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Storks and Apes and Crocodiles

Super Mario World Hacks → Storks and Apes and Crocodiles

Submission Details

Name: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles
Author: Morsel
Added:
Version History: View
Demo: No
Hall of Fame: No
Length: 17 exit(s)
Type: Kaizo: Expert
Description: Dear victim,

In the process of making this hack, I have come to hate it. I hope you, gentle player, will come to feel the same way. There is no overworld to this hack (automatic saving), simply 17 + 1 levels of bullshit from a sadist. The hack is directly inspired by the Luigi's Adventure lost levels and incidentally inspired by the Hyper Mario World special worlds, and so occupies the border territory between very hard and kaizo, depending on whether you view kaizo as a genre or a difficulty, or just think it's a Japanese magazine. There are few if any of the traditional kaizo traps (invisible blocks, post-goal deaths), or techniques (shell-jumping), but the expectation that the level be played in a strict way, and the certain necessity for trial and error or familiarity with the course lay-out, lead me to feel the classification I've given it (kaizo light) is accurate. I hope you have fun.

Love, morsel.

v1.14
In an access of merciful feeling, this version prevents the slow slope speed in pertinent levels, makes the fishin' lakitu better behaved and changes the platform room in the castle to its rng castle squared equivalent.

v1.13
This post-seppuku update fixes the two game crashes in stage 5. I also raised a ceiling in room 3 of Motor Skills.

v1.12
I apologise for updating this again, but in the last update "-Stage 13: fixed a sparky so he doesn't despawn," I used red spikes which are empty tiles instead of kill ones, creating an accidental softlock. This is the absolute final version--rather than update this again, I will commit seppuku.

v1.11
"I shouldn't have to update this again." When I said this, a nasty little god laughed. Hence "stabilised max sliding speed"--this was well motivated but completely idiotic; not sure how to fix it without breaking other things, so it has now been reverted to normal. Also forgot these changes:
-Stage 13: fixed a sparky so he doesn't despawn.
-Stage 15: in boss, set layer 2 to interact with sprites.

Version 1.10
I wanted to update the hack as there was a bug in stage 10 whereby the p-switch occasionally wouldn't spawn. I still don't know what causes this, but I put in some code to take account of it happening. I took the opportunity to go over the hack and fix some other things, viz.:
-Stage 1: stabilised max sliding speed (to $30, instead of values between $2F and $31). This also applies to other stages with sliding obstacles (stage 2, stage 12, some stage 17 sublevels).
-Stage 3: made one jump easier and added a hint for a blind thing.
-Stage 5: fixed the part where you can go under everything.
-Stage 9: made football player kick consistently.
-Stage 10: fixed disappearing p-switch bug.
-Stage 12: changed music.
-Stage 13: changed music and palette for second half. Everyone seems to find the second half pretty hard so I made it more lenient. Also disabled the killing of thwomps and thwimps with blocks (it is unreliable and confusing).
-Stage 14: made the first half more streamlined to reduce potential waiting.
-Stage 16: fixed the jump where you can skip one of the disco ball obstables.
-Stage 17: changed boss music.
-Motor Skills: fixed beginning of room 4; made first hit of boss more consistent; fixed final hit of boss so you need to be standing on ground for it to count.
There are miscellaneous other changes for small graphical anomalies and text box messages. I shouldn't have to update this again.

v1.06
Thanks to linkdeadx2 playing this hack, we have:
Changes
-stabilised position of hammer bro. in level 3
-forced collection of star in level 4
Not changed
-while you can double hit switches in level 6, by aiming for the centre of the switch, you can reliably not do so; there is code in a later level preventing double hitting when you can not reliably avoid it.
Tags: asm exgfx music story
Comments: 35 (jump to comments)
Rating:
5.0 (4 ratings)
No rating
Download 739.89 KiB | 1,975 downloads

Screenshots

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Comments (35)

ThomasStormFlame Link
This hack caught me by surprised. At first, I was impressed by how flashy it looked, but then negative thoughts started to creep in. However, now that I actually played the whole thing and beat it, it's safe to say this is one of my favorite hacks of all time. It's very impressive, especially for it's time. The music selection is god tier, the platforming is flashy and a lot of fun and the aesthetics are stunning to look at.

However, Storks isn't without flaws, though they're all things you've probably heard before.
RNG castle is insanely frustrating on a first play with no savestate practice,
at times the music is awful, some obstacles are just insanely cryptic, puzzly and/or extremely tight for no reason, and there is a fair bit of jank, with instances such as wall clips,
the disappearing donut block in the dolphin level for no apparent reason, the on/off switch hallway in the Yoshi level just to name a few.
Otherwise, this is an easy recommendation to anyone who has enough skill and knowledge. 9/10
Azula16 Link
Now I will commit seppuku for never checking for updates.
 Pokemon Hacker Link
Phenomenal romhack, but I'm sad that there's no overworld 😕
Kimota Link
I downloaded this hack in 2019 on the first post-seppuku update, and today I have beaten it. What a ride. For a square peg like me, it's hard to process the sheer volume of creativity in this hack. Evaluating Storks in the context of the other kaizos of 2017, none looked and sounded as good, and none pushed the boundaries of the genre to the same degree. Parts of Storks frustrated for sure, but considering how wild some of the obstacles are, it plays remarkably consistently. The player does tend to make steady, if slow, progress. I don't make bold claims myself, but if someone else declared Storks "the best" kaizo hack, it would be hard to object. Certainly, other contenders to the title (like Invictus) wouldn't exist without it. 5/5
 Heraga Link
Wow Morsel you've been on a roll, this is like your third new hack this year.
rextep Link
Originally posted by lolyoshi
still haven't beat stage 17 and hopefully I will before I hit the grave

maybe go back to akogare, casual??
lolyoshi Link
still haven't beat stage 17 and hopefully I will before I hit the grave
rocksteadyDRIP Link
Downloading now. 10/10 on description alone.
Darkanine Link
My constant whining about the slope speed and fire room koopas pays off. Thank you, merciful creator! I shan't forget this.
SethOsDotEXE From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
Amazing hack.
This hack is both extremely fun and difficult. Every level is fair while still being incredibly tough, and very satisfying when you beat each challenge.

RNG castle is probably the hardest level I have ever played, with an incredible boss fight.

Good work Morsel.
PhexaWint From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
Fun as hell
Stiverson From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
Hands down one of the greatest kaizo hacks I've played. Unbelievably technical and difficult, but incredibly creative and fun throughout. I genuinely enjoyed every level of this hack, although some require incredibly awkward inputs if you are using an original sfc/snes controller and have fat thumbs like me(ropes level and room4 motorskills). Highly recommend for top level players!
marathonx From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
I'm nearly done with Motor Skills so I think I can finally give a review.

If you like games that are equally beautiful as they are well designed, play this game.
If you like obstacles that are both challenging and rewarding, play this game.
If you're the type of person who likes getting kicked in the nuts and then says "Thank you sir, I would like another," play this game.

Storks and Apes and Crocodiles is in my top 3 hacks of all time (if not my favorite) - it's fun, aesthetically pleasing, extremely challenging, and incredibly rewarding to play. The levels are unique, and nothing is legitimately frustrating about the game - you are more likely to get mad at yourself rather than the obstacles.

Absolutely wonderful work, you owe it to yourself to play this game.

10/10 would stork again.
Glackum From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
A fixed masterpiece. This hack shows respect for gaming and everything. It's as if the creator was passionate about the whole thing. Hopefully this is not the last one, because thank god if it isn’t.

Like I said to Linkdeadx2, placing this hack in the 5/5 bin, where hacks like this and people like you belong.
requiredyump From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
Storks and Apes and Crocodiles is a superb kaizo hack and video game. This is a very difficult game, but it is so well made, so unique, and so much fun that if you are up to the challenge, it is in your best interest to accept it!
Dode From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
This is one of the most innovative hacks I've ever played. It's packed with balanced levels of fun and suffering, has creative obstacles in addition to great aesthetics, and the tight platforming is very unique. I will ensure that my first playthrough is not my last, and I look forward to your other works. I didn't encounter anything that needs fixed, so hopefully this will be the last update.

Pls no second seppuku.
HammerBrother From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
How do I solve this puzzle level?:


Edit: solution
  1. Enter the bottom pipe leading to the room with the roulette item and become cape Mario
  2. Leave the room, and enter the pipe to the right in the hub room. Grab the blue shell and leave.
  3. Head to the left pipe leading to a room with many koopa troopas (3 at the top), give the yellow koopa the blue shell, then as soon as it enters its shell, knock it with the cape spin.
  4. You should be holding an upsidedown blue shell with a koopa inside of it. Take it over the red ? block (over baby yoshi), wait until the koopa in the shell “unstun” itself, and time the drop so that the blue shell gets eaten by baby yoshi while the blue koopa (transformed from yellow to blue) leaves and kicks the yellow shell into the turn block, and subsequently the on/off switch


That level features unnecessary items/enemies or allowed multiple strategies in order to finish the level, this includes the blue throw block that can be avoided using cape Mario, and the 2 extra koopas in the left room that have 3 koopas. This is very strange as most kaizo hacks have strictly one solution of a given obstacle.
GbreezeSunset From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
morsel that was the best post I've ever read
Morsel Author From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
dear boris

i was horrified to read in your review of the troubles you had with this hack. however, when i watched one of your videos i noticed that the wrong music was playing and the midpoints were saving to sram or something, which made the game much less of a sadistically difficult experience than it ought to be. i fear, whatever you thought you were playing, it was not my hack; perhaps you picked up a copy of that notorious bootleg, chinese storks and apes and crocodiles. please re-download the hack from this page and try playing it again.

questioning your commitment to masochism but with much love and big kisses,

morsel
 Atari2.0 From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
great hack, spent 79 hours beating it. My favourite level would motorskills, the least favourite, probably ropes.
 BeeKaay From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
I played this hack in exchange for Linkdeadx2 playing Hyper 6. It wasn't worth it.

The aesthetics are very nice and a lot of the level design is quite creative. There were even a few fun levels, such as the first castle (level 5) and the cape level (level 8).

Some levels had the potential to be fun, but were ultimately ruined by "that one obstacle" which was disproportionately and unnecessarily awkward and difficult. Sometimes it's at the beginning of the level (e.g. the first jump in the game). Other times, it's right before a checkpoint or goal (e.g. the slope munchers in level 2), which devolves into a mind-numbing loop of playing the entire section just to have a shot at the obstacle, then dying to it.

Some levels are completely irredeemable, such as the rope level (level 11). Others are just too long (e.g. both halves of level 17).

There were also obstacles throughout the hack which required extremely awkward inputs seemingly for no other reason than to be awkward and mess with a Super Mario World player's muscle memory. Levels 11, 12, and 18 were littered with these.

All in all, this was the most unpleasant video game experience I've ever had. You mentioned in the hack description that you hoped players would come to hate this hack, and at this you excelled.

Love, BeeKaay.
SofaKB From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
How in the world is this a Kaizo:Light lmao?
bolop700 From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
Innovative, challenging, and rewarding levels.
This is my favorite SMW hack.

5/5
ft029 From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
@mikaelsza https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBkx5XZ9zU0
mikaelsza From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
I would like to know the name of the song in the first phase.
juzcook From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
This has become one of my favourite hacks. The latest update removed all but one frustrating element (looking at you, Yoshi level on/off switches). Great work, Morsel!
cozy duck From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
With inspiration like that, what could possibly go wrong?

5 stars & no seppuku please!
 Linkdeadx2 From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
Awesome hack! High difficulty but the retry system definitely makes up for it. I would highly recommend to any skilled kaizo players looking for fun and a great challenge. The updates have only improved the game quality.

Difficulty Rating: 5/5
Enjoyment: 5/5

No Seppuku
ft029 From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
no seppuku please
ft029 From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
welp I wish I took the update before I had to listen to stage 12's music. (I'm curious what it is now. Don't really want to play the whole thing again to listen)
 Linkdeadx2 From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
Awesome hack! High difficulty but the retry system definitely makes up for it. I would highly recommend to any skilled kaizo players looking for fun and a great challenge. The updates have only improved the game quality.

Difficulty Rating: 5/5
Enjoyment: 5/5
Yoshi Tunnel: 3/5 :P
 Linkdeadx2 From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
This has officially become my favorite kaizo hack. The difficulty was high but the instant retry made everything bearable. Great music and aesthetics overall. 10/10 for me.
ft029 From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
I have only played 4 levels so far, but they have been extremely fun. Only complaint is that the first half of level 3 was several times more difficult than anything else so far.
GbreezeSunset From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
Still working on level 1, will post results when I finish in 5 years

also if you use savestates you're banned
 Katerpie From older version: Storks and Apes and Crocodiles Link
I have come to hate this piece of hack. It's extremely bullshit to beat.


Now in all seriousness, what a blast! Definitely typical of your usual design style, and man, the difficulty really reaches its peak most of the time, although it can still be classified as Kaizo: Light. I like how inspired you were by hacks such as Luigi's Adventure and VIP 5 to develop this. I had a lot of trouble with very few levels, especially the ghost house. It took me like almost 2 days to figure out the solution, and I came up with one that may or may not be the gist of it. And the level that comes afterwards was pretty uncreative overall since all you had to do is to fly, but that's just my honest opinion.
Also, I see how your KLDC 2016 level is in there, RIP