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Homebrew DTVii joystick brings tilt-sensing to the C64
While the Wii and PS3 are getting most of the motion-sensing attention these days, Commodore 64 enthusiast Doug Garmon seems intent on proving that his old school system is also up to the task, developing a homebrew joystick that not only packs an accelerometer, but is wireless to boot. As you can see in the video after the break, the whole setup appears to work quite well, although it doesn't exactly provide a full-range of motion-sensing abilities, confined instead to a still-impressive tilt action. While this particular version of the controller makes use of C64-compatible DTV unit instead of an honest-to-goodness Commodore 64, Doug isn't about to let the hardcore Commodore fans among us down, saying he has receiver for the C64 "already made" but hasn't yet tested it.[Via Hack a Day]
Shredz64 project bringing Guitar Hero to the Commodore 64
We've already seen the Guitar Hero controller hooked up to a PC, but hardware hacker Toni has decided up the difficultly level even further, endeavoring to wire the ubiquitous plastic axe to his Commodore 64, complete with an all new "Guitar Hero-like" C64 game. While he's still quite a ways from fully realizing that goal, as the pic above and audio clip on the page linked below show, he is making considerable progress, with all of the guitar's buttons working, although the whammy bar, sadly, remains silent. Unfortunately, it's also been over a month since the last update on the project, so we can only hope that he hasn't given up on it -- there's undoubtedly countless C64s just waiting to be dusted off as soon as the DIY guide is ready.[Thanks, Joseph S]
C64 games to hit Virtual Console
For those of you out there who fill your hobby hours with finding new and innovative ways to bring Commodore 64 games to new platforms (like the DS), we're sorry. Epyx is trying to trump you. On the bright side, at least we can enjoy some old school action on the Virtual Console. Epyx was responsible for a long list of titles in the eighties, and since there's no confirmation on precisely what they'll be offering on the Virtual Console ... that's right, it's speculation time. What would you shell out five bucks for?If you need us, we'll be busy practicing our Hot Doggin' in anticipation of Winter Games.
Joystiq's "Most impressive gamer" winner
At Engadget, most of us are what you'd call casual gamers, given that on occasion, we love to kick back with a round or two of "Civilization IV" whenever we need some R&R. That said, we're lightyears away from Kevout -- the guy that just won Joystiq's contest of "Most impressive gamer rig" -- who just took home a new copy of "Dead Rising" for the Xbox 360. He's got a 32-system setup (only 21 of those consoles are actually connected), that ranges from a Commodore 64 to an Xbox 360, accompanied by a total of 568 games; amusingly, since he blows all his loot on videogame hardware and software, he had to scrounge that disgraceful CRT out of a dumpster. We assume that once Kevout gets his paws on a PS3 he'll have achieved gamer nirvana. Until the Wii comes out, that is.
Connect your Commodore 64 keyboard to your PC via USB
This Danish hacker has converted an older clacky Commodore 64 keyboard to a more modern real-deal USB keyboard. We won't bore you with the gory details, but if you're interested, Mikkel Holm Olsen has a long play-by-play account of his travails on his website, linked below. Apparently, he was asked to create the keyboard for some buddies of his, a Commodore 64 revival band, appropriately called "Press Play on Tape." We honestly had no idea there were so many Commodore 64 fanboys in Denmark, but given their progressive culture it only makes sense that they're super obsessed with oh, only the best computer system ever.[Via MAKE:Blog]
Epyx returns to PSP
The retro compilations keep on coming to the PSP. If the Genesis-era of gaming is still too new for you, then you'll be glad to know that the popular line of Commodore 64 games published by Epyx are making a comeback. Impossible Mission will hit in January and California Games will follow in May. The Last Ninja trilogy will be making a comeback as well. Although these games will be remakes, they won't be 3D:"You gotta keep the gameplay mechanics the same or else it ceases to be the original game and you're only using the game brand to sell games," Kale (System 3 founder) said. "It ceases to be Impossible Mission or California Games or what have you. ... What we're doing is we're incorporating the original gameplay and mechanics and bringing the gameplay up to date."The remakes will also be available on the DS and Nintendo Wii.[Via DS Fanboy]
Commodore 64 emulation on the DS
Check out this nicely edited video featuring Commodore 64 emulation on the DS. Using the stylus and the on-screen keyboard makes this look so easy -- much easier, in fact, than winning those old school games![Thanks, James!]
