I Wanna Maker
- November 9, 2023
- The Elephant Crew
- 17h median play time
Get on SteamI Wanna Maker is a precision platformer with a robust level editor and online level sharing, based on I Wanna Be The Guy fangames. Create complex levels using a wide variety of objects, a powerful events system, and customizable visuals. Browse levels online, traverse a hand-crafted campaign, take on challenge modes, and more! Level Editor Features Intuitive but powerful level editor with 70+ ob…
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features an incredibly in-depth level editor that allows for a wide range of creativity and customization.
- It's completely free, making it accessible to anyone who enjoys platformers or level creation.
- The community is active, with a plethora of user-generated levels that vary in difficulty, providing endless content.
- The jumping mechanics can feel janky, with no coyote time, making precise platforming frustrating at times.
- Some users report issues with the controls being unresponsive or inconsistent, particularly with double jumps.
- The game can be overly challenging for newcomers, with many levels designed for experienced players, potentially discouraging less skilled users.
- gameplay65 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a blend of engaging campaign levels and a robust level editor that allows for extensive user-generated content, reminiscent of "Mario Maker" but with unique mechanics inspired by "I Wanna Be The Guy." While the campaign is praised for its creativity and accommodating learning curve, user-created levels can vary significantly in quality, with some being unplayable due to poor design. Overall, the game offers a satisfying platforming experience with simple mechanics that have depth, though some mechanics, like wall-jumping, have received criticism for their execution.
“The gameplay can be split into two sections: the campaign and user content. The campaign, from the small section I played, seemed really engaging; I think it's well thought out, presented cleanly, and is accommodating for newer players as well as seasoned players.”
“Most surprising was the quality of the campaign levels; they're super creative and do a great job of introducing you to the game's unique quirks and mechanics that might not be obvious at a glance.”
“These simple features hold a lot of depth in terms of gameplay, and there's also advanced technique, so the skill floor is low, but the skill ceiling is incredibly high.”
“Some mechanics could have been explained better (like when they add boosters to the vines, that they multiply if you don't hit the floor).”
“The user content, I say this with entire sincerity, is absolutely unplayable. Level design is for developers who know what they're doing with the game, not random people who do not know the game. This results in almost every level being subpar garbage, which wouldn't be so bad if the game didn't highly encourage you to dig and find random stuff such as with the roulettes and challenges.”
“The wall jumping and water mechanics make me want to cease to exist.”
- music62 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives a generally positive reception, with many players praising its diversity and quality, noting that it enhances the overall experience. While the soundtrack features a variety of enjoyable tracks, some users express a desire for the ability to add custom music, which could further enrich the game's creative potential. Overall, the music is described as fitting for different gameplay scenarios, though a few players find certain campaign tracks less appealing.
“The soundtrack is extremely diverse and well-rounded, fitting a variety of themes and genres.”
“The music is amazing, the creations are amazing, the level editor seems extremely well done for a free game; I don't feel as if this game is a free game.”
“The soundtrack and music is pretty enjoyable.”
“The campaign music for the game is also mid; it reminds me of Realm of the Mad God's music: fitting for each environment, but it's just bad music.”
“I recommend just turning it off because it just does not fit the gameplay at all, unless you're playing community-made levels, because the community definitely does better with the music.”
“Second, the songs are (kinda) limiting.”
- graphics29 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players criticizing the pixel art as "lazy" and reminiscent of older titles, while others appreciate the vibrant and polished visuals that capture a nostalgic charm. Many users note the variety in graphical quality across different levels, with some praising the customization options available for visuals. Overall, while the graphics may not be the main focus for all players, they are generally considered good, with a few expressing a desire for more options or a different aesthetic.
“Great music, great visuals, and I can tell a lot of effort was put into it.”
“The rest, if I'm honest, I don't see the point in covering, but out of respect for the developers, the graphics are stunning and polished to a fine art, high quality while still capturing the charm of the original IWBTG, and the music picks are a good mix being suitable for relaxing levels or intense ones too.”
“I love the feel of the game; it just feels like an old game from the early/mid-90s but made today with its pixel-y yet modern graphics.”
“This feature is really godawful, lazy pixel crap 'art' instead of real graphics.”
“It's hard to say if this was because the developer didn't have the skill to create 3D visuals, or couldn't afford to hire someone who does, but it also doesn't matter.”
“The graphics look similar and the physics are similar, but both are worse.”
- story12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's story mode is generally well-received, with players praising its engaging narrative and overall quality. While some users note the absence of a traditional story in certain modes, the official story mode and community-driven content, such as fangames, provide additional depth and creativity. Overall, the story aspect enhances the gameplay experience, making it a highlight for many players.
“This game is fun and engaging. I like the style, plus the story mode rocks! I think other people should play this 5-star game. Also, don't forget the edit mode is awesome too!”
“The community is amazing and the story mode was really good.”
“Perfect story, engine, and updates.”
“☑ no story”
“☑ story?”
“Edit: there's an official story mode thing now.”
- humor7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a mix of over-the-top trolling and crude jokes, with players finding it both funny and entertaining, despite some noting a more sterilized approach compared to previous entries in the series. Overall, it is highly recommended for its comedic elements, particularly in the context of a challenging platformer.
“Funny apple kills you 10/10 would recommend”
“Funny platformer”
“It's hilarious!”
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been widely criticized, with players experiencing issues such as unsaved replays and lag during complex levels. While it is still in development and improvements are anticipated, current performance problems, particularly with object management and customization features, detract from the overall experience. Users hope future updates will address these optimization concerns.
“The most surprising thing about all this is that the fan game is still in development. It is still planned to add more things to the game, but at this point, it makes you want to continue polishing the editor to make it better in some aspects such as performance when putting many objects or limitations in some sections such as customizing your avatar kid. However, everything I mentioned can be improved with the passage of updates because the game is not yet in its final version, so everything I said above may change in the future.”
“Rarely on more complex levels, the game lags on my computer, which is unexpected. I think the game is pretty unoptimized.”
“The optimization in this game might be the worst thing ever.”
“Moreover, it's happened many times that I've cleared a hard level or gotten a good speedrun time only for the replay to not be saved, causing me to have to repeat a performance over again.”
“Rarely on more complex levels, the game lags on my computer, which is unexpected; I think the game is pretty unoptimized.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Players express frustration with excessive grinding, often feeling it consumes too much time and effort without significant progress. While some enjoy the camaraderie of working together to overcome challenges, the overall sentiment leans towards grinding being a tedious and time-consuming aspect of the game.
“Nothing like you and a bunch of strangers grinding a level for hours with no success, only for one of you to clear it, as the others cheer them on.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Too much grinding.”
- monetization3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game features no monetization elements, such as microtransactions or ads, despite being free-to-play, which has pleasantly surprised users who appreciate the limitless content without any financial barriers.
“As far as I've seen, no sneaky microtransactions.”
“For a free game maker with no ads and limitless content, it feels too good to be true.”
“I was also expecting some form of microtransaction store due to its free-to-play nature, but there's no monetization whatsoever.”
“As far as I've seen, there are no sneaky microtransactions.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game offers high replayability due to its challenging and engaging campaign, along with various gameplay modes and leaderboards that encourage players to explore different strategies and approaches.
“I would highly recommend this game for its high replay value, as the gameplay is active and the campaign is both challenging and fun.”
“Replayability is significantly incentivized by the existence of leaderboards for various metrics, including multiple ways to approach the game, such as hardcore roulette and Mr. Scribble's challenge.”
“Replayability is also significantly incentivized by the existence of leaderboards for many metrics, including a number of ways of approaching the game, like hardcore roulette and Mr. Scribble's challenge.”
“I would highly recommend a lot of replay value as the game is active and the campaign is very challenging yet fun.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game emotionally engaging, particularly appreciating the level maker feature that fosters creativity and a sense of ownership. The enjoyable campaign and community-created levels enhance the overall experience, leading to a hopeful anticipation for a growing player base.
“This game is incredibly underrated and very fun to play. My favorite part is the level maker, as it was easy to figure out and made me feel like I was actually building a game. I enjoy the campaign and community-made levels, and I hope that more people join in the coming years.”
