Hydrogenese was one of X-Ample’s most ambitious Commodore 64 projects. Developed by Helge Kozielek, Michael Detert, and Thomas Heinrich, the game aimed to merge fast-paced shooting with side-scrolling platform action. Mario van Zeist also offered design guidance, helping shape its hybrid gameplay concept.
Players could choose from four heroes, each with their own strengths, to destroy weapon systems aboard an enemy spacecraft. Hydrogenese promised both shoot-’em-up stages and four-way scrolling platform levels inspired by Armalyte and Hawkeye 2. The concept was daring, but production hit a major setback.
From Vision to Fragmentation
Originally planned for a 25,000 DM Game On contest, the project missed its submission deadline. Development stopped, and the unfinished work was divided among several later titles.
Parts of Hydrogenese appeared in Tales of Boon, Darksword, and Greystorm, while Parsec reused some of its shoot-’em-up sections. Even Thomas Detert’s music lived on, resurfacing in Hyper Aggressive and other X-Ample releases. The team’s creativity ensured that the game’s essence never fully disappeared.
Rediscovering Its Legacy
Though the original build of Hydrogenese is believed lost, traces of its design survive across X-Ample’s catalog. Thanks to Se7en of Digital Excess, fans can still enjoy the SID music demo composed by Detert.
Hydrogenese remains an intriguing chapter in C64 history. Its unfinished code, repurposed art, and memorable soundtrack demonstrate how even an incomplete idea can influence multiple generations of games.
