GameMaker Studio stands out as one of the most captivating tools in the gaming market. With its intuitive interface, you can craft your very own game and embark on your own adventure. While it's commonly used for simpler platformers, the sheer joy and excitement you'll experience while playing are nothing short of astonishing. And the best part? You're not limited to a specific genre—you can even create your own dating sim if you so desire. Plus, GameMaker Studio allows you to develop titles for various platforms, whether it's Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, or any other platform you fancy!

In a world where time is limited and the number of games you can play is finite, it's crucial to prioritize gameplay and quality over flashy visuals or subscriber counts. Instead of chasing after the next big AAA title, why not indulge in some browser-like games that promise pure, unadulterated fun?

We've all been there—anticipating the release of the latest Call of Duty or Battlefield, only to be left feeling underwhelmed by the final product. But fear not! In this article, we'll showcase games that were crafted with true passion and dedication. From the cream of the crop to the hidden gems, we've got it all laid out for you. So, without further ado, let's dive into a world of unforgettable gaming experiences!

Let’s start by explaining what exactly GameMaker Studio is. As you can probably guess, it’s a gaming engine you can use to create games. Created by YoYo Games, it’s a powerful tool that can be used by professionals and amateurs alike. It’s a simple drag-and-drop interface that is extremely easy to operate using a scripting language called GameMaker Language – GML.

There are a lot of tools there for you to utilize, allowing you to create characters, levels, and even whole gaming mechanisms. This engine is not only for textures; you can also implement some physics and create even more complex titles.

You may think that this is something for the most basic games, but the richness of resources that this service provides you with is quite impressive. If you can think outside of the box, you will be able to create a fantastic title even as a professional. From simple puzzle titles through RPGs with a wide variety of experiences, to even some story-based action games – you can do a lot with it. Let’s see what it looks like in practice!

• Developer: Dennaton

• Release date: March 2012

• Meta Score: 85

• Platforms:  Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Stadia

Starting with probably the most popular games made with GameMaker Studios – Hotline Miami! It’s deep, it’s dark, and – it’s 2D. It’s a Twin-Stick shooter style! Set in 1980s Miami, this game is all about the feel. You are a likable anti-hero who suddenly receives a pretty weird phone call. As it turns out – you will need to murder dozens of them to get through the day, and there are a couple of guys with a pretty problematic face.

It’s a rogue-like made with style. Every level is full of enemies brimming with rage and violence. You have the melee weapons to beat them up, shoot them with guns, or even take the environmental approach. It’s a fantastic homage to the games from the past, and with GameMaker – it looks even better than whatever you could experience back in the day.

The game is not easy, though; let us tell you, you will have some problems going through myriads of enemies without taking a hit, especially because a single shot may get you murdered. So, be sure to make the most out of the situation you’re in; duck and shoot, as you are pretty vulnerable.

Everything is, of course, created with style! The synth-wave soundtrack, the intensity, the ability to immerse yourself in this title, it’s really something else!

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• Developer: Tales of Game's Studios

• Release date: January 2008

• Meta Score: N/D

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X

Next up, we have Barkley, Shut Up And Jam: Gaiden. This freeware title offers a unique spin on basketball that you never knew you needed. Prepare for a wonderfully bizarre adventure that makes JoJo's journey look like a walk in the park.

The plot of Barkley, Shut Up And Jam: Gaiden is just as wild as its title suggests. In a world ravaged by apocalypse, Charles Barkley unleashes the devastating Chaos Dunk—a move so powerful it results in casualties. As chaos ensues, and another Chaos Dunk claims lives in Manhattan, Barkley finds himself framed and has to clear his name. Uncover the truth behind these catastrophic events and confront those responsible for the Chaos Dunks!

As you can imagine, it’s a silly game, but what fun can you have with it? Developers used to say it’s an unofficial sequel to Space Jam (Lebron’s abomination has not dropped yet), and we cannot agree more. Let’s face it, when you have the Chaos Dunk on your side, what else can you even do?

When it comes to gameplay, Barkley, Shut Up And Jam: Gaiden offers a blend of platforming and dialogue that hits the mark—nothing too groundbreaking, yet nothing lacking either. In crafting this masterpiece, it's clear that the developers knew exactly what they were doing. In our book, it's a sequel done right, even if it's never been officially acknowledged as such.

• Developer: Lateralis Heavy Industries, Lateralis

• Release date: April 2023

• Meta Score: 81

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows

Another exciting title you can find in the GameMaker Studio arsenal is OTXO. If you liked Hotline Miami, you will surely enjoy this one. OTXO is Hotline Miami on steroids if you add some roguelike elements to it and even more exciting boss fights.

As it was inspired by both Hotline Miami and the John Wick series, it seems to be a game that is perfect for all the mayhem-causing enthusiasts. You are fighting your way through a supernatural mansion as you search for your love trapped inside the building. It’s a romantic story at heart and bloodshed at the same time. You have a great arsenal to use against the enemies on your way, but the main one – Focus, is something else. It allows you to manipulate and reduce time to your advantage in combat. Additionally, there are about one hundred abilities you can get in the game by drinking different beverages, so it’s a great game that seems to never get old! If you like 2D shooters, this one is right up your alley!

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• Developer: Askiisoft

• Release date: April 2019

• Meta Score: 83

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X

Next up we have Katana Zero, a game that is all about Katana-wielding and the different combos you can do with it. In our opinion, if you’re a Katana enthusiast, you just can’t miss out on this one. In this game, you are a katana-wielding assassin with one thing in mind – finish the level and perform the optimal number of combos. To do so, fight your way through laser-shooting mobs, who are more than happy to get their heads cut off with your slow-mo attacks.

Who are you? It’s a mystery, but what is not unknown is just how good this game is. If 2D Prince of Persia was a dream come true for you, then this one can be better! At least for a while.

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• Developer: Heart Machine

• Release date: March 2016

• Meta Score: 84

• Platforms: PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One

The next game on our list is the amazing Hyper Light Drifter. And let us tell you, this is a game that you can truly see the potential of the GameMaker Studio. It was designed with such attention to detail that if you squint your eyes, you will see a little bit of Zelda here and there. And that is saying something.

The game does everything to trick you into thinking that it’s 3D, and it does it in a spectacular fashion. It’s an exhilarating experience that you will remember for a long time. It’s a fairy-like platformer game with fast action and intense difficulty. Let us warn you – if you were waiting for some kind of easy-breezy game, this is definitely not it. You need to dodge fast and dodge a lot, as there are plenty of enemies coming your way at all times. Be ready for them and get the best out of your situation. As – you will not have many left if you’re not careful!

• Developer: Toby Fox

• Release date: September 2015

• Meta Score: 92

• Platforms: PS4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Switch, PC

Next up, we have the Undertale, a game that became an underground sensation over the internet some time ago. No one knows what is spreading this title’s popularity, but one thing is clear: someone is doing that on purpose.

The game is astonishing regarding visuals and charming type of play. It’s an RPG of sorts, with a lot of heart! For example, most conflicts can be resolved without shedding a single blood cell, and the creators actually encourage you not to kill any beasts coming your way.

People are talking about sequels all day, and let us tell you – we are all waiting for it. Definitely one of the more advanced games on our list.

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• Developer: Vlambeer

• Release date: December 2015

• Meta Score: 89

• Platforms: Linux , PC , PS3 , PS4 , Xbox One , PS Vita , macOS

Last but not least, we have Nuclear Throne—while it may not be particularly nuclear nor a throne, it's a game that will haunt your dreams with its relentless difficulty and non-stop action. Prepare yourself for an intense roguelike experience that will push your skills to the limit.

There are essentially two modes in this game – single-player and a local co-op. So, you can either decide to go through this hell alone or make someone else be miserable with you. Of course – in the best way possible.

There are 12 characters that you can control through randomly generated levels, and every one of them has a different feel to it. At the end of it all is the final boss, aka Nuclear Throne, who is all about not dying, so you can start begging for help right now.

After each run, you will get an increased difficulty, so you can challenge yourself again and again.

It’s a stylish game with a lot of heart and definitely a lot of second chances. With its captivating gameplay and thrilling challenges, we're all aboard this adrenaline-fueled journey. So, what are you waiting for? Join us and experience the excitement for yourself!

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When it comes to game development – it’s their second nature. GameMaker Studio is something that democratized the gaming world. At least when it comes to cool indie games, everyone loves to play every now and then. On this list, we have provided you with the very best, in our opinion, that you will have fun in, no matter your preferences. There are a bunch of titles that we missed out on, for sure, but those were chosen with heart.

Thank you so much for stopping by! If you liked this list, make sure to check out other ones on our site. We have a lot of those for you to explore, not only in the GameMaker department. Additionally, we have some great prices awaiting for you, so check those out as well. That would be it for today, and we will see you in the next one!