New Super Mario 64 ROM hack introduces a level editor

While level editors are hardly a new phenomenon, the release of Mario Maker for Wii U in 2015 did seem to trigger a wave of fan-built editors. We've seen a classic Zelda Maker (RIP), a Mega Man Maker, and now, a level editor for Super Mario 64.

It's not as straightforward as the others: it's a ROM hack, which means you need an emulator and a ROM for Mario 64. It also uses the classic Nintendo 64 controller, which will no doubt present a problem for many.

But if you've got those, the video above is a good indication of how it works: basically choose environmental elements, plonk them where you want, and then jump in and play. It's the work of Kaze Emanuar, who has worked on Mario-related ROM hacks before. Whether this one can survive Nintendo's rather inconsistent approach to issuing takedowns to fan-games and hacks, is yet to be seen.

Instructions for how to obtain and install the hack is in the YouTube description. I haven't tested it myself, so you do so at your own risk.

Shaun Prescott is the Australian editor of PC Gamer. With over ten years experience covering the games industry, his work has appeared on GamesRadar+, TechRadar, The Guardian, PLAY Magazine, the Sydney Morning Herald, and more. Specific interests include indie games, obscure Metroidvanias, speedrunning, experimental games and FPSs. He thinks Lulu by Metallica and Lou Reed is an all-time classic that will receive its due critical reappraisal one day.