Turrican 128k: Enhanced Amstrad CPC Remaster Brings Classic Run ‘n Gun to 2025

Turrican 128k: Enhanced Amstrad CPC Remaster Brings Classic Run ‘n Gun to 2025 Turrican, the celebrated run 'n gun classic first developed by Rainbow Arts in 1990, has received a fanmade upgrade for the Amstrad CPC platform.

The new remaster, known as 'Turrican 128k,' revitalizes the iconic 8-bit shooter with improved performance, visuals, and audio, making it available for download ahead of a renewed wave of retro gaming enthusiasm in 2025.

The release was first highlighted by IndieRetroNews and SaberManRetroNews, signaling a significant event for retro gaming communities and fans of the original Amstrad port. Background: Turrican’s Enduring Legacy Originally launched for the Commodore 64, Turrican established its legacy as an innovative and challenging run 'n gun title, setting a benchmark for action games of the era.

The game was later ported to a variety of platforms, including the Amiga, Atari ST, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Mega Drive/Genesis, TurboGrafx-16, and Nintendo Game Boy, with different versions produced by multiple studios.

Notably, Probe Software, a prominent UK-based developer recognized for their skilled conversions, handled the Amstrad CPC and ZX Spectrum ports with programming from Daran Clarke and graphics by Jason Green. The Amstrad CPC version was met with critical acclaim, with Amstrad Action awarding it a 90% score for its gameplay and presentation during US Gold’s budget re-release in 1991.

The magazine notably described the title as “Totally crucial,” cementing Turrican's status in Amstrad’s software library. 2025 Remaster: New Features and Community Involvement Decades on, the fan developers OneVision and JMB have revisited the Amstrad CPC adaptation, determined to elevate its technical and artistic qualities.

Leveraging the platform’s 128k capabilities, the remaster introduces a new player sprite modeled after the Atari ST version, an updated HUB interface, and improved AY-based music for a richer audio experience.

Since April 2024, the pair have regularly shared updates and progress reports on the cpcwiki.eu forums, engaging with the wider community and refining their efforts based on player feedback.

Multiple iterative releases have since been shared among retro computing enthusiasts. This project exemplifies ongoing dedication within the retro gaming scene to preserve and enhance classic titles, ensuring that games like Turrican remain accessible and enjoyable for new generations of players.

The fanmade Turrican 128k stands as a testament to the lasting appeal of Rainbow Arts’ creation and highlights the collaborative spirit of homebrew development on the Amstrad CPC platform. Interested players can experience the revamped Turrican 128k firsthand, with footage available via SaberManRetroNews and download links provided by IndieRetroNews and the cpcwiki.eu community.

As retro gaming continues to thrive, projects like these not only honor the legacy of beloved classics, but also demonstrate the enduring vitality of 8-bit platforms like the Amstrad CPC.

Rainbow Turrican Rainbow Arts Probe Software OneVision JMB Amstrad CPC IndieRetroNews SaberManRetroNews cpcwiki.eu