

Doge · 07-10-2017 10:30pm

The thought of buying one of these is nice, but since I have the real deal and a 1541 Ultimate II cart i have no real need!

eddhorse · 08-10-2017 9:36am

Is it just me or does this look like a similar joystick and idea?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/C64_Direct-to-TV

Similar list of games too.

CiDeRmAn · 08-10-2017 10:22am

Looks to me like an expanded one of those with an added HDMI out.
It is similar too in that it is an actual functional C64 embedded in that stick, highly moddable for a keyboard and external storage.
Seems, perhaps, that this new device amounts to the older device with the actual mini breadbin replica housing a usb hub, hdmi out and maybe storage.
I suppose, if it isn't broken they don't have to fix it at all.
That the controller is identical is a bit of a giveaway!

Amalgam · 08-10-2017 10:47am

Paradroid, you catch me once again in your cold robot like grip..

The case looks great, you could pop, ahem, a Pi in there..

banie01 · 08-10-2017 10:55am

No Flimbos Quest, Last ninja, T2 or International karate! I'm out!
On a serious note, seems a lovely bit of kit!
A microswitched joystick is a must tho!

Inviere · 08-10-2017 11:00am

"...has various filter options to make your expensive new telly look like a rubbish old one."

Eh, no.

Tom Mann Centuria · 08-10-2017 11:06am

Run down video here. Quite useful I think.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVwd5blnlJE

This bloke is really weird and definitely love him/hate him in Spectrum circles, but he's on side with Paul Andrews so has good access to the C64 mini.

eddhorse · 08-10-2017 2:39pm

Interesting video thanks.
So you can add games easily.
Why doesnt anyone at the games conference use the joystick though?
Also that dev board looks to be a different orientation than whats in the actual c64 mini.
HDMI and power are not perpendicular to the usb ports.
Will probably get one though

Mr E · 08-10-2017 8:40pm

So glad I preordered now, can't wait to play it. So it's a real C64, not emulated? Very cool!

Anyone know what the music during the video was? Sounds like a Back In Time/Sidologie track but I don't recognise it.

Arthur Daley · 08-10-2017 11:34pm

Would like to get my hands on the soft aid tape again. Hope someone gets this out soon. Playing falcon patrol, gumshoe, gilligans gold and the others in 2018. Sweet as a nut.

CiDeRmAn · 09-10-2017 7:46am

I had it on the Spectrum, it was one of those games that no one liked to see pirated because of the cause.
But it was a great compilation.

Spectrum
SpellBound

Starbike

Kokotoni Wilf

The Pyramid (video game)

Horace Goes Skiing

Gilligan's Gold

Ant Attack

3d Tank Duel

Jack and the Beanstalk

Sorcery

C64
Gumshoe

Beamrider

Star Trader

Kokotoni Wilf

China Miner

Gilligan's Gold

Fred

Gyropod

Falcon Patrol

Flak

3D Tank Duel, Kokotoni Wilf and Ant Attack just brilliant, Starbike and Jack and the Beanstalk can go die in hole filled with fire.

Mr E · 09-10-2017 7:55am

Kokotoni Wilf was the first game I played on my C64. Christmas 1985 I think. Hard as nails and it was possible to lose all your lives in seconds if you entered a room from the wrong angle.

I'm proud to have finished it the old fashioned way (with skill!)

CiDeRmAn · 09-10-2017 9:28am

I may have "poked" my way to success on the Speccy one

Firefox11 · 09-10-2017 10:02pm

CiDeRmAn wrote: »

I had it on the Spectrum, it was one of those games that no one liked to see pirated because of the cause.
But it was a great compilation.

3D Tank Duel, Kokotoni Wilf and Ant Attack just brilliant, Starbike and Jack and the Beanstalk can go die in hole filled with fire.

Still got my original copy!

CiDeRmAn · 10-10-2017 8:32am

Firefox11 wrote: »

Still got my original copy!

That's what we need in retro gaming, Full Commitment!

gamblor101 · 11-10-2017 10:33am

Will there be the option to buy a second joystick?

DinoRex · 11-10-2017 11:26am

I see there's talk of an Amiga Mini now from the crowd who do the Amiga Forever software.

Danick · 11-10-2017 3:52pm

DinoRex wrote: »

I see there's talk of an Amiga Mini now from the crowd who do the Amiga Forever software.

I would definitely buy that!

C64 Mini

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