The Best Commodore 64 Game? Impossible Mission Still Stands Out
If you grew up gaming in the 1980s, you might remember the eerie digitized voice that greeted players: “Stay awhile… stay forever!” This unforgettable line belongs to Impossible Mission, one of the best Commodore 64 games ever released. Developed by Epyx in 1984, this action-puzzle platformer pushed the limits of the C64 with fluid animation, randomized level design, and an innovative mix of strategy and platforming.
For retro gaming enthusiasts and Commodore 64 collectors, Impossible Mission remains a must-play title. Whether you’re revisiting it or discovering it for the first time, this game offers challenging gameplay, tense action, and one of the most iconic villains in 8-bit gaming.
What is Impossible Mission About?
In Impossible Mission, you play as a secret agent tasked with infiltrating the underground lair of the evil scientist Professor Elvin Atombender. Your mission: stop his plan for world domination by searching his high-tech fortress, avoiding deadly robots, and piecing together a secret code before time runs out.
Unlike most platformers of the era, Impossible Mission features a non-linear, randomly generated level structure, meaning each playthrough feels unique. This added depth and replayability, making it one of the most engaging Commodore 64 games of all time.
Impossible Mission Gameplay – A Perfect Blend of Action and Puzzle-Solving
1. Platforming Challenges
As you explore Atombender’s lair, you must avoid an army of deadly security robots. Some patrol back and forth, while others fire deadly electric blasts. With no weapons at your disposal, you must rely on quick reflexes, precise jumps, and careful timing to survive.
2. Searching for Clues
Throughout the lair, furniture, computers, and objects must be searched for pieces of a 12-part security code. Each search takes valuable time, forcing you to be strategic about which rooms you investigate.
3. Solving the Final Puzzle
Once you collect enough pieces of the security code, you must reassemble them into passcodes to access Atombender’s control room. This puzzle-solving element added a layer of strategy rarely seen in 1980s platformers.
The catch? You only have six in-game hours to complete your mission, making every decision critical.
Why Impossible Mission Was Revolutionary for the Commodore 64
Digitized Speech: The game’s chilling voice samples (“Destroy him, my robots!”) were groundbreaking at the time, setting it apart from other C64 games.
Incredible Animation: The agent’s movements—rolling, jumping, and flipping—were remarkably smooth, making it one of the best-looking Commodore 64 games of its era.
Randomized Level Design: Unlike other 8-bit platformers with fixed layouts, Impossible Mission changed every time you played, ensuring fresh challenges with each new game.
A Unique Mix of Genres: Combining platforming, puzzle-solving, and strategy, the game stood out in a time when most titles focused on simple arcade-style action.
The Legacy of Impossible Mission – A Commodore 64 Classic
Decades later, Impossible Mission remains one of the best Commodore 64 games for collectors and retro gaming fans. It was so popular that it was ported to systems like the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Atari 7800, and later Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable.
A sequel, Impossible Mission II, was released in 1988, but many fans still consider the original to be the best version. Today, the game continues to influence modern indie platformers that emphasize strategy, exploration, and environmental puzzles.
For retro game collectors, an original Impossible Mission C64 cartridge or disk—especially one with the box and manual—is a prized addition to any collection.
Final Thoughts – Why You Should Play Impossible Mission in 2025
Even in 2025, Impossible Mission remains a masterpiece of 8-bit gaming. With its challenging gameplay, strategic depth, and unforgettable atmosphere, it still holds up as one of the best Commodore 64 games ever made.
Whether you’re a Commodore 64 collector, a retro gaming enthusiast, or a newcomer to classic games, this is one title that deserves a spot on your must-play list. So fire up your C64, step into the world of Impossible Mission, and take down Elvin Atombender—before it’s too late.
But beware: “Another visitor… stay awhile… stay forever!”