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Cartridge the Tiger

Cartridge the Tiger is a Super Nintendo inspired platformer with a powerful in-game level editor. Built on a custom engine with retro physics, dynamic color-accurate lighting, and extensive mod support. A journey awaits, can you make it?

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Developer
Publisher
Release
April 4, 2024
2 years and 120 days ago
Steam Reviews
Positive11 reviews81.8%

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Latest Contributor: IGF TeamEdit notes
Updated: Jul 11, 2026Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer.
Updated: Jul 11, 2026Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher.
Updated: Jul 11, 2026Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified.
Search Google: How is Cartridge the Tiger and Protosprite funded?FundingThe known source of funding behind the game.
Search Google: Who controls the creative direction and IP for Cartridge the Tiger and Protosprite?Creative controlWho appears to retain creative control of the game.
Updated: Jul 11, 2026Release statusWhether and how the game has been released.

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About the Game

Okay, I lied, I updated it. Here's what's new:


  • A new Second Quest with 10 exploration focused levels and 37 exits (the Main Story only had 10 exits).
  • A new Randomizer with 10 levels that procedurally generate a new layout every time you play them.
  • Over a two dozen new objects including collectables, blocks, enemies, scene-wide effects, and light probes.
  • Underwater levels, oceans of poison, black holes, bomb rain, lava, and even more secrets.
  • New options for old objects including guide support and better logic handling.
  • Massive performance improvements enabling 240-360fps with thousands of objects and dynamic lighting.
  • Hundreds of bug fixes and small visual improvements.
  • Level sharing servers are still offline (only prevents level sharing via code).
  • Keeping the price at $3.

Hi, I'm Bowser, a solo indie dev. I wanted to create something that exists somewhere between a game, a maker game, and a game engine, a toy box that can be enjoyed by casual players, skilled players, level designers, modders, rom hackers, and everyone in-between. Built from the ground up on a custom engine designed for level making and modding, with pixel perfect rendering, dynamic lighting, and a retro physics engine. Full game, not early access, no in-app purchases, no DLC, no AI, and I'm still updating it 2 years later.


Full controller support. Designed for cozy couch gaming. No mouse or keyboard needed.


🐯 Features 🐯


  • Run, jump, swim, fly, carry, throw, and roll around in a vibrant world full of secrets.
  • Unique shake mechanic changes how you interact with your environment.
  • Includes a story mode with 10 levels.
  • Includes an in-game level editor.
  • Built on a custom game engine designed from the ground up for modding.
  • Includes an easy-to-use C# SDK, allowing anyone to create new objects.
  • High framerate support, up to 240Hz.
  • Achievements. Cloud saves.

🐯 Editor Features 🐯


  • Build on a map 20x bigger than Super Mario Maker.
  • Build with no arbitrary limits on the number of objects.
  • Select from over 200 objects, with over 25 enemies, or make your own.
  • Place slopes, water, and decoration anywhere you want.
  • Place signs with text to guide the player or tell a story.
  • Place objects on different Z layers.
  • Design complex puzzles using switches, wires, and logic blocks.
  • Create atmosphere with colorful and interactive lighting.
  • Control the camera with rooms.
  • Mix and match different background layers.
  • Add weather effects and post-processing.

🐯 Steam Workshop Features 🐯


  • Subscribe to new objects, backgrounds, foregrounds, and other mods.
  • Easily publish your own creations to the Steam Workshop from within the game.
  • Package mods with levels to provide players with a rom-hack-like experience.

🐯 Online Features 🐯


  • Upload levels and share them using a code.
  • Browse uploaded levels on the Discord server.
  • You do not need to create an account and the game does not require an internet connection.

To mod the game, extract Sdk.zip in the install directory and read GettingStarted.md. Most people can run their first mod within minutes.