The 1991 Commodore 64 port of Toki, originally developed by Ocean Software, is receiving a fan-made remaster that promises to bring the game closer to its 1989 arcade roots. Spearheaded by Davide Bottino, a pixel artist and retro gaming enthusiast, this ambitious project aims to address the shortcomings of the original C64 version while enhancing its visuals, audio, and overall gameplay experience. Bottino has been working on the remaster for over 20 months, sharing progress updates and test footage that showcase the significant improvements being made.
📷TOKI CHARACTER SPRITES FIRST TEST!!
— Davide Bottino (@DavideBottino) November 21, 2024
Over 20 months in the making, and now, just like EA Sports says, IT'S IN THE GAME!!📷
Please note it's just the very first test, so there are several #Toki sprites still missing and alignment to fix. @C64Reposts @Indie_RetroNEWS pic.twitter.com/6t4p5JbMc6
The remaster features completely redrawn and recolored sprites, including a much more detailed protagonist and bosses, which were criticized in the original port for being “crude.” The backgrounds have also been reimagined to better reflect the vibrant settings of the arcade version. In addition to visual upgrades, the project includes new music and sound effects faithful to the arcade release, bug fixes, and enhanced controls for smoother gameplay. These changes aim to elevate what Bottino described as a “decent but above-average” conversion into something truly exceptional.
The project has been well-received by retro gaming communities, with fans praising Bottino’s dedication and attention to detail. A demo showcasing some of the updated character sprites has already been shared online, generating excitement for the final release. The remastered version of Toki will be made available as a free download in CRT file format upon completion, with a tentative release window of 2024 or 2025.
This fan-driven effort not only revitalizes a classic game but also highlights the enduring passion within retro gaming circles for preserving and enhancing older titles. For fans of Toki or Commodore 64 enthusiasts, this remaster is shaping up to be a must-play experience that pays homage to both the original arcade game and its legacy on home computers.
