RetroGamerDiaries revisits Ocean Software’s 1986 action title Rambo: First Blood Part II in a thrilling Rambo game comparison across the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, and Amstrad CPC. The video dives into how each system handles the chaos of Stallone’s jungle war, revealing which 8-bit hero emerges victorious.
The ZX Spectrum version, created by David J. Anderson and Frederick David Thorp, sets the tone with stealth and action blended into one compact package. Players guide Rambo through the dense jungle to rescue POWs using knives, grenades, and explosive arrows. The gameplay window may be small, but the tension feels genuine. Without background music, the focus rests on the gameplay’s pace and stealth mechanics, earning the Spectrum version respect for its faithfulness to the movie’s intensity.
Moving to the Commodore 64, the Rambo game comparison takes a sonic leap. Martin Galway’s soundtrack elevates the experience, drawing from the film’s score. Smooth animation, busy battlefields, and responsive controls make the game feel more cinematic. It’s challenging, yes, but that difficulty fuels the excitement. The Commodore 64 proves why it remains a fan favorite for action-heavy adaptations.
Finally, the Amstrad CPC version delivers bright visuals and solid music by James Edward Cosby. However, its smaller play area and flickering enemies reduce the enjoyment slightly. Despite these drawbacks, it remains colorful and energetic, showcasing the effort to capture Rambo’s explosive spirit.
In the end, the Commodore 64 claims first place for its sound, graphics, and smooth gameplay, followed by the ZX Spectrum and Amstrad CPC. This Rambo game comparison reminds viewers why Ocean’s film tie-ins defined a generation of home computer gaming. Watch the full video to see how each version holds up in this jungle showdown.
