LEARN | Nesmaker
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LEARN NESMAKER YOUR WAY

The NES can be a fickle beast to develop games for. But have no fear, NESmaker takes care of many of the questions that a newcomer would not even know to ask so that you can jump right into the creative part of development. Below, there are learning resources for various learning styles. From following along using pre-defined assets and code all the way to developing an entire engine from scratch. From written instructionals to video tutorials. If you get stuck, don't forget about the forums, which are full of helpful people that want to assist you in bringing your game to life!

NESmaker Orientation Documentation

Specifically designed for those who like written instructionals, this documentation goes step by step through the process of creating a simple game, from basic design document through to flashing to a cartridge. This is the basis for the long-awaited NESmaker Strategy Guide, which also goes further to delve a bit deeper into working under the hood. The documentation download to the left makes use of the template module to the right.

12 Days of NESmas Intro to NESmaker Tutorial Series

For those feeling festive, one of the best ways to learn the basics of NESmaker is to follow along with this beginner tutorial series. This is a series covers much of the same ground as the Summer Camp Survival Guide, but in video form.  Download the assets and then click on the thumbnail to follow the series to go from zero to new 8-bit hero!

Alternatively, click here to watch the playlist on YouTube.

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MODULE TUTORIALS

Get started easily creating various genres of games right now. Use the pre-built modules and pre-made assets to wireframe basic projects. 

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MAZE GAME

Aliens have invaded the arcade. Prevent them from stealing all of your quarters in this top down maze game.

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BEGINNER

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INTERMEDIATE

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ADVANCED

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ARCADE STYLE PLATFORMER

In this arcade style platformer, navigate your ninja through screen after screen of a dragon infested nightmare.

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BEGINNER

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INTERMEDIATE

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ADVANCED

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TOP DOWN ADVENTURE

It's dangerous to go by yourself in this top down adventure, so pick up your stick and slay some slimes!

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BEGINNER

INTERMEDIATE

ADVANCED

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SCROLLING PLATFORMER

Inspired by the scrolling platforming of a particular plumber help this rabbit free the Carrot Kingdom from the evil snails.

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BEGINNER

INTERMEDIATE

ADVANCED

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SIMPLE SHMUP

Blast off into hyperspace in this horizontal shmup and rid the universe of an impending extraterrestrial invasion!

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BEGINNER

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INTERMEDIATE

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ADVANCED

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BASIC BRAWLER

The future of law enforcement is in 8-bit...brawl with some baddies in this simple beat-em-up.  

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BEGINNER

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INTERMEDIATE

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ADVANCED

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MEGA-METRO-VANIA

Defend alien world Proxima Centauri b in Star Girl Proxima, a two way scrolling platformer. (art by Giant Evil Robot)

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BEGINNER

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INTERMEDIATE

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ADVANCED

NESmaker Summer Camp 2022 - Building a game from scratch

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This will be an ongoing tutorial series that will offer NESmaker users a deep dive into learning how to program NES games from scratch while also using NESmaker's front end to keep organized. This tutorial set is meant for advanced users, and it is recommended that you master the above tutorials before tackling this one.

Click on the summer camp image to go to the page.

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