Splatch! (2024)
a FREE arcade game by ‘Vector5 Games’ for Commodore 64
Written for BrewOtaku #004 by Usman A. Khan
What do you get when you mix a hungry rabbit, falling acorns, and a race against time? Well, ‘Splatch!’ by Vector5 Games, which brings a welcome addition to Commodore 64 gaming, delivering a challenging ‘Boulder Dash’ clone that’s bound to keep you hopping.
“How I Met Your Carrots”
‘Splatch!’ puts you in the paws of a little white rabbit lost in a dangerous garden filled with juicy carrots. The goal is simple: devour all the carrots before time runs out, or face starvation. But this garden isn’t your typical rabbit wonderland. In this one, acorns rain down from above, ready to squash you if you don’t move fast enough. Making matters worse, squirrels and butterflies are out to stop you in your tracks. It’s a tense, fast-paced game where quick reflexes and dodging skills are essential. Unlike most games that ease you in with simple challenges, it doesn’t mess around. Right from the first level, the difficulty spikes, forcing you to master the timing and precision needed to survive. Every level feels like a test of wits and agility, making dodging falling acorns an art form. Using the joystick in Port 2, you guide your rabbit through tight squeezes. If things go bad, pressing the R key lets you retry, though it’ll cost you a life.
What’s impressive is how ‘Splatch!’ — originally a type-in program from the Amstrad Computer User magazine in 1985 — has been polished to perfection by Vector5 Games. It runs well in PAL and NTSC, but seems to be better optimized for PAL.
Conclusion
The game could’ve been lost to time, but Vector5 Games gave it the extra pile of love it richly deserved. With addictive gameplay and a surprising level of challenge, Splatch! is a perfect pick for anyone with a fondness for Commodore 64 and classic arcade vibes.
