Hi! I’ve added a few improvements for the MEGA65, including stereo SID support and saved high scores. Download the new file and let me know if everything works fine ;)
1 day ago(+1)
I tested the new version on MEGA65's C64 Core with REU and a second SID, and it works flawlessly. I noticed that when I swapped the joystick port (to Port 1), the SPACE key no longer works. So I would suggest keeping it Port 2-only, as with the vast majority of C64 games. I don’t own a controller with two buttons.
Yes, it's quite a different experience when playing without save states. So far, I've only made it as far as the boss in Stage 3. One suggestion regarding the game balance: I think it's fine to lose the weapon power-ups when you lose a life, but it would be nice if the speed upgrade only went down by one level. However, I'll leave it up to you whether you want to implement that.
1 day ago(+1)
I’m really glad to hear that the new MEGA65 core is working well! Regarding Port 1, I think you may be right — I’ll look into fixing that.
As for the game itself, I’ll admit that making it fairly challenging was a deliberate choice. I wanted it to feel like a real 1980s arcade game. That said, the patterns can definitely be learned with repeated play, so the more you play, the more manageable it becomes ;)