Games That Weren't
@gamesthatwerent.com
Covering cancelled/unreleased video games and prototypes across a variety of consoles and home computers. Preserving unreleased video game history online since 1999, and longer offline.
Check out our archive and more at: https://www.gamesthatwerent.com
Check out our archive and more at: https://www.gamesthatwerent.com
Today we're releasing a long lost proto of Tiny Troops for PC DOS - due for release in 1995 by Mindscape. Also adding a staggering 32 prototype builds from 1993-1994, when the game was originally known as Bugs. Sadly the CD32 version is still at large.
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2026/01/tiny...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2026/01/tiny...
January 12, 2026 at 9:35 AM
Today we're releasing a long lost proto of Tiny Troops for PC DOS - due for release in 1995 by Mindscape. Also adding a staggering 32 prototype builds from 1993-1994, when the game was originally known as Bugs. Sadly the CD32 version is still at large.
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2026/01/tiny...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2026/01/tiny...
ThunderJaws on the ZX Spectrum remains a mystery. Previewed, demoed, even reviewed with a Crash Smash — yet never released. Screenshots suggest a full version existed… so what happened, and could it still be out there?
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2026/01/thun...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2026/01/thun...
January 9, 2026 at 8:59 AM
ThunderJaws on the ZX Spectrum remains a mystery. Previewed, demoed, even reviewed with a Crash Smash — yet never released. Screenshots suggest a full version existed… so what happened, and could it still be out there?
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2026/01/thun...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2026/01/thun...
C.L.E.I.A. (Complex Logic of the Autonomous Computer Entity) was a cancelled Ubi Soft game from 1990 for #AtariST and #Amiga. Players would escape the bubble city of Cleia before a giant meteor strikes, traveling across 40 levels and 655 celestial bodies.
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2026/01/c-l-...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2026/01/c-l-...
January 7, 2026 at 9:18 AM
C.L.E.I.A. (Complex Logic of the Autonomous Computer Entity) was a cancelled Ubi Soft game from 1990 for #AtariST and #Amiga. Players would escape the bubble city of Cleia before a giant meteor strikes, traveling across 40 levels and 655 celestial bodies.
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2026/01/c-l-...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2026/01/c-l-...
Over the Christmas Break, Retro Gamer (via Richard Hewison) published an article on the Enigma Variations recoveries that we made at Games That Weren't, showcasing some of the highlights. Thanks Richard for the great overview and kind words!
January 6, 2026 at 10:32 AM
Over the Christmas Break, Retro Gamer (via Richard Hewison) published an article on the Enigma Variations recoveries that we made at Games That Weren't, showcasing some of the highlights. Thanks Richard for the great overview and kind words!
Recently we backed up a demo disk which had a demo for a game called Terminator. Unfortunately it seems to be missing a file ("DLOAD ." error given), but we're not sure exactly. Would any Amstrad CPC experts please be able to take a look? (CPC-001B.DSK)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/wp-content/u...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/wp-content/u...
January 3, 2026 at 10:05 PM
Recently we backed up a demo disk which had a demo for a game called Terminator. Unfortunately it seems to be missing a file ("DLOAD ." error given), but we're not sure exactly. Would any Amstrad CPC experts please be able to take a look? (CPC-001B.DSK)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/wp-content/u...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/wp-content/u...
We’re now done for the year. Time to play games + catch up reading. Thanks everyone for the kindness and support this year. If you’d like to help the project recover more lost pieces of history, simply spreading the word really helps.
Take care, and all the best for 2026!
Frank
Take care, and all the best for 2026!
Frank
December 23, 2025 at 4:22 PM
We’re now done for the year. Time to play games + catch up reading. Thanks everyone for the kindness and support this year. If you’d like to help the project recover more lost pieces of history, simply spreading the word really helps.
Take care, and all the best for 2026!
Frank
Take care, and all the best for 2026!
Frank
And finally - as part of our recovery of Thomas The Tank Engine 2:The Race for four different platforms, here is the video for the #Atari edition. Link in the comments. (3/3)
December 23, 2025 at 12:11 PM
And finally - as part of our recovery of Thomas The Tank Engine 2:The Race for four different platforms, here is the video for the #Atari edition. Link in the comments. (3/3)
As part of our recovery of Thomas The Tank Engine 2:The Race for four different platforms, here is the video for the #ZXSpectrum edition. Link in the comments. (2/3)
December 23, 2025 at 12:07 PM
As part of our recovery of Thomas The Tank Engine 2:The Race for four different platforms, here is the video for the #ZXSpectrum edition. Link in the comments. (2/3)
For our final update of the year - we present the recovery of Thomas The Tank Engine 2 for #ZXSpectrum, #AmstradCPC and #Atari platforms. First up, here is the Amstrad CPC edition - and we'll post videos shortly for the other platforms too. Enjoy! (1/3)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/thom...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/thom...
December 23, 2025 at 12:05 PM
For our final update of the year - we present the recovery of Thomas The Tank Engine 2 for #ZXSpectrum, #AmstradCPC and #Atari platforms. First up, here is the Amstrad CPC edition - and we'll post videos shortly for the other platforms too. Enjoy! (1/3)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/thom...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/thom...
And finally - as part of our recovery of Sooty and Sweep 2 for four different platforms, here is the video for the Atari edition. Link in the comments. (3/3)
December 23, 2025 at 10:29 AM
And finally - as part of our recovery of Sooty and Sweep 2 for four different platforms, here is the video for the Atari edition. Link in the comments. (3/3)
As part of our recovery of Sooty and Sweep 2 for four different platforms, here is the video for the ZX Spectrum edition. Link in the comments. (2/3)
December 23, 2025 at 10:23 AM
As part of our recovery of Sooty and Sweep 2 for four different platforms, here is the video for the ZX Spectrum edition. Link in the comments. (2/3)
For our final Christmas updates we can now present the recovery of Sooty and Sweep 2 for ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC and Atari platforms. First up, here is the Amstrad CPC edition - and we'll post videos shortly for the other platforms too. Enjoy!
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/soot... (1/3)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/soot... (1/3)
December 23, 2025 at 9:59 AM
For our final Christmas updates we can now present the recovery of Sooty and Sweep 2 for ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC and Atari platforms. First up, here is the Amstrad CPC edition - and we'll post videos shortly for the other platforms too. Enjoy!
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/soot... (1/3)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/soot... (1/3)
For our next Christmas update, we have Piracy Deluxe. A near-finished Amiga conversion of the C64 game Piracy that has finally surfaced after 30+ years. Cancelled after Commodore's collapse, now preserved and playable at last.
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/pira...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/pira...
December 22, 2025 at 1:14 PM
For our next Christmas update, we have Piracy Deluxe. A near-finished Amiga conversion of the C64 game Piracy that has finally surfaced after 30+ years. Cancelled after Commodore's collapse, now preserved and playable at last.
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/pira...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/pira...
Our final Commodore 64 update is a look at a very early build of Kick Off 2 by Anco. With very different menu and score panels, and at a stage where its not fully playable. A possible proof of concept that helped get the licence to convert:
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/kick-o... (7/7)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/kick-o... (7/7)
December 22, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Our final Commodore 64 update is a look at a very early build of Kick Off 2 by Anco. With very different menu and score panels, and at a stage where its not fully playable. A possible proof of concept that helped get the licence to convert:
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/kick-o... (7/7)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/kick-o... (7/7)
Fifth in our Commodore 64 update is a very rare early look at Paul Shirley's Spindizzy. With missing graphics and colour schemes and possible unseen content that may have been dropped from the final release. Could be lots to discover here:
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/spindi... (6/7)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/spindi... (6/7)
December 22, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Fifth in our Commodore 64 update is a very rare early look at Paul Shirley's Spindizzy. With missing graphics and colour schemes and possible unseen content that may have been dropped from the final release. Could be lots to discover here:
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/spindi... (6/7)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/spindi... (6/7)
Fourth in our Commodore 64 update is a special glimpse at what became 'Bombo' by Rino. Rooster Booster had different sprites and titles, and it seems was due for full release by Alligata. Fully playable and a unique early look at a classic game:
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/rooste... (5/7)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/rooste... (5/7)
December 22, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Fourth in our Commodore 64 update is a special glimpse at what became 'Bombo' by Rino. Rooster Booster had different sprites and titles, and it seems was due for full release by Alligata. Fully playable and a unique early look at a classic game:
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/rooste... (5/7)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/rooste... (5/7)
Third in our Commodore 64 update is an advanced preview of Paddle Mania, a SNK arcade conversion that was due for release by Sales Curve and replaced by Continental Circus. An impressive looking conversion that should have seen release back in the day:
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/paddle... (4/7)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/paddle... (4/7)
December 22, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Third in our Commodore 64 update is an advanced preview of Paddle Mania, a SNK arcade conversion that was due for release by Sales Curve and replaced by Continental Circus. An impressive looking conversion that should have seen release back in the day:
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/paddle... (4/7)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/paddle... (4/7)
Second in our Commodore 64 update is the full unreleased game of Thomas The Tank Engine 2: The Race by Alternative Software that was due for release in 1992. Never released due to a publishing dispute, but now you can finally play it:
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/thomas... (3/7)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/thomas... (3/7)
December 22, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Second in our Commodore 64 update is the full unreleased game of Thomas The Tank Engine 2: The Race by Alternative Software that was due for release in 1992. Never released due to a publishing dispute, but now you can finally play it:
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/thomas... (3/7)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/thomas... (3/7)
First in our Commodore 64 update is the full unreleased game of Sooty and Sweep 2 by Alternative Software that was due for release in 1992. Not just one game, but two completely different builds which you can read more about and play:
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/sooty-... (2/7)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/sooty-... (2/7)
December 22, 2025 at 9:46 AM
First in our Commodore 64 update is the full unreleased game of Sooty and Sweep 2 by Alternative Software that was due for release in 1992. Not just one game, but two completely different builds which you can read more about and play:
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/sooty-... (2/7)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/gtw64/sooty-... (2/7)
Our final Commodore 64 update for 2025, with some huge recoveries including full unreleased versions of Sooty and Sweep 2, Thomas The Tank Engine 2. Protos of Paddle Mania, Rooster Booster, Spindizzy and Kick Off 2 + a lot more. Enjoy! (1/7)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/gtw6...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/gtw6...
December 22, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Our final Commodore 64 update for 2025, with some huge recoveries including full unreleased versions of Sooty and Sweep 2, Thomas The Tank Engine 2. Protos of Paddle Mania, Rooster Booster, Spindizzy and Kick Off 2 + a lot more. Enjoy! (1/7)
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/gtw6...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/gtw6...
Bonus Sunday Christmas update. First a rare ZX81 edition of Mugsy (by Collins Computing before Melbourne House's version). It's been around a while - though, we add missing inlay + tape scans thanks to @TZXVault. Plus extra C64 recoveries from RCM for you:
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/mugs...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/mugs...
December 21, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Bonus Sunday Christmas update. First a rare ZX81 edition of Mugsy (by Collins Computing before Melbourne House's version). It's been around a while - though, we add missing inlay + tape scans thanks to @TZXVault. Plus extra C64 recoveries from RCM for you:
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/mugs...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/mugs...
Along with the Hill 19 materials, there are some other pictures and goodies which were found on some of the disks and have included. An Amiga ball demo and what seems to be a set of game mock ups.
December 20, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Along with the Hill 19 materials, there are some other pictures and goodies which were found on some of the disks and have included. An Amiga ball demo and what seems to be a set of game mock ups.
More Christmas goodies. Although unlucky with the C64 recovery - things have fared better for the #AmstradCPC edition of Hill 19. We are pleased to present a prototype of the long lost Gremlin game. Similar to Ikari Warriors, with strategy elements:
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/hill...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/hill...
December 20, 2025 at 11:50 AM
More Christmas goodies. Although unlucky with the C64 recovery - things have fared better for the #AmstradCPC edition of Hill 19. We are pleased to present a prototype of the long lost Gremlin game. Similar to Ikari Warriors, with strategy elements:
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/hill...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/hill...
FREEZE ZX issue 02 landed this week. Unfortunately not able to proof due to personal reasons, so as a bonus, its going to be a fresh read. Looks great so far and can't wait to dive in when I stop work for Christmas. More details can be found at freeze64.com/freeze-zx-is... @freeze-zx.bsky.social
December 20, 2025 at 11:33 AM
FREEZE ZX issue 02 landed this week. Unfortunately not able to proof due to personal reasons, so as a bonus, its going to be a fresh read. Looks great so far and can't wait to dive in when I stop work for Christmas. More details can be found at freeze64.com/freeze-zx-is... @freeze-zx.bsky.social
The Polish edition of Games That Weren’t turned up this week. Quite surreal seeing the book take on a life of its own in another language and very cool with the extended chapter on Polish unreleased games at the end!
December 20, 2025 at 11:17 AM
The Polish edition of Games That Weren’t turned up this week. Quite surreal seeing the book take on a life of its own in another language and very cool with the extended chapter on Polish unreleased games at the end!