Micro Mages
Climb the Demon Fortress in a razor-tight 8-bit platformer built to run on real NES hardware. Play solo or bring up to 4 friends for chaotic local co-op—then try to master wall jumps, traps, and boss fights.
💡 Tip: Connect a gamepad and press any button after loading to map controls automatically.
Overview
Micro Mages is a modern NES-style platformer from Morphcat Games—built with a self-imposed constraint that sounds impossible today: the whole game fits in 40KB.
That limit shapes everything you feel while playing: tiny sprites, snappy movement, readable hazards, and levels designed around quick decisions. It’s easy to pick up for a short break, but deep enough to reward mastery.
Game Story & Guide
A Demon Fortress rises into the sky, and the princess is trapped at the top. You and your tiny mages climb upward, world by world, while the screen scrolls relentlessly.
Micro Mages features multiple worlds and dozens of compact stages. The rules are simple—move, jump, wall-jump, shoot—but the game gets spicy once traps and enemy patterns start stacking.
If you’re playing co-op, the game becomes equal parts teamwork and friendly sabotage. A clean run comes from calling lanes, sharing space, and keeping the scroll from separating the group.
Behind the Scenes: The 40KB Case Study
For developers, Micro Mages is a famous ‘micro mages 40kb NES development case study’: modern game feel built under 1980s constraints. With almost no room for waste, every animation, sound, and tile has to do double duty.
Morphcat Games also showed how technical storytelling can market a game. Their behind-the-scenes breakdowns attracted not only retro fans, but also programmers who love optimization and constraints.
A key trick is sprite economy: using small 8×8 tiles, reusing graphic blocks across enemies, and designing readable silhouettes. The result is smoother co-op with fewer classic NES flicker moments.
How to Play (Controller & Co-op Tips)
PC & controller: if you’re playing on Steam, enable your controller type in Steam’s controller settings so inputs map cleanly. For best results, keep movement on the D-pad and avoid heavy dead-zones.
4-player local co-op: plug in multiple controllers and map players 1–4 in your platform/emulator settings. On keyboards, key ghosting can make 3–4 players unreliable.
Wall-jump mastery: Micro Mages wall jumps reward timing. Practice in early safe sections—tap into the wall, then quickly switch direction and jump to gain height without losing speed.
Trailer
Release Info
| Platform | Release Date | Developer |
|---|---|---|
| NES (Physical) | 2019 | Morphcat Games |
| Steam / Itch.io | 2019 | Morphcat Games |
FAQ
Does Micro Mages run on NES Classic / Mini?
Micro Mages was built for real NES hardware. Some retro devices can run homebrew titles, but compatibility varies—follow your device’s documentation and only use legitimately obtained game files.
How do I revive a ghost player in co-op?
When a teammate becomes a ghost, they can still help by freezing enemies. Revival typically happens via special drops (often from enemies or chests). Coordinate and keep the team alive until a revive item appears.
Are there password codes for Second Quest / hard mode?
Yes—Micro Mages uses a password system. The intended way is to unlock harder content by completing the game. Avoid random code lists if you want the full challenge.
Physical cartridge vs Steam version—what should I buy?
The cartridge is great for collectors and original hardware. Steam is convenient, frequently discounted, and easier for controller setups and quick sessions.
Can I play online with friends?
The game is designed for local multiplayer. On Steam, Remote Play Together can simulate local co-op for friends, depending on your network quality.
Is there a limit to continues?
Most versions let you continue after a game over, but progress may restart at a world checkpoint rather than the exact room.
Does the Steam version include a ROM file?
Some releases include extra files, but availability differs by storefront and region. Use only what the publisher provides and what your license allows.
Why is the screen vertical?
The vertical tower climb is the core fantasy. Vertical scrolling keeps the pace intense and makes co-op chaos even funnier.
Does the game support save states?
On original hardware, save states aren’t a thing. The game uses passwords. If you’re playing via modern platforms or emulators, their features depend on the platform.
What is the ‘Blood Bonds’ mode mentioned in reviews?
Some versions reference tougher rule sets where the team shares consequences. If you see it in a mode list, treat it as an optional challenge for coordinated squads.