Emulation & Play

Play

How to play Core Design’s catalogue - in-browser MS-DOS emulation via the Internet Archive, Amiga emulation, C64 SID-accurate play, and Rick Dangerous fan remakes.

Internet Archive — MS-DOS Versions

The Internet Archive hosts MS-DOS versions of several Core Design titles with in-browser DOSBox emulation. No download or installation required.

Rick Dangerous (1989) — MS-DOS

In-Browser

The MS-DOS version of Rick Dangerous is available on the Internet Archive with in-browser DOSBox emulation. Click “Run in-browser” to play immediately. Note: the MS-DOS version lacks the SID music of the C64 version; for the definitive audio experience, use VICE with the C64 version.

archive.org - Rick Dangerous MS-DOS

Universe (1994) — MS-DOS

In-Browser

Core Design’s science fiction point-and-click adventure is available on the Internet Archive with in-browser emulation.

archive.org - Universe MS-DOS

Chuck Rock (Genesis) — In-Browser

In-Browser

The Genesis version of Chuck Rock is available on the Internet Archive with in-browser Sega Genesis emulation.

archive.org - Chuck Rock Genesis

Amiga — FS-UAE / WinUAE

For the definitive audiovisual experience of Rick Dangerous, Chuck Rock, Heimdall, and other Amiga titles, use FS-UAE (cross-platform) or WinUAE (Windows) with WHDLoad installs.

FS-UAE — Cross-Platform Amiga Emulator

Recommended

FS-UAE is the recommended Amiga emulator for macOS, Linux, and Windows. It provides accurate emulation of the Amiga 500/1200/4000 hardware with Paula chip audio. Requires Amiga Kickstart ROM images (legally obtained from Amiga Forever or your own Amiga hardware). WHDLoad installs are supported for convenient, disk-swap-free play.

fs-uae.net

WHDLoad — Hard Disk Installs

Essential for Amiga

WHDLoad provides hard disk installation patches for Core Design’s Amiga titles, eliminating disk swapping and compatibility issues. Core Design games with WHDLoad support include Rick Dangerous, Rick Dangerous 2, Chuck Rock, Heimdall, and many others.

whdload.de - Core Design installs

WinUAE — Windows Amiga Emulator

Windows

WinUAE is the most feature-complete Amiga emulator for Windows, with extensive hardware configuration options and cycle-accurate emulation.

winuae.net

Commodore 64 — VICE

To hear Dave Pridmore’s Rick Dangerous SID music in authentic context, play the C64 version via VICE with SID chip emulation.

VICE — C64 Emulator

Recommended for SID

VICE (Versatile Commodore Emulator) is the definitive C64 emulator. Its SID chip emulation (using reSID or HardSID) accurately reproduces the 6581/8580 SID chip sound of Dave Pridmore’s Rick Dangerous and Rick Dangerous 2 soundtracks. Download Rick Dangerous and Rick Dangerous 2 C64 disk images and load them directly in VICE.

vice-emu.sourceforge.io

Rick Dangerous — C64 (Internet Archive)

In-Browser

The C64 version of Rick Dangerous is available on the Internet Archive with in-browser C64 emulation - the fastest route to hearing Dave Pridmore’s SID music without installing VICE.

archive.org - Rick Dangerous C64

Rick Dangerous — Fan Remake (Z-Team)

The Z-Team have produced enhanced remakes of Rick Dangerous for modern platforms.

Rick Dangerous — Z-Team Enhanced Amiga Version

Fan Remake

The Z-Team have developed an enhanced version of Rick Dangerous for the Amiga with improved graphics, additional levels, and quality-of-life improvements while preserving the original game’s spirit. See the Modern page for details on all Z-Team projects.

Modern remakes & fan projects →

MS-DOS Emulation — DOSBox

DOSBox — MS-DOS Emulator

MS-DOS

DOSBox provides accurate MS-DOS emulation for Rick Dangerous, Rick Dangerous 2, and Universe. It handles the period-correct 8086/286 environment, AdLib/Sound Blaster audio, and CGA/EGA/VGA graphics modes. The recommended way to run Core Design’s DOS titles locally.

dosbox.com