C64 emulator returns to App Store sans BASIC

The Commodore 64 emulator application for iPhone was pulled from the App Store by Apple in September for leaving its BASIC interpreter intact and accessible via a backdoor hack. This week, the app has returned after some major rework by its creator, Manomio.

C64 no longer contains the BASIC interpreter and Commodore 64 ROM files, since Apple originally rejected the app for these reasons. As a result, the emulator no longer lets you run your own BASIC code inside the app. However, it will still run classic Commodore 64 games, and it now comes with a total of eight free games (with more to come later via in-app purchasing).

We tested the new release of C64, and confirmed that the app successfully emulates the venerable Commodore 64 sound and graphics. It includes some modern gaming features, too, such as auto-save and the option to play games full screen in portrait or landscape mode.

The C64 emulator includes a few free games: Dragons Den, Le Mans, International Basketball, International Soccer, International Tennis, Jupiter Lander, Arctic Shipwreck, and Jack Attack. Forthcoming applications and games include Bristles and Astro Chase, among others.

C64 (iTunes link) is currently for sale in the App Store for $4.99. You can read more about the app at c64iphone.com, browse new game releases at manomio.com, or watch the demo video below.