System: Commodore 64
Release date: October 1987
Dive into a kooky point-and-click caper with Maniac Mansion on the Commodore 64, the October 1987 adventure that unleashed Lucasfilm Games’ warped sense of humour. You’re leading a trio of teens to rescue Sandy from a mad scientist’s creepy mansion, but does this cult classic still spook and spark joy in 2025? Let’s sneak past the green tentacles, boot up the C64, and find out if this oddball tale is a retro riot or a dusty antique.
Gameplay: Point, Click, and Chuckle
Maniac Mansion puts you in charge of Dave and two pals—chosen from a quirky cast like Bernard the nerd or Razor the punk rocker—to infiltrate Dr. Fred’s bizarre mansion. Using the C64’s joystick or keyboard, you navigate via the iconic SCUMM interface, pointing and clicking verbs like “Use” or “Push” to solve puzzles. Each kid’s unique skills (Razor’s guitar shredding, anyone?) open different paths, from fixing radios to dodging Ed’s hamster obsession. The non-linear setup lets you swap characters and explore at your own pace, with multiple endings adding spice.
The downside? Some puzzles are proper head-scratchers, leaning on moon logic that’ll have you stuck without a hint book. The C64’s controls can feel sluggish, and inventory management is a faff. Still, the freedom to experiment and the daft humour keep you hooked like a tentacle on a typewriter.
Graphics: Pixelated Weirdness with Charm
For ’87, Maniac Mansion looks ace on the C64. The mansion’s rooms—think eerie labs and Ed’s chainsaw-filled bedroom—are bursting with personality, rendered in vibrant, blocky pixels. Character sprites, from Dave’s scruffy jeans to Dr. Fred’s mad-scientist hair, ooze charm, and cutscenes add a cinematic flair. Animations are simple but lively, with Green Tentacle’s wobbly dance stealing the show. It’s not pushing the C64’s limits, but the quirky art style nails the B-movie vibe.
Sound: Creepy Tunes and Kooky Effects
The C64’s SID chip delivers a small but cracking set of tunes, with a spooky, looping theme that sets the mansion’s eerie mood. Sound effects—like creaking doors, microwave dings, or the tentacle’s squelchy steps—are punchy and add to the silliness. The music can get repetitive, and the lack of voice acting (fair for ’87) means you’re reading lots of text. Still, the audio’s got enough charm to keep you chuckling through the chills.
Replayability: A Mansion Full of Madness
With seven selectable characters, multiple puzzle solutions, and five endings, Maniac Mansion begs for replays. Trying different character combos—like Syd for music puzzles or Jeff for, well, not much—changes the experience, and hunting every ending is a proper laugh. The obtuse puzzles might frustrate, and the C64’s load times can drag, but the short runtime and wild variety make every visit to the mansion a hoot.
The Retro Looney Verdict
Maniac Mansion on the Commodore 64 is a bonkers, brilliant adventure that’s as daft as a radioactive hamster. Its clever puzzles, lovable characters, and offbeat humour shine bright, even if the fiddly controls and cryptic bits test your patience. Fire up your C64 (or an emulator) and pick your team—this zany romp is still a scream in 2025.
