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Crystal Castles

Video Archive

Crystal Castles – Bentley Bear’s Arcade Maze on the Commodore 64

Released in 1984, Crystal Castles is an arcade-style collect-’em-up developed by Atari and brought to the Commodore 64 by US Gold. Players take control of Bentley Bear, navigating a series of colourful, multi-level castles viewed from an isometric perspective that was still relatively uncommon at the time. Each level challenges players to collect every gem scattered across maze-like platforms while avoiding enemies that patrol the castles. Berthilda the Witch and her minions create constant pressure, forcing careful movement and route planning. Occasionally, a magic hat appears, granting temporary invincibility and a brief chance to clear sections without fear. As the castles progress, layouts become more complex and enemy patterns more demanding, pushing reflexes and spatial awareness. The isometric viewpoint adds depth but also increases difficulty, especially when judging movement and avoiding hazards on narrow paths.

Game Overview

About the Game

Released in 1984, Crystal Castles is an arcade-style collect-’em-up developed by Atari and brought to the Commodore 64 by US Gold. Players take control of Bentley Bear, navigating a series of colourful, multi-level castles viewed from an isometric perspective that was still relatively uncommon at the time. Each level challenges players to collect every gem scattered across maze-like platforms while avoiding enemies that patrol the castles. Berthilda the Witch and her minions create constant pressure, forcing careful movement and route planning. Occasionally, a magic hat appears, granting temporary invincibility and a brief chance to clear sections without fear. As the castles progress, layouts become more complex and enemy patterns more demanding, pushing reflexes and spatial awareness. The isometric viewpoint adds depth but also increases difficulty, especially when judging movement and avoiding hazards on narrow paths.

Game Manual

Magazine Reviews

Magazine Reviews

Magazine Reviews · 8 Contemporary average 63% · range 32–100%
5/5
ACE Issue 26 · November 1989 · page 114 Reviewed by Kixx budget release
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8/10
C&VG Issue 62 · December 1986 · page 32 Reviewed by US Gold full-price release
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6/10
Commodore User Issue 40 · January 1987 · page 47 Reviewed by Ferdy Hamilton. US Gold full-price release
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6/10
Your Commodore Issue 29 · February 1987 · page 34 Reviewed by Gordon Hamlett. US Gold full-price release
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45%
Zzap!64 Issue 21 · 1986/1987 · page 175 Reviewed by Julian Rignall, Paul Sumner & Richard Eddy. US Gold full-price release
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65%
Zzap!64 Issue 55 · November 1989 · page 50 Reviewed by Kixx budget release
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