Welcome back to the ValorosoIT blog, your source of inspiration for everything related to retrocomputers and vintage electronics. In this first interview in a series, I take you on an exciting journey into the heart of Varese Retrocomputing 2023, an event that celebrates vintage computing and love for vintage computers. In the video, we meet Vincenzo Bono of the Gerundo Retrogaming and RetroPotenza group: an expert in the field of retrogaming and modern accessories and games for Commodore.
The Commodore Legacy
One of the highlights of this amazing adventure was the opportunity to explore a collection of Commodore computers that spanned time. Among them, we find the mythical Commodore 64, known to all enthusiasts as one of the most representative computers of the 80s. In addition to the C64, there is the Commodore 128, a gift that Vincenzo Bono received in 1986. In addition, it showed a Commodore 16 and a Vic-20. Each system tells a story of dedication to retrogaming and modern accessories and games for Commodore. These computers, which marked the 80s, today have become the perfect stage to revive classic games and experiment with new horizons.
The charm of modern games on vintage computers
One of the most interesting moments of the interview was when Vincenzo shared the game “Eye of the Beholder”. The latest remake came out last year. “Eye of the Beholder” runs on a Commodore 128. This action game, originally designed for 16-bit computers, has been cleverly adapted to an 8-bit computer, demonstrating just how versatile the world of retrocomputers is. The most fascinating aspect? The game exploits two monitors at the same time, a modern innovation that was unthinkable at the time.
The motherboard of Vincenzo Bono's Commodore 128 has been replaced with a modern PCB: the C128 NEO.
The importance of modern accessories and games for Commodore
The world of vintage computers is constantly evolving, thanks also to modern accessories that bring new life to old systems. Vincenzo presented the "Ultimate II+", an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) capable of simulating the original Commodore drives, also providing additional features such as REU memory expansion and an ethernet port for network connection. These types of accessories allow fans to explore new frontiers, load games more easily and support new games, without losing the connection to the past. In this sense, modern accessories and games for Commodore 64, 128 and other vintage computer models give new life to the computers of our childhood.
Vincenzo's Commodore 16 has been enhanced: it now has all the features of the Commodore Plus/4.
The charm of vintage computer programming
Another fascinating aspect that emerges from the interview is the enthusiasm of programmers who dedicate themselves to creating games and applications for vintage computers. The remake of “H.E.R.O.” for Commodore 64 on a Vic-20, despite technical challenges such as, for example, the inability of the Commodore Vic20 of managing sprites, is an example of how strong the passion for these classic systems is. The community that still works on these projects shows that the memory of vintage computers remains very much alive.
Varese Retrocomputing 2023
The Varese Retrocomputing 2023 gave us a fascinating journey into the world of retrocomputers and modern accessories for vintage computers. Thanks to Vincenzo Bono and the Gerundo Retrogaming group for guiding us through this unique adventure. We will continue to explore the wonders of retrocomputers and share exciting stories with you.
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