Ranking 12 YEARS of N64 mods

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[@user-hk5ji7bb3p]

12 years?! I guess that explains his unique expertise. Dude knows more about the N64 than any game developer ever did.

[@KazeN64]

unfortunately making hacks for the n64 only ever became viable in 2019 due to rom manager/decomp so only a bit of that was actually developing on the N64. most of these are emulator only hacks :(

[@user-hk5ji7bb3p]

@@KazeN64 Your understanding of the hardware is still second to none. Seems like your recent stuff is less hacking and more development.

[@KazeN64]

yeah i've always only used hacking as a tool for development.

[@powergannon]

@@KazeN64Would it have been emulator only tools before that you mean? I played around with Toads Tool 64 around 2011. The capabilities have definitely come a long way since then.

[@iamdarkyoshi]

Kaze's recent work on the platform is a labor of love. The devs for SM64 had some pretty strict deadlines they needed to meet. Kaze's deadline is when he's happy with his work, so he can spend time polishing performance to a mirror shine

[@thepersonwhocomentz]

Kaze, who is normally so forgiving to the original developers because hindsight is 20/20, completely roasting them for not implementing split-screen co-op in the original release is so fucking funny to me.

[@raxadian]

To be fair the game had been in development for years and they had to get it out so the Nintendo 64 had it on release. Not doing the split screen i the Japanese only uograded version is still stupid however as they had no rush to launch that one.

[@the_kovic]

I think the fact that the ROM hack with Cockus Erectus in it got D tier is perfect.

[@GAHAHAHH]

I am so glad I paused to watch SimpleFlips play that.

[@howisthis8849]

@@GAHAHAHH that video is legendary, it was the birth of the gay baby jails

[@GAHAHAHH]

@@howisthis8849 Knowing the back story behind it makes it so much funnier.

[@theSato]

ok gonna watch it now @@GAHAHAHH

[@youdonegoofed]

Hey thanks for your Doom Eternal OST remasters.

[@NathanielBandy]

This was strangely nostalgic to watch since I've been playing your hacks since 2016

[@Wasser200]

I was on edge to make a ,,hold up, ain't you Nathaniel B?" Joke, but I realized those aren't funny anymore

[@XhsTro]

​@@Wasser200My guy was edging so hard fr

[@Akuretaki_Nikolay]

Bandy

[@mikejameson7678]

​@@XhsTroAyo?

[@jkin44]

​@@mikejameson7678 let him cook

[@SheeshFr]

This vid confirms Kaze is atleast 12 years old.

[@marcelobulhoes6180]

Developing Mario 64 hacks as a newborn baby, although highly improbable, is always a possibility

[@XhsTro]

I could see him coming out of the womb with his first words being: "mother, I have n64 hacks to be developing right now"

[@alvallac2171]

*at least Two words, not one. Think of the phrase "at the very least."

[@Xhamon]

Timestamps: 0:07 *C* Super Banjo-Tooie 64 0:40 *C* Super Donkey Kong 64 1:07 *C* Captain Toad 64 1:32 *D* Only Up 64 1:48 *B* SM64: Through the Ages 💻 2:15 *F* SM64 Madness 2:37 *C* Super Mario Sunshine 64 3:16 *B* Return to Yoshi's Island 64 Demo 🎮 3:46 *A* SM64: Ocarina of Time 4:27 *A* SM64 Halloween Mayhem 4:57 *D* Desert Mario 64 5:24 *C* Doki Doki Mario 64 (First 🎮) 6:07 *C* Goomba's Easter Egg Hunt 6:35 *A* Mario's Little Odyssey 💻 6:58 *D* Super Mario XD (SimpleFlips' video) 7:53 *D* Jumping Over It with Nathaniel Bandy 8:22 *C* Kaze's Warmup 8:51 *C* Lego Mario is Real 64 9:11 *C* Super Mario Stops Clim. Change 🎮 9:46 *B* SM64: Last Impact 10:32 *S* Peach's Fury 🎮 10:50 *D* Operation: Christmas 11:25 *D* Organ of Matrias 11:55 *C* Peach's Christmas Invitation 12:23 *B* Portal 3 💻 13:00 *C* Super Mario Bros. 3D 13:42 *C* Lonely Holidays 64 (Sunshine Secret Levels) 14:13 *B* Super Mario Odyssey 64 💻 14:46 *C* Open World Mario 64 15:17 *C* Mario and the Magic Wand 16:19 *S* Super Mario 64 Splitscreen Multiplayer 🎮 17:01 *A* Super Mario 64 Land 💻 18:07 *C* Super Mario Bros. 64 18:33 *-* Super Mario 64 Maker 18:57 *D* Super Trump 64 19:31 *D* Super Ultra Kaizo Memeio Road 128 Stars Extreme Edition Revenge Deluxe 19:53 *D* Thwomp's Easter Egg Hunt 20:22 *S* The Legend of Zelda: The Missing Link 🎮 20:57 *C* Traumatic Tick Tock Tower 💻 21:33 *D* Unfair Mario 64 22:04 *B* Waluigi's Taco Stand 🎮 22:57 *B* The Yoshi Garden (Console compatible: 🎮= Yes, 💻= No, [No Icon] = Unknown/Untested)

[@Yelidukh]

nice effort buddy

[@mattb8075]

Thanks, I watched the whole thing and didn't want to go back and find some I wanted to try

[@varietychan]

I really wish some of these hacks could be updated. Ones like SM64 Open World would be way less glitchy with the new tools and knowledge

[@garfenbopperproductions]

I 100% agree, for example a more polished Odyssey

[@DarkLeviathan8]

A polished SM64 ocarina of time hack would go so unbelievably hard.

[@Eckster]

Missing Link is seriously incredible, can't wait to see what Zelda work you can do with both OoT and MM decompiled

[@manuccu]

Wait did Kaze develop Missing Link or any Zelda romhacks?

[@Eckster]

@@manuccu Kaze and Zel made it, not sure how the distribution of labor was

[@alvallac2171]

*incredible. I can't (to fix your comma splice run-on) *decompiled.

[@Snooplax]

9:36 that was so funny! Great list it was cool to see how you view your own hacks

[@Angel-52073]

Tbh last impact is my favorite rom hack, i love everything what you're put in there i wish it would be at a tier

[@Matt-yz5cw]

With you on this one, think he was way too hard on himself. I still think harried honey hive is my top 3 levels of all Mario games.

[@somerobloxdude3699]

Last Impact is definitely one of the more jankier hacks he has made, but it definitely should be in a tier due to how it kinda revived sm64 hacking as a whole and probably introduced alot of people to rom hacks in the first place (like me!)

[@The86Ripper]

S tier. Fixed that for ye.

[@alvallac2171]

*TBH, Last Impact *hack. I *everything that you put *there. I *A tier.

[@merluzacongelada5361]

I'll try to phrase it in a constructive way, but Last Impact suffers from the classic Kaze issue... on steroids. It's all fun and giggles until you reach that one part that still looks good but feels terrible to play. He gets way too excited with adding new mechanics and powerups, but the more you deviate from the base game, the more testing you need to do to make sure everything will flow well from a gameplay perspective. And he (probably) doesn't have a team of guys of different skill levels giving him constant feedback. He makes impressive hacks and out of all the stuff he adds, most of it works great, but when it doesn't, it REALLY doesn't. You go from having a blast to getting frustrated about the jank in like a fraction of a second. Now this got a lot better with time, but Last Impact can be pretty unbearable at times.

[@masquefarceur]

The Missing Link is a definitive masterpiece. Every area was rife with atmosphere and character of its own. Not to mention all customized areas and music, new items, and a new boss at the end. We entreat you-please, create more Ocarina hacks. They’re in a class of their own.

[@arthur1050]

18:06 Honestly, Super Mario 64 Land is the best SM64 hack there is. It's one of the few hacks that actually feels like a complete game, there's just so much fun to be had with the moment to moment gameplay, creative level design and concepts and the original soundtrack. I don't understand the problem people had with 2-1

[@Cravior]

Last Impact was my first introduction to your channel. I had never played a rom hack before it, so I got all stars without having a proper controller, controlling mario with keyboard buttons and arrow keys was one of the hardest gaming experiences I've ever had LMAO! I ended up 100% completing it. It took way longer than it ever should have, but I look back on it so fondly that it's still my favorite.

[@Matt-yz5cw]

I LOVE last impact still and told all my buddies to try it out and they do too. S-tier man, all that work of yours paid off! Just my two cents

[@bradyonetv]

S Tier for The Missing Link is spot on, still the best ocarina of time hack to this day!

[@salmence100]

I didn't realize you had so many projects! I feel like many people assume you just popped up out of no where when Last Impact released, but man you put in the work

[@alvallac2171]

*nowhere *work.

[@Aeza_Aesy]

Honestly, I'd be hella down to continue the cancelled sunshine project as a collab. With that i mean if you or someone else could host a collab letting romhackers join in and participate with a sunshine level remade into SM64, would be cool

[@KazeN64]

it'd be very neat but honestly i'd be unwilling to complete it on my own - and i wouldnt want to rely on others to make a hack like that again.

[@LInksaKk]

Thank you very much for making this video, it helps many to know more about your hacks and it's interesting to see your point of view about what you do

[@squatenjoyer]

I can’t let you do Last Impact like that dude it was my childhood rom hack !

[@pockpock6382]

I love everything you make man. Amazing stuff.

[@XhsTro]

Desert bus 64, a highlight. It changed me as a person.

[@TanteiRotana]

Have only played Only Up & Star Road so far when it comes to rom hacks, looking forward to checking all these out.

[@7tales311]

man kaze you're a blessing to this community. what a cool retrospective.

[@Fuuntag]

This was a really really great idea, I really enjoyed the anecdotes and honest assessments!

[@someonecalledrichardthehuman]

Its so nice how far you have come, pretty cool!

[@Rashomon20s]

I got a Steam Deck, Just Discovering Mario 64 Mods. *-THIS IS JUST WHAT I NEEDED.* 😱

[@TipmaB]

nintendo*s nightmare ranked in one videos

[@64Luigii]

Thank you for everything you have done for the sm64 community! I am sure everyone appreciates it!

[@ferrarikangaroo9271]

Amazing, thank you for your contribution to the N64 retro gaming scene mate. I hope you're having a top weekend!

[@lotrfan4237]

I consider Missing Link canon to the Hero of Time’s story, that’s how good it was

[@henryman2451]

the idea of mario 64 rom hacks are kinda like making your own mario games

[@ImmacHn]

Amazing stuff! Keep at it!

[@alec_almartson]

I'm a fan of your work 💯👍🏻 I can happily confirm that I've played all games showcased in this video (some of the craziest Mods only for 5 minutes, though).

[@kadagaden]

The Missing Link was amazing! I hope we can get a new Zelda hack in the future.

[@personanongrata6249]

This was great. I had no idea where to start with the hacks. At least I know what to focus on now.

[@ubarevilage]

Amazing stuff, thank you so much for sharing!

[@maxrichards5925]

So glad my favorite of your completed hacks, SM64 x OOT, was ranked at A. Also it was great to see some of your older hacks, notably that XD hack Simple managed to play. It really was one of Simple’s best videos. Overall I agree with the grades you gave for your hacks, But I think last impact could’ve been low A tier. I know it was received very well from the few reviews I saw of it & even when when I played it years ago I had a blast doing 100%. I just don’t think it aged particularly well

[@geejaytee8031]

That sm64 ocarina of time has always been my favorite, played through it over half a dozen times 😂

[@Bowy3]

Hadn't heard of your Zelda hack until now, might have to check that out.

[@GlowingOrangeOoze]

Cant believe he's still keeping up the act that the 2-1 trampolines aren't RNG

[@coolman5242]

I'm surprised you didn't put Mario 64 online on this list. That mod was mindblowing back in the day, I remember everyone was doing 16-star run races and etc.

[@HoopleBogart]

This is like watching John Carmack wax eloquent about doom. You're a legend dude.

[@Qvorum]

I got a dumb question How does the Memory expansion pak work, could you theoretically read and write on both the expansion pak and the onboard ram to double memory speed? Unlikely since the jumperpak...

[@enorma29]

if this guy ever travels back in time to 1995, he would become Miyamoto's protegé and Nintendo's most jealously protected asset.

[@semicolon9559]

smh justice for Through the Ages

[@jkin44]

4:32 kaze "I think this was 2015" The date "oh you close just 4 years left"

[@Tech-187]

You should totally make a sequel to the OOT mod (MM)

[@nolanbuddy8833]

last impact in B tier? Man I loved that game way back when it came out. It was right up there with star road for me

[@Klonx]

Are the mod patches only compatible to the US-version of SM64? I tried to patch my german SM64 file an it did not work.

[@kab43]

19:13 perfect mic bonk

[@mr_inconspicuous]

Mario xd was my first simpleflips video I gotta rewatch it

[@Ginson17]

You really underrated traumatic tic toc tower. To this day it's one of my favourite kaizo hacks.

[@EnigmaticGentleman]

Gotta say I hope that this list leads some people to check out the other hackers you mentioned, the lack of fanbases they have in comparison to you (not that you dont deserve it) kills me.

[@neffrey]

I can't believe he forgot to rank his best work yet, Mario Maker 3

[@charlesc3564]

I had no idea you did waluigi's taco stand! Ggwp

[@MajorUpgrade760]

Now im planning to play some of these because I haven't seen them before now

[@defaultskinhennesy]

Last Impact at B tier is harsh man. I fucking love that hack so much, I only ever wished it could be playable on sm64coop. That shit was amazing!

[@adrianck360]

As a Mexican, I think Super Trump 64 should have an S ranking

[@tylerschmitz1816]

After yoshis island is done would love to see more LOZ. Missing links only crime was I beat it way too fast I want more.

[@Blezerker]

could not stop laughing at Super Mario XD. great stuff

[@purpleh_123]

why's there an image of the abc trials if it's not talked about in the video

[@RikouHogashi]

Its great to see the face to the brain of one of the big Trailblazers of Mario 64 Modding

[@mecxu761]

So many improvement in 12 years nice tier lice too

[@Mark-fv8vt]

Will you ever write and self-publish a strategy guide for your ROM hacks?

[@mar2540]

I'd love to see you remake the Super Mario 64 DS or the N64. The graphics on SM64DS is offputting when compared to the N64 SM64, so i'm definitely keen on a remake.

[@mariotheundying]

Yeah he probably isn't gonna do that, that's been requested since the beginning of time, also instead of a remake id rather for all the new stars, levels and characters be added into the game as the DS version removes some stars

[@Tschukitschaki2]

i had no idea about SM64 XD and watched SF video after you claimed its his funniest video. I definitely wasnt disappointed lmao. S Tier Mod

[@minipz9thebastfiiter509]

oh yeah waluigi's taco stand! The thing which changed smg4 into more storytelling!

[@BoyOHBoy123]

8:46 bro is that one of those scrapped half-life aliens

[@JyrexMk]

Can’t you recoding Last Impact for the online mod ?

[@ElectricFortune]

I understand you have a very unique perspective on Last Impact but honestly I think it deserves an A tier, it definitely has its issues, but I think it still holds up pretty well and is one of the most influential SM64 ROM hacks to date Also where's the Chaos Mario ranking :)

[@DaBaseBallZ]

I got all the stars in super mario 64 land (except for the a rank all courses stars),I really loved the rom hack and the custom bosses were splendid 8/10

[@stevoisiak]

Is there any specific order the hacks were covered in?

[@CptCanondorf]

Wait YOU worked on the Missing Link?? I love that hack, it was my first n64 hack ever

[@KazeN64]

yeah i was like the main guy on the project. the first year was just me working on it until zel and cdi-fails joined the project and remade a lot of content to be higher quality.

[@AndrewClunn]

How much is your hourly / project rate for commissions? And with the improvements to the engine, do you believe that four player split screen is possible?

[@KazeN64]

depends on how much i like the project idea. i think four player splitscreen is possible, but i imagine it will need much lower polygon player models. rendering 4 marios + a level takes about 5200 polygons, times 4 screens is 20k polygons. going beyond 10k triangles on the N64 is going to cause lag just from that, even without factoring in all the other processes.

[@AndrewClunn]

​@@KazeN64 So then while likely not feasible in the main game, fixed camera levels designed around being able to traverse the level effectively from an over the head or isometric style perspective might? Or perhaps simplified geometry levels with split screen (such as simple slide style levels)? I'm guessing a variable to distinguish whether a given level would use split screen or a single fixed perspective wouldn't be an issue, as it's basically just also requiring removing play based camera controls... which would open up those buttons for other things. Okay, it's high time I join your patreon. Excellent work, and as a programer, gamers, and (occasional) shti poster, I truly enjoy your content on all levels.

[@KazeN64]

oh i think if you cut the polygon count down from 780 on mario's model to like 300 and ported RTYIs engine, you'd already be basically set and have a decently performing multiplayer. i imagine it might drop to 20fps in some places but it shouldn't be that big of an issue.

[@nprocopi1231]

​@KazeN64 Would it be helpful to replace some textures in the world with vertex colors?

[@KazeN64]

@@nprocopi1231 nope

[@karidus6024]

Damn, he isn't a giant realistic joystick.

[@omegamerk]

Desert bus 64 definitely should be S tier, it is a perfect recreation and you get exactly what you expect from it.

[@Nutgun360]

Any chance you can you repost your list the description? The one you put in the description has nothing in it

[@RaymanPotatoes]

Tf you mean tacos stand d tier 😢

[@wesleymcbob]

Hey Kaze I really enjoy the hacks of yours I have played :) though I dont have a good controler for PC so i only play the ones that are everdrive compatible

[@Sanker1]

we love you kaze

[@SeloCGN]

Missing Link is really good I completly played it. I wish there were more OOT/MM Fan Versions on that Quality Level.

[@jonasg5898]

Where are your chaos mods ? Impressive how many projects you have done!

[@modernallie6326]

I been replaying M64 land and SM_OOT.. cant wait for Return to drop

[@kaneda010]

Split screen multiplayer is absolutely S-tier, I couldn't stop smiling playing it because honestly it was a dream come true. So this is also my opportunity to say a sincere Thank You!

[@megamix5403]

Blasphemy, you should give yourself more credit with Last Impact and put it a little higher.

[@MetalAcrean]

Super Ultra Kaizo Memeio Road 128 Stars Extreme Edition Revenge Deluxe deserved S+, a rank of its own for being the magnum opus of all gaming.

[@DanielPlok]

It's wild to think just how many SM64 mods I remember were just made by one person

[@OhKayEl]

Wild? Mods aren't really something that requires collaborative effort... They can be as simple as just swapping textures around.

[@Jacon8r]

This was a fun, nostalgic watch.

[@Jacon8r]

Also totally lowballing mario 64 land.

[@AfroRyan]

Missing Link is so good. SSS tier for me.

[@corereject]

i think last impact is at least A tier i had a lot of fun with it

[@LeanVHS]

Love them all ngl

[@PKMNwww411_MkII]

We could make a marble race homebrew game that uses the N64 Expansion Pak, 480i 60fps, 128KB flash, Controller Pak support, and a sprite polygon mix a la Mario Kart 64.

[@lpnp9477]

Kaze do you prefer a clean bulk, a dirty bulk, or body recomp?

[@KazeN64]

for beginners (your first 1.5 years of training) i'd recommend a recomp and just eating as much as you are hungry. after that, ideally you'd do a clean bulk (but imo living your live in a clean bulk/cut forever is a bit depressing - it's fine if you only eat clean 90% of the time). i usually clean bulk for 9 months and then cut for 3.

[@customsongmaker]

You made Super Mario XD for Dragonlord to review? How did he rate it?

[@pyraswolf4263]

but kaze! last impact has powerups!

[@santiagodeluxe580]

Kaze, what happened to the Mario 64 x banjo kazooie hack rom, I thought I would see the full hack

[@KazeN64]

we've finished 120 stars in that game so far. i just work on it once a week for 2 hours.

[@santiagodeluxe580]

Well, if you still continue with the hack rom, let me know

[@Bawkr]

Wow I'm so ignorant on your mods. I followed you awhile back watching you talk about n64 modeling I think or something but you have been doing quite a lot. Very respectable. I do a little bit of modeling, texturing & coding with C# & Unity but have shelved it multiple times due to finances but I think I'm on a pretty good path though to eventually release something A to S tier. Love modified games. Doom, Quake, Resident Evil but Mario 64 is top 3d platformer. I'm actually debating between modding a certain N64 game or just creating it in Unity instead with nothing copyrighted, course making something that is consumer grade will be a huge choice to commit to.

[@MasontheMarxistDog]

This man is a Treasure of Earth

[@krak422]

god you are one productive lad

[@stormy2049]

What were the other 2 at the end ? Wip projects ?

[@KazeN64]

the ABC trials and SM64 maker. both aren't traditional games so i couldn't rank them

[@Wasser200]

I like how you got like 70% of the years wrong xD