Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

This cover-mounted cassette contains two full games: Football Manager and Artura. On paper, this dual offering provides a mix of strategic depth and arcade thrills. Football Manager leans heavily on menus and decision trees, while Artura delivers fast-paced side-scrolling action with responsive controls.

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In Football Manager, you step into the shoes of a club manager juggling tactics, transfers, and training schedules. Match days play out in simple but informative text and 2D graphics, allowing you to follow the action play-by-play. The real enjoyment comes from tweaking formations, scouting new talent, and feeling the high stakes when a promotion or cup run hangs in the balance.

Artura takes you into a neon-tinged sci-fi world where you pilot a heavily armed hovercraft through winding tunnels and open arenas. The core loop revolves around blasting waves of enemies, dodging obstacles, and collecting power-ups. The controls are tight, making maneuvers feel precise even when the screen gets crowded with bullets and explosions.

Both games offer distinct pacing: Football Manager rewards patience and long-term planning, whereas Artura keeps your adrenaline pumping from start to finish. Whether you prefer studying squad statistics or chaining together massive combo kills, this cassette delivers two complementary experiences that maximize replay value.

Graphics

Football Manager’s visuals are utilitarian but effective. The interface uses clear, well-labeled menus and simple pitch graphics to display player positions, match events, and statistical overlays. There’s little in the way of flashy artistry, but clarity is paramount when you’re monitoring dozens of player attributes and match variables at once.

Artura, by contrast, is a showcase for what the Commodore 64 can do in the hands of talented pixel artists. Rich color palettes, smooth sprite animations, and multilayered backgrounds create a sense of depth rarely seen on a cover-mounted cassette. Explosions and weapon effects pop off the screen, and each new level introduces fresh visual themes—from icy caverns to scorched metallic corridors.

Both titles load quickly and maintain steady frame rates, even when the action intensifies. Artura occasionally slows down during massive on-screen skirmishes, but these moments are brief and almost imperceptible. Meanwhile, Football Manager’s static screens ensure there’s no waiting for redraws, letting you navigate between tactics, transfers, and match reports without frustration.

Overall, the contrast between the two games underscores the value of this cassette. You get the minimalistic, data-driven graphics of a classic management sim alongside a vibrant arcade shooter that pushes the hardware’s color and sprite limits.

Story

Football Manager forgoes a traditional narrative in favor of a sandbox approach to football simulation. Your story emerges from the pitch: giant-killing cup runs, bitter relegation battles, and last-minute title deciders become your personal football saga. The lack of a scripted storyline allows you to write your own legend through transfers, tactical masterstrokes, and boardroom politics.

Artura offers a basic sci-fi premise: in the distant future, the resource-rich planet Artura has fallen under siege by a ruthless warlord. You pilot an experimental hovercraft to reclaim strategic installations and rescue civilian colonies. The story unfolds through brief text interludes between levels, providing just enough context to justify the explosive action.

While Artura’s plot is serviceable, it’s ultimately a vehicle for exhilarating gameplay. The emotional stakes are minimal—your hovercraft rarely wavers in its mission—but the minimalist narrative works in the game’s favor, keeping the focus on combat and level design rather than cutscenes.

The juxtaposition of an open-ended sports saga with a straightforward, action-driven storyline makes this cassette stand out. Whether you’re plotting a promotion campaign or blasting through enemy lines, each game tells its own tale in a style that suits its genre perfectly.

Overall Experience

Commodore Force Reel Action #9 offers exceptional value with two complete games on a single cassette. Football Manager and Artura deliver distinct experiences that cater to both strategic thinkers and arcade enthusiasts. Swapping between methodical squad management and frantic shooting sessions never feels jarring thanks to the solid presentation of each title.

The dual format also highlights the breadth of the Commodore 64’s library. From text-heavy menus and statistical analysis to vibrant sprites and intricate level design, this cassette showcases the machine’s versatility. It reminds us why the C64 was such a beloved platform for gamers who craved variety.

Controls remain responsive throughout—keyboard navigation in Football Manager is intuitive, and joystick support in Artura feels snappy. Load times are minimal, and both games run smoothly on original hardware as well as modern emulators. For retro gamers and newcomers alike, the learning curve is gentle but rewarding.

Ultimately, Commodore Force Reel Action #9 is a must-have for collectors and budget-conscious players. You’re not just getting a sampler; you’re getting two fully realized titles that stand on their own merits. Whether you’re in the mood for tactical depth or arcade adrenaline, this cassette has you covered.

Retro Replay Score

null/10