The ZX Spectrum and the Commodore 64 have both enjoyed modern recreations. There’s been The Spectrum, TheC64 and TheC64 Mini, all of which shipped with a pre-installed set of games showcasing some of best the platforms had to offer. There were also some highly questionable choices in the offer too.

It got me thinking… If someone finally sees sense and releases the machine the world really wants, a recreated Amstrad CPC, either in mini or full-size form, what games would bundle with it?

Right now, the closest we can get is building our own using the excellent CPCESP fork of the ESPectrum project [We didn’t know what that meant either, but apparently it’s some techy GitHub stuff -Ed]. But it does at least mean we can build one now rather than wait, possibly forever. And we do mean build, check out the CPC Mini our very own Simon 3D printed.

The Amstrad CPC, like its 8-bit counterparts, had technical constraints (limited RAM, cassette loading on the 464 and 464+, difficulty scrolling), while also overcoming many of the issues its rivals were hampered by (colour-clash on the ZX Spectrum, a palette that was mostly brown and the world’s slowest disk drive on the C64).

Developers of the better games released had to prioritise gameplay, ingenuity and design clarity. The best games on the CPC aren’t just technically impressive, they are timelessly playable. Let’s look at a top 20.

Fantasy CPC Mini games bundle top 20

I’ve put together a list of 20 games that to this day resonate with me. They span both the CPC and CPC+/GX4000, and I’ve chosen them for their gameplay quality, technical achievement and lasting fun or challenge.

1. Chuckie Egg

A defining early platformer, it is deceptively simple: collect eggs while avoiding birds. Its brilliance lies in perfect control, escalating challenge and score-driven replayability. Even decades later, it remains addictive. It’s often cited as one of the most iconic 8-bit games cross all platforms due to its accessibility and depth. 

Why it stands out: pure gameplay perfection—no wasted mechanics.

2. Manic Miner

A surreal, punishing platformer with tight level design and memorable music. Its difficulty forces mastery. It’s not the best looking game by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s an example of how exceptional gameplay eclipses graphics and sound.

Why it stands out: one of the earliest examples of precision platforming as art.

3. Jet Set Willy

The sequel to Manic Miner expanded into a sprawling mansion with non-linear exploration.

Why it stands out: open-ended design ahead of its time.

4. Navy Seals

One of the toughest and best-looking games released for the later Amstrad CPC+ and GX4000 machines, this platformer loosely based on the film of the same name also has excellent opening music and makes full use of the CPC+ expanded colour palette.

Why it stands out: challenging and strategic, combining platformer, shoot’em-up and mission objectives.

5. Elite

A groundbreaking open-world space simulation with trading, combat and exploration. Released for pretty much every computer platform you can think of, the CPC version is still considered to be among the best versions.

Why it stands out: arguably the first true open-world computer game.

6. Dizzy

A charming puzzle adventure starring Dizzy the egg. While visually identical to the ZX Spectrum version, the CPC version benefits from not having colour clash and better sound.

Why it stands out: character-driven gameplay and accessible puzzles.

7. The Great Escape

Based on the WWII film, this is a sandbox stealth game set in a prison camp. Often overlooked in round ups, it’s one of the most challenging and well-developed CPC games of its time.

Why it stands out: emergent gameplay and AI-like routines far ahead of its era that actually stretched the CPC’s capabilities to their limit.

8. Rick Dangerous

A trap-filled platformer inspired by Indiana Jones, requiring memorisation and precision. 

Why it stands out: tight design and trial-and-error mastery.

9. Rick Dangerous 2

Builds on the original with improved graphics and more varied levels.

Why it stands out: refinement of a tough but rewarding formua.

10. Boulder Dash

Dig through caves, collect diamonds and avoid falling rocks. This was a game I literally got lot in for hours, usually at the expense of doing my homework.

Why it stands out: perfect balance of action and puzzle mechanics.

11. Gryzor

A fast-paced run-and-gun shooter (known as Contra elsewhere). With cover art that looks just different enough from the cinema poster for the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie Commando to avoid a lawsuit, the Arnie vibes are strong. Easily one of the best games on the CPC, hands down.

Why it stands out: one of the best arcade conversions on CPC.

12. Renegade

A pioneering street brawler with depth beyond simple fighting.

Why it stands out: introduced complex combat mechanics to home systems.

13. Target Renegade

An improved sequel with smoother gameplay and better visuals.

Why it stands out: refinement of early beat ’em up design.

14. Barbarian: The Ultimate Warrior

A brutal one-on-one fighting game famous for its decapitations.

Why it stands out: shock value + deep combat system.

15. Prince of Persia

A cinematic platformer with fluid animation and realistic movement. Another example of stunning graphics on the CPC, with gameplay to back it up.

Why it stands out: animation and storytelling breakthroughs.

16. R-Type

A technically impressive shooter with massive sprites and smooth scrolling. The community recently revamped the game, making use of 128K and overhauling the graphics and sound. This is the version I would include.

Why it stands out: both versions push the CPC hardware to its limits.

17. Bubble Bobble

A colourful, cooperative arcade port.

Why it stands out: multiplayer fun and timeless design.

18. Rainbow Islands

A sequel to Bubble Bobble with vertical scrolling and inventive mechanics.

Why it stands out: creativity and vibrant presentation.

19. The Sacred Armour of Antiriad

A sci-fi exploration game blending platforming and narrative.

Why it stands out: atmosphere and world-building.

20. Batman: The Caped Crusader

An isometric adventure with comic-style presentation.

Why it stands out: innovative visual storytelling and design.

What makes these games the best?

• Gameplay over graphics
  
  Developers focused on game mechanics and addictive loops. Games like Chuckie Egg and Manic Miner prove that simplicity can outperform technical wizardry.
  
  
• Innovation
  
  Titles like Elite and The Great Escape introduced new ideas for the time like open worlds and simple AI systems, concepts that wouldn’t become mainstream for years.
  
  
• Arcade perfection at home
  
  Games such as Gryzor and R-Type showed that the CPC could deliver arcade-quality gaming.
  
  
• Longevity and replayability
  
  Many of these games are still played today because they rely on skill, mastery and replay value, not just spectacle.
  
  
• Cultural impact
  
  These titles helped define 1980s British gaming culture, with some becoming legendary across multiple platforms.

If you explore the CPC release library today, you’ll find something remarkable: many of these titles still feel surprisingly modern.

So, these are my 20 picks, and I’ll have them set up and running on one of my CPCs at the inaugural UKAG meet in June.

Do you agree with them?

Which games do you think should and should not be on that list?

Comment below, and let’s chat at our event in June!

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Written by:
Chris Green

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