[SMW Hacking] Building a Point‑and‑Click Engine on the SNES Using Sequential Blocks

[SUPER-J11BIT]

0

I’ve been experimenting with a sequential “password block” system in Super Mario World using custom ASM blocks.
Each block increases a RAM counter only if it’s touched in the correct order, and a final door checks the value and automatically triggers the end‑level sequence.

What’s interesting is that this system isn’t just useful for puzzles or passwords.
It can actually serve as the foundation for a full point‑and‑click adventure engine on the SNES.

Why this works like a point‑and‑click system
Each block can represent an “object” or “action”

The RAM counter becomes the game state (inventory, progress flags, dialogue states)
Conditional checks (CMP) allow for sequences, combinations, and branching logic
The final door can be replaced with events, cutscenes, transitions, etc.
With a handful of conditional blocks and a few free RAM addresses, you can build:

branching dialogues
collectible items
puzzles based on sequences or combinations
doors or events that unlock only after certain actions
scripted scenes
even a basic SCUMM‑style interaction system

I’m expanding the system further, but even in its current form it already allows levels to behave more like an adventure game than a platformer.

[Juttar]

1

A Maniac Mansion on the SNES would be nice.

[Nemu]

1

You've made a very good point there. That was my first thought too. Would love that!

[SUPER-J11BIT]

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My Idea for a SNES‑Style Point‑and‑Click Adventure
I’m developing a point‑and‑click adventure designed exactly the way it could have been made on the Super Nintendo back in the ’90s—but with a creative twist that makes it stand out.

A Unique Cursor: Flying Mario
In traditional point‑and‑click games, the cursor is just a simple arrow.
In my version, the cursor is actually Mario flying across the screen.

I use Mario’s flying sprite as the pointer.

I visually disguise him so he behaves like a real cursor.

This means the main character can’t die from clicking the wrong spot, because the cursor isn’t tied to the character’s position.

It’s a fun workaround that turns a technical limitation into a cool feature.

Static Screens Inspired by DUNE (1992)
I remembered the classic game DUNE (1992), which used static screens with transitions between scenes. That sparked the idea for my own structure.

My point‑and‑click games will use the same approach: fixed screens instead of scrolling.

Why this works so well:

Static screens allow for more detailed SNES‑style artwork.

The SNES hardware naturally fits this format.

It creates a more cinematic, story‑driven atmosphere.

What could be a limitation becomes a creative advantage.

A Retro Concept with a Fresh Identity
This project blends:

authentic SNES visuals

classic point‑and‑click mechanics

a character‑cursor hybrid

detailed, handcrafted static environments

It feels nostalgic, but with a twist that makes it completely my own.

Where This Idea Can Go
This concept opens up possibilities like:

intuitive interfaces built around the SNES controller

small but charming animations

simple, accessible gameplay

a world designed scene‑by‑scene, just like the classics

[Juttar]

1

Will the game feature a Mario theme? Or is that just a mistake on my part because of the flying Mario cursor?

[SUPER-J11BIT]

0

Will the game feature a Mario theme? Or is that just a mistake on my part because of the flying Mario cursor?

I’m not planning to make any Mario‑themed games — that’s not something I’m interested in doing. The flying Mario‑style cursor is just a visual coincidence, not a hint about the game’s theme. My first real project will be developing a complete remake of Monkey Island from the ground up.

[Juttar]

2

The flying Mario‑style cursor is just a visual coincidence, not a hint about the game’s theme.

That fits with the Super Nintendo.

My first real project will be developing a complete remake of Monkey Island from the ground up.

Yes, please! Absolutely! 

[SUPER-J11BIT]

0

For example, when I start working on my own Monkey Island game, it won’t look like the first picture, but like the second one. Basically, that’s how I imagine my game.

[Juttar]

0

Static Screens Inspired by DUNE (1992)
I remembered the classic game DUNE (1992), which used static screens with transitions between scenes. That sparked the idea for my own structure.

My point‑and‑click games will use the same approach: fixed screens instead of scrolling.

Why this works so well:

Static screens allow for more detailed SNES‑style artwork.

The SNES hardware naturally fits this format.

It creates a more cinematic, story‑driven atmosphere.

What could be a limitation becomes a creative advantage.

Will there really be no scrolling at all? There is already some scrolling here and there in Monkey Island.

That looks good so far.

[Retro-Nerd]

1

While i share you enthusiasm about making new SNES games you probably shouldn't remake one from an active and protected IP. You could ask for a license in the case of Monkey Island, but i doubt you would get one. This didn't work out well for many others remake projects. Do something similar, with your own ideas. Much safer that way. Disney is very protective, probably even more than Nintendo. 

[SUPER-J11BIT]

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While i share you enthusiasm about making new SNES games you probably shouldn't remake one from an active and protected IP. You could ask for a license in the case of Monkey Island, but i doubt you would get one. This didn't work out well for many others remake projects. Do something similar, with your own ideas. Much safer that way. Disney is very protective, probably even more than Nintendo. 

I totally get your concern. Just to clarify, my projects don’t use titles from existing IPs. My games don’t have names like Monkey Island — they’re identified only by letters and numbers. They’re not remakes or copies, just original ideas inspired by the general style of classic games. No risk of violating any trademarks. 

Also, just to be clear: what I release is only a patch, which is completely useless on its own and doesn’t contain any playable data. It’s not a full ROM. The user still needs to have their own original copy for it to work. That keeps everything fully within copyright rules.

[Juttar]

1

My games don’t have names like Monkey Island — they’re identified only by letters and numbers.

Like "/\/\0|\||<3`/ !514|\||)"?

[SUPER-J11BIT]

0

My games don’t have names like Monkey Island — they’re identified only by letters and numbers.

Like "/\/\0|\||<3`/ !514|\||)"?

SNES ROM HACK ( B - 02 ) 

[Juttar]

0

SNES ROM HACK ( B - 02 ) 

Oh, I see. 

By the way, the leetspeak was just meant as a joke.

[SUPER-J11BIT]

0

Project Update
After running many tests with my sequential‑block system in Super Mario World, I reached a clear conclusion. The SMW engine simply cannot support a full point‑and‑click structure with items, object combinations, or a real inventory. The RAM limitations, the way sprites are handled, and the lack of dynamic object management make a SCUMM‑style system unrealistic.

However, this limitation pushed me toward a direction that fits the SNES hardware much better. While researching alternatives, I revisited the history of Simulmondo, the Italian studio active in the late eighties and early nineties. They produced episodic interactive adventures based on popular comic series like Dylan Dog, Diabolik, and Martin Mystère. Their games relied on static screens, simple interactions, minimal inventory, and a strong focus on atmosphere and storytelling.

This format aligns perfectly with what SMW can actually do. My system already supports scene transitions, dialogue choices, conditional events, and small scripted animations. These are the same building blocks that defined Simulmondo’s interactive adventures. Instead of forcing complex mechanics the engine cannot handle, I can embrace a style that feels authentic to the SNES era and still offers narrative depth.

The new direction is to create a SNES‑style interactive adventure inspired by Simulmondo’s structure. It will feature static backgrounds, simple choices, branching events, and a strong atmosphere without relying on an inventory system. This approach keeps the project technically feasible while preserving the charm and storytelling potential I wanted from the beginning.

[Juttar]

1

While researching alternatives, I revisited the history of Simulmondo, the Italian studio active in the late eighties and early nineties. They produced episodic interactive adventures based on popular comic series like Dylan Dog, Diabolik, and Martin Mystère.

I know them.



Besides, a friend of mine is currently trying his hand at programming on the Mega Drive. I even went out of my way to download Kega Fusion for my Windows 10 computer specifically for his test programs.

[SUPER-J11BIT]

0

My goal is to create a full Monkey Island remake, but shorter, while keeping the spirit of the original intact. For the character close‑ups, I’ll use the Special Edition graphics so the dialogues will look more expressive and easier to read.

The overall style will be a mix between Dune and Simulmondo’s Diabolik games—very narrative, cinematic, and without intrusive interfaces.

There won’t be a traditional inventory: any items you pick up will simply be added in order and used automatically when needed, thanks to SMW’s sequential blocks. For example, you won’t be able to find the treasure without defeating Carla first. It’s hard to explain in words, but once you play it, everything will be perfectly clear.