The Commodore 64 (C64) is seeing a remarkable revival in the retro gaming community with the development of a new first-person shooter (FPS) game titled Grey. This ambitious project is being spearheaded by Piotr Kózka, also known as Piotoor, with assistance from Kamil Wolnikowski. The game is visually reminiscent of the iconic Wolfenstein 3D and Doom series and brings a fresh, albeit retro, FPS experience to the C64 platform.
Game Engine and Visuals
The engine for Grey has reached an advanced stage, and the game is already fully playable. The developers have cleverly designed the engine to update color maps, allowing the game to deliver visuals that, while somewhat blocky, are impressively colorful and fast for the hardware. The game is expected to run at a nominal 16 frames per second (fps), although certain features, such as floor coloring, may cause the framerate to drop.
Development Progress and Features
Earlier builds of Grey have been included in issues of Zzap!64, offering enthusiasts a glimpse into the ongoing development process. The team plans to release a smaller, one-file version of the game initially, with future plans to adapt it for cartridge release to take advantage of potential speed and memory improvements.
The game has seen significant updates, including:
– Improved Textures Rendering: The game now boasts 19 different textures, enhancing the visual variety.
– Single-Color Walls: Simplified wall designs that contribute to the game’s aesthetic.
– Enhanced Enemies: The enemies have received visual and functional upgrades.
– Double Sliding Doors: This new feature adds a layer of complexity to the gameplay.
– Simple Trigger System: Events such as enemies spawning when an item is collected or a door opening after clearing a room add strategic depth.
– Minimap (WIP): A working minimap that currently shows walls and the player’s position using a single color, with plans for further development.
– Level-Specific Ambient Music: Each level now features its own ambient soundtrack, adding to the immersion.
– Updated Levels: The game’s levels have been revamped, improving the overall experience.
Credits
The creative team behind Grey includes:
– Programming: Piotr Kózka
– Music & SFX: Kamil Wolnikowski
– Graphics: Kamil Wolnikowski & Piotr Kózka
– Level Design: Kamil Wolnikowski & Piotr Kózka
Conclusion
Grey is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the C64 gaming library, blending nostalgic visuals with innovative gameplay mechanics. The latest development build ‘Preview 8’ is already out and can be downloaded from the CSDB. Check it out!
