MiSTer FPGA - Sam's Journey / Commodore 64 [REU]
0IMPORTANT: In order to save progress- before starting a game, set System Rom (in OSD Hardware menu) to "Standard C64" instead of default "Loadable C64", and then reset from the OSD. The NTSC version of this game requires the REU (Ram Expansion Unit) to be enabled. This was recently added to the C64 core and is the only reason I was able to play this on my CRT finally! Works perfectly as far as I can tell. "Swap Joysticks" needs to be enabled to play with a controller also.
Sam's Journey is a recent release for the C64, and is without a doubt one of the best games I've played on the platform so far. The production values are stellar here, in an adventure that is heavily influenced by Super Mario 3 and Mario World, yet still manages to carve out it's own unique gameplay loop. Powerups are plentiful and fun to use, and the stage design/secrets are well crafted. I went into this expecting a bog standard Euro-platformer, and was pleasantly surprised that it is much more.
The game doesn't force you to collect a bunch of meaningless items if you don't want to, which gives you the choice to play as either a completionist or just cruise through the levels and see the ending if you'd prefer. Good thing they have saving included here, because this is a long one! Even if you are just rushing through the levels, I'd guess it will take at least two hours to complete. They really wanted to make an epic platformer for the C64, and delivered something special here.
More info, purchase options for a physical copy & digital download:
https://www.knightsofbytes.games/samsjourney
https://www.knightsofbytes.games/reu-enables-sams-journey-on-ntsc-systems
https://www.protovision.games/games/sams_journey.php
Note: I'm using 5x integer scaling for this video to fill the screen better. This generally works well with C64 games. I went with a narrow HV integer aspect also, to better match the image I saw on CRT while playing. Without that change, the game was a bit wider on HDMI than the analog image. Could just be a quirk with the NTSC version.
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Commodore 64 core 06-08-2021 build - Sam's Journey
Filter: Gaussian_Sharp_05 // Gamma: 2.3
System Rom: Standard C64 // REU: 512KB
Audio: Left SID: 8580 // Right SID: 6581
Played using an OEM NES controller via BlisSTer. Swap Joysticks needs to be enabled.
Settings: 5x Integer Scaled (Narrow HV Aspect) to 1080p // HDMI to Datapath e1s capture card
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|:=-Timestamps-=:|
00:00 - Boot/Settings
01:00 - Title/Credits
03:08 - Gameplay (Area 1 Complete)
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Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/WalrusFPGA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WalrusFPGA
=---------------CONTRIBUTE---------------=
None of this would be possible without the constant hard work of Sorgelig. It cannot be overstated how much he has done and continues to do for this project, since its beginning. You can support him either at his Patreon in the link below, or on Paypal, depending on your preference. MiSTer is a paradigm shift in how we can experience these classic systems. This is a long-term preservation project that will continue to grow so that gamers today and in the future can experience these excellent systems as accurately and lag-free as possible. Donating what you can will help keep the updates coming. Thank you.
Patreon: https://patreon.com/FPGAMiSTer
PayPal: https://paypal.me/FPGAMiSTer
NOTE: I am not affiliated with Sorgelig and am only sharing these links as a fan of the project who wishes to see it continue to grow rapidly.
=-----------------INFORM-----------------=
Smokemonster's overview video for this core: https://youtu.be/8d12Ma62lzc
Github link for this core: https://github.com/MiSTer-devel/C64_MiSTer
MiSTer Forum/Wiki/Github (source, guides and info): http://MiSTerFPGA.org
Official MiSTer Discord for live chat/help: https://discord.gg/4xKVg4XVYn
(Be respectful; this server is moderated. New users must be verified.)
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Worldwide list of sellers for MiSTer expansion boards: https://misterfpga.org/viewforum.php?f=34&sid=74e1c5e7dae1b99284789d93194cfa0b
I have personally ordered all my parts from https://www.MiSTerAddons.com and have been 100% satisfied with the quality and service there. (North American seller. If in a different region, check list linked above for best local shipping rates.)