Adrian and a Friend in Need - A direct sequel to the incredible C64 game 'Crystian and the Lost Crystals

Following the huge success of the 2026 platforming hit Crystian and the Lost Crystals, developer Marcel Sásik has now released a direct follow-up: Adrian and a Friend in Need. This Commodore 64 game has  reinvented the formula, introducing a brand-new, ultra-athletic protagonist to replace the slow, grid-locked exploration of the original game. While the art style intentionally mirrors the aesthetic of its predecessor to maintain continuity, every single mechanic under the hood has been entirely rewritten. The sequel introduces major technological advancements for the C64 hardware such as, fluid movements, high-resolution assets with a vibrant multicolor engine to deliver unprecedented screen detail, faster map scrolling with more deadly environments, a completely rewritten enemy architecture utilizing an "active enemy list, and so much more.

In the previous game, players controlled Crystian, an ordinary boy who cared deeply about his precious stones but lacked traditional platforming prowess. Watching him struggle through dangerous caverns was like watching a movie in slow motion. His stiff, clunky mechanics sometimes made basic climbing and jumping an absolute chore. Enter Adrian. Unable to watch his friend hopelessly struggle any longer, this nimble new hero is stepping into the spotlight. Adrian is on a completely different level—highly athletic, agile, and built for intense action all across six new, larger, and more diverse worlds.

Features 

• Adrian is much more agile* (grid-aligned movement has been completely removed) 
• 6 highly detailed maps that are now more than twice as large* (in terms of area; 8k tiles vs over 17k tiles in each level) 
• Non-linear map design - Adrian can explore the maps at his own pace, and the way to complete levels is not predetermined 
• Roughly a hundred enemies on every single map + new enemy types* (fish, lava rocks) and a more dynamic environment* (randomly falling rocks, falling spikes) 
• Various types of enemies with different damage levels for the player
• Simple puzzle system for opening gates using magical cubes 
• Classic coin collection (100 coins = +1 life), including energy and life pickups   

Credits 

• Code, Graphics, SFX:  Marcel Sásik
• Music: Johan Samuelson, aka Stinsen 
• Additional ambient SFX:  Nordischsound and  Hans Svala

Links 1) Source