C64 Mini

C64 Mini Review

by The Video Game Critic

2/2025

During the early 80's home computer enthusiasts fell to two camps: Commodore and Atari. I was an Atari guy. I had all the add-ons (modem, printer, etc) and could program like a champ. And yet I was keenly aware that the Commodore brand was becoming far more prominent. The Commodore 64 was ubiquitous (including in my school) and there seemed to be so much more software for it (read: games).

I considered acquiring a real Commodore 64 computer at several times over the decades, but I had enough systems to keep me busy. Enter the C64 Mini. This little machine delivers an instant collection of C64 games with the affordability and convenience of a console.

Genesis controller

The C64 Mini's 8x4 inch footprint is pretty tiny compared to the original computer, but otherwise it looks exactly the same. The keyboard is fake and frankly I wish it wasn't. Along the right side are two USB ports. On the back is an HDMI and USB micro port for power. The included joystick is loaded with six extra buttons to help navigate the menus and games without the benefit of an actual keyboard.

C64 menu

The Netflix-style interface is attractive with game tiles lining the bottom. Above is a screenshot and description of the selected game. Too bad there are no instructions. Pleasant midi-style music plays in the background. Options are limited to selecting a language, sorting the games, and toggling between several screen formats.

Having 64 games at your fingertips is the real draw here, although Sudz pointed out the selection has a decidedly European tilt. That said, there are plenty of recognizable titles including Boulderdash, California Games, Gateway to Apshai, Jumpman, Pitstop 2, and Winter Games. Most of the others I had never heard of.

I think it's safe to say these games have never looked better. They appear so vibrant and razor sharp, emphasizing every charming pixel. I had always been under the impression that Atari had superior sound, but the harmonized melodies and subtle noises in these game prove the C64 was no slouch in the audio department. The "growling" sound of a hiding monster in Sword of Fargoal is unnerving!

Since the games are emulated, it begs the question, how are the controls? It depends on the game. There is a small but noticeable control lag. For slower games it's not an issue, but with fast games, it is. Exacerbating the problem is the fact that the games seem to be slightly overclocked. So when you try to move your spaceship over, it hesitates momentarily before lurching to the side. This "slingshot effect" renders fast-action titles like Super Cycle and Uridium practically unplayable.

C64 joystick

I also take issue with the joystick itself. Classic joysticks respond mainly to four directions, with the diagonals being harder to hit. Well in this case they are far too pronounced, resulting in your ship sliding around when you're just trying to move in a straight line. The controller cramped my fingers during extended play sessions and it's rarely clear what those extra buttons do. Fortunately you won't need to buy an extra one as most of the multiplayers games are turns only.

I believe you can plug in a USB keyboard, but in my experience the "virtual keyboard" will suffice. Pushing a button on the controller brings up a column of "keys" on the right side. After punching a few keys you just tuck the keyboard away. It's only required in most games to enter your name.

The games themselves cover a wide variety of genres. I played just about all of them, many with the help of the C64 Critic. Expect a lot of platformers like Cyberdyne Warriors, Soulless, and Jumpman. Space shooters are also very well-represented including Cybernoid, Netherworld, and Zynaps. Racing games including Super Cycle, Alleykat, and Pitstop II. I was expecting more RPGs, but you do get a few including Temple of Apshai, Firelord, and Sword of Fargoal.

C64 game

Futuristic adventures include Hessian and Impossible Mission. Who Dare Wins II is a fun military shooter in the style of Commando. Winter Games features a lot of beautiful snowy scenery through a series of challenging Olympic events. Some games like Cosmic Causeway rely on 3D gimmicks that were impressive for their time but not particularly fun. Others like Snare, Hysteria, and Breakdance are hard to figure out due to the lack of instructions.

UPDATE: All of the instructions can be found at https://retrogames.biz/games/thec64-mini/

C64 game

Also included are a few "new" games including Farm Simulator (2017) and an impressive Galaga knock-off by the name of Galencia Mini (2018). Spacelords (2012) is basically Warlords (Atari 2600, 1977) in space. PET Snake Redux 2020 is a simple but surprisingly fresh update on the old Surround (Atari 2600, 1977) style of games.

One feature I was really hoping to tap into was the ability to play ROMs downloaded from the internet. This didn't turn out to be as useful as I thought. When you try to load up a ROM, chances are you'll be subjected to screenfuls of garbage and rants compliments of the guy who "cracked" the game. How do you even start the game? I'm so turned off at that point, I don't want to bother.

The C64 Mini has issues but it's hard to complain about getting a complete home computer collection for under fifty bucks. Each game can be saved to four slots, which comes in handy for recording high scores and RPG progress. If you're feeling nostalgic or want to see what the fuss is about, this is a good Commodore primer. That said, I would not feel comfortable reviewing a game solely on this system alone. There's just no substitute for the real thing.

Find C64 Mini on eBay, Amazon, YouTube


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