Free-to-play C64 platformer

Nixy the Glade Sprite 64 is a free-to-play adventure game from BubbleSoftGames. In this retro game developed for the Commodore 64 (C64), you get to play as the titular glade sprite or a spirit of the forest. Journey through caves, mountains, and the vast open forests as you try to fight impending darkness to restore the power of the Gaia Stones in this retro platformer.

Pixelated graphics, chiptune music, and a sharply increasing difficulty make Nixy the Glade Sprite 64 an authentic retro gaming experience. If you’re after a nostalgic gaming experience, check out Tutankham Returns (C64) or Hurrican.

Save the glade

Nixy the Glade Sprite 64 focuses on the titular glade sprite as she finds answers to the chaos that has befallen her home. As you progress through the story, you interact with certain characters as well as enemies that help provide context to the larger story. This idea keeps the entire game coherent and helps explain the thematic changes players find across the game.

Of course, as a game developed for the C64, it is not a standalone game. You will either need a supported emulator or an actual copy of the discontinued 80s game console. Also, in true retro fashion, the game gets increasingly difficult. You only have a fixed amount of lives and once you lose all of them, it’s game over and you’ll have to restart over from the beginning.

Also, its sound effects deserve some recognition. The good use of chiptune music helps keep the game engaging and even exciting. Going back to the app itself, be warned that the game has glitches depending on the emulator. For example, there are instances of the game crashing upon death, forcing it to restart all the way to the beginning–even if you still have lives left.

A good fantasy adventure

If you’re looking for a complete retro experience — pixel art graphics, chiptune music, and unforgiving difficulty — then Nixy the Glade Sprite 64 is a great entry for you to check out. To complete the Commodore 64 version, however, note the need for an actual console or at least a supported emulator. Also, if you encounter issues with the emulated copy, try testing out other programs to run the game with.