To Be On Top

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To Be on Top – The C64 Game That Tried to Turn You Into a Pop Star

Released in 1987 by Rainbow Arts for the Commodore 64, To Be on Top is an unusual music-themed action game that challenges players to create a chart-topping hit single. You roam a busy street, dodging pedestrians, traffic, and roller skaters while visiting locations such as their home, disco, recording studio, and TV station in search of musical inspiration. Throughout the adventure, mini-games appear on television screens, allowing players to collect bass lines, melodies, accompaniments, and sequences. These elements are then combined using a synthesiser, along with one of sixteen drum patterns, to produce a finished demo track. Success in the charts unlocks a live television performance, where audience applause determines whether your song reaches number one. This adds a unique performance element rarely seen in 8-bit games. Visually, the game features colourful characters and lively urban environments that reflect its playful tone.

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