Croc C64 Demo Unearthed: Play the Classic Croc Adventure for Free Ahead of Remaster Launch

April Fools' Day often brings gaming pranks, but Argonaut Games has delivered an unexpected treat for retro gaming fans and platformer enthusiasts.

The developer, best known for its influential work on classic franchises, announced the discovery of a vintage Commodore 64 demo tied to its 1997 platformer Croc: Legend of the Gobbos.

While the whimsical tone of the announcement raised suspicions—particularly the playful nod to the fictional 'Adventure Preservation & Restoration Interactive Library Foundation Of Obscure Lost Software'—this reveal is authentic, and fans can experience a unique slice of Croc history right now. The newly resurfaced game, titled 'Croc C64', is described by Argonaut Games as the "graphical text adventure that served as the creative inspiration for the original Croc: Legend of the Gobbos." The 1997 release on PlayStation and subsequent platforms cemented Croc's status as a cult favorite in the 3D platformer genre.

Now, enthusiasts have the rare opportunity to try an early, conceptual version of Croc, dating back to the era of the Commodore 64, for free. Players looking to explore this piece of gaming history can download the Croc C64 demo directly from Argonaut Games’ website.

The developer provides clear instructions: gamers can use web-based Commodore 64 emulators such as ty64, C64 Online Emulator, or Virtual Consoles to load and play the game instantly.

By dragging the 'C64Croc.D64' file into the emulator interface, the adventure begins within moments.

For those preferring a standalone approach, recommended options include hoxs64 for Windows PCs. Argonaut Games emphasized the accessibility of the demo, stating, 'Anyone can load the Croc C64 file using their preferred emulator and experience the origins of Croc’s whimsical universe.' This hands-on opportunity serves as a direct link between the early concepts behind Croc’s memorable characters and environments and the polished, modern platformer beloved by a generation of gamers. The revival of Croc doesn’t stop at this retro release.

The Croc remaster, featuring updated visuals, enhanced controls, and expanded platform support—including anticipated releases for Nintendo Switch, Steam, and other major hardware—officially launches tomorrow.

This remaster is poised to introduce Croc: Legend of the Gobbos to both new players and long-standing fans, further cementing the game’s legacy in video game history. For collectors, preservationists, and anyone eager to reminisce about the early days of Argonaut Games, the Croc C64 demo offers a compelling window into the development process behind an iconic 3D platformer.

Download the demo, explore Croc’s pixelated beginnings, and prepare for the next chapter with the upcoming Croc remaster on modern consoles.

Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Argonaut Games platformer C64 Croc Legend of the Gobbos Croc C64 Nintendo Switch C64 emulator Argonaut