New Generation NES Developers Pushing Boundaries with Retro Games

Over the holiday season, we’re republishing some of the best articles from Nintendo Life writers and contributors as part of our Best of 2024 series. Enjoy!

Revitalizing the NES

With four decades under its belt, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) continues to evolve. Today, it serves as a platform for new aftermarket IPs that bring polished and enjoyable experiences to players.

The Rise of Homebrew

Over the past two decades, the NES homebrew scene has flourished, with tools like NESmaker making console development more accessible. Pioneered by developers like Morphcat Games, who mastered coding in 6502 assembly language, these developers have created a niche for innovative games.

Micro Mages: A Modern Classic

Micro Mages, released in 2019, pays homage to NES-era platformers. This game gained attention through a viral YouTube video showcasing the developers’ optimization techniques, limiting the game to just 40 kilobytes to match the file size of Super Mario Bros.

You might not have heard of this one… — Image: Damien McFerran / Nintendo Life

With gameplay supporting up to four players and stunning pixel art, Micro Mages captures the essence of retro gaming while offering a modern feel.

we noticed that new gamers also enjoy this old-school physical experience

From Dream to Reality

Riecke, one of the minds behind Morphcat Games, shared his childhood dream of creating a “Nintendo game.” Influenced by classic titles like Kirby’s Adventure and Mega Man 2, the Morphcat team aims to replicate the high level of polish seen in these iconic games.

Since 2005, Riecke has been delving into NES development, eventually teaming up with Bétoux to create a series of aftermarket NES games. By leveraging the vintage hardware’s capabilities, the duo has pushed the boundaries of what is possible on the NES.

Pushing Limits with Legacy Hardware

While modern tools have streamlined the development process, Morphcat Games still relies on hand-written assembly for optimal performance. This approach allows them to maximize the console’s capabilities beyond what was achieved in the past.

Micro Mages and manual — *Image: Morphcat Games*

Bétoux, the graphics and level design expert, finds joy in exploring the graphical limitations of the NES. By learning 6502ASM and experimenting with creativity, he brings unique visual elements to their games.

Expanding the Catalog

In addition to Micro Mages, Morphcat Games has released titles like Böbl and Spacegulls. These games, limited to a 64KB size, showcase the team’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of what the NES can deliver in terms of gameplay and experience.

Creative Challenges

Despite facing challenges like optimization and tight deadlines, Morphcat Games takes pride in their work. By focusing on one challenge at a time, they deliver high-quality games that delight players and keep the spirit of the NES alive.

Continuing the Legacy

As Morphcat Games looks ahead to 2024, modern consoles lie on the horizon. With new projects in the works, this team is dedicated to bringing innovative, engaging experiences to gamers of all ages.

Sharing the Joy

Through partnerships and physical releases, Morphcat Games aims to extend the gaming experience beyond the screen. By embracing the nostalgia of retro gaming and appealing to new generations, they hope to keep the NES alive for years to come.