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Maximum Overkill | OS/2 Museum

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The 1992 game Comanche: Maximum Overkill by NovaLogic uses a nonstandard DOS extender and an unconventional method to enter protected mode, which works on 386 and 486 processors but can fail on Pentium and later CPUs due to changes in how the Intel Pentium handles the writability of the CS segment in real mode. This subtle CPU architectural difference, combined with variations in system BIOS behavior, causes the original game to crash on some Pentium systems, especially after the first run, though patched and updated versions improve compatibility.

https://www.os2museum.com/wp/maximum-overkill/

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10 REM”_(C2SLFF4

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The article investigates the mysterious first line of the 1980 Exidy Sorcerer BASIC game The Wizard’s Castle, which contains a REM statement embedding machine code for seeding the pseudo-random number generator (PRNG). By analyzing the Sorcerer’s memory and instruction set, the author and collaborators reveal that the REM text is actually tokenized machine code stored in BASIC’s linked-list program memory, executed via the USR() function to seed randomness using the Z80 processor’s R register. This illustrates a unique, low-level technique to embed executable code in comments on early microcomputers, highlighting the interplay between BASIC and machine code in vintage gaming and software.

https://beej.us/blog/data/mystery-comment/

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Thin Ice Is a “Fun New Arcade Action Experience For The Commodore 64” From Ex-Gremlin & Core Design Devs

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Thin Ice, a new arcade action game for the Commodore 64, is set to release digitally on July 22nd. Developed by Christian Shrigley and Terry Lloyd, veterans of Gremlin Graphics and Core Design, the game features the Ice Dragon Binky navigating caverns to defeat various enemies by pushing ice blocks and activating fire breath abilities. Published by Thalamus Digital, it will be available as a D64 file compatible with retro hardware and emulators, with a physical edition planned soon.

https://www.timeextension.com/news/2026/07/thin-ice-is-a-fun-new-arcade-action-experience-for-the-commodore-64-from-ex-gremlin-and-core-design-devs

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Remembering the Best 1980s Computers for Gaming

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The article highlights key 1980s home computers that significantly influenced gaming and coding culture, including the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC 464, Atari ST, Commodore Amiga 500, and IBM PC/MS-DOS clones. These systems offered innovative graphics, sound, and expandability that shaped early PC gaming, and modern recreations like the Speccy, Commodore 64 Ultimate, and A500 Mini enable contemporary players to experience their classic game libraries. The piece emphasizes how these open, experimental platforms provided alternative gaming experiences alongside popular consoles of the era.

https://www.keengamer.com/articles/features/remembering-the-best-1980s-computers-for-gaming/

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A New Retro and Gaming Exhibition Arrives Next Month at Kingston University

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Kingston University will host a free retro and gaming exhibition from August 5th to 11th, showcasing over 60 playable machines from the 1970s to today, including iconic consoles like the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Sega Megadrive, and Atari 2600. Organized by the Archive of Retro Computing, the event celebrates gaming history and the impact of early home computers and consoles in making computing accessible to the public. Following the exhibition, a permanent Archive of Retro Computing will be established at the university’s Penrhyn Road campus in London.

https://www.thesixthaxis.com/2026/07/21/a-new-retro-and-gaming-exhibition-arrives-next-month-at-kingston-university/

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Before Alien: Isolation, a 1980s Commodore 64 Game Nailed First-Person Terror

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Released shortly after the US version, the UK-made Aliens: The Computer Game for Commodore 64 and other platforms took a distinct approach by stepping away from the film’s plot to deliver a more intense and frightening experience, pioneering first-person terror gameplay in the 1980s. Developed by Southampton-based Software Studios, this version differentiated itself through its atmospheric design and gameplay style, predating later survival horror titles like Alien: Isolation.

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/features/before-alien-isolation-a-1980s-commodore-64-game-nailed-first-person-terror/

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Tiny Emulators

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Tiny Emulators is a collection of web-based emulators for classic 8-bit computers and arcade systems, including the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, KC85 series, and more. Hosted on GitHub, these emulators support running original software, demos, and games from the retro computing era, providing accessible preservation and interactive experiences through modern browsers. The project features various user interfaces and modules to replicate hardware behavior, enabling enthusiasts to explore vintage systems and software digitally.

https://floooh.github.io/tiny8bit-preview/index.html

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Exclusive Interview: How Sam Dyer Built Bitmap Books Into a Shrine for Your Gaming Memories

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Bitmap Books, founded by Sam Dyer, has become a respected publisher dedicated to preserving gaming history through high-quality, carefully designed books that emphasize not just content but the entire physical experience of nostalgia. Originating as a personal graphic design project centered on the Commodore 64, the company now produces collector-focused releases involving extensive research, original interviews, and meticulous packaging that elevates them beyond typical memorabilia. Committed to authenticity, Bitmap Books avoids AI-generated content and aims to document and preserve gaming culture as a tangible, lasting artifact for future generations.

https://www.escapistmagazine.com/news-bitmap-books-sam-dyer-interview-gaming-history-preservation/

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F-15 Strike Eagle II: The Origin Story

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The author recounts their early 1990s experience with the MS-DOS game F-15 Strike Eagle II, a 1989 flight simulator that sparked their passion for aviation and computing. Over the years, they learned programming and assembly language, leading to a current project to reverse-engineer and reimplement the game’s original engine in a high-level language while maintaining compatibility with original assets. The author plans to document this effort publicly, seeking collaborators, and emphasizing a faithful, bug-for-bug recreation rather than a remake.

https://neuviemeporte.github.io/f15-se2/2022/06/05/origins.html

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Online Playable Commodore 64 Games

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This webpage offers an extensive collection of classic Commodore 64 games that can be played online directly in a browser. It features a wide variety of iconic titles such as Prince of Persia, Impossible Mission, Bubble Bobble, and many others, preserving the retro gaming experience for enthusiasts. The site serves as a convenient platform to revisit and interact with vintage C64 games without requiring original hardware or emulation software.

https://c64.krissz.hu/online-playable-games/

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