Gryzor
Video Archive
Gryzor – Contra Had a Different Name in Europe… But Could the C64 Cope?
Released in 1988 by Ocean Software for the Commodore 64, Gryzor is the European home conversion of Konami’s arcade smash Contra. Developed under official licence, it brings explosive run-and-gun action and cooperative gameplay to the 8-bit platform. You take control of elite soldiers Lance and Bill as they battle through hostile environments to stop an alien invasion. The gameplay delivers relentless side-scrolling action, precise platforming, and intense enemy waves, capped off with imposing boss encounters that test reflexes and timing. Power-ups are central to survival, with rapid-fire weapons, spread shots, and lasers dramatically changing how each section is tackled. The C64 version captures the arcade spirit with fast scrolling, bold sprite work, and atmospheric music by Jason C. Brooke, even if some visual compromises and flicker were unavoidable on the hardware. Despite these limitations, Gryzor remains one of the most celebrated action titles on the Commodore 64.
Game Overview
About the Game
Released in 1988 by Ocean Software for the Commodore 64, Gryzor is the European home conversion of Konami’s arcade smash Contra. Developed under official licence, it brings explosive run-and-gun action and cooperative gameplay to the 8-bit platform. You take control of elite soldiers Lance and Bill as they battle through hostile environments to stop an alien invasion. The gameplay delivers relentless side-scrolling action, precise platforming, and intense enemy waves, capped off with imposing boss encounters that test reflexes and timing. Power-ups are central to survival, with rapid-fire weapons, spread shots, and lasers dramatically changing how each section is tackled. The C64 version captures the arcade spirit with fast scrolling, bold sprite work, and atmospheric music by Jason C. Brooke, even if some visual compromises and flicker were unavoidable on the hardware. Despite these limitations, Gryzor remains one of the most celebrated action titles on the Commodore 64.
Game Manual
Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews · 8
Contemporary average 63% · range 20–86%
ACE
Reviewed by Ocean full-price release
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Commodore Force
Reviewed by The Hit Squad budget release
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Commodore User
Reviewed by Gary Penn. Ocean full-price release
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Power Play
Reviewed by Ocean full-price release
Scan Not Available
Your Commodore
Reviewed by Richard Taylor. The Hit Squad budget release
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Zzap!64
Reviewed by Gordon Houghton, Julian Rignall & Paul Glancey. Ocean full-price release
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Zzap!64
Reviewed by The Hit Squad budget release
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Zzap!64
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Game Music
Game Music
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