Game Builder Garage Switch

Game Builder Garage is a platform that allows you to design and create simple video games. It was developed and published by Nintendo.

Mechanics

In Game Builder Garage we create our own small games. The creator allows us to design both simple platform games, as well as shoot'em ups, racing games or even variations on the cult retro games.

The whole creation process takes place in an accessible and intuitive way, with the help of colourful creatures called Nodons. Each of them has a specific function, activated by combining it with another Nodon. For example, combining a Nodon symbolizing a character with one representing an analog knob allows us to control the hero with it, and combining the Nodon corresponding to a button with the Nodon associated with a specific function (such as jumping) will make pressing a specific button activate the selected action. Apart from that, game creation requires setting up various objects on the board (such as obstacles that the hero of our platform game will have to overcome). After mastering the basics, we can use more advanced tools; the game allows us, among other things, to apply textures to objects ourselves, and even allows us to design and animate simple characters.

All this takes place on the programming screen, from which we can switch to the gameplay screen at any time to see how our ideas work in practice.

Game modes

Game Builder Garage can be played solo or with up to eight players. The first steps in this game should be made in the Lesson Mode. It is made up of lessons, during which the game step by step introduces us to its capabilities. After we learn a topic, the game allows us to test our newly acquired skills by performing special tasks and solving clever puzzles. Then, there's nothing left to do but to enter the Free Programming Mode, where the game doesn't set any limitations for us, allowing us to fully exploit our potential.

Moreover, the game allows us to share our creations with the whole community. We can also try out the creations of others, and even look behind the scenes to see what tricks have been used by their authors (and then use them in their games).

Technical aspects

Game Builder Garage has colourful and clear graphics in a cartoon style. The game can be played using both the game pad, Joy-Cons and the console's touch screen, as well as a mouse connected to the dock set.

Last updated on 06 May 2021