The Video Game Critic

This is a special treat for Halloween.
Let the C64 Critic know what you think of his latest review!

Looks interesting.  I just mentioned the Friday the 13th game on the NES in the Halloween topic in the Classic Gaming section.  It was the first game I ever remember that actually "scared" me when I was a kid, with its creepy vibe and ability to make me jump out of my seat from unexpected attackers.  Sounds like the C64 game is a bit more tame.  Are they technically considered the same game, or are they vastly different?

I wanted to point out that the same Friday the 13th game was also released for the Amstrad CPC and ZX Spectrum. The Amstrad version looks the best, Commodore 64 is in the middle, and the ZX Spectrum looks line monochrome garbage (and has no music). Then again, the ZX Spectrum is a weaker computer. Supposedly (I've only played the Amstrad version) the Commodore 64 version has a glitch where if you stab the corpses of camp counselors they will come back to life. You should get the Commodore 64 critic to try that.

Thanks so much for this. It brings back memories of playing this...I can still recall the music and the screams. Is there an option to turn the music off? Its not like I don't delight in all manifestations of the Terpsichorean muse, but a man can only take so much.

The weapons are different if I recall. There is a humongous axe, and a little knife, and I think it matters what you have. There is a cross too...but the guys not Dracula, he's an undead slasher who kills randy teens.

When you mentioned the Thing, I had to look up the Carpenter version date. 1982...so maybe it was an influence because Jason didn't do the whole clayface routine. And no hockey mask...that was as iconic as Freddies glove. And Jason stabs and slices, whats with a stick? Where are the pitchforks and chainsaws? Its more like They Live than a Jason flick...except for all the screaming.

I recall the game being about what you describe...passable graphics, easy to pick up and play, no real strategy, topical with a slasher theme, edgy with its screams and shock graphics of violence, kinda amusing, but not one you would come back too often. Which is a shame, because nothing says sequel like a slasher or a plumber.

Knoll I think you're right.  I haven't tried it yet myself, but I do vaguely recall doing that when I played as a younger lad and thinking "Wow, I can really jack up my score by resurrecting these guys if I find their corpses!".

Scotland, the weapons are indeed different and range from small and pathetic (is that a dart?!?!) to the large and intimidating (axe, chainsaw).  Personally I found if I were going for the ranged weapons I would use the hatchet... at least what I assume is a hatchet.  For hand-to-hand the axe was my go-to.  I only ever saw Jason use the bo staff though.