FLAT-LANE C64
A downloadable game
Continuing my experiments on the C64, and trying out some routines, I finally turned those experiments into a small game.
The C64 was my very first computer back in 1983 — I was 11 years old at the time.
Back then, I dreamed of creating a 2.5D racing game in the style of Pole Position, but I wasn’t skilled enough yet.
This game is my second complete game on the C64. It started as an experiment and could have been much better, but I still think it’s a fun little game, in the spirit of what you could find on the C64 around 1983–84. So I felt it was worth sharing with you.
I hope to build on what I learned from making this game to create something even better soon.
In this game, you play as Paul Pitstop, the famous Formula 64 driver. Your goal is to win against your competitors, Alain Frost and Ayrton SEGA.
I hope you will enjoy it!
Note that with every retro game I create, I make a point of building something that could have realistically been released when the machine first came out.
My games always run on original hardware configurations.
It can be frustrating at times, since using more memory or modern expansion features would make things easier and allow for better performance.
Still, I deliberately stick to the technical limitations of the era.
Download
Install instructions
This game can be played using a C64 emulator, a real Commodore 64, a Commodore 64 Ultimate, or a TheC64 system.
To play on an emulator or TheC64, use the file FLAT-LANE.PRG.
If you're using a real C64 and don't have a device to load .PRG files directly, you can use the FLAT-LANE.TAP file to create a cassette — if you have the necessary hardware.
If you're using the .TAP version, once the game has finished loading, type RUN to start the game.
The game should work on NTSC and PAL machines. However, the music was composed for PAL, so it may be too fast on NTSC. For NTSC, it is recommended to play with sound effects.
Comments
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Good job! :) Flat Lane (2026, Youki)
Great game, thanks.
Thanks for your comment and video!
First of all congratulations for achieving your goals. I really appreciate your efforts, as new racing games are rarely released. When thinking about the old racing games of the C64, always Pole Position, Super Cycle and The Great American Cross Country Road Race come into my mind. I loved all of these games and they showed, how smooth racing games can be on the C64. I always dreamt about a new racing game, that crosses the boundaries of those old games, as so many new games show, what's possible on the original hardware, despite using a whole floppy disk or a complete EasyFlash cartridge. Keep it on and maybe hi-res mode might give you more opportunites as well. Just a thought. I will keep tracking you, promised. Cheers
Thanks for your comment. I'm still beginner on serious programming the C64. For now i'm in the phase of acquiring skills , experimenting... i hope one day be able to do something more serious... but my very weak point is sound and music... it is really frustrating for me.
I can tell you, sound and music is my weakest point as well, though I must admit I only experimented on the TI99/4A in Extended Basic with it. My Assembler knowledge on the C64 is very limited and in total beginner status, as I have absolutely no time to get deeper into it (hopefully one day when I retire), but I managed to code and finish system utilites in pure Assembler on the Amiga in a very advanced status. That's what I am still proud of. You know there are so many racing games in multi-color mode on the 64. If I had enough time, I would really try to code a racing game in hi-res mode. It would be so different to all those 80ies games, which are multi-color lo-res mode, though some of them made really fun. As long as you have time and fun to code, it might be a pleasure for you. Good luck
Very nice game!
Thanks a lot Saberman! I really appreciate your videos , not only the ones with my games! :)
Very nice littl' racer! Thanks for sharing :-).
Thanks a lot for your comment!. And the video!... i have noticed on your video that you repair and then refuel... you can do the same together keep the joystick on the right and use fire button to repair while keeping the joustick on the right. :)
Yeah, figured that out, while playing :-). This was my very first play of this game, so it was "learning by doing" ;-).
love it <3
Thanks!! It is alway great to have feed back! and good! :)
Great racing game. Also a bonus that you can select music as a game play option. Well done. I am happy that your dream has come true and very happy to have tried this game out.
Thanks a lot for your comment! Great you like t!