Following Desert-Fox’s recent list of top Commodore 64 games, I figured it was time to share my own. These aren’t just titles I dabbled in—I owned them, finished them, and replayed them more times than I can count.
10. Space Taxi
Publisher: Muse Software (1984)
Developer: John Kutcher
“Hey Taxi!” shouts your next passenger—and off you go. This gravity-based game tasks you with delivering fares across 24 wildly imaginative levels, each designed with PETSCII charm. Whether it’s navigating a level shaped like a ping pong table or avoiding moving platforms, the replay value is endless.
9. Bruce Lee
Publisher: Datasoft (1984)
Developer: Ron J. Fortier
Part platformer, part beat-’em-up, Bruce Lee has you gathering lanterns while evading a sumo bruiser and a ninja with a bo staff. Combat is basic but satisfying, and the game’s smooth controls make it easy to keep coming back.
8. Lords of Conquest
Publisher: EON Software / Electronic Arts
Developers: Bill Eberle, Jack Kittredge, Peter Olotka, Trevor Western
Think RISK, but better—at least according to the box. With up to 7 players, randomized maps, and intense AI opponents, Lords of Conquest delivers an addictive, strategic experience. Graphics are spartan, but the gameplay is endlessly rewarding.
7. Sid Meier’s Pirates!
Publisher: MicroProse (1987)
Developer: Sid Meier
Before Civilization, Sid Meier built this open-world pirate sim. Choose your allegiance, chase treasure, attack ships, court a governor’s daughter, and maybe even rescue a long-lost relative. With freedom to roam and plot twists galore, this one’s still a gem.
6. Red Storm Rising
Publisher: MicroProse
Developer: Sid Meier (based on Tom Clancy’s novel)
This Cold War sub sim has you sneaking through the Norwegian Sea as Soviet destroyers hunt you down. Choose from four subs across four timelines, each with unique missions. Strategy and tension are at the core of every patrol. We have a full review of Red Storm Rising for the C64 here as well.
5. Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny
Publisher: Origin Systems
Developer: Richard Garriott
Lord British is missing. Lord Blackthorn has seized control, and Britannia has fallen into darkness. Ultima V expands everything from its predecessor: a deeper story, enhanced graphics and sound (especially on a C128), and the last outing with the original tile-based engine.
4. Raid on Bungeling Bay
Publisher: Broderbund Software
Developer: Will Wright
Fly a helicopter off an aircraft carrier and destroy the enemy’s industrial base before their mega-battleship is complete. What starts as a straightforward mission quickly becomes an intense dogfight. This game even laid the groundwork for SimCity—no joke.
3. The Seven Cities of Gold
Publisher: Ozark Softscape / Electronic Arts (1984)
Developer: Dan Bunten
Explore a new world—literally. Seven Cities of Gold randomly generates your map and lets you trade, explore, or conquer. No scoring system, just open-ended adventure. Navigate native villages, trade (or don’t), and see what kind of legacy you leave behind.
2. Wasteland
Publisher: Interplay / Electronic Arts (1988)
Developer: Brian Fargo
Before Fallout, there was Wasteland. You’re a Desert Ranger keeping the peace in a post-nuclear world. It’s text-heavy, story-rich, and far ahead of its time. Despite minimal graphics, the gameplay and moral choices keep you thinking. Its DNA runs through modern RPGs.
1. Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar
Publisher: Origin Systems (1985)
Developer: Richard Garriott
Forget loot and levels—Ultima IV is about living a virtuous life. You must master Truth, Love, and Courage, find the runes, and ultimately become the Avatar. It’s philosophical, massive in scale (two double-sided floppies!), and it revolutionized RPG design. The cloth map and Ankh were just the icing.
Did your favorites make the cut? Drop your own Top 10 Commodore 64 Games in the comments below.
Racing & Destruction Set was always a favorite of mine!
That’s a good one. Especially the moon track with the giant hill that lets you jump out of the top of the screen.