Battle For Cronos [Commodore 64]

I had actually only intended to drop by the VCFe in Munich briefly back in May. The primary reason for the trip was something else entirely: a fellow club member and I had arranged to pick up a large Sony PlayStation 2 bundle there—one of those rare occasions where collector logistics and the fun of a trade show blend perfectly. Stopping by the polyplay booth was a sort of "collateral damage"—the kind that sent me home four boxed games richer.

Kicking off this short four-part series is *Battle For Cronos* by Windigo Productions—a turn-based strategy game for the Commodore 64 released in late 2024. I tested it on my Ultimate 64, for which I had been looking for a suitable opportunity anyway when shopping at the trade fair.

What's behind it?

The setting is concise yet atmospheric: a spectacular discovery has been made on a distant moon. Several rival powers have dispatched their forces to secure the find. A wargame of this type needs no further plot—the rest plays out on the battlefield.

Battle For Cronos is a turn-based wargame for up to four players. The basic concept is classic: you move units across a tile-based battlefield, attack enemy forces, and try to exploit terrain advantages. Anyone familiar with titles like Panzer General or old Amiga wargames will immediately feel right at home.

Tactics over speed

The heart of the game is the requirement to combine forces. You won't get far with just a single type of unit—you must make different types work together effectively, keep an eye on supply lines, and factor the terrain into your strategy. A total of 20 different units and buildings are available, which is remarkable for a C64 title.

Control is handled exclusively via a joystick in Port 2; while this feels unfamiliar at first, it works well after a brief period of adjustment. The menu system is clearly structured, even if one occasionally ends up navigating a bit too deeply into nested options.

Campaign, Skirmish, Training

The scope comes as a pleasant surprise. An eight-mission campaign—with each mission playable at two difficulty levels—forms the backbone of the game. In addition, there are six skirmish maps for open matches, as well as ten simulation missions designed to train specific tactical situations. This is not a quick diversion, but a game that demands time.

A password system saves you from having to play through the game in one sitting—combined with a save function, your progress is preserved. A rarity among C64 homebrew titles.

Difficulty curve

Those familiar with the genre will quickly find their bearings. For those who aren't, the ten simulation missions offer a genuine opportunity to ease into the game systematically. Even so, *Battle For Cronos* is not a casual title. Tactical thinking is required as early as the second mission, and errors in supply planning have serious, long-lasting consequences.

Technique and Presentation

Visually, the game employs a clear top-down perspective. The sprites are distinct and functional; the goal is clarity rather than aesthetic beauty. The introductory soundtrack makes a strong first impression and effectively reinforces the atmosphere.

The Polyplay cartridge release launches immediately without any loading delay—something that naturally works seamlessly on the Ultimate 64. PAL and NTSC compatibility are documented. A printed manual is included with the Collector’s Edition—and you’ll need it, at least for your first few games.

Conclusion

Battle For Cronos is one of the most ambitious C64 homebrew titles of recent years. Windigo Productions has created a genuine wargame—not just a simplified strategy game—featuring depth, a campaign mode, and a scope that remains engaging even after hours of play. Anyone with an interest in the genre should pick it up without hesitation. The Polyplay cartridge offers the most convenient way to experience the game.

The box goes onto the shelf—right next to the other three trade show finds. I’ll be reporting on those over the coming weeks.

➡️ Battle For Cronos digital: windigoproductions.itch.io/battle-for-cronos ➡️ Boxed Edition at polyplay: polyplay.xyz