Konami showcased Konami Wai Wai World Craft during its latest Press Start presentation. This title reimagines the 1988 classic Konami Wai Wai World, but instead of following the original's traditional side-scrolling action framework, it shifts toward a UGC platform supporting multiplayer gameplay and level creation.
Konami Wai Wai World Craft was previously announced around last year's Tokyo Game Show. The game will continue to feature a roster of Konami characters, including Simon from Castlevania and Bill from Contra, allowing players to use these characters in user-created levels.
Executive Director Hiroshi Tani stated that players can build upon the existing game by adding their own designs. Creative content includes modifying rules, adding new enemies and gameplay mechanics, as well as adjusting levels and the game world.
The editing tools shown in this demo use a block-based building system, with the showcased content focusing primarily on simple side-scrolling levels. Players can share their creations online and invite friends to play together, marking a clear departure from the original's emphasis on character switching and side-scrolling action.
The original Konami Wai Wai World was released for the Nintendo Famicom in 1988 and never received an NES release outside of Japan. The game's main feature allowed players to rescue characters across different levels; rescued characters could then be played, including figures such as Simon from Castlevania and Mikey from The Goonies.
Konami Wai Wai World Craft is scheduled to launch on PC and mobile platforms with a free-to-play model. Konami has not yet announced a specific release date.