Phil from Retech didn’t plan to review the C64 Black Edition, but a discounted price changed his mind. As a collector of every Retro Games Ltd release, he thought it would be redundant. The console looked identical to the Mini, Maxi, and VIC-20 versions. Yet, the Black Edition’s game list caught his attention.
Packaging and First Impressions
The packaging impressed him immediately. The console, joystick, and cables came neatly packed, though no power brick was included. Phil noticed it resembled the Commodore 16 and joked that the name might be misleading. Despite that, the build quality felt strong and familiar.
Testing the Game Library
The real surprise came from the 25 included games. Unlike older compilations, the C64 Black Edition focuses on new C64 titles like Sam’s Journey, Steel Ranger, Millie and Molly and Nixy and the Seeds of Doom. These modern releases show how far developers still push the Commodore 64’s limits.
Phil praised the joystick’s feel and the crisp game visuals. Sam’s Journey stood out for smooth gameplay and bright design. Nikki and the Seeds of Doom offered fun puzzle mechanics. Many games featured outstanding SID chip soundtracks, which Phil described as “pure 8-bit magic.”
Is It Worth Buying?
Phil’s expectations were low, but the console surprised him. While the C64 Black Edition doesn’t bring new hardware, the exclusive games make it worthwhile. For owners of previous C64 versions, the value depends on how much they want these new titles.
For new buyers or those who love modern C64 releases, this edition delivers easy access to quality games with no setup hassle. Phil concluded that it’s a stylish and enjoyable addition to any retro collection.
