Kaze Emanuar, famous for Super Mario 64 mods, discusses optimizing game code, N64 architecture, coding in assembly, and more. He achieved 60 frames per second performance. Joe Nash, a developer and community builder, shares his passion for game development and new technologies. Check out Kaze's YouTube channel for breakdowns of his work.
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Quick takeaways
Kaze Emanuar optimized Super Mario 64 code to run at 60fps by reprogramming the game engine.
Kaze Emanuar transitioned from manual ROM hacking to efficient C code for optimizations and new gameplay features.
Deep dives
K's Emmanuel's Optimization Achievements in Super Mario 64
K's Emmanuel, a ROM hacker known for his mods in Super Mario 64, achieved noteworthy optimizations in the game's decompiled code, elevating its performance to run at 60 frames per second. By reprogramming the game's engine, he improved its functionality on the N64. Despite using Mario 64's visuals and physics, K's is transitioning to developing his own engine.
ROM Hacking and Game Design Philosophy
Exploring ROM hacking, K's started his journey in 2012 after seeing inspiring mods by others. Focusing on Super Mario 64 due to its childhood significance, he turned it into a personalized game engine. Emphasizing a sense of place in level design, K's aims to create immersive and engaging gameplay experiences by combining solid platforming mechanics with innovative concepts.
Challenges and the Evolution of ROM Hacking
Transitioning from manual ROM hacking to leveraging the decompilation process, K's found working with C code more efficient for optimizations and gameplay features. From solving technical issues like CPU-GPU coordination in the N64 to introducing multiplayer modes seamlessly, K's innovative approach continues to reshape the ROM hacking landscape, attracting attention from both casual and speedrunning communities.
Kaze Emanuar is a ROM hacker who’s famous for the array of mods he’s made for Super Mario 64. He’s implemented remarkable optimization to the decompiled game code, even pushing Super Mario 64 to run at 60 frames per second.
Kaze joins the show to talk about his interest in Super Mario 64, ROM hacking, the N64 architecture, coding in assembly, and more. Be sure to check out Kaze’s YouTube channel to see his work, including breakdowns of how he accomplished his optimizations.
Joe Nash is a developer, educator, and award-winning community builder, who has worked at companies including GitHub, Twilio, Unity, and PayPal. Joe got his start in software development by creating mods and running servers for Garry’s Mod, and game development remains his favorite way to experience and explore new technologies and concepts.