Maxing out the N64's Potential: Level Dev Log

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[@ExtemTheHedgehogLol]

I swear, all the tiny little details you add make your games SO much better

[@noname97003]

Falling leaves, butterflies, stinky trash. SO good.

[@DMMDestroyer]

Really knows how to build an immersing world. They're one of the best creators for the original game since it was made.

[@abloogywoogywoo]

It all helps make the world and characters all feel alive.

[@jabroni6175]

Right like the dizzy bird at the end.

[@vinesauce]

Astounding work as always. It looks so good.

[@leyulis8882]

It's really admirable how much compression methods can improve a game many already consider perfection

[@darman2429]

obligatory "didn't expect to see you here" with that out of the way, super excited to see you try the game out! ur streams got me through school man

[@arngren47]

@@darman2429 pretty expected to see him here though

[@anonymoususer4968]

⁠​⁠@@darman2429it is no obligatory

[@catfree]

Was this Joel or Vinny? or that weird guy?

[@sharpester7277]

Holy shit!!! Return to Yoshi's Island looks legitimately awesome!

[@incognitoman3656]

This is Banjo Kazooie level! If only N64 could have magnetic discs..

[@elesfinter9753]

You've improved a LOT in your level aesthetics and design. This level looks gorgeous

[@unsiliquaria]

agreed. mods aren't this beautiful usually, it's surprising

[@trashtrash2169]

I don't know who does the textures, but they are good.

[@ThinkAboutVic]

Return to Yoshi's Island and Portal 64 are the 2 N64 games I've been most excited by, insane stuff.

[@user-sl6gn1ss8p]

2023 sure is an unexpectedly strong year for the n64

[@generallyunimportant]

@@user-sl6gn1ss8p 2023 is LITERALLY year of n64 homebrew. get it it was a year of linux desktop parody funny right

[@GathinoLaranja]

Wasn't Portal 64 already released a long time ago?

[@user-sl6gn1ss8p]

@@GathinoLaranja unless there are multiple, I think it's not done yet, but there may have been a partial release

[@LennyQUMFIF]

@@GathinoLaranja i think just betas

[@user-vi4xy1jw7e]

I love how he's laughing at his own creation. Wholesome

[@lauchlangibson732]

Maxing out the d64’s potential: dry level dry bones log

[@IanZamojc]

Awesome work; I'm loving these dev logs. One minor criticism; the tree is brown, the wooden platforms are brown, the trampolines are brown, the toadstools are dark red (almost brown). It gets a bit hard to tell them all apart, especially against the sunset background. Perhaps tinting the bark of the tree slightly purple (like it's getting some ambient light from the background) might help improve visibility by contrasting the silhouettes.

[@DragAmiot]

I agree with you. Some contrast is needed in the environment.

[@lesswanted]

I am a art game director and came to say something aligned with that. The color scheme is no where to be found. Just analyze a but sm64 or sunshine. Try to make a better looking game just by using a bit of contrast and nicer colors Or take inspiration from games like Banjo Kazooie.

[@dchardin1]

Not only could this dude easily master Unity or UE, he could probably write his own engine that would blow all the others out-of-the-water. On top of that, his art and design skills are beyond belief. I would seriously consider investing my life savings to develop a commercial game with him.

[@KazeN64]

i've actually gotten a job as a UE5 programmer last october without ever having touched UE5 before and yeah it took like no time to pick up. programming in UE5 is so much easier compared to sm64.

[@chudyie]

​@@KazeN64 envyyy ❤

[@boomkruncher325zzshred5]

@@KazeN64 I respect your programming prowess as a mechanical engineering pleb myself. I bow to the computer programmers that find ways to make my inventions work 🙇‍♂️ Was noticing a lot of brown on the tree itself (obvious because, well, it’s a tree lol), but it’s not visually distinct, which makes it less artistically appealing to my layperson eyes. The browns blend together a lot. So I got to thinking: you know how moss and lichens tend to grow on the north side of trees? Perhaps a light-gray-purple-ish lichen or moss texture can be on the part of the tree facing “north” (maybe have a giant compass somewhere on the tree always pointing “north” to sell the visual effect), creating two sides to the level design, both with their own unique Stars and coins to collect. It’s possible that you don’t even have to alter the level geometry, just some textures here and there to give that distinctive two-toned look. There’s probably reference images on the Internet that show this moss-on-one-side phenomena so you can do the texture work in a way that looks even better than it is now. Sorry for critiquing something that is not your best quality to my limited understanding (your programming vids showcase your strengths very well), but I thought to share it in case it is of some help to you as you continue to work on this. Do with it as you wish! I look forward to the next videos!

[@snesmocha]

@@KazeN64 EYYYYYYY, congrats

[@btarg1]

I've been watching for a few years during development but it's so much more satisfying seeing full finished levels like this, everything has been perfected!

[@Oshtoby]

It's like the Mario Devs hired the Banjo Tooie level designers.

[@MorphBaller388]

Except he’s designing levels that are even better than that

[@egon3705]

and the programmers that optimized the n64 so well

[@PrayForTanqueray]

This level in particular reminded me of the seasons based level in the first Banjo game. And that's high praise!

[@jamesdoesthings1096]

This is likely due to not having very strict development deadlines

[@carlosemilio5180]

​@@PrayForTanquerayd*** c*** woody

[@wtgkanp2431]

Seeing Mario get on the egg and start rolling it blew my mind, it just looked so natural. The level and characters clearly ooze charm. You are incredible.

[@KaiserMattTygore927]

Man, I wish there was a Kaze Emanuar clone that loved StarCraft 64 as much as you love Mario 64, this is spectacular.

[@bemington]

Can’t wait for both this rom hack and engine improvements to be released

[@FlamespeedyAMV]

This is basically a brand new n64 game that we would have gotten back at end of N64s life cycle.

[@sjoerdvanoudenaren6020]

this is actually insane.. it's hard to believe this is running on an actual N64! absolutely speechless.

[@LennyQUMFIF]

Yea! Looks even better than PS1! (is it me or did PS1 normally look a bit better than N64?)

[@pimposki6232]

@@LennyQUMFIF i think the ps1 did normally look better, aside from the unique jitter it had. part of that was just the fact that it was easier to store decent textures on a cd compared to a cartridge; that's why loads of n64 games just used plain colours instead of textures.

[@Psx806]

@@LennyQUMFIF no it didn’t n64 was better than the ps1 when it came to graphics

[@LennyQUMFIF]

@@Psx806 Idk to me PS1 mostly looked better than N64, except for some games like the Rareware games (especially conker) Especially Gran Turismo on PS1. I do know how N64 is like 3x the power, and CDs being able to store less compressed textures

[@Psx806]

@@LennyQUMFIF true I also recall most devs weren’t able to bring out the systems full potential during its life span and that cartridge was pretty limited and expensive so that didn’t quite make devs want to develop for the thing

[@silentz0r]

The performance looks incredibly smooth! I live for the day Kaze will upload the source and what the community will do with an optimized version of SM64!

[@RunningDownMidAsTechies]

Been a thing for over a year now, decomp.

[@generallyunimportant]

@@RunningDownMidAsTechies i think op meant the source code of this hack.

[@ZeroFusion28]

@@RunningDownMidAsTechies The decompilation project doesn't have his optimizations.

[@JJSquirtle]

The engine changes don't work for base sm64 as he removed functions used in base sm64 that aren't used in Return To Yoshi's Island. It's mentioned in the optimization breakdown video

[@3lH4ck3rC0mf0r7]

@@JJSquirtle Most of the optimization changes Kaze made are applicable to vanilla SM64. And most of the functions Kaze removed also went unused in the original game. As for the ones that ARE used, Kaze also changed the implementation of existing functions to be more efficient at the same things they do in the original game. And once the source for this mod releases, anyone could just cherrypick what changes to backport to stock SM64 on a case-by-case basis.

[@Kiwi-fl8te]

Absolutely love the design of the birds and how well they fit in the existing design aesthetic of Mario 64.

[@Koji178]

This looks incredible, I absolutely adore optimizing old hardware and creating something with it that's playable by today's standards. It is incredibly fulfilling to see something like this, and anytime somebody breathes new life in, and optimizes older hardware you know it's going to be a great time.

[@DavidLopez-rk6em]

This guy is a legend. He's doing stuff that no one in the n64 scene is doing. Here's my favorite thing about him, its all the small details he adds. To some people stuff like that doesnt matter, but I like to enjoy every little nook and cranny. The easter eggs and physical comedy truly make this game feel like nintendo themselves did this. Also have cohesion with the characters so the world feels lived in is a nice touch. Most hacks have random characters everywhere. I cant think of any that would have characters that know each other and are actually doing stuff that you can observe

[@dylanzlol7293]

Idk why but, the rom hack feels more alive than normal sm64's atmosphere

[@SCMabridged]

YO!! I know this is mainly meant to demonstrate the tech and your optimisations but all the little details, Easter eggs and bits of world building really elevate the design and perfectly capture the Mario spirit; if you can maintain this level of detail and polish for the whole game, it will far-and-away be the closest any romhack has yet come to feeling like an actually mainline by-Nintendo Mario game. Keep it up the great work!

[@b4ttlemast0r]

This pretty much looks like a Nintendo 3DS game rather than an N64 game, incredible. The artstyle reminds me of Mario Kart 7.

[@ArcRay20]

the little trailer park and the dump feel more at home with a Rareware title, its more their type of humor.😆 this whole thing gets more excellent the more you show. i think one change you could make to the dizzy baby bird at the end there is put little stars spinning around its head or even just have a short dizzy sound effect play once after it hatches. maybe even something as simple as having the swirly eye sprites be larger. consider it one of those "is it readable to the player from this perspective?" kind of things ive learned about that developers go through. case in point, i thought it was just a hatched bird and had an eggshell on its head and that was it. obviously this is something minor and can be ignored, but you do put a lot of details in to this project!

[@Wapako]

That's so crazy how Kaze just know everything about the code of Mario 64 lmao

[@chisecrecy4974]

Putting all the insane programming and optimization achievements aside, the levels themselves are so cool and packed with so much detail and aesthetic. Everything looks so well-put together, keep taking your time on this one!

[@jjanevski]

This looks amazing.I am absolutely blown away by the intricate detail such as butterfly sprites flying around, leaves gently falling, etc., as well as the unique level design and overall charming graphics (yes dumping xD). Absolutely phenomenal work!!

[@The_hot_blue_fire_guy]

It’s just amazing seeing the potential of old hardware 20+ years after its end of life. All though it’s not that surprising, I remember one of my friends saying something about how pretty much every video game console will only ever see about 40-60% of its potential used during its lifetime and that there are many ways to make much better games on whatever hardware you pick it’s just that it tends not to really be worth it for the hardware manufacturers to slowly upgrade their games over time when they can just release a new system and see a massive difference right away.

[@notta5123]

It's so cool seeing not only the N64 being optimised to a level it was never expected to reach, but also a fantastic game being developed to make use of those optimisations. Love what you're doing, keep it up!

[@Artsyca]

This is just brilliant. As someone who grew up within 64, I can see the love that you put into your work.

[@nathanlindsey643]

All of the levels I've seen so far are so pretty and look very well designed. Can't wait to see the finished product! ❤️

[@Dwhatever]

extremely excited for this to release, amazing work as always mr kaze

[@ItsFerdiNah]

This is awesome! I love how much effort into it. I call this, Dedication.

[@williamscsharpwalkthroughs4316]

This is very fascinating! Really appreciate your work here, and the level looks amazing.

[@froschlongleg4490]

I love all the little details like at the end, the bird being doozy ! Also, your level designs have very much improved !

[@adasdasdhehe]

I never thought any SM64 level could look like a world that's actually lived in. Even putting all the technical improvements aside, seeing your creativity with the environment and its inhabitants conveying their own little stories with minimal dialogue is super fun.

[@DigitalWolverine]

I adore this. The mix of fantasy and urban motifs reminds me a lot of Gex

[@SirCaco]

So much love put into this! Great job 👌

[@stefanolassandro886]

This is some truly insane and wonderful work! 🌟 Loved the little details

[@froggichef]

This is absolutely amazing Kaze. At some points of the video it looked like you were playing on a game cube in lower resolution. Truly remarkable how much power the N64 had.

[@MarvinCorro]

Amazing dude, The level design, the attention to detail with the characters, the dialog and all the engineer that went to get this to work. All amazing

[@kevboard]

it's crazy how with optimization and a modern sensibility of art design you can make N64 games that look like early PS2 games.

[@FrankTheStud]

Absolutely stunning... You are amazing, dude. Can't wait to play this, thank you for all your wonderful work!

[@jojoisnormal]

I love this level design. While playing the demo, I was absolutely floored by how amazing it was. So happy too see cool testing footage of the game in production, can't wait too play the full game! Great Job!

[@lev_e3201]

This looks awesome! Love the cute egg shell piece on the baby bird’s head. the new rolling mechanic looks so cool especially when Mario jumps

[@bluedekrass]

In awe with the graphic and art direction choices. Makes me feel cozy and at home. Great job! Can't wait to play it!

[@xxverstorendlpxx1891]

Basically looks like Galaxy on the N64 from the complexity. A galaxy mod would also be quite interesting haha

[@MinusMario8573]

2:01 that bird has done something questionable

[@cstick2664]

“A version of Mario 64 that could’ve released at the end of the 64’s life span” so basically a Mario 64 2?

[@r4ind4nce]

Looks absolutely amazing. Can't wait to play this one day, keep being awesome, Kaze :D

[@steventechno]

That was incredibly well done. it has it's own vibes, feels polished and well put together. the Egg reminded me much of Super Mario Galaxy (1 & 2) which are my all-time favorites so that was a really nice nod those games. I'd love to see these mods on the PC port that's still floating out there as standalone releases!

[@lahma69]

Wow.. I'm simply floored by the quality of your work. Bravo!

[@surplusvalues]

Can't imagine there are many out there as technically AND artistically brilliant as you, mr. Emanuar. We're lucky to have you making wondrous things

[@alec_almartson]

I'm at a loss of words because of the awesomeness of this game... ...Congratulations man, you got your Star🌟😄👏🏻

[@hysteriaincarnate6552]

Such excellent attention to detail! Seriously incredible stuff!

[@JeanOJesus]

you're amazing dude. Excelent work! I have shown your videos to all my friends. Some of em don't understand english (cause we're brazilians) but everybody get stunned by the graphics and smoothness

[@tylerschmitz1816]

I've played through most of your romhacks I love them SM64 through the ages and peaches fury look absolutely beautiful especially upscaled to 1080p on my odin

[@petfeeding101]

as a Birdman, I love this Kaze. You're doing what I dreamed about in college when I did MIPS programming.

[@liamodell7191]

With a little modification you could turn the N64 into a desktop that is internet capable (in theory). You'd have to design a cartridge with an Ethernet port, SD card storage and additional RAM. Could run a low level Linux using a special kernel designed to manage the hardware. Won't be able to watch modern streaming videos but should be able to do simple web browsing. Would be slow as hell but that would be a challenge for anyone interested. It's possible. I've seen it done on 16-bit non-PC computers that were released in the late 80's/early 90's with less hardware (Amiga line of computers for example).

[@Unmarketable]

Loving the small touches like the bird being Dizzy

[@strykerking]

You are nailing that N64 Nintendo comfy vibe, especially the characters and dialog. Can wait to check it out.

[@PrayForTanqueray]

This put a big smile on my face throughout the video. Not only does it look fun to play, it is incredibly charming as well! Can't wait to play this!!

[@Raidraptor_-_Ultimate_Falcon]

Finally, a true sequel to SM64! This looks incredible, Kaze!

[@crazynaut223]

Man I hope Kaze makes his own original paid game one day. It's not enough that he's an N64 wizard, he's also just really good at level design and coming up with fun ideas.

[@EO-fv3wc]

Wow that was amazing. The egg reminded me of one of my favorite Galaxy levels, too!

[@mystery_1155]

i love the lightheartedness and how cozy it feels. there is an abundance of love in every aspect of this, and it really shows!

[@Michael.Hunt.14-52]

this is incredible. We appreciate you sharing your work

[@lukah6779]

Wow this is amazing! It really feels like it came out long ago. Great job!

[@tswan137]

Brooooooo This is lining up to be absolutely insane. Can't wait to try it out someday! Thank you Kaze!

[@d7oomytapped494]

My guy made Mario 64 2 into a real game (Can't wait for your next dev logs, keep up the good work!)

[@RandMasterFlash]

This is incredible work, and you deserve all the praise coming at you. Some feedback: All the dark browns get muddled together and it's hard to tell where a platform starts/ends, or even the difference between the top of a platform (can land on) vs the side of a platform (can't land on)

[@josewilhelm2717]

The level looks super awesome dude! I'm looking forward to play it when it's finished!

[@RemyNote]

This is absolutely amazing and SO detailed!

[@LegoLoco7]

My favorite part of this has to be the music, tbh. It sounds incredible.

[@HaydenTheEeeeeeeeevilEukaryote]

these are great, i love the yoshi gag and the dizzy bird

[@hurbywurby23488]

God im so excited for the full version of this, it looks stellar

[@b00marrows]

Amazing job, great design. Great to see sponsors, keep up the great work!

[@kevinkite3418]

This game looks so fun and detailed!! Thank you for creating this, Kaze! The N64 is the console with my fondest memories!

[@FoxBlocksHere]

This hack shows just how far you've come and how much you've learned. Not just about programming, but about art, level design, presentation, and everything else. Great work, Kaze!

[@megamilo95]

This looks really impressive. The SM64 modding community really evolved so much, its crazy.

[@RocketoPunchee]

You are going far and beyond, this will be legendary, hell it already is!

[@mr.sniffles7268]

This is tripple A quality stuff. This mod might be my most anticipated game this year. Seriously, my hype for this is even higher than tears of the kingdom and Jedi Survior. It's been so cool to watch this project come together. Love these updates, keep up the good work

[@MachFiveFalcon]

Calling this simply a "mod" is a disservice. This is the greatest unofficial Super Mario 64 expansion I've ever seen. The graphics, the performance, and the authenticity of running on real hardware is outstanding. Thank you for all of the time, hard work, and passion you put into this!

[@pedroangelsaezhernandez5347]

Outstanding work, kaze. You're nothing short of a N64 wizard. Right now im playing zelda the missing link and its being a blast. Keep rocking 👍

[@HouseOfFunQM]

This is what the cancelled Super Mario 65 would've looked like.

[@SturmAH]

Looks incredible! Love the cute animals and details 🎉

[@LightspeedAdventurer]

That level looks really fun to play and the visuals look genuinely amazing (for an N64 game, and just in general), same with the other levels from this hack. I'm really hyped for this! I also really like the creativity put into this level, it's just so great.

[@Benjatastic]

It'd be funny if jumping on the hatched bird's head cracks the shell. You could even make it so that that's the only way to get enough height to reach the star.

[@Benjatastic]

Either way, this level is really cool.

[@ZonaGeeWon]

suuuuupppper charming and very impressive, looking forward the full release!

[@CoolJosh3k]

That baby Yoshi part is clever and funny.

[@zaidlacksalastname4905]

You can tell he loves it when he laughs and sounds excited to show us around. Really wonderful work, level looks great

[@CowardForces]

This is probably the most high quality rom hack that has ever existed for any game. Been really cool to see the progress as it happens

[@e-mananimates2274]

This level alone is a testament to your skill! I'm so delighted you're proud of it!

[@javiervalles9782]

Really nice! Lots of love and attention to detail

[@jplveiga]

This was amazing, hope I can play the full version soon!!

[@hunt2334entertainment]

This is awsome man! Can't wait to check it out!

[@Izquierda]

Feel a bit conflicted spoiling myself a bit by watching these previews, but man is it cool to see this game taking shape. Absolutely brilliant stuff.

[@whoeverofhowevermany]

Those levels feel a lot like Rare Nintendo levels.

[@lucasdaweb95]

2:00 the bird behind the slaughter

[@etesianSealine]

The care and character you bring to these levels is so impressive, it's much more than just a graphical showcase!