As much as we love the idea of running retro software and games on original hardware, sometimes an emulator is the best option. In the specific case of the Commodore Amiga, its abundance of software is enviable, but they are asking a small fortune for the computers. If you want to access the Amiga experience without burning a hole in your wallet, then you should download a copy of the WinFellow emulator, spend some time in its configuration, and load every game you can find.
It's sad to admit it, but some classic computers are increasingly hard to come by, and the few units available in good condition demand an investment far beyond what many enthusiasts can afford. For example, want a Commodore Amiga? The average on eBay is $200, and that gives you access to basic configurations, without too many accessories. It's a shame, because the Amiga platform has some very good programs and games that deserve your time.
Why Emulate the Amiga?
So what's the alternative? Well… emulate. A year ago we talked about WinUAE, probably the number one among Commodore Amiga emulators, but there's another that doesn't fall behind, and that's WinFellow. Its latest update was released at the end of June, after a year and a half without news. Its open source profile remains intact, and nothing prevents you from studying its code if you have the skill, but I imagine you want to know more about its Windows-compatible build…
Getting Started with WinFellow
A Spartan interface, strange parameters… yes, WinFellow is far from intuitive. The first thing we must understand is that it doesn't work on its own. You will need a copy of Kickstart, the firmware that initializes the Amiga hardware. Unless you extract it from a computer or buy a copy… all I can say is use Google, and you'll find it without difficulty.
There are many versions, but I recommend starting with Kickstart 1.3, since most games work well with it. The factory configuration in WinFellow resembles the Amiga 500, and generally you don't need to change anything beyond the controls in the Gameport tab. Let gameport 1 be controlled by the mouse, and for gameport 2 use one of the keyboard layouts, or a gamepad.
Despite our efforts, some games simply won't load well with WinFellow. Personally I had trouble with the horrible port of Out Run by U.S. Gold, but as the images show, the original Lemmings worked marvelously. Commodore Amiga emulation is an exercise in patience, and WinFellow reminds us at every step of the way, but if you reach the end you'll have access to true gems, from Lemmings and Sensible Soccer to Elite and Another World, also Cannon Fodder, Zool, Syndicate by Bullfrog, and the best graphic adventures of the era.
Official website and download: Click here
