Close Encounters of the Worst Kind

About

Close Encounters of the Worst Kind throws two players into a chaotic shoot 'em up where teamwork is the only way to survive. Inspired by the frantic pace of classic arcade shooters, it tasks partners with fending off waves of alien invaders using synchronized firepower. The gameplay feels aggressively simple, dodge, shoot, repeat, but the tight controls and escalating difficulty make for a surprisingly addictive challenge. Designed for the Commodore 64, it leans into the platform’s straightforward action with minimal frills, focusing on reflexes over spectacle. What sticks out is how rare it was to have co-op in an 80s arcade-style game. While many titles of the era prioritized single-player high scores, this one forces players to rely on each other. Forums mention it’s still a favorite among retro enthusiasts for its no-nonsense fun and nostalgic difficulty curve. If you’ve ever struggled to balance coordination with chaos in a couch co-op game, you’ll instantly recognize the charm here.