After I reviewed the Commodore 64 Final, I actually could not imagine simply how excellent it was. It shocked me in methods I did not anticipate, and it is really the results of a love and respect for the model. It is why I gave the C64 Final a ten in my assessment. It is a factor of magnificence, and now Commodore has formally unveiled a beautiful new replace in collaboration with CD Projekt Crimson: The Commodore 77.
The case itself is attractive, with the plate on the operate keys now made from brushed metallic. That is not a “brushed metallic” end, by the best way: it is really brushed metallic. The remainder of the case has been coloured to match the Cyberpunk type, the Commodore 64 badge has been changed with a Commodore 77 badge, and there are different adjustments that should be seen to essentially be appreciated. The whole case has a weathered, suitably cyberpunk look to it, however similar to with people, it is what’s inside that counts.
Except for the brand new look, the Commodore 77 can now run at a blistering 77Mhz, in comparison with the 1Mhz of the unique Commodore 64. There’s additionally 77MB of system RAM in comparison with the unique Final’s 16MB. Whereas this new pace and energy is fairly spectacular (for the Eighties), it does run the chance of constructing a few of your hand-written packages run impossibly quick, however you may toggle the upper pace on and off within the menus.
Hey, talking of menus, the C77 additionally has a “customized Cyberpunk 2077 themed Commodore 77 BASIC 2.0 boot display”, which continues the general Cyberpunk really feel. The well-known spiral-bound guide that is shipped with every Commodore 64 has additionally gotten a Cyberpunk facelift, and comes “filled with lore and unique Cyberpunk 2077-themed type-in BASIC packages.” It is precisely the type of factor previous heads like me crave.
Every Commodore 77 ships with a shard-inspired Arasaka cartridge containing a demo created by Polish demo group Come up, with the soundtrack composed by chiptune artist LukHash. That is an old-school pc demo, the type of factor hackers used to distribute to indicate off their chops. I’ve seen it. It is unbelievable. It is laborious to imagine what individuals can do with such restricted computational energy, however the soundtrack advantages enormously from the 24-track stereo SID chip that is a part of the Final.
Given how effectively Commodore did with its fashionable debut, I’ve little question in my thoughts the C77 goes to be equally superior, particularly given the pedigree of its collaboration. Did I point out it comes with stickers and pins and in “collectible themed packaging?”
Oh, and it has LED lights that dance to the music on the demo. It is type of every little thing I did not even know I needed.
Preorders are dwell at Commodore’s web site for $377, with an anticipated launch date someday subsequent 12 months. I, for one, welcome our CyberPunk and Commodore retro future.
Seth Macy is Senior Social Commerce Producer, and simply desires to be your buddy. You will discover him on social media websites @SethFromMaine.