OSG has launched a new series that explores Commodore 64 top games year by year, beginning with 1982. This premiere episode highlights the system’s first wave of releases and shows how quickly developers found creative ways to use the hardware. Each entry is played and discussed, with details about gameplay, history, and why it stood out at the time.
The countdown begins with Radar Rat Race, a quirky arcade clone that brought fast maze chasing into the home. Games like Weather War 2 and Seawolf showed early experimentation, from battling natural disasters to submarine action with careful timing. Titles such as Night Mission Pinball demonstrated surprising technical ambition, delivering physics-driven gameplay long before simulations became common. Commodore 64 top games from this period revealed that the system could already offer more than simple shooters.
Further up the list, players encountered Amiga Race and Le Mans, both testing the system’s arcade potential with speed and driving challenges. Exterminator added insect-blasting action in maze-like environments, while Choplifter became a standout, mixing combat with hostage rescue missions. Its influence even reached arcades, proving its design impact beyond home computing.
In second place, Infocom’s Starcross shifted attention to storytelling, relying entirely on text while drawing players into an intricate science fiction mystery. This balance between action and narrative gave the platform early variety. At number one, Fort Apocalypse cemented itself as a landmark release, delivering smooth scrolling helicopter combat and underground exploration that amazed players in 1982. It remains a defining early title.
The video captures how the Commodore 64’s first year laid the foundation for genres that would thrive in later years. From arcade conversions to unique experiments, the lineup reflects both ambition and innovation. OSG presents each entry with gameplay footage and commentary, giving viewers context while celebrating the creativity of developers working with new technology.
This is just the beginning of the series. With 1983 and beyond still to come, the stage is set for an engaging look at how the Commodore 64 evolved year by year. Watching these early highlights makes clear why the system would grow into a platform with enduring influence.
