So what are your options if you want to try out microcomputers, but on a budget? Well, luckily it’s possible to try out some of those games from yesteryears directly on Windows 10 with some specialized software. Just don’t ask us how you’re supposed to get these old computer games free online.
1. Apple II: AppleWin
The Apple II was one of the world’s first mass-market home microcomputers to be considered a success. Over the course of its lifetime, the series sold over 6 million units, so it’s no surprise that many people have fond memories of the machine.
If you want to get an Apple II running again on Windows 10 it’s pretty simple thanks to a program called AppleWin. As it sounds, this program will allow you to run pretty much any Apple II disk or hard drive on Windows 10.
Obviously, the first thing you’ll need to is download AppleWin from the program’s GitHub page. Once downloaded, unzip the program and it’s ready to go out-of-the-box. It’s also portable, so you can load up a memory stick with the emulator and some disk files and you’re good to go.
To run a game, click Disk Icon 1 select the DSK file for your game, then click the Rainbow Apple Icon to restart the emulator. The game should now automatically boot. Remember, if the keyboard doesn’t seem to be responding, try toggling Caps Lock as this can sometimes prevent input.
AppleWin is also filled with options to change visual and audio settings to get the perfect look you remember. You can reach the options menu by clicking the Joystick/Speaker Icon. From the options menu, you can change the input method, add and remove scanlines, and even emulate an old RGB monitor or TV screen.
Download: AppleWin (Free)
2. ZX Spectrum: Fuse
While not as successful as the Apple II, the ZX Spectrum was still an incredibly successful machine that sold over 5 million units. The UK-designed microcomputer has an incredibly distinctive visual style that makes it stick in the minds of fans all over the world.
There are many programs out there that purport to make playing your old ZX Spectrum games possible, but most of them are fiddly and expensive. Enter Fuse, a GNU GPL-licensed emulator built originally for Unix.
Unlike AppleWin, Fuse actually needs to be installed, but it’s a pretty lightweight program. You can get your hands on the program from its SourceForge page. Just make sure to uncheck the associate filetypes option if you plan on running more than one emulator. Many old microcomputer emulators use the same file extensions.
The first thing you need to do is go to Options > Filters… and change the video filter to triple size if you actually want to be able to see the game you’re playing. From this same menu, you can also try out some of the other filters if you don’t want the game to look exactly like the original.
Running a program is as simple as going to File > Open and selecting your game file. If it’s a joystick-based game you’ll also need to go to Options > Peripherals > General and make sure some form of a joystick is selected. You can then remap your Joystick controls to a gamepad or keyboard through Options > Joysticks.
Download: Fuse (Free)
3. Commodore 64: CCS64
The most popular microcomputer in history is without doubt the Commodore 64 with over 17 million units sold. If you were alive during the 80s, you probably recognize this distinctive machine.
Much like the ZX Spectrum, there are plenty of programs out there that can help you emulate a C64, but the best is CCS64. You can get your hands on a download at the CCS64 website.
Once downloaded and installed all you need to do to run a game is go to File > Load and Run. The emulator even has a built-in C64 BASIC prompt as soon as you open it, so if you’re familiar with the language you can type in code straight away, just like the good-old-days.
Rather than a normal menu system, all options in CCS64 are done in the traditional Commodore 64 style. So when you go to Options > Input, you’ll have to navigate through the menu and set your joystick mapping using the cursor and enter keys. Fortunately, most C64 games can be played using the keyboard due to the way that C64 Joystick ports work.
If you’re finding that your Joystick mapping isn’t working, press Alt + F10. This shortcut swaps the joysticks in each port, as some C64 games will only work in port 1, while others only work in port 2.
Download: CCS64 (free)
4. BBC Micro/Master Series: BeebEm
The BBC Micro might have been more popular in the UK, but it had a decent following in the US thanks to the rapid expansion of Acorn Computers. During the 80s there was fierce competition between the ZX Spectrum and the Micro, but in the end, the Spectrum pulled ahead.
Both the BBC Micro and its follow-up, the BBC Master, can be emulated using the same program, BeebEm. You can grab a copy of the emulator from the BeebEm site, and once installed it’s ready to go straight away.
The process of running BBC Micro games is a bit more complicated than other systems. Most of the game files you’ll come across are disk files and can be autoloaded easily by going to File > Run Disc… and selecting the game you want to play. However, tape images will need a bit more messing around.
First, you’ll need to load your tape file through File > Load Tape, then type in a loading command. The problem is that while a lot of games will load with a general-purpose command, there are several out there that require something specific.
If the following command doesn’t work you should try and find a manual for your software, as they typically detail how to load the game.
Download: BeebEm (free)
Play on With Nostalgia
Now you should be loaded up with all the knowledge needed to re-experience the microcomputer boom of the 80s all over again. With some disk images and a few line commands, you’ll be enjoying Lode Runner any minute now.
Now you just need a way of getting your hands on these old games legally and you’ll be all set. Just don’t fall into the trap of thinking that abandonware is legal.
