I Wanna Maker Review Summary

Last updated: 2026-03-27
  • Comprehensive level editor with high-quality tools.
  • Abundance of user-generated content and sharing.
  • Enjoyable and well-designed campaign mode.
  • Easy and intuitive controls for gameplay.
  • Poor control scheme causing frustration.
  • High difficulty for beginners and lack of guidance.
I Wanna Maker header

Emotions

Archetypes

What players like:

Common complaints:

Gameplay feedback:

Performance notes:

Recommendations:

Other player notes:

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Review evidence

Why players say this

What players like

High-quality and powerful level editor: The game features a highly praised level editor that is described as powerful, in-depth, and easy to use. Players appreciate its extensive capabilities and intuitive design, making it a standout feature.

Abundance of user-generated content: The game offers a vast array of user-generated levels, providing endless content and diverse gameplay experiences. Players enjoy the creativity and variety brought by the community.

Positive overall game experience: Players generally describe the game as very fun, great, and one of the best games. It is well-received for its overall quality and enjoyment.

Enjoyable and well-designed campaign: The campaign mode is highlighted for its great level design, enjoyable gameplay, and masterful difficulty curve. Players find it well worth the purchase and a significant part of the game's appeal.

Easy and intuitive controls: The game features easy and intuitive controls, making it accessible and easy to operate for a wide range of players.

Common complaints

Poor control scheme: The default controls are widely criticized as being awkward and difficult to use. This includes issues with wall jumping, movement, and the inability to remap controls before the tutorial.

High difficulty for beginners: The game is noted for its steep learning curve and high difficulty, which can be particularly challenging for new players. This includes difficult levels and a lack of sufficient tutorials to help beginners get accustomed to the game mechanics.

Community and content issues: The community and user-generated content are noted for being problematic. This includes the perception of low-quality maps, lack of interaction features, and difficulties in discovering well-received works.

Editor and creation tools: The level editor is criticized for being messy, difficult to use, and lacking in features. Players have noted issues with the complexity of the system and the lack of certain functionalities needed for stage creation.

Performance and optimization issues: The game suffers from various performance issues, including lag, stuttering, and FPS drops. These problems can significantly affect gameplay, especially in more complex levels.

Gameplay and performance

Comprehensive level editor: The game features a robust level editor that allows players to create complex and diverse levels using various block types and design tools. This editor supports the creation of multiple level types, including needle levels, boss fights, adventures, puzzles, and mini-games.

User-generated content and sharing: Players can create and share their own levels online, leading to a wide variety of user-generated content. This feature enhances the game's replayability and community engagement.

Precision platforming gameplay: The game is known for its precision platforming mechanics, offering tight and precise controls that cater to hardcore platformer enthusiasts. It includes Kaizo-style gameplay elements that elevate the difficulty and challenge players.

Campaign and story mode: The campaign or story mode introduces players to various gameplay mechanics and features a difficulty curve that increases as players progress. This mode serves as a tutorial and a showcase of the game's potential.

Inspired by Mario Maker and I Wanna Be The Guy: The game combines elements from Super Mario Maker and I Wanna Be The Guy, offering a unique blend of level creation and challenging gameplay. This inspiration is evident in the level editor and the overall game design.

Performance and lag issues: The game experiences various performance issues, including lag, stutters, short freezes, and constant FPS drops. These problems are particularly noticeable on more complex levels.

FPS-related problems: There is a 50 FPS cap, and the game physics are tied to FPS, causing inconsistencies. Additionally, many players report FPS drops and low frame rates.

Compatibility and optimization: The game runs well under Linux via Proton and does not require a high-end PC. However, it is generally considered unoptimized.

Editor and upload bugs: Players encounter fatal errors in the editor and issues with uploading levels. The game falsely reports lag when trying to upload, preventing the upload process.

Recommendations

Highly recommended game: Many players highly recommend the game, praising its overall quality and enjoyment factor.

Recommended for level editor fans: The game is highly recommended for those who enjoy level editors and creating custom levels.

Recommended for platformer lovers: The game is highly recommended for fans of platform games, suggesting it fits well within the genre.

Recommended for challenge seekers: The game is recommended for those who enjoy difficult games and are looking for a real gameplay challenge.

Play campaign before online: Players recommend starting with the campaign mode before jumping into the online mode for a better experience.

Buying context

Game completion: 30.0h.

Story completion: 16.0h.

Session length: 1.0h.

The game becomes fun when players start creating their own maps using the level editor, despite an initially boring campaign.

Reported time to anchor: 1h.

Friction: boring campaign; community reaction to harder levels.

Unlock drivers: level editor; generous learning curve of the new campaign.

Player profiles

Campaign Newcomer: Starts with the campaign mode, appreciates a gentle learning curve and checkpoints. Motivation: Learning and enjoying the game mechanics. Stance: buy.

Challenge-Seeking Veteran: Seeks out difficult levels, appreciates precise controls and level design. Motivation: Enjoying the challenge and precision of platform jumping. Stance: buy.

Value-Conscious Advocate: Enjoys the game for its quality and recommends it to others. Motivation: Appreciating the value and quality of the game. Stance: buy.