twitch.tv/dmx87

New - History of games played... poorly.

Intro

In the warm summer of '21 I finally took the plunge and started streaming semi-regularly, trying to get in a few hours every week, real-life permitting.

The overarching purpose of the stream is to play — unintendedly badly — games from 1983 and up, year by year. You see, apart from the usual turbo-tape classics (hello Stix!), there are tons of obscure games that I never got the chance to play back in the 20th century, the century of youth and adoration.

That is no way to have lived.

So what better way to improve an existence, than to enjoy some light-hearted retro-gaming among like-minded friends?

I also feature SIDs, demos, musicdisks, requests, newer games or other C64 related content. Mostly on an Ultimate 64 Elite sporting authentic 6581AR4 and 8580R5 SIDs, both from my peak year of 1987. (If you have to know, I was born in 1976)

Few gimmicks. No bits, rewards, coins. The only exception is The Randominator™, an A.I. (cough) that randomly selects games, and assists my spotty memory by keeping track of games played. Another thing introduced in 2022 was a C64-ish overlay with some old trivia and BasicLINES game. A Trivia app is popular with the viewers, and more is in the works!

You're welcome to pop in. Participate in the chat like the adult you are, or simply lurk — it's your choice. I still hope you'll find some entertainment, however you choose.

Follow to be notified when live, at twitch.tv/dmx87

Schedule

When I feel like it, but thursdays and fridays are most common. Follow me to get notified!

Gems

There are gems to be found in the rubble. I make an effort to regularly feature the games here. So if you happen to like the kind of games I like, then maybe you'll find something interesting here, too. The list is kept newest to oldest.

Castles of Dr. Creep, The

1984 Bröderbund

Colourful graphics, challenging gameplay and innovative mechanics elevate this game to a true gem. It's even got 2 player hotseat mode! A must-play.

Wizard

1984 Progressive Peripherals

Obviously inspired by Jumpman, this game improves on it superbly. Great gameplay, great obstacles and monsters, nice graphics and sound, tons of screens, and even a screen editor. This game's got it all!

Gnome

1984 Ing. W. Hofacker GmbH

This strange game first appeared to be another impossibly hard, buggy mess. But layer after layer of depth came to the surface, making it a hidden jewel well worth playing. Hint: Moving about is actually in 3D! And, oh, dust off that German dictionary. Rumour has it that this will get an update, somehow...

Revisits

Some games are worth a revisit, and may even be promoted to Gems at a later time. Note that obvious classics are not present.

Sabre Wulf

1985 Firebird/Ultimate

This is only here because it's made by Greg Duddle, and is in the same style, of Willow Pattern. :-)

Maxwell Manor

1985 Avalon Hill

The Skull of Doom. Not entirely sure why this is here, but it's one of those weird arcade adventures you just have to find out what's around the bend of.

Critical Mass

1985 Durell

An 8-way scrolling shooter which initially felt too hard, but once you get a grip on the controls it's now a question of: How soon can I get to the nuclear plant? And, oh: Jet-pack!

Who Dares Wins II

1985 Alligata

It started off as a Commando clone, but Elite got angry so they made new levels and released it as a sequel. Still some soldier action, less fast-paced than Commando, but still some good shoot'em up fun. Be sure to check out the original which was leaked recently!

Tropical Fever

1985 Colosoftware

Another platformer with interesting mechanics. Couldn't get past the first screen, but still. Lure the panther into the cage, but watch out for the mischievous monkey and other natives. What's on the next screen?

Thunderbirds

1985 Firebird

Thunderbirds! A TV series I never knew, but the game is interesting. Equip and operate the thunderbirds to navigate the underground complex.

Wizardry

1985 The Edge

We all know the music, and for the UKers this is a classic. But did the rest of us know? Adventurous Isometric CRPG Hack'n'Slash.

Chuckie Egg II

1985 A'N'F

Old-school high-res platformer with some puzzle concepts, that play's quite good and envokes some sense of wonder.

Beer Belly Burt's Brew Biz

1985 American Eagle

It's a Frank Cohen game, and in his familiar style. Add a beer brewing concept, and you have something going.

Entombed

1985 Ultimate

Nice graphics and sound, interesting puzzles in this adventure. Strange he wears a cricket outfit, but that can be forgiven.

Starquake

1985 Bubble Bus

Multi-screen platformer action in high resolution! Good presentation overall, and a challenge too boot.

Summer Games II

1985 Epyx

We all know Summer Games is a classic, but Summer Games II? Turns out, it's better than we all mis-remembered!

Hero of the Golden Talisman

1985 MAD

Shaun Southern returns with a large, multi-room platformer adventure. If you can get past the annoying edge-collision detection and the constantly respawning monsters, there's something fascinating going on here.

Dynamite Dan

1985 Mirrorsoft

Finally one of these wierd Speccy ports that actually looks quite good. A good challenge to be had here in pursuit of eight dynamite sticks all over a big world.

Fast Tracks

1985 Activision

Slot car simulator with a construction kit, and indeed a fun little racer once you get a hang of the controls.

Zenji

1984 Activision

An interesting puzzle concept - connect pieces to the power source. Unfortunately, unnecessary foes detract some "zen" from the experience, but it's still enjoyable.

Quari

1984 Jetsoft

The animations are hilarious, but you feel like you're in control of the protagonist, a British Indiana Jones chased by Barney? And, let's have another go.

Firequest

1984 The Edge

Ugh! - the caveman - is on a new quest. A quest of fire. Tough as nails, sometimes tedious, but also quite wonderful.

Eddie Kidd Jump Challenge

1984 Martech

What's interesting about this stunt-jump game is that there are no gauges or meters. It's all based on the "feel" for the jump.

Crossfire Canyon

1984 BCI Software

A suprisingly smooth playable high-score racker, and an interesting concept.

Apple Cider Spider

1984 Sierra On-Line

Our nimble spider must time her movements well in her quest through the hazardous cider factory.

Ankh

1984 Datamost

A puzzling adventuring to mystify you as you navigate your ship (?) through.. well, whatever it is.

Olympic Skier

1984 Mr. Chip

Darn fun alpine, ski-jumping and freestyle winter game, urging you to improve your score at every turn.

Fred

1984 Argus Press

Almost a classic, Fred is a quite interesting and playable little tomb adventure.

Quest for Quintana Roo

1984 Sunrise Software

Let's enter another pyramid and find out what secrets it conceals.

Castle of Jasoom

1984 Accelerated Software

Intriguing arcade-rpg with some mechanics, albeit a bit drab exterior. There could be more to it, we have to find out.

Rocket Roger

1984 Alligata

Roger's rocketing, and rocketing is a rocky road.

White Viper

1984 Front Runner

Nice animations and interesting mechanics in this "save the princess" adventure. Trap the horse, and you're on your way!

Countdown to Meltdown

1984 Creative Sparks

Quite complex adventure with a good atmosphere. Utilizing up to eight androids, can you stop the nuclear meltdown in time?

Bozo's Night Out

1984 Taskset

Help Bozo home from the pub, but watch out! Gameplay requires some hand-eye coordination, so I recommend to down a few beers before you have a go at this.

Below the Root

1984 Spinnaker

Arcade adventure sporting a a big world, NPCs and mysterious quests. Appears to have depth, and could be an intriguing play for the adventurous.

Chiller

1984 Mastertronic

The Darlings are back with this budget classic. Tough platforming, as usual, but with seemingly more variety than usual. And great music!

Captain Starlight

1984 Data Media

An above-average jet-pack game with some interesting mechanics and a sense of exploration.

Black Belt

1984 Earthware

I'm a sucker for martial arts games. Animations in this game are not too shabby, but gameplay is a little on the slow side.

Zig-Zag

1984 DK Tronic

Surprisingly fast and responsive "3D" maze game having you hunt down and eliminate aw, too cute monsters.

Ghost Chaser

1984 Advantage

Frank Cohen is back in recognizable style. It's rather Chased by Ghosts, and as usual an interesting challenge.

Toy Bizarre

1984 Activision

Initially complex arcade action, but when you get it, you'll have quite some fun!

Mancopter

1984 Datasoft

Is it a bird, is it a plane, is it Flappy Bird? No, it's the copter of a Man!

House of Usher

1984 Kingsoft

A spooky multi-room challenge. Do you dare enter?

Henry's House

1984 English Software

Henry is trying to make his way through a commoner's house. Nice gameplay and fun mechanics.

Micro Power

1984 Ghouls

I have a sweet spot for hard platformers with simple and clean graphics. Just like Ghouls.

TYMAC Software

1984 Gandalf the Sorcerer

Gandalf is struggling to defend his castle in this shooter with nice graphics and sound.

Doriath

1984 Virgin Games

Keys, chalices, secrets will mystify in this arcade adventure.

The Dark Tower

1984 Melbourne House

Tough as nails platforming exploration.

Cuthbert in the Tombs

1984 Microdeal

A classic top-down/side-view arcade adventure that we all like so much.

Conan

1984 Datasoft

Strange colours, wonky gameplay and flickering sprites still leaves a desire to see what's beyond the next screen. And it was programmed by Ron J. Fortier of Bruce Lee fame!

Tales of the Arabian Nights

1984 Interceptor

Spell the word in order and unlock the next screen.

Spelunker

1984 Bröderbund

It's a classic, and there's a reason for it. A journey deep into mysterious caves!

Black Knight

1984 Interdisc

Nice music, good graphics. Funny horse. A bit buggy, but it tickles the urge to see what's next.

Swoop

1984 Micro Power

A smooth and playable Invader shooter.

Mystic Mansion

1984 US Gold

Simple graphics betrays a challenging puzzle journey through the vast mansion.

Mr. Dig

1984 Microdeal

A Mr. Do! inspired game that plays very well.

Hot Pop

1984 Melbourne House

An entertaining little Japanese style puzzle platformer with screen editor and surprisingly "modern" gameplay.

WitchSwitch

1984 English Software

Fun little children's (?) game that has you morphing from one animal to the next.

Whistler's Brother

1984 Brøderbund

Whistle your busy Doctor-brother to his destination. Interesting platformer puzzle concept, challenging mechanics.

Smuggler

1984 Abbex Software

Frustrating but intriguing puzzle-platformer. How many "sheets" could there be?

Caverns of Khafka

1984 Cosmi

Paul Norman strikes again with more great music in a very mysterious and alluring game. Is this even finishable?

Storm Warrior

1984 Front Runner

Don't remember why this was tagged, but there's something to it.

Ollie's Follies

1984 Access Software

Another Frank Cohen game that has a recognizable style and some good mechanics.

Mind Control

1984 Mastertronic

Tough platforming by the Darlings. It's one of those potentially rage-quitting games that you just have to have another go at.

A Journey to the Centre of the Earth

1984 Ozisoft

Jury's still out on this one, but once one gets the mechanics, it grows on you. What on earth hides in the centre of the Earth?

Crazy Conveyors

1983 Bytes and Bits

Floors & ladders game with level editor and stuff happening. Hard foes ruin some of the fun, but still interesting.

Artillery Duel

1983 Action Graphics / Xonox

Early Scorched Earth game.

Blagger

1983 Alligata Software

A Crowther (what's a crowther?) makes things difficult for thieves in this classic, tough, multi-room platformer.

Cohen's Towers

1983 Fanda / Datamost, Inc.

Can the newly hired mail-room boy make his way up the ranks? Or will he be demoted by poodles or falling potty plants.

Crazy Caveman

1983 Merlin Software

The bible says cavemen and dinosaurs lived together in harmony. Until now, that is.

Fire Ant

1983 Mogul / Victory Software

Mike Wacker! Simple and effective graphics, and some puzzling to be had.

Hard Hat Mack

1983 Electronic Arts

Apparently EA's debut game. If we can hack that annoying guy on the right away, it could actually be playable.

Hideous Bill and the Gi-Giants

1983 Virgin Games

I don't know why this is here.

Lady Tut

1983 Spinnaker Software

There's something about these early maze exploration games...

Mabel's Mansion

1983 Datamost, Inc.

I don't know who Mabel is, but her mansion seems like it's hiding some secrets.

Mountain King

1983 Beyond

Who is the Mountain King, and how to we get there? We have to find out!

Sammy Lightfoot

1983 Sierra Online, Inc.

Sammy makes his way through levels of loads-of-stuff happening, which I love. Now, if we just can get past level 1 ...

2 player hotseat

I thought I'd also keep a list of two player hotseat games, to be played by two humans in the same room. Any streamers out there with friends? Anyone?

Castles of Dr. Creep, The

1984 Bröderbund

Colourful graphics, challenging gameplay and innovative mechanics elevate this game to a true gem. It's even got 2 player hotseat mode! A must-play.