GoatBeat (C64)
A downloadable game
START THE PARTY. FEEL THE BEAT. MASTER THE GROOVE.
Step back into the golden age of gaming - and experience rhythm like never before on the legendary Commodore 64. For 1 and 2 players (PvP).
This is not just another rhythm game. This is a love letter to the SID era.
Built from the ground up for real hardware, this fast-paced, joystick-driven rhythm experience challenges your timing, precision, and sense of groove. Inspired by arcade classics like Dance Dance Revolution, but reimagined for the C64, the game delivers pure retro intensity with a modern twist.
Gameplay
Grab your joystick and hit the directions in perfect sync with the music. Easy to learn, hard to master - every beat counts. Whether you're playing solo or going head-to-head with a friend, the challenge ramps up fast.
- Tight, responsive joystick controls
- Single-player mode to hone your skills
- Two-player mode for competitive rhythm battles
- Increasing difficulty to push your limits
Legendary Soundtracks
What’s a rhythm game without unforgettable music? With the support and courtesy of C64Audio.com, we are able to present you the grandmasters of SID music. Dive into a curated selection of iconic SID tracks from true legends of the craft:
- Rob Hubbard (Commando, Sanxion, Monty on the run, IK+ and many more)
- Ben Daglish (Krakout, Bombo, Thing bounces back)
- Matt Gray (Last Ninja 2, Deliverance, Dominator)
Feel the pulse of classic chiptune energy, faithfully brought to life on original hardware. Every track is a challenge. Every note is nostalgia.
Features
- Authentic C64 experience - no compromises
- Crisp visuals and smooth scrolling gameplay
- Pure SID sound straight from the source
- Designed for both newcomers and hardcore retro fans
Why You’ll Love It
Because rhythm never goes out of style - and neither does the C64.
Whether you're chasing high scores, rediscovering legendary music, or competing with friends, this game brings together the best of arcade rhythm gameplay and 8-bit charm.
Are you ready to hit the beat?
Plug in your gear - and don’t miss a single note!
Download
Click download now to get access to the following files:
Comments
Log in with itch.io to leave a comment.
Grats on the game Roman - It's quite fun, though I'd like to suggest a couple of improvements.
I think there should be an option to play through the whole song without getting knocked out.. It would make 2 player battles more fun.
Also, there shouldn't be any energy drain when no notes are arriving - too often we were knocked out for no fault of our own. I've been playing this online multiplayer on C64cade - the lag doesn't help for this type of game, but it lets you play online 2 player.
One bug I found is P1 and P2 labels above the scores are the wrong way around. Player 2 wins at the end is correct, but their score was labelled P1 in game.
Overall it's really good, and great to finally have a good rhythm game.
Hi Hayes. Nice to read from you. Thanks for your comment - and great feedback. Please note that you have a little bit of time after the note hits the center of the arrow until you missed the beat. So better be a bit too late than too early. It might make a difference. The songs were intensely tested by the team and it is normal to fail the first 10-20 attempts to play through a song completely - it's part of the challenge to train the memory muscles a wee bit. It's really easy for me to play through all the songs now.
I understand that the steady energy drain can be mean if there are no notes coming in. But every song can be done with enough practise and concentration. Regarding the lag - depending on the environment or number of beers - would suggest an option to adjust the precision. I'll think about that.
Bummer about the bug. But thanks for letting me know.
Cheers, the P2, P1 label things seems to be correct sometimes and not others, but better that port 2 is always P1 and port 1 is always P2. Regarding the lag, it's not the fault of the game, it's the input latency from host to server on C64cade - which I made to allow 2 players to play online, so no need to change things for that. I like the knockout feature, and understand practice makes perfect.. but for 2 player especially It'd be really nice to have a mode to allow to play for score without getting knocked out. As one player gets knocked out and is waiting around for ages.
Uuuhhh :-)
Yesssss! :)
very good
Thank you.