Ikari Warriors
Video Archive
Ikari Warriors – Why Were There Two Different C64 Versions?
Originally released in arcades in 1986 by SNK, Ikari Warriors became one of the defining run-and-gun shooters of the era, and its Commodore 64 history is notable for having two very different home conversions. The first C64 version arrived in 1986 via Data East and Quicksilver Software, offering a single-player experience split into four phases. This early take delivers straightforward vertical shooting with basic visuals and limited enemy variety, capturing the core idea of the arcade but in a stripped-back form. A later and far more ambitious 1988 release by Elite Systems refined the formula significantly. This version supports both solo play and two-player simultaneous action, with improved graphics, stronger sound, and more varied enemy behaviour. You fight your way through jungles, rivers, and fortified positions, using power-ups, tanks, and helicopters to survive the onslaught.
Game Overview
About the Game
Originally released in arcades in 1986 by SNK, Ikari Warriors became one of the defining run-and-gun shooters of the era, and its Commodore 64 history is notable for having two very different home conversions. The first C64 version arrived in 1986 via Data East and Quicksilver Software, offering a single-player experience split into four phases. This early take delivers straightforward vertical shooting with basic visuals and limited enemy variety, capturing the core idea of the arcade but in a stripped-back form. A later and far more ambitious 1988 release by Elite Systems refined the formula significantly. This version supports both solo play and two-player simultaneous action, with improved graphics, stronger sound, and more varied enemy behaviour. You fight your way through jungles, rivers, and fortified positions, using power-ups, tanks, and helicopters to survive the onslaught.
Game Manual
Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews · 12
Contemporary average 80% · range 60–91%
C&VG
Reviewed by Encore budget release
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C&VG
Reviewed by Paul Boughton. Elite full-price release
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Commodore Computing Int.
Reviewed by Tony Horgan. Elite full-price release
Scan Not Available
Commodore Force
Reviewed by Encore budget release
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Commodore User
Reviewed by Gary Penn. Elite full-price release
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Datormagazin
Reviewed by Tomas Hybner. Elite full-price release
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Games Machine
Reviewed by Elite full-price release
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Info
Reviewed by Tom Malcolm
Scan Not Available
Your Commodore
Reviewed by Encore budget release
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Zzap!64
Reviewed by Julian Rignall, Paul Glancey & Steve Jarratt. Elite full-price release
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Zzap!64
Reviewed by Encore budget release
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Zzap!64
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Game Music
Game Music
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