When the C64 was launched in 1982 it immediately set the standard for 8-bit home computers. Its low cost, superior graphics, high quality sound and a massive 64 KB of RAM positioned it as the winner in the home computer wars, knocking out competitors from the likes of Atari, Texas Instruments, Sinclair, Apple and IBM.
Selling over 30 million units and introducing a whole generation to computers and programming, the C64 shook up the video games industry and sparked cultural phenomena such as computer music and the demoscene. In recent years the C64 has enjoyed a spectacular revival manifesting itself once again as a retrocomputing platform.
To allow you to experience and relive the wonders of this unique computer, Cloanto, developers of Commodore/Amiga software since the 1980s and creators of the famous Amiga Forever series, has introduced C64 Forever, a revolutionary preservation, emulation and support package. C64 Forever embodies an intuitive player interface, backed by a built-in database containing more than 5,000 C64 game entries, and advanced support for the new RP2 format, dubbed the "MP3 of retrogaming".
Over the past few years Cloanto have sent me various versions of their product Amiga Forever and asked that I review it on this blog and site. On this issue I am somewhat torn. On one hand I beleive that a format like the AMIGA which was a computing breakthrough and quite possible one of the most important developments in computing history should have its BIOS and Kickstart roms freely distributed in order to keep it alive. On the other hand Cloanto (who own the rights to the Amiga Kickstart ROM) have produced in AMIGA FOREVER one of the best all round collection of products, media, emulators and supporting material ever. It was obviously made with great passion and care towards preserving the AMIGA memory. I have now to say that I consider AMIGA FOREVER a must purchase for every and all serious retro gamers and past Amiga owners (like myself).
That said (at long last)I set out to review the C64 FOREVER product. What can I say. It continues their excellent tradition of presenting you the user with a clean, concise all round product for easily emulating the mighty Commodore 64 computer.
In closing I just want to say, thank you to Cloanto for your support and thank you for two great products, AMIGA FOREVER and C64 FOREVER.
