Deactivators
Video Archive
Deactivators – Bomb Disposal, Robots and C64 Panic Under Pressure
️ Deactivators (1986) – Commodore 64 Action Puzzle | Retro Classic Released in 1986 by Tigress Marketing and published by Ariolasoft under their Reaktör label, Deactivators is a highly original action-puzzle game built around bomb disposal and spatial problem-solving. In the game, you control a squad of robotic “deactivators” sent into five dangerous research complexes to locate and neutralise bombs planted by terrorists. Gameplay revolves around navigating interconnected rooms, picking up and throwing bombs, activating force-field switches, and using teleporters linked to hidden circuit boards. Each room features shifting gravity orientations, where walls can become floors and ceilings can become walls, forcing players to constantly rethink movement and timing. Security droids patrol many areas, adding a tactical layer as you evade or manipulate them. Visually, the Commodore 64 version uses a restrained colour palette, but impresses with clean layouts and clever spatial design.
Game Overview
About the Game
️ Deactivators (1986) – Commodore 64 Action Puzzle | Retro Classic Released in 1986 by Tigress Marketing and published by Ariolasoft under their Reaktör label, Deactivators is a highly original action-puzzle game built around bomb disposal and spatial problem-solving. In the game, you control a squad of robotic “deactivators” sent into five dangerous research complexes to locate and neutralise bombs planted by terrorists. Gameplay revolves around navigating interconnected rooms, picking up and throwing bombs, activating force-field switches, and using teleporters linked to hidden circuit boards. Each room features shifting gravity orientations, where walls can become floors and ceilings can become walls, forcing players to constantly rethink movement and timing. Security droids patrol many areas, adding a tactical layer as you evade or manipulate them. Visually, the Commodore 64 version uses a restrained colour palette, but impresses with clean layouts and clever spatial design.
Game Manual
Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews · 5
Contemporary average 85% · range 80–90%
ACAR
Reviewed by J Mark Hunter. Ariolasoft / ECP full-price release
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C&VG
Reviewed by Ariolasoft full-price release
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Commodore User
Reviewed by Fred Reid. Reaktör Software full-price release
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Your Commodore
Reviewed by Ariolasoft full-price release
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Zzap!64
Reviewed by Gary Penn, Julian Rignall & Paul Sumner. Reaktör Software full-price release
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Game Music
Game Music
Original Cassette
Tape Archive
Verified C64 cassette releases linked to the Ultimate Tape Archive. CCG does not host or duplicate the tape files.
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