It’s been less than two weeks since Nintendo released its game creation tool. Game Builder Garagethat teaches people to program their own video game with its engine and share their creations online. And within that time, people have been publishing all kinds of ridiculous and experimental work, as well as retro replicas of classic games.
Here you’ll find charming, bite-sized getaways like Super Mario Kart and F-zero, to more goofy experiences like a game where Toad can be seen screaming his little heart on stage. While there’s no way to browse creations by anyone else in the game, you can find nice stuff through Twitter and Reddit. Here are a few delightful examples (and their codes) we found so that you can try them out for yourself.
The extensive tutorials in Game Builder Garage Teach the players how to create different genres like arcade shooter or 3D platformer. When you create something new, you place and connect what the game calls “Nodons” on a blank canvas to build anything you want from scratch. It’s a flexible tool, and now players see exactly what they can do.
It is important to note that even retro replicas are not a one-to-one copy of their originals. Game Builder Garage‘s engine still has its limits. For example, you can’t import or create background music, so these all have generic melodies. You’ll also notice the significant differences in the overall feel – people haven’t figured out how to perfectly recreate certain aspects of platforming. However, since this was made in an engine that even kids can learn, it’s amazing to see what the game is capable of.
Mario kart
Code G-001-X6H-M41
This game created by ZeldaBoi is the first track from the Mushroom Cup by. to Super Mario Kart on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It’s a single player (so there is no competition with other characters) but it manages to capture the nostalgia of the original track.
F-zero
Code: G-002-54C-N4P
Are you still waiting for another F-Zero game? Well we don’t, but you can check out this nifty replica of the SNES version on the Switch. This game was also programmed by ZeldaBoi and restores the original vaporware look of the racing game.
Pac-Man: Definitive Edition
Code: G-002-LRJ-9RB
This is the creators’ title, not ours, but it’s a pretty impressive remake nonetheless. Its manufacturer ClarFon uses destructible objects in the motor so that your character can “eat” the pellets on the board. It does add a bit of flair, however – when you’re done, confetti will fly. Fun!
Sonic 3D Green Hill 2.0
Code: G-008-1WD-PCT
You can now experience a 3D version of the classic Green Hill Zone that was originally from the Sonic the Hedgehog Game for the Sega Genesis. It’s a bit difficult to jump around, but AliVe did an incredible job translating elements from the original 2D course into a 3D world.
Game Builder Garage is home to wild and wonderful creations
If relaxation isn’t your thing – well, here is a selection of other wild and wonderful creations we wanted to say hello to.
- Experience Home Simpson’s arcade hell, from Lassi: G-006-75Y-D64.
- See Toad give a moving stage performance while you scream by Jalli: G-004-M9T-3R5.
- Do sick tricks with Pac-Man in this Tony Hawk skater crossover from Breton: G-001-1Y0-M3N.
- And if that’s not enough, you can play DigiGee’s version of Hideo Kojima’s playable teaser for Silent Hill’s aborted restart. PT: G-002-XG2-9WT.
Many of these games are just proofs of concept, but they show the breadth of what can actually be done with the engine. What’s even more fun with every single game is you can peek under the hood and see how the programmer built it. Now that people understand what’s possible, there are likely to be more colorful creations in the future.
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