Earlier this month, we detailed an update for the Commodore 64 iPhone app that developer Manomio had been busy working on for the past several months. This update would bring some much needed control optimizations both to the overall functionality of games and added flexibility for specific titles that would need more than a standard control stick and button setup. And of course, a nice selection of new downloadable titles would be included in this update as well.

As of earlier today, the update has gone live in the App Store. Here is the list of features from the App Store description:

• NEW - Lots of new games, including Last Ninja series, International Karate, Armalyte and Druid
• IMPROVED - Upgraded to OpenFeint 2.5
• IMPROVED - Reimplementation of control layout system, to support the complex controls scenarios for games like The Last Ninja
• IMPROVED - Display OF notifications at top rather than bottom
• IMPROVED - Removed bottom bar in full-screen landscape to prevent obscuring screen in games like Wizball
• NEW - Fixed-mode joystick in landscape mode, automatically selected for specific games
• NEW - Option to force fixed-mode joystick in landscape mode for all games
• FIX - Borders correctly drawn in landscape (Wizball)
• FIX - Corrected dead zone area at side of screen in landscape, rendering controls unresponsive
• NEW - Added grouping to In App Store to separate downloaded / purchases
• IMPROVED - Hi-res icons added for retina and iPad displays
• NEW - Option to adjust dead zone / sensitivity of joystick
• IMPROVED - Shop now separates downloaded games

I've given the update a spin and can really tell the improvement in controls across all of the games that I tried. I'm especially fond of being able to adjust the dead zone of the control stick, as that has been a point of frustration for me when playing certain games before. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, not every new game is available in the in-game store. Apparently the problem lies on Apple's end at the moment, and developer Stuart Carnie has stated in our forums that he contacted Apple to correct the situation, and is hoping to have the games become available in the next few days.

Until then, definitely make sure to update your C64 for iPhone app to take advantage of the revamped controls, as well as the other tweaks and optimizations contained within.

Retro overlord Stuart Carnie of Manomio contacted Touch Arcade to let us know that after months of work, the C64 for iPhone v1.7 update will shortly be arriving in the App Store. This is a major update that brings numerous enhancements as well as a nice list of additional games available through the app's integrated game store.

Control Improvements:

• Corrected dead area at side of screen in landscape, rendering controls unresponsive for a small strip
• New fixed-mode joystick in landscape mode, automatically selected for specific games
• Option on the settings screen to force fixed-mode joystick in landscape mode for all games
• File-based disk support for multi-disk games. Does not work for those games requiring true 1541 support. (No virtual swapping of disks)
• Option to adjust dead zone / sensitivity of joystick

Updates Fixes:

• Upgraded to OpenFeint 2.5
• Removed bottom bar in full-screen landscape to prevent obscuring screen in games like Wizball
• Reimplementation of control layout system, to support the complex controls scenarios for games like The Last Ninja and Druid
• Borders are correctly drawn in landscape (Wizball looks better now)
• Hi-res icons added for retina and iPad displays so C64 looks better on your home screen

Usability Improvements:

• Display OpenFeint notifications at top rather than bottom
• Added grouping to In App Store to separate downloaded / purchased titles
• Shop now separates downloaded games

14 New Games:

• Armalyte
• Buggy Boy
• Druid
• Eliminator
• Heatseeker (FREE)
• Hunter's Moon
• International Karate
• Snare
• Summer Camp
• The Last Ninja
• The Last Ninja 2
• The Last Ninja 3
• Bozo's Night Out (FREE)
• Iridis Alpha (FREE)

Stuart indicates that, despite this major update, C64 is not the studio's only focus, by any means. Their brainteaser-style game Nerve Jangler -- a NinjaDoodle license that's been played over 22 million times -- will be complete and out the door in the next few weeks, and then it's all focus on the Amiga games. We hope to have some early ad hoc builds of a few Amiga classic nicely packaged up for the iPhone in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!

Many who grew up on "home computers" in the '80s, and retro gaming fans in general, have been enjoying Manomio's Commodore 64 emulator on the iPhone. A new app that appeared in the App Store this morning should have particular appeal to our European readers who match that description. ZX Nostalgia [App Store], from Manuel Cabello, is a Sinclair ZX Spectrum emulator that comes bundled with 14 games that, according to the developer, run at full ZX Spectrum speed on all models of the iPhone and iPod touch.

ZX Nostalgia sports a minimal, multitouch interface that provides interaction with the bundled games via screen taps (for in-game menu selection), virtual joystick, and a fire / action button. Games are selected for execution in the emulator by way of a simple menu and can be played in both portrait and landscape mode, depending on the device's orientation.

The following games are included:

• Ad Astra
• Android Two
• Barmy Burgers
• Bugaboo the Flea
• Chuckie Egg
• Deathchase
• Fantastic Voyage
• Fred
• Horace Goes Skiing
• Manic Miner
• Rescate del Tesoro
• Starstrike 3D
• Trashman
• Wheelie

It's a rather solid list of games, with a few true classics in the mix. Unfortunately, it's unclear what the developer's plans are concerning the potential addition of more games down the road. A screenshot of the game's App Store page shows an "ADD" button on the game list screen that is not present in the release version, and there's scant contact info for the developer on the web, so that's a big question mark right now.

ZX Nostalgia does a rather nice job of running the included games, with a very functional control system to boot. Readers who have already grabbed the title are impressed. If you've ever been faced with the dreaded "R Tape loading error," then this one's probably for you.

(ZX Nostalgia is not the first Spectrum emulator to appear in the App Store. ZXGamer was released last year, but offered abysmal performance and was pulled after it became apparent that it was a WebKit-based rip of another's emulator.)

The ZX Spectrum is an 8-bit home computer that was released by Sinclair Research in the UK in 1982. It is based on the Z-80 processor running at 3.5MHz and features a 256x192 pixel display in 16 colors (with notable restrictions). The Spectrum was available with either 16K or 48K of RAM and was followed up by several models offering more memory, enhanced audio, and such. The American gamer who was around to see home computers in the '80s probably best remembers Sinclair Research from the Timex Sinclair 1000, an extremely inexpensive, black & white 4K computer sold in America, itself a take on the European Sinclair Zx81. A later attempt was made to actually bring a modified version of the ZX Spectrum to the US in the form of the Timex Sinclair 2068, but it failed badly for a number of reasons and is remembered by few.

Back in February we reported that, in an interview with Retro Gamer magazine, Stuart Carnie of Manomio (who brought us C64 for iPhone [App Store]) indicated that he was currently in the process of readying an Amiga emulation system for the iPhone to be used to wrap licensed Amiga games for release as individual iPhone game titles in the App Store, the emulation layer being invisible to the user.

Manomio has just released a video demonstrating the system that shows the Amiga games International Karate + and Turrican running quite smoothly in an alpha version of their emulation environment on an iPhone 3GS.

This morning, I spoke at length with Stuart regarding his Amiga emulation system. He indicates that his hand-coded 68000 emulator (the Amiga's CPU) was well worth the effort in terms of performance and that the iPhone 3GS is a perfect platform for playing Amiga games in this fashion. Unfortunately, devices lower in spec -- that is, anything that's not an iPhone 3GS, a 3G iPod touch, or an iPad -- are not quite up to the task and, as such, Manomio's coming Amiga releases will not support that hardware. Happily for iPad users though, the coming Amiga games will be universal applications that feature high resolution artwork and interfaces appropriate to the iPad's large screen.

Manomio's emulation system is based on the UAE4All emulator tied to Manomio's own ARM-optimized emulated 68000 CPU core. The system emulates a fairly standard Amiga 500 computer.

As for what Amiga games we can expect to see in the App Store, Stuart indicates that International Karate + is a definite, and that he is currently in negotiations with the Turrican IP holder to bring that classic title to the iPhone. Talks are underway with a number of IP holders who licensed their C64 games to Manomio for use with C64 for iPhone, as well.

An Amiga game that Arnold and I have both long enjoyed is the scrolling space shooter Battle Squadron. Upon informing Stuart that securing this favorite was an obvious necessity, I was shocked and quite pleased to hear that the IP holders of the title had recently contacted him, seeking to bring that very game to the App Store through their emulation system. The deal is in negotiations and both parties are excited about the prospect.

Aside from the games already mentioned, Manomio has tested various other titles, including Xenon II, Ghosts 'n Goblins and R-Type (not that these are necessarily among the IP they have secured for release in the App Store), all of which "are just perfectly smooth." The first Amiga game from Manomio to hit the App Store will be International Karate +, which should land sometime in the late June timeframe.

And, while getting their Amiga emulation system finished and in the App Store is Manomio's main push right now, it's not their only one. Alongside the Amiga demonstration video, the studio posted a video demonstrating an Atari 2600 console emulator they've been working on for the iPhone. The video shows an iPhone running the Atari 2600 versions of Space Invaders, Berzerk, and Frogger.

Unlike the case of their Amiga emulation system, the Atari 2600 emulator is not a sure thing for App Store release, as Manomio is still rather early in talks with Atari over the needed rights to make such a system happen.

We will bring further details about Manomio's upcoming efforts as we hear them.

Last month we reported that a number of highly notable retro titles are on the way as DLC for Manomio / Kiloo's C64 for iPhone [App Store] emulator. We've just gotten an update from the developers, naming the first of the upcoming releases.

The first new games out of the gate will be Super Pipeline and Super Pipeline II from Taskset as well as Paperboy from Elite. The Super Pipeline games will cost $0.99, while Paperboy will go for $1.99 as in-game DLC. Following these first titles into the app will be several as yet unnamed free titles.

The developers previously indicated that the app's forthcoming v1.5 update will be focused on usability and playability, with some control and UI tweaks. Kiloo has just pointed further down the road to the v1.6 update that will follow, which they indicate will bring the notable update of customizable controls. We're glad the folks behind C64 for iPhone are keeping the ball rolling for retro fans like myself.

Retro gaming fans can add another item to their "things in life to be excited for" list, as we just got word that Manomio, who brought us the C64 for iPhone [App Store] emulator, is currently working on bringing an Amiga emulator to the App Store.

Retro Gamer magazine recently talked with the developer and Manomio CTO Stuart Carnie, who indicates that games will likely be distributed as individual, packaged apps to keep the Amiga operating system hidden, allowing the player to focus only on the games themselves. There's not much information right now as to just which Amiga games we'll be seeing on the iPhone, but Retro Gamer indicates that, among the games on the way, is Archer MacLean's classic fighter International Karate +.

"We've ported an Amiga system and have secured some great games," says Stuart. "It runs at full speed on a 3GS and similar hardware and at a respectable frame rate for the 3G devices. IK+ plays very well."

For readers unfamiliar with the Amiga, it is a 16-bit computer released by Commodore in 1985. A far more complex system than the C64, the Amiga featured a powerful central processor, various custom co-processors, and a multitasking operating system that enabled audiovisual feats previously unseen in a consumer system at that point in time. While it did not see enormous popularity in the United States, it was wildly popular in Europe and is considered by many to be one of the very best game platforms ever created. (And it's a platform I happen to hold quite close to my own heart.)

The Amiga was so capable a game machine back in 1985 that even today's gamers without any particular retro inclination should enjoy the vast majority of titles with which Manomio is about to gift us.

Have a look at this nice sampling of 100 Amiga games in 10 minutes.

UPDATE: We sought further details of the upcoming Amiga emulator from Manomio upon hearing the initial report. Carnie kindly got back to us and, while not ready to discuss further IP at the moment, provided us with a few details about the emulation core they're using.

In order to get the speed we needed, I spent about 6 weeks and wrote a 68000 CPU core in about 60+% ARM assembly. Surprisingly, certain games (IK+) run respectively on a 3G device, which means it should do well on a 2nd gen touch device too, given the 25% faster clock speed. The 3GS has a far superior memory architecture to the older devices - it can really push bytes around and fast...

He indicates that they've been testing a number of scrollers, including Xenon II, Turrican, Ghosts 'n Goblins and R-Type (not that these are necessarily among the IP they have secured for release in the App Store), all of which "are just perfectly smooth."

You can be sure we will bring additional information on Manomio's latest as we receive it. I can't wait to see what's in store for iPhone gamers from the world of Amiga gaming.

Early last week we reported that the C64 for iPhone emulator [App Store] would soon be getting global leaderboards and achievements for in-library games via the OpenFeint network. These features were rolled out yesterday as part of the v1.4 update.

The final list of these updates is as follows:

• Jupiter Lander: leaderboards and achievements
• Lemans: leaderboards and achievements
• Arctic Shipwreck: leaderboards
• Uridium: leaderboards
• Nebulus: leaderboards
• Paradroid: leaderboards and achievements when you own the 999 droid
• NOTE: High scores are recorded only when trainer is OFF

As the in-app games themselves were changed to facilitate these enhancements, they must be "purchased" again from within the application before the global network features can be utilized (at no additional cost to the user). The developer also indicates that the emulator environment received certain performance enhancements that allow iPhone 3GS and 3G iPod touch units to run all games at a solid 50fps for smoother gameplay.

Manomio indicates that the upcoming v1.5 update will be focused on usability and playability; controls and the UI will get some work. Details on these will be forthcoming on the developer's blog.

Another very interesting bit of news comes from forum reader killy billy who spotted seven new games listed in the C64 in-app shop yesterday but, as yet, unavailable for purchase. The list of games he saw follows.

• International Karate
• Microprose Soccer
• Jumpman
• Druid
• Wizball
• Trailblazer
• Elite

We grabbed the update and took at look at the app's game shop, but the indicated games were not listed, presumably pulled until available for actual purchase. Let's hope they reappear with full global network integreation -- and soon. What a superb list of titles it seems Manomio has in store for us. All are highly playable, but Archer MacLean's International Karate, a C64 favorite, and David Braben and Ian Bell's seminal space trader Elite, considered the best game ever written by many critics, are particularly welcome.

We'll let readers know when these games appear for purchase within the app and will pass on further news and information surrounding this great emulator as we get it.

App Store Link: C64 for iPhone, $4.99

It's no secret that the iPhone has a lot to offer retro gaming fans out there. One example is Manomio's C64 for iPhone [App Store], which lets gamers have some serious 8-bit fun on the go. But, while such games offer a great deal of white-knuckle action, they lack the online competitive aspect of modern XBLA and PSN titles.

Manomio is in the process of rectifying the situation.

Many of us remember playing C64 games, vying for the high score and undoubtedly reveling with our friends when we grabbed the top score in Uridium, Paradroid or whatever happened to be hot at the time. Perhaps you were the best at your school, club or even town....but, are you the best in the world? Now's your chance with Open Feint integration for select games.

In the forthcoming v1.4 update to C64 for iPhone, Manomio has begun integrating online leaderboards and achievements for the classic, C64 titles the emulator supports. To start, they're delivering the following enhancements to C64 favorites by way of OpenFeint integration:

Arctic Shipwreck

• Leaderboard for high scores

Lemans

• Leaderboard for high scores
• Achievements
  • Lemans Bronze Medal (5 OF points): Scores 10000+
  • Lemans Silver Medal (8 OF points): Scores 25000+
  • Lemans Gold Medal (10 OF points): Scores 50000+
  • Lemans Elite Driver (20 OF points): Scores 100000+

Jupiter Lander

• Leaderboard for high scores
• Achievements
  • Jupiter Lander Trainee (5 OF points); Scores 10000+
  • Jupiter Lander Astronaut (10 OF points): Scores 75000+

Nebulus

• Leaderboards for high scores
• Planning to support achievements as you complete each tower (future update)

Uridium

• Leaderboards for high scores

Paradroid

• Leaderboards for high scores
• Achievements
  • Command Cyborg 999 - Pwnd!
    Achieved when you transfer / take control of the 999 unit, most powerful droid on the ship.

These enhancements really take these classic games well beyond their original incarnations. What's more, Manomio CTO Stuart Carnie assures us that, for the iPhone 3GS and 3G iPod touch, all games will run at a "buttery smooth" 50fps.

This really is a superb turn of events for retro gamers, and we're anxious to see what other enhancements to the these classics the studio will bring down the road.

App Store Link: C64 for iPhone, $4.99

As forum readers began to notice last night, Manomio's Commodore 64 emulator for the iPhone, which finally landed in the App Store a few days back after a long and rocky road, has been pulled by Apple.

Before letting the emulator into the App Store, Apple required that Manomio remove the BASIC interpreter from the application.  Apparently the developer disabled BASIC rather than actually removing it.  Many iPhone users found a way to activate the interpreter and, after catching wind of this, Apple pulled the app from the store.

Manomio indicates it has since submitted an updated version of the emulator that addresses the issue at hand.  Let's hope this one gets the stamp of approval from Apple and lives a long life in the App Store.

The iPhone and iPod touch are about to receive an injection of retro gaming goodness thanks to iPhone developer ZodTTD. He is in the process of developing temper4iphone which is an iPhone port of Temper, an NEC TurboGrafx-16 and TurboGrafx-CD emulator written by Exophase for the GP2X.

A fourth-generation game console that debuted in the late '80s, the TurboGrafx-16 (known as the PC Engine in Japan) was arguably the most powerful 8-bit game console. Featuring particularly advanced graphics hardware for the time, the TurboGrafx-16 ran some of the most accurate arcade conversions of the day and is very highly regarded by retro gaming enthusiasts. Some of the best games available for the Nintendo Wii's Virtual Console are TurboGrafx-16 titles. Youtube movie:

As the above video demonstrates, the emulator is already running smoothly and with working audio.  The ability to play the many great TurboGrafx-16 titles on the iPhone, whenever the mood strikes, is something any retro game-loving iPhone user should be excited about.

temper4iphone is currently in beta.  Stay tuned for more information about this project as it nears release status.

In a bit of news from Down Under, retro gaming fans waiting anxiously for June's arrival of the iTunes App Store have reason to rejoyce.  Developer Stuart Carnie has used the iPhone SDK to port Frodo, a popular Commodore 64 emulator, to the iPhone.

It appears that in only three days, Carnie took his project from concept...

As an Objective-C / Objective-C++ / XCode / iPhone development learning experience, I have began porting the Frodo C64 emulator to the mobile OS X platform. I chose Frodo, as I have experience with this code-base, and there is a certain satisfaction of seeing the READY prompt for the first time.

...to initial success; he has a working Commodore 64 up and running on the iPhone simulator.  Carnie indicates that his next steps will be to create a user interface to manage the user experience, such as implementing save / resume states, a file browser, auto-launching for games, and an on-screen virtual keyboard and joystick.

Interest in retro gaming today is huge -- a quick look at the large number of retro remakes on XBOX Live and the Playstation Network confirms it.  The Commodore 64 is the most popular computer in history and boasted arguably the best graphics and sound of any 8-bit home computer of its era.  As such, thousands of excellent game titles were developed for it -- arcade conversions as well as orginals. The promise of being able to scratch that retro itch by firing up a few of these classics on an iPhone or iPod touch while on the go has us rather excited, indeed.

A potential roadblock to mobile C64 gaming bliss on the iPhone is Apple's possible stance on distributing emulators through the iTunes App Store.  The experience of using an emulated C64 is, by nature, a cryptic one to most users.  What's more, emulators of this sort are usually dependent upon ROM images of the emulated system's firmware which usually cannot be distributed legally.  Apple may have reservations about allowing such an application into the store.  We're keeping our fingers crossed that Carnie's effort will not be resigned to use only on jailbroken devices.