BastichB 64K recently shared a quick review of Avalan, a new release for the Commodore 64 from Psytronik Software. Launched in February 2025, Avalan comes from the creative minds at ICON64, known for games that echo the charm of 1980s classics. This time, they blend influences from Firebird’s Willow Pattern (1985) and Treasure Island (1984), creating a fresh action maze adventure with a nostalgic twist.
Set on the mystical island of Avalan, once home to the enigmatic Sky Wizards and the legendary sword Excalibruh, the game throws players into a quest to recover the shattered pieces of the master sword. The antagonist? An unholy Monk who’s not only stolen sacred relics but also assembled an army of formidable soldiers to guard them.
Gameplay revolves around exploration and strategy. Players navigate through 256 flip-screen maps, using a color-coded system to track progress: purple marks sword fragments, while green highlights treasure. The spacebar reveals the map, aiding navigation and planning. Unlike many fast-paced action titles, Avalan encourages a more thoughtful approach—there’s no timer or relentless foes, allowing players to strategize without pressure.
Your main objective is to find all 44 pieces of Excalibruh scattered across the island. The final piece is guarded by the unholy Monk himself and can only be collected after securing the other 43 fragments. Once all pieces are gathered, the master sword will reappear on the sword plinth at the center of the island. Only with this fully restored weapon can you confront and defeat the Monk.
Combat is simple yet tactical. You can only carry one sword at a time. Using it defeats an enemy, but you’ll need to find another to continue fighting. Enemies remain stationary, but if approached, they’ll hurl swords your way. Dodge their attacks to claim their weapons.
Visually, Avalan boasts a bright, engaging color palette and a polished aesthetic that stands out on the C64. The soundtrack, composed by Soul Cross, complements the fantasy theme with rich SID tunes.
Avalan is available both digitally and in physical formats. For collectors, there’s a tape version and an excellent cartridge edition, which also includes ICON64’s recent title, Ladybird.
