GAMES

Explore a growing collection of games I've developed. Some of my earlier works, created for C00lSch00l, haven't been migrated to this site and will eventually be phased out. All games are completely free. While entertainment is a key aspect, my primary motivation was to hone my programming skills and stretch the limits of my capabilities.

Growing up as a teenager in the era of legendary home computers like the C64 and ZX Spectrum, my initial wait for (pirated) games turned into a passion for programming. I spent time typing listings from magazines into my C64, striving to decipher them. By the time the games arrived, my fascination had shifted from playing to understanding how games are constructed. Thus began my journey in programming and game development.

My first game, written in assembly for the C64, dates back to 1984. Decades later, I sought to recapture those challenges by developing browser-based games. Aiming to progressively create my own game engine, I began by cloning legendary games from the 80s' computers and consoles, using this as a platform to innovate and learn.

These games are crafted using JavaScript and GLSL, supported by custom development tools written in Python or C++.

Enjoy. Or not. The choice is yours.

Connect-4

Connect-4

Connect4 is a classic strategy game where two players drop discs into a 7x6 grid, racing to connect four in a row — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally — before their opponent does. Our version supports both human players and a cast of quirky AI personalities. Challenge Random, who picks moves like she is throwing darts blindfolded; Silly, who sees three moves ahead but forgets the first two; Smarty, the overachiever who plans five steps in advance; or Prophet, who basically sees the future (or so she claims). Whether you're here to win or just confuse the AIs, you're in for a fun ride!

Source

Written in 2025 in JavaScript. © LaughingSkull 2025.

START Connect-4

Castle Haunt II

Castle Haunt II

Long, long after the Princess squared off against the late GhostFace (a trans vegan woman, though we're still not entirely sure what that entails), her distant cousin Hauntessa Spookish has shown up for some good old-fashioned revenge. She's assembled her entire spooky entourage — the Apparitias — to boogie on into the Princess's beloved castle, bringing with them unimaginable horrors, like polka music. Seriously, polka… is that even legal?

Our regal hero was mid - beauty sleep after a raucous LaughingSkull cover band gig, only to wake up to ghostly chaos, creaky doors, and the distinct stench of ectoplasmic polka. Naturally, this means she could use some assistance. I mean, must she really do everything around here?

Enter Castle Haunt II: the epic follow-up to the retro-tastic Castle Haunt. Inspired by the classic ZX Spectrum game Atic Atac, it packs old-school vibes and modern twists into one glorious paranormal punch. Explore mysterious halls, uncover hidden secrets, and do your best not to become haunted toast in the process.

So, sharpen your reflexes, stock up on ghost-busting courage, and prepare yourself for the ultimate castle-prowling extravaganza. Trust me, if you think polka is scary, just wait until you meet Hauntessa Spookish.

Source

Written in 2024-2025 in JavaScript and GLSL. © LaughingSkull 2025.

START Castle Haunt II

The Curse of the Castle Creep

The Curse of the Castle Creep

Damsel-in-distress? That's ancient history. Now, it's all about heroines saving the day, high heels and all. Yes, you heard right—our Princess's heels are not just for show; they're her secret weapon. Fed up with playing the sidekick in her own story, she's taking matters into her own hands.

Embark on an epic solo journey with the Princess, navigating through the shadowy corridors of her haunted castle to snatch back her crown, her riches, and, most crucially, her Wi-Fi password. This quest is about proving that true princesses don't sit around waiting for a savior. They're the ones making the headlines, one kick-ass moment at a time.

Are you ready to dive into chaos and lead a royal rebellion? Hit START. The throne awaits, and patience is not a virtue held by our bold heroine.

The Curse of the Castle Creep is a sequel of 'CastleHaunt', which was in turn a sequel of 'Princess Wants Everything'.

Source

Written in 2023-2024 in JavaScript and GLSL. © LaughingSkull 2024.

START The Curse of the Castle Creep

Crawl Master II

Crawl Master II

Once upon a time, a brave knight vanished while seeking treasure in a dungeon. Did they find glory? Or something far less pleasant? Now, it's your turn to find out. Brace yourself for Crawl Master II!

If the story sounds a bit too familiar, that's because it is! Just like the original, but with shinier armor and smoother moves. Ready to dive into the dungeon?

'Crawl Master II', like its predecessor, runs on a totally revamped engine. We've swapped raycasting for fancy triangle shading with vertex shaders using WebGL. Yes, it's still JavaScript at heart, but the shiny parts are in GLSL.

And because nostalgia is forever, the walls of our dungeons are plastered with homages to classic 80s home computer games. From the C64 to the ZX Spectrum, with over 800 random screens, including a throwback to Crawl Master itself. It's a pixel - perfect salute to the legends who inspired my coding journey.

Inspired by Quake, Crawl Master II is a blast from the past but with modern trimmings. Expect about 3-5 hours of dungeon crawling, monster slaying fun—if you survive! Thanks to our snazzy new engine, every game is a unique dungeon - delving adventure, despite a long initial load. Good things come to those who wait, right?

Source

Written in 2023 in JavaScript and GLSL. © LaughingSkull 2023.

START Crawl Master II

R.U.N.

RUN

Dive into the whimsically perilous world of R.U.N. (Run Upward Nerd), where the heroic highs are only matched by the literal lows of rising floodwaters. Your mission: escalate with alacrity as a drenched demise nips at your nerdy nooks and crannies. Donning your trustiest jetpack, you'll dash through dungeons, skirt past slithering serpents, and bypass bats with barely a budge. Survival's the name, running's the game, and your specs had better stay dry if you want to outpace the liquid doom.

Crafted with a pixel-hearted homage to the titans of yesteryear (like H.E.R.O), R.U.N.'s essence is a brew of classic cavern escapades and aerial adventures. Swapping out helicopter harnesses for a jetpack jamboree, this game's spirit is drenched in the essence of arcade ancestors. It's not just a blast from the past—it's a dash to outlast. Molded in JavaScript and personalized with private libraries, this isn't just a programmer's pet project; it's a nod to the nostalgia that fueled it. So cinch up your nerd-knapsack - it's time to run upward, not because you can, but because you must!

RUN

Source

Written in 2022 in JavaScript. © LaughingSkull 2022.

START R.U.N.

Invasion

Invasion

Step into the boots of a supremely benevolent ruler, tasked with the noble mission of delivering democracy - flamethrower style - to a quaint, unsuspecting nation. As you blaze through their picturesque villages, adorned with charming thatched roofs, remember, you're definitely the hero in this narrative. After all, nothing screams 'freedom' quite like incinerating everything in your path, right? Facing off against pitifully armed locals and their feeble attempts at defense with spears against your tanks, you're simply helping them embrace the true meaning of liberty. They'll thank you later - if anyone's left to do so.

Invasion

Source

Written in 2022 in JavaScript. © LaughingSkull 2022.

START Invasion

GhostRun II

GhostRun

GhostRun II: Greed, Wizards, and Frantic Panics!

Welcome to GhostRun II, where you play a greedy wizard on a noble quest to liberate treasures from Ghosty, a spirit who apparently doesn't like sharing the wealth he plundered from princesses and ancient tombs.

Armed with your ability to spit acidic green pools (yes, it's as gross as it sounds), your mission is to sneak around, avoid Ghosty's "nasty friends," and snatch that loot. But watch your energy! Both running around in terror and using your wizardly acid reflux costs you precious stamina.

This game is a lovingly chaotic homage to VIC-20 game Radar Rat Race, the first game ever played on the Commodore C64. GhostRun II captures the original's spirit of adrenaline-pumping annoyance and rage-inducing gameplay, but with added perks!

Expect randomly generated mazes, no end in sight, and levels above 10 that don't get harder but surely won't get any easier. It's like life, you keep going and the challenges just keep coming at the same difficult pace. Fun, right?

Version II features a speedier, smoother engine and a grid that doesn't care if you were good at mazes as a kid. Each monster has its own distinct personality, so some are smarter than others. Just like in real life, you never know who you're going to run into!

GhostRun

Source

Written in 2021 in JavaScript. © LaughingSkull 2021.

START GhostRun II

CrawlMaster

CrawlMaster

Dive back into the pixelated past with CrawlMaster, where brave knights vanish and treasures await in 8-bit obscurity. Dare to decode what doomed our dungeon-diving hero in the original quest, a challenge so perplexing it left programmers questioning their life choices. Then level up to CrawlMaster II and The Curse of the Castle Creep, where the mysteries deepen but the visuals don't disappoint - thanks to sophisticated triangle shading that'll make you forget you ever saw a pixel.

Source

CrawlMaster

Written in 2021 in JavaScript. © LaughingSkull 2021.

START CrawlMaster

Untitled MAZE Game for C64

Maze C64

In a sudden surge of nostalgia, I once vowed to create a C64 game in the archaic MOS 6510 assembly language. The main goal? To reproduce my once-celebrated maze/dungeon generation algorithm.

After a month of what can only be described as coding masochism, I managed to port a significant part of the MAZE library, translating its completely object-oriented form into C64 assembly language — because apparently, I like to make life hard for myself.

Cursing my choice of excruciating hobbies, I decided to shelve the project until Half-Life 3 gets released (or, at the very least, until George R. R. Martin finishes 'The Winds of Winter'). Consequently, the game remains nameless and plotless, much like an uninitialized variable.

But someday... who knows? Perhaps it will compile into something legendary.

Hopefully you realize that you either need the real thing or use the emulator.

Source

Written in 2021 in Assembly for MOS 6510. © LaughingSkull 2021.

DOWNLOAD C64 Executable (PRG)

QWYX

She likes to play QWYX too!

In the exhilarating game of QWYX, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to conquer at least 75% of the territory from the infamous Qwyx. All the while, you'll need to dodge the dastardly Sparx and outsmart the treacherous Fuse. This isn't just a game - it's a heart-pounding remake of the legendary 1981 classic that made joysticks break!

Let's face it, QWYX might not win any beauty contests. With graphics that could pass for a high-IQ screensaver, it's not exactly eye candy. But what it lacks in glitz, it makes up for with cunning gameplay and brain-busting complexity. It's so engaging, you might even forget to check your social media notifications!

QWYX -Qix clone

Source

Written in 2021 in JavaScript. © LaughingSkull 2021.

START QWYX

DOT - HUNTER

DotHunter

Welcome to the whimsical world of "Dot Hunter," where you dash and dart through mazes as the daring Rat with a big appetite and even bigger dreams! In this labyrinth of laughter and light-hearted terror, our heroine Rat scurries with gusto, gobbling up dots as if they were fine cheese at a rodent's gala.

However, lurking in the shadows are the pesky spectral squad: Scary, Ugly, Ghosty, and Floaty. These ghosts are more bothersome than a cat on a mouse hunt, always spoiling the fun with their spooky antics. But hold onto your whiskers—there's a twist! Hidden in the maze are slices of magical cheese, and when Rat takes a bite, she imagines herself as a fire-breathing dragon! With flames of courage and a dash of delusion, she turns the tables on her ghostly foes.

So tighten your tail, sharpen your senses, and get ready for a cheese-chasing, ghost-bashing adventure. Let's see if you can help Rat fulfill her dot-eating destiny and unleash her inner dragon. Grab your joystick, and let the Dot Hunting begin. Bon appétit and happy haunting!

DotHunter - PacMan influenced

Source

Written in 2020 in JavaScript. © LaughingSkull 2020.

START DOT - HUNTER

Deep Down Into The Darkness

Deep Down Into The Darkness

Are you brave enough to descend? To plunge into the shadowy depths and wrestle legendary treasures from the iron grip of darkness? If you're nodding yes, then buckle up and strap on your virtual helmet, because "Deep Down Into the Darkness" isn't just a game; it's a full-on dare. It's a legacy of pixelated peril and dark adventure.

This game spawned a thrilling legacy with fan favorites like CrawlMaster, CrawlMaster II, and The Curse of the Castle Creep. From catacombs to castles, these titles have sent shivers down the spines and controllers across the room in delightful digital terror.

So, are you truly ready to face the darkness? Or, more accurately, are you ready to duel with relentless monsters, sidestep treacherous traps, and jump at the sound of your own footsteps echoing through ancient, forgotten halls? Come on down and test your mettle where only the bravest — or perhaps the most foolhardy — dare to tread. Just remember: in "Deep Down Into the Darkness", the only light at the end of the tunnel might just be another fireball!

Deep Down Into The Darkness

Source

Written in 2020 in JavaScript. © LaughingSkull 2020.

START Deep Down Into The Darkness

ScramblyX

Scramblyx

Take on the role of an Allied Spitfire pilot and single - handedly stop the Nazi invasion. Are you brave enough to change the course of history? No pressure!

Navigate through enemy territory and secure a safe landing at the allied airport. The fate of the free world rests in your hands! Just your average Tuesday, right?

ScramblyX is inspired by legendary 80s games like Scramble, Blue Max, and Fort Apocalypse. If you loved those, prepare for a nostalgic thrill ride!

Think you have what it takes to master this game? We doubt it. But hey, surprises happen! Give it a shot and show us what you've got. This is one of the hardest LaughingSkull gaames.

Scramblyx - Scramble influenced

Source

Written in 2018 in JavaScript. Remastered in 2024 © LaughingSkull 2018.

START ScramblyX

Castle Haunt

Castle Haunt

The Princess's castle has been overrun with ghosts, zombies, and all sorts of spooky critters. You might just be the last friendly ghost in town. But, of course, the Princess is still up to her old tricks. Better dive into the castle and figure out what she wants this time.

When I first encountered Atic Atac in 1983, I was just a kid and it blew my mind. Remember, those were the days of Space Invaders and Pacman. Atic Atac was a game-changer. But alas, I had a C64, not a ZX Spectrum, so I never actually played it myself. Still, I always dreamed of creating such a game, and 35 years later, that dream has come true.

While Castle Haunt is obviously a tribute to Atic Atac, it has its own unique twists and quirks. The castle interior also doubles as a shrine/museum to some iconic 80s and 90s computer games. Or maybe the Princess is just a hardcore retro gamer.

Castle Haunt - Atic Atac influenced

Source

Written in 2018 in JavaScript. © LaughingSkull 2018.

START Castle Haunt

Anxys

Anxys is clone of Tutankham

In "Anxys," step into the ethereal shoes of a greed-fueled ghost who just can't say no to ancient treasures. This cheeky nod to the legendary 1982 console game, Tutankhamun, will haunt your nostalgia much like its arcade ancestor once devoured coins. Prepare for a spooktacular heist through tombs so ancient, they're practically copyrighted.

With the first four levels as a spectral photocopy of the original, Anxys offers a hauntingly familiar yet thrillingly stressful gameplay. It's a blast from the past where the only thing scarier than the mummies is the intense anxiety it inspires. So grab your phantom fedora and let's get lootin'—because why invent new games when you can make glorious specters of the old ones?

Anxys is clone of Tutankham

Source

Written in 2018 in JavaScript. Remastered in 2024 © LaughingSkull 2018.

START Anxys

GalactiX

GalactiX is clone of Invaders and Galaxian

Alien invasion is imminent. Protect the Earth! The fate of our planet now depends on your ability to tap into your inner '70s arcade champion.

"GalactiX" is a nostalgic tribute to the legendary arcade games of the '70s and '80s, channeling the spirit of Space Invaders and Galaxian. Prepare to blast through waves of nostalgia and aliens alike in an epic struggle to save humanity. The first wave features some beloved characters from our pixelated past, honoring the revolutionary arcade culture of 1978.

Rest assured, no aliens were harmed in the making of this game—though their digital ego might have taken a hit or two!

GalactiX is clone of Invaders and Galaxian

Source

Written in 2017 in JavaScript. Remastered in 2024 © LaughingSkull 2017.

START GalactiX

Princess Wants Everything

Princess Wants Everything

Coolie is on vacation in a bizarre castle owned by a spoiled, annoying princess. Dive into the secrets of the castle and its quirky inhabitants. The princess has a knack for "borrowing" from her subjects, but hey, you might just help her out because, well... it's fun!

This game is designed not only to immerse kids in a mysterious world of exploration and logical puzzles, but also to practice spelling, colors, animals, items, and, of course, the indispensable preposition 'the'.

One of my earliest games in JS, a timeless uncut diamond from a decade ago, crafted for C00lsSch00l, marks the origin of 'The Princess', a brat who will evolve into a badass heroine!

Gameplay is nostalgically inspired by classic C64 and ZX Spectrum games like Atic Atac, The Hobbit, and Spy vs. Spy, with some tribute graphics thrown in for good measure.

Princess Wants Everything

Source

Written in 2016 in JavaScript. © LaughingSkull 2016.

START Princess Wants Everything

Didactic C00lSch00l games

Scrict teacher

A series of didactic games I created for C00lSch00l, which eventually evolved into the marvel that is ChestBook.

Sure, they're educational, but they're also secretly fun - don't tell the kids!

Check out the ChestBook pages here:

Written from 2014 to 2016 in JavaScript. © LaughingSkull 2014-2016.

Rain Check

Beauty in the yellow rain coat

Here at LaughingSkull, our back catalogue is as impressive as the Rain Goddess's wardrobe. It takes time to migrate all the gems that still sparkle enough for a revival. Some may need a facelift or a new engine under the hood, but rest assured, they'll find their way into the illustrious LaughingSkull anthology — consider this my official to - do list.

Coming soon (ish):

  • Haunting The Hauntessa - expected release December 2025

Stuff I'll let go in the digital void:

Most of the didactic games written for C00lSch00l are destined to either stay put or vanish into oblivion. Even 'classics' like AmaziacS and Mazyx, parents to the MAZE library that now fuels most of my creations, will fade away.

The beloved old C64 classics — like Canon, The Hotentots and Minefield, written in that cryptic MOS 6510 assembly language — are long gone. Invasion tried to recapture their spirit but let's face it, it's like trying to catch rainwater in your hands.

Lastly, all those virus capturing tools written on Atari ST and Falcon in the good old Motorola 68000 assembly are history. A testament to the days when I, a brash teen, declared that real programmers use assembly and only the pussies resort to C.


LS-Web v1.8.1