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Red Heat

6/10

Video Archive

Red Heat – Schwarzenegger’s Soviet Beat ’Em Up Comes to the C64

️ Red Heat (1989) – Commodore 64 Movie Tie-In Beat ’Em Up Released in 1989 by Ocean Software and developed by Special FX, Red Heat is a side-scrolling beat ’em up based on the 1988 action film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Belushi. The game aims to translate the film’s hard-edged tone to the Commodore 64, placing story and presentation firmly at the forefront. You take control of Soviet police officer Viktor Rostavili as he teams up with Chicago detective Art Ridzik, moving through a series of stages inspired by key moments from the movie. Progression is linear, with each section focused on clearing enemies using punches, kicks, and occasional weapons. Visually, Red Heat was impressive for its time, featuring large character sprites and smooth animation that gave the game a cinematic feel. Jonathan Dunn’s soundtrack adds atmosphere and weight to the action, reinforcing the gritty setting even as it repeats during longer play sessions.

Magazine Reviews

Magazine Reviews

Magazine Reviews Scores, issue details and original review links
Magazine Reviews · 10 Contemporary average 55% · range 25–82%
74%
C&VG Issue 119 · October 1991 · page 85 Reviewed by The Hit Squad budget release
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25%
Commodore Computing Int. September 1989 · page 74 Reviewed by Tony Horgan. Ocean full-price release
Scan Not Available
82%
Commodore User Issue 70 · July 1989 · page 29 Reviewed by Mark Patterson. Ocean full-price release
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3/10
Datormagazin Issue 10 · July 1989 · page 10 · Swedish Reviewed by Johan Pettersson. Ocean full-price release
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50%
Games Machine Issue 21 · August 1989 · page 102 Reviewed by Ocean full-price release
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4/5
Your Commodore Issue 82 · August 1991 · page 43 Reviewed by Richard Taylor. The Hit Squad budget release
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65%
Zzap!64 Issue 53 · September 1989 · page 71 Reviewed by Paul Rand & Robin Hogg. Ocean full-price release
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60%
Zzap!64 Issue 75 · July 1991 · page 81 Reviewed by The Hit Squad budget release
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