Fan Remaster Revamps Toki's Ocean Software Commodore 64 Port with Enhanced Sprites and Audio

A beloved classic from the arcade era, TAD Corporation's run 'n gun platformer 'Toki' first captivated players in 1989 before spawning numerous ports, including Ocean Software's 1991 release for the Commodore 64.

Now, this storied version is about to see a major update, as retro game enthusiast Davide Bottino leads an unofficial fan remaster aimed at bringing Ocean Software's adaptation closer to the quality and spirit of the original arcade machine. Toki’s journey to the Commodore 64 was a technical feat for its time, but the port met with mixed reactions—particularly regarding the "crude" character sprites, as described by Bottino during the project’s announcement on the Lemon64 forums in February 2023.

At that time, Bottino, who is known as both a pixel artist and a game creator, explained that while the original C64 version was 'a decent and above average conversion,' there remained significant room for improvement, especially in faithfully recreating the protagonist and the game’s boss characters.

His ambition: redraw and recolor the game's visuals to more closely align with Toki’s arcade roots. For over 20 months, Bottino has dedicated his efforts to refining the experience, sharing regular progress updates and first-look footage on his Twitter account.

These glimpses showcase significantly refined character sprites, echoing the sharper, more animated aesthetic of the 1989 arcade original.

Beyond visual upgrades, the remaster is also set to feature newly composed music and sound effects, a host of bug fixes, and enhanced controls—improvements that promise a more polished and engaging playthrough for both new and returning fans. Reporting on the project, IndieRetroNews highlighted the care poured into each aspect of the remaster, stating that Bottino’s updates go beyond cosmetic tweaks and reflect a commitment to authenticity and player enjoyment.

The planned release, targeted for 2024 or 2025, will be free to download, continuing a tradition within the retro gaming community of sharing preservation projects and remasters with fans at no cost. As retro gaming enjoys renewed attention and classic titles find their way onto modern platforms like the Nintendo Switch via the eShop, fan-driven remasters such as this Toki project underscore the enduring appeal and historical importance of these foundational games.

Enthusiasts and industry veterans alike can soon look forward to experiencing a revitalized Toki on the Commodore 64, complete with visuals, sound, and gameplay enhancements that honor both the original hardware constraints and the legacy of TAD Corporation’s arcade hit.

arcade Ocean Commodore Commodore 64 Ocean Software Toki Davide Bottino TAD Corporation IndieRetroNews Zzap! Italia Lemon64