Dark Castle C64 box art

Commodore 64 · Action / Platformer

Dark Castle

Deep cut

SystemCommodore 64
Released1987 (originally 1986)
GenreAction, Platformer
DeveloperSilicon Beach Software
PublisherElectronic Arts
Players1 player
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 2

Dark Castle is an action game released in 1987 for the Commodore 64, developed by Silicon Beach Software and published by Electronic Arts. This C64 release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1986. It blends action and platformer elements.

It landed about 5 years into the C64's life. Other notable C64 releases from 1987 include The Last Ninja, Gradius and Octapolis.

Silicon Beach Software also made Beyond Dark Castle for the C64.

Dark Castle is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.

Pick it if…

  • you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
  • you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
  • you've played the C64 hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing Dark Castle is like

Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.

Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.

Dark Castle gameplay screenshot on C64
In-game screenshot (C64)

Dark Castle walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Dark Castle.

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Playing C64 games today

C64 games loaded from cassette or floppy disk, and many reward patience and practice. The THEC64 reissues make original-style play easy on modern TVs, and Rec0m88 supports the C64 if you own your games.

Dark Castle FAQ

When did Dark Castle come out on the C64?

Dark Castle was released for the Commodore 64 in 1987; the original game dates back to 1986.

Who made Dark Castle?

It was developed by Silicon Beach Software and published by Electronic Arts.

Is Dark Castle multiplayer?

No. Dark Castle is a single-player game.

How long does Dark Castle take to play?

As an action game, Dark Castle typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Dark Castle on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you