Empire Strikes Back – User Article

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In 1982, the Parker Brothers released The Empire Strikes Back for the Atari 2600. And since remakes are currently in vogue, it is only logical to release one for the C64 40 years later…

Actually, I don’t like action games. I also don’t like games that require my reflexes but don’t tell me a significant story. Actually I would like to steer clear of games Empire Strikes Back make.

However, I’m a Star Wars fan, grew up with the C64 in the 1980s and am enthusiastic about the idea behind the game: it doesn’t come from the Parker Brothers or even Disney/LucasArts – the authors are Megastyle Collective, which are completely dedicated to development on legacy platforms. So the retro gamers of game development. The game is also free and can be downloaded from the collective’s homepage in various emulator-compatible formats.

All this – and long, boring days due to a COVID infection – made me want to fight my way through the game. Eight levels – that sounds feasible at first. And indeed, the title is not one of those incredibly difficult games that come along with a retro look and want to bring you to fits of rage and destroyed joypads.

How does it play?

At its core, Empire Strikes Back has remained the same as it was on the Atari 2600. As a defender of the Rebel Alliance, you fly attacks against advancing Imperial troops. The graphically beautifully designed background is new – and although the original already knew parallax scrolling, this effect really comes into its own in the remake for the first time.

The original version from 1982…	…and the great remake.

You could accelerate and brake your glider with the joystick and also change direction; You can even let the spacer hover in place while you rake the approaching runners with laser volleys. The variety of opponents has increased – instead of just AT-ATs as in the original, you now also have to deal with the more agile AT-STs and imperial spy droids.

The animations of the sprites are a joy. In addition, the eight levels offer different color moods that depict the course from day to night, including a beautiful sunset mood.
It’s not just the visual representation that’s beautiful – what the team gets out of the C64’s sound chip is also impressive to see, uh… hear. The classic Star Wars themes are impressively implemented and delight the fan heart.

After completing levels, a rebel transporter starts. Also note the great mood lighting!

The attention to detail can be seen in many places: If you have cleared a level of enemies, the game shows you a starting transporter – Easter egg included in the last level…

Once you have completed the eight levels, a reward screen awaits you, which may seem sparse, but is a worthy ending given the game and the platform. Ending? After the credits, the game is not over – you can stay on Hoth as the “last bastion” and chase up the high score in an endless game – but there is no longer any variety.

Conclusion

Of course, Empire Strikes Back is ultimately a 40-year-old piece of software in a new guise. But in what a! You get the finest C64 fare, both optically and acoustically. What would I have given to play this game as a kid? Since it’s free (to download) and runs in both the emulator and the C64-Maxi, there’s really no reason for you not to take a look. Have fun and may the force be with you!

At the “end” you will see a reward screen.