Anyone following Havok’s Commodore Tidbits May 2018 knows the C64 scene always has something new to offer. This month, there are major software releases, fresh magazine issues, and innovative tools that bring extra excitement for fans. Each update keeps classic computing relevant for another generation.
VICE 3.2 Brings Focused Improvements
The VICE emulator, a favorite for many Commodore users, now moves ahead with version 3.2. This update emphasizes bug fixes and new features. Developers made a big change by concentrating on just two user interfaces: SDL1/2 and the Gtk3 port.
Previous ports like Mac Cocoa and Win32 have been dropped. That decision helps streamline development and guarantees quicker updates for all. The Gtk3 interface now aims to cover Windows, Mac, and Linux users. Although it remains a work in progress, it already handles most daily tasks. Binaries for easy download will arrive soon. For those unable to use Gtk3, the SDL interface offers solid performance across all platforms.
Developers invite feedback and bug reports on SourceForge. With this, VICE stays current and reliable. This kind of forward thinking explains why Havok’s Commodore Tidbits May 2018 focuses on active development.
THEC64 Mini: Faster, Smoother Controls
For fans of THEC64 Mini, the latest 1.0.8 firmware update focuses squarely on making the system quicker to respond. The update, announced through the official campaign newsletter, is designed to tackle input lag and deliver more fluid menu navigation. Both THEC64 Mini and the full-size system now handle controls with less delay, improving the overall gaming and browsing experience.
Small refinements like these might seem subtle, but they quickly add up, making classic games feel even more playable on modern hardware. Havok’s Commodore Tidbits May 2018 continues to spotlight projects that keep vintage systems fun and accessible.
Spritemate 1.07 Makes Sprite Editing Easy
Spritemate version 1.07 takes C64 sprite editing to the web, allowing anyone to create and modify sprite graphics in any modern browser. This tool runs on pure JavaScript and HTML, keeping all processing on the user’s device. The new update expands support for more file formats, bug fixes, and general improvements.
Spritemate is open to user suggestions and invites feedback and pull requests, encouraging collaboration as it grows. For those building new games or experimenting with graphics, Spritemate provides an easy entry point. Whether you’re on Windows, Mac, or Linux, all you need is a browser to get started.
Freeze64 Magazine: Indie Publishing for the C64 Scene
Freeze64 continues its run as a full-color indie magazine, packed with interviews, reviews, and features about C64 gaming. Each issue uncovers stories from developers behind classics such as Wizball and Forbidden Forest, as well as deeper dives into lesser-known titles.
Besides exclusive interviews, readers find news, reviews, codes, tips, and behind-the-scenes articles not published anywhere else. With a focus on both nostalgia and discovery, Freeze 64 appeals to new and long-time fans alike. Supplies of each issue are limited, so those interested should grab a copy soon.
Trolley Follies 1.2: Classic Gameplay, Modern Features
Trolley Follies, now updated to version 1.2 by Black Castle Software, offers a fresh spin on arcade gameplay for the C64. Players take on the role of trolley conductors, picking up passengers and racing through increasingly complicated tracks. The game rewards quick thinking, good timing, and sharp reflexes.
What sets Trolley Follies apart is the built-in level editor, allowing players to design their own stages and share them online. This update continues the tradition of community-driven creativity within the C64 world, giving the classic machine a new twist.
Retrogaming Times Issue 14: Community in Focus
Issue 14 of Retrogaming Times shines a light on the energy still pulsing through classic computing circles. It opens with an in-depth interview with Jeff Daniels, known for his VIC-20 website “Denial.” He shares insights on how passionate communities keep machines like the VIC-20 and Commodore 64 alive through online resources, projects, and conversation.
The magazine expands its focus to cover under-appreciated systems like the VZ200 and TI-99/4A, offering personal stories, technical overviews, and a sense of discovery. There are also features on the ColecoVision and a retrospective on Tengen’s Shinobi, but the underlying thread is always a shared love for quirky hardware and rediscovered classics. With Havok’s Commodore Tidbits May 2018, readers see just how much community involvement keeps these platforms interesting.
Why the Scene Stays Busy
With updates like these, it’s easy to see why Commodore 64 enthusiasts keep coming back. Between emulator improvements, firmware tweaks, creative tools, and the community-driven publishing world, the C64 remains a playground for exploration and new ideas. If you’re following Havok’s Commodore Tidbits, you already know this is the best way to stay in the loop, discover new resources, and connect with others who share your interest in retro computing.
