Fairlight TV returns with a technical deep dive into the Fairlight Terrormolinos Edition, a new look at Melbourne House’s quirky text adventure that’s been re-engineered with modern flair. In this episode, the host explores the original game’s assembly code and details how the Fairlight version enhances the 1980s experience with practical updates and in-game trainers.
The Fairlight Terrormolinos edition is based on Beam Software’s original adventure, Terrormolinos, which follows a British family’s chaotic holiday in Spain. Using a heavily modified version of the Quill engine, the game required players to type commands to progress through its bizarre and humorous scenarios. The Fairlight update adds modern quality-of-life improvements, including an F1 trainer for replenishing camera film and an F8 function for managing inventory weight.
Another clever addition in the Fairlight Terrormolinos edition is the disk save option, replacing the original tape-only save system. This makes it easier for players using emulators or real hardware without tape drives to save their progress safely. The video also dives into how the game’s data and memory structure work—right down to the specific addresses that store location, inventory, and film count.
Fans of Commodore 64 hacking will appreciate the detailed walkthrough of the disassembly process. The host explains how each part of the game loads into memory and reveals how the Fairlight version compresses everything into 186 blocks, even with a new intro and documentation. There’s also a brief mention of the slideshow feature, which displays all in-game photos with a single keystroke—perfect for anyone curious about the game’s strange humor.
Fairlight’s take on Terrormolinos not only restores a lesser-known C64 title but gives it thoughtful tweaks that make it more enjoyable to play today. For retro enthusiasts and coders alike, this episode offers both nostalgia and a fascinating look under the hood of a true Commodore classic.
