The Rats
Video Archive
The Rats – The C64 Horror Strategy Game Where London Gets Overrun
️ The Rats (1985) – Commodore 64 Horror Strategy Adventure Released in 1985 by Five Ways Software and published by Hodder & Stoughton for the Commodore 64, The Rats is an unusual hybrid of strategy and interactive fiction based on James Herbert’s best-selling horror novel. You take on the role of Harris, head of the rat extermination commission, as London faces a devastating invasion of genetically mutated rats. Using a detailed city map, you must deploy emergency services, manage resources, and fund research into advanced extermination technologies. Strategic planning is balanced with crisis management, as rising panic levels and civilian casualties can quickly overwhelm your efforts. Careful coordination and long-term investment are essential for survival. At key moments, the game shifts into real-time, text-based scenarios where you experience the invasion from the perspective of trapped civilians.
Game Overview
About the Game
️ The Rats (1985) – Commodore 64 Horror Strategy Adventure Released in 1985 by Five Ways Software and published by Hodder & Stoughton for the Commodore 64, The Rats is an unusual hybrid of strategy and interactive fiction based on James Herbert’s best-selling horror novel. You take on the role of Harris, head of the rat extermination commission, as London faces a devastating invasion of genetically mutated rats. Using a detailed city map, you must deploy emergency services, manage resources, and fund research into advanced extermination technologies. Strategic planning is balanced with crisis management, as rising panic levels and civilian casualties can quickly overwhelm your efforts. Careful coordination and long-term investment are essential for survival. At key moments, the game shifts into real-time, text-based scenarios where you experience the invasion from the perspective of trapped civilians.
Game Manual
Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews · 3
Contemporary average 60% · range 40–79%
C&VG
Reviewed by Hodder and Stoughton full-price release
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Your Commodore
Reviewed by DF. Hodder and Stoughton full-price release
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Zzap!64
Reviewed by Julian Rignall & Sean Masterson. Hodder and Stoughton 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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