Rastan
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Rastan – Can Taito’s Barbarian Arcade Hit Survive an 8-Bit Conversion? | C64
️ Rastan (1987) – Commodore 64 Arcade Hack-and-Slash Barbarian Quest Released in 1987 for the Commodore 64, Rastan is a side-scrolling hack-and-slash action game developed by Taito and brought to home computers by Imagine Software. You step into the role of Rastan, a sword-wielding barbarian on a brutal quest through the land of Ceim, battling mythical creatures to save the kingdom. Gameplay blends fast-paced combat with precise platforming as you fight through forests, deserts, and castles, each stage ending in a demanding boss encounter. Along the way you can upgrade your arsenal with weapons like maces and axes, plus shields and body armour that subtly change how you survive each encounter. The Commodore 64 version features six distinct stages and leans heavily on timing and positioning, rewarding confident, aggressive play while punishing mistakes. While its difficulty and collision quirks divided opinion at the time, Rastan still delivers a raw, arcade-style challenge that captures the spirit of classic fantasy action.
Game Overview
About the Game
️ Rastan (1987) – Commodore 64 Arcade Hack-and-Slash Barbarian Quest Released in 1987 for the Commodore 64, Rastan is a side-scrolling hack-and-slash action game developed by Taito and brought to home computers by Imagine Software. You step into the role of Rastan, a sword-wielding barbarian on a brutal quest through the land of Ceim, battling mythical creatures to save the kingdom. Gameplay blends fast-paced combat with precise platforming as you fight through forests, deserts, and castles, each stage ending in a demanding boss encounter. Along the way you can upgrade your arsenal with weapons like maces and axes, plus shields and body armour that subtly change how you survive each encounter. The Commodore 64 version features six distinct stages and leans heavily on timing and positioning, rewarding confident, aggressive play while punishing mistakes. While its difficulty and collision quirks divided opinion at the time, Rastan still delivers a raw, arcade-style challenge that captures the spirit of classic fantasy action.
Game Manual
Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews · 11
Contemporary average 66% · range 42–80%
C&VG
Reviewed by The Hit Squad budget release
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C&VG
Reviewed by Eugene Lacey. 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 Mike Pattenden. Imagine full-price release
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Datormagazin
Reviewed by Tomas Hybner. Imagine full-price release
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Info
Reviewed by Mark R. Brown
Scan Not Available
Power Play
Reviewed by Imagine full-price release
Scan Not Available
Your Commodore
Reviewed by Rik Henderson. The Hit Squad budget release
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Zzap!64
Reviewed by Julian Rignall, Paul Glancey & Steve Jarratt. Imagine 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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