Play
How to play Palace Software games today - emulators, browser-based options, and Archive.org.
Commodore 64 - VICE Emulator
VICE (Versatile Commodore Emulator) is the definitive C64 emulator, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It accurately emulates the C64 hardware including the SID chip - so Richard Joseph's Barbarian score sounds correct.
Setup: Download VICE, acquire Barbarian or Cauldron disk images (.d64 files) from Archive.org or your personal collection, and load them via File → Attach Disk Image.
Amiga - WinUAE and FS-UAE
WinUAE (Windows) and FS-UAE (cross-platform) are the leading Amiga emulators. Both require an Amiga Kickstart ROM (obtainable legally from the Amiga Forever package) and a WHDLoad-compatible hard disk image or ADF floppy image.
The Amiga versions of Barbarian and Barbarian II offer improved graphics and Richard Joseph's full MOD-format soundtracks taking advantage of the Amiga's Paula chip.
ZX Spectrum - Browser Emulators
Several browser-based ZX Spectrum emulators allow you to play Spectrum versions of Palace Software games without installing anything. World of Spectrum hosts snapshots and tape images for Barbarian, Antiriad, and Cauldron.
Play in the Browser - Archive.org
Archive.org hosts playable in-browser versions of many classic C64 and Spectrum games via the JSMESS emulator. Search Archive.org for Palace Software titles to find directly playable versions without any download required.
Modern Ports
Barbarian+ (2018) is a modern port of Barbarian: The Ultimate Warrior, updated for contemporary systems while preserving the original gameplay. See the Modern page for full details on Barbarian+ and other fan-made ports.