BastichB 64K recently took a look at Avalan, the latest release for the Commodore 64 from Psytronik Software. The game, launched in February 2025, comes from ICON64, a team known for channeling the charm of 1980s games. Avalan draws inspiration from Firebird’s Willow Pattern and Treasure Island, blending classic maze action with new twists.
A Quest for the Sword
The story unfolds on the island of Avalan, once ruled by the Sky Wizards. Now, the island faces trouble. An unholy Monk has stolen sacred relics and shattered the great master sword, Excalibruh. Worse, he has called in an army to protect his loot. Your job? Gather all 44 pieces of Excalibruh hidden across the island and put things right.
Exploring and Mapping
Avalan offers 256 flip-screen rooms to explore. The game uses color codes to guide you: purple means sword fragments, green means treasure. Press the spacebar and you’ll see the full map. There’s no timer or chasing enemies, so you can explore and plan at your own pace.
Collecting and Combat
You’ll need to collect every piece of the sword. The final fragment stays under the Monk’s guard and only appears once you’ve found the others. Once you have all 44 pieces, the master sword reappears on its plinth in the island’s center. Only this sword can defeat the Monk.
Combat is simple. You can only hold one sword at a time. Use it, and you’ll need to find another. Enemies don’t move, but if you get close, they’ll throw swords. Dodge and grab their weapons to keep moving forward.
Bright Graphics and a Fantasy Soundtrack
Avalan stands out with a vibrant color palette and polished visuals. The SID soundtrack by Soul Cross adds a fantasy vibe that fits the game’s theme. The result is a package that feels right at home on the Commodore 64.
Available Now
You can get Avalan in digital and physical editions. The tape version appeals to collectors, while the cartridge release also includes ICON64’s other title, Ladybird. Both are available through Psytronik Software.
