BastichB 64K returns for Horror Month with a look at Beyond the Forbidden Forest on the Commodore 64. Created by Paul Norman and published by Cosmi in 1985, Beyond the Forbidden Forest continues the eerie adventure that began with The Forbidden Forest. This focus on Beyond the Forbidden Forest reveals how Norman expanded on his original vision while experimenting with 3D-style movement and larger-than-life monsters.
The player once again enters a silent woodland that quickly erupts into chaos. With a bow and an endless quiver of arrows, the task is to eliminate monstrous threats—a giant scorpion, blood-sucking dragonfly, worm beasts, and colossal jumping creatures. Survive long enough, and the action shifts to the underworld for a showdown against vampire bats, a hydra, and finally the fearsome Demon Gorgon.
While gameplay mechanics echo the original, Beyond the Forbidden Forest introduces the so-called “Omni Dimension 4D” effect, allowing movement in and out of the screen. This pseudo-3D twist was bold for 1985 and added surprising depth. The game’s dynamic day-to-night cycle amplifies the tension, bathing the forest in growing darkness as danger closes in.
Visually, Norman delivered bigger sprites and smoother animations, with grotesque death scenes that still impress. The full-screen boss encounters were technical marvels for their time, giving players memorable moments of panic and awe. The sound design remains intense and haunting, especially the relentless background tune that digs into your mind long after the game ends.
Although Norman himself felt the sequel lacked some of the charm of the original, Beyond the Forbidden Forest remains an ambitious and atmospheric follow-up that dared to push the Commodore 64’s limits. BastichB 64K’s review captures the thrill, the fear, and the strange beauty of this forgotten horror classic.
