In this latest video from the Commodore 64 Appreciation Society, Sword of Fargoal gets the spotlight it deserves. Developed by Jeff McCord and released by EPYX in 1983, Sword of Fargoal is a rogue-like dungeon crawler that blends random level generation, permadeath, and real-time combat into a surprisingly deep C64 experience. The game casts players as a lone adventurer descending deep into an unpredictable dungeon to retrieve a legendary sword—and then, in a cruel twist, escape back to the surface under a strict 33-minute timer.
From GammaQuest to Fargoal
The video traces the origins of Sword of Fargoal to McCord’s high school project, GammaQuest II, created on the Commodore PET. The game’s core mechanic—revealing map tiles as you move—carried over to Fargoal. EPYX offered McCord an advance to develop a VIC-20 version, followed by the much-loved C64 port in 1983. Sales were impressive, reaching around 100,000 copies despite rampant software piracy.
A Fantasy Setup with Real Stakes
The plot begins with an evil wizard, Umla, who tricks a hero named Gedwyn and hides a powerful sword deep underground. The player takes on the role of a new challenger, determined to recover the sword and bring an end to Umla’s tyranny. The adventure begins with few resources: a basic weapon, low health, and one healing potion.
Temples, Treasures, and Traps
Each dungeon level offers a mix of danger and opportunity. Temples serve as havens where hit points regenerate quickly, and gold found throughout the dungeon can be exchanged for experience. Treasure chests may contain useful spells or helpful gear—or they might explode, teleport you, or erase your progress. Temples often become the safest place to linger, especially during longer runs.
Combat and Monster Design
Combat in Sword of Fargoal is simple but tactical. Moving into an enemy initiates battle, but choosing when to attack—or when to flee—is key. Monsters range from warlords and assassins to experience-stealing mages and demons. Players often retreat to heal and return for revenge. The video highlights how brutal and unpredictable enemy encounters can be.
Finding the Sword Is Just the Beginning
Securing the Sword of Fargoal feels like a win, but the real challenge begins there. With only 33 minutes to escape, players must ascend random levels under constant pressure. Monsters become more aggressive, targeting the player directly. If the sword is stolen during escape, it’s returned to its original location—usually ending the run.
Graphics and Sound That Still Impress
The video praises the game’s colorful sprites and engaging animations, but it’s the sound design that stands out. Traps groan, combat clanks, and monsters shriek with satisfying audio cues that enhance every moment. These sounds remain some of the game’s most memorable features.
Legacy and Later Versions
Although McCord didn’t develop more games, Sword of Fargoal lived on. A modern remake for iOS was released in 2009 and remains available through GameClub. Yet, for many fans—including those behind this video—the Commodore 64 version still feels like the definitive one.
