8 Games With Outstanding Level Creators

Key Takeaways

N++ allows players to create challenging 2D puzzle platformer levels resembling official maps.
Trials Fusion offers a robust level editor, but the future of the series is uncertain.
Halo Infinite’s Forge tool lets you create intricate designs and scenarios with friends or alone.

As someone who has spent countless hours crafting intricate levels and reliving nostalgia through user-generated content, I can confidently say that these level editors have played a significant role in my gaming journey. From building Metal Gear Rex in Halo to creating deathtraps for the strongest Mario players in Super Mario Maker 2, these tools have allowed me to express my creativity and share it with others across the globe.

It’s been a dream for many to create their own video games, yet without proficiency in programming, music production, and visual arts, realizing this goal can seem nearly impossible.

Design Builders offer individuals an accessible platform for crafting their ideas, even without extensive prior knowledge being required. Unleash your creativity in these top-tier games where imagination reigns supreme.

This list only contains games with built-in level editors. Titles like Doom, for example, have incredible fanmade content, but I’ve not included them as an external editor is required.

9 N++

Make Your Very Own Ninja Playground

Key Information	Details
Developer	Metanet Software Inc
Platform	All
Release Date	August 2016

In my opinion, playing N++ feels like an exhilarating journey that pushes my jumping prowess to its limits in a captivating 2D puzzle-platformer setting.

In simpler terms, you have the ability to leap onto vertical surfaces and conquer tougher levels by mastering momentum and physics concepts. What makes this game particularly thrilling is that you get to design your very own stages from scratch.

In N++, one of its standout features is that players can design their own levels, making them look almost identical to the official maps found within the game.

I spent a few hours making a level that could complete itself, and while it’s cool, I bet there are some ninjas out there who can create unforgettable N++ maps.

8 Trials Fusion

Mantis Or Nothing

The “Trials” game series may be considered somewhat specialized, yet they offer an incredibly expansive and versatile level editor, allowing for virtually unlimited creativity.

As a diehard fan, let me tell you, if you’ve yet to dive into the world of gaming, Trials Fusion stands out as an extraordinary vehicular platformer. In this game, it’s all about mastering the art of physics and throttle control to conquer the challenges that lie ahead. The built-in stages are meticulously designed, and achieving a “Ninja” grade track is something every player strives for, as it signifies true skill and dedication.

The stage editor is incredibly strong, allowing you to create authentic maps and construct intricately complex tracks beyond the ordinary. Not only that, but you can also share your maps on Track Central for others to appreciate and play.

Regrettably, the popular “Trials” game series seems to be gathering dust, with its future hanging in the balance. The platform, Track Central, houses an impressive array of fan-created content, but its longevity is uncertain.

7 Timesplitters

Ahead Of Its Time

As a devoted enthusiast, I’d say the Timesplitters series is a trio of cherished first-person shooter games that gleefully discard equilibrium when it obstructs the path to entertainment.

In addition to Timesplitters, it came packaged with an impressive Map Maker tool. Although rudimentary compared to modern standards, it employs a straightforward grid and tile system that is user-friendly. With this tool, you can design complex multi-level structures, even managing the lighting settings.

By merging the editor with strong, user-defined game settings, Timesplitters transforms into a stage for creating some truly exceptional original game modes and scenarios.

In subsequent releases, the Level Editor evolved significantly, making us regret that we never experienced a sequel like Timesplitters 4 to witness its further development.

6 Trackmania

Not Your Average Driving Sim

Trackmania manages an impressive feat by catering to both beginners and experienced racing enthusiasts. The courses offer exhilarating gravity-defying hurdles, yet the game consistently recognizes and rewards precise, skillful driving. Additionally, it ranks among the top racers available on PS Plus.

It’s clear from the title that Trackmania offers an exceptional track editing tool. Even beginners can quickly understand how to use it, while skilled users can utilize it to create awe-inspiring masterpieces.

You also have the ability to incorporate personalized navigation signs and decorative banners into your designs, making it a delightful extra feature for a racing game. Moreover, you can place JPEG images throughout your course to create themes that go beyond the usual offerings within the game.

In Trackmania, the game flourishes with user-generated content, offering an almost endless pool of community-crafted tracks to serve as a source of inspiration.

5 Geometry Dash

Beauty In Simplicity

Geometry Dash is an outstanding 2D action game that boasts a vibrant player base, and the cherry on top is its simple one-button control scheme.

For those who are new, the game Geometry Dash resembles a typical platformer, yet there’s no need for manual movement; instead, you’re constantly moving forward. Your control is limited to jumps, but clever use of music as sound cues assists in mastering the precise timing required in most levels.

The Level Designer stands out as exceptionally user-friendly and one of the most intuitive and approachable options available. It offers a convenient grid layout for positioning platforms precisely, and allows you to pause and evaluate your designs at any moment.

Creating stages for your preferred tunes is enjoyable, offering a variety of clever hurdles to liven up your projects.

4 Skate 3

Do A Kickflip!

Skate 3 is an adored skateboarding game that offers a high level of challenge for skilled players and provides exceptional resources for designing your ideal skate park.

The park editor looks pretty simple at first. You can quickly place multiple ramps and objects, and it’s easy to assemble a serviceable map.

One way to rephrase the given sentence could be: “The most enjoyable aspect of the park editor is its ability to combine fundamental components to fashion completely novel structures. For instance, you can set up a ramp initially and subsequently attach a grind rail at its upper rim to give it a clearer definition.

As a fan, I can share that by blending diverse elements together, I’m able to craft one-of-a-kind designs that stand out from any other skate park. The custom creations I come up with are nothing short of breathtaking. If you dare to think creatively, you’ll find yourself lost in this surprisingly sturdy mode for hours on end.

3 Portal 2

Valve Does It Again

Overcoming GLaDOS’s challenging Test Chambers is undeniably one of the most unforgettable experiences in the game Portal. In the subsequent installment, you get to design your very own test chambers.

In simple terms, both “Portal” games are exceptional masterpieces, but what truly sets “Portal 2” apart is its superbly designed “Test Chamber creator.” This feature elevates the gaming experience significantly. The most remarkable aspect is that the tools for creating these chambers are immediately user-friendly and a pleasure to manipulate.

Similar to Geometry Dash, the map editor in Portal 2 employs a grid layout. You can manipulate individual squares (or tiles) to sculpt the room’s structure, while a drop-down list is available for placing various obstacles.

It’s quite impressive how user-friendly Valve has managed to make the process of creating maps, even with some test chambers being intricate in design. Sharing these creations within the community is a breeze, making it an easy experience for all users.

Instead of waiting for a potential third installment of “Portal,” the vast array of user-created content within “Portal 2” ensures an endless experience, making it nearly impossible to tire of playing.

2 Halo Infinite

Master The Forge

The software known as Forge, renowned within the Halo series, has continued to evolve and become even more sophisticated through time.

In the game “Halo Infinite”, Forge tool enables players not only to design their ideal Halo map but also establish distinctive situations. I’ve consistently been amazed by Forge due to its ability to create complex and beautiful layouts, yet it remains user-friendly even for beginners.

You can build in real-time with friends and see your buddies flying around putting things together.

Back then during the Halo 3 era, I found myself exploring the Forge tool and surprisingly enough, I was able to craft a pretty cool Metal Gear Rex. Although I haven’t personally dabbled with Forge in Infinite yet, there are some breathtaking community creations made using this tool that leave me utterly amazed.

1 Super Mario Maker 2

The Industry Standard

It’s hardly surprising, given its name, that Super Mario Maker 2 boasts one of the top-tier Level Creation tools in video games.

In Super Mario Maker 2, players are provided with all the tools and tiles from past games, empowering them to take control of the game design process. If a player’s mind can conceive it, they can create it, and there are countless hours to be spent perfecting these creations.

The incentive to make a banging level is pure genius. Your creations are available for players across the globe to enjoy. You can showcase fun stages that are suitable for all ages.

Alternatively, you could construct challenging and risky obstacle courses, suitable only for skilled Mario gamers with courage. However, remember that before you can share your level online, you must successfully complete it yourself.

In Super Mario Maker 2, your creativity is the sole barrier, as this game is designed primarily for you to construct and distribute your most exceptional designs.

2024-11-08 19:09