C64 Zombies! Unleashes 150 Waves of Undead Survival Action on Commodore Hardware

Craig A. Leslie launches C64 Zombies!, challenging Commodore 64 players to survive 150 arena waves with four characters, weapon purchasing, and upgrades.

Developer Craig A. Leslie has released C64 Zombies!, a new Commodore 64 arena survival game designed around one very straightforward problem: an apparently endless supply of enemies who refuse to remain dead. The game challenges players to survive 150 waves containing zombies, dogs and heavier brute enemies. Rather than following a conventional linear platforming campaign, players fight inside an arena where movement, positioning and ammunition management become increasingly important. Four selectable characters are available, named Craig, Paul, Kairne and Steven, with colour-coded appearances inspired by the developer and his brothers. Players begin with a pistol but can earn points to purchase additional weapons, including a shotgun, machine gun and powerful raygun. Access to certain equipment is restricted by gates that must be opened using accumulated points. Ammunition can be replenished through a central supply crate, creating another tactical decision: whether to spend points unlocking new equipment or maintaining enough ammunition to survive the next wave. Revive kits offer limited assistance after serious damage, while optional infinite-health and music settings provide flexibility. The developer reports that a complete run can take approximately two hours. Controls support keyboard input, although a controller is recommended. The game is available as a name-your-own-price D64 download. Leslie discloses AI assistance with music and selected technical optimisation. C64 Zombies! follows the modern wave-survival formula rather than recreating a specific historical arcade release. Its arrival demonstrates how contemporary game-design ideas continue finding new life on genuine 8-bit hardware. The Commodore 64 already survived the collapse of its original manufacturer. Apparently it now intends to survive another 150 waves of zombies.