Line #1 Main/FanGame


1	Sometimes fans love a property so much that they end up making {{derivative works}}. One such type is the fan {{video game}}.
2
3	A fan video game, or "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fangame fan game]]" for short, is technically any type of game made by fans, for fans. In the context of this article, however, it is a game that is made completely (or near-completely) from the ground up. This contrasts it with a GameMod, which uses an existing game as its basis. Unlike an UnlicensedGame, these games are [[FreewareGames rarely sold for profit]].
4
5	Fan games are prone to {{Troubled Production}}s and are oftentimes {{vaporware}}. In contrast with just modding a game, making an original title can just be too much work for fans (especially since [[DoingItForTheArt there is no profit in it]]). Other times, a [[FanworkBan cease-and-desist]] from the content owner puts an end to the project.
6
7	Contrast with GameMod and can overlap with FanRemake, FanSequel, and VideoGameDemake. See also ''VideoGame/{{MUGEN}}'', ''[=OpenBOR=]'' and UsefulNotes/RPGMaker, [[GameMaker video game engines]] that are used to make their own fan games for {{Fighting Game}}s, BeatEmUp and {{RPG}}s respectively.
8	----
9	!!Examples:
10
11	[[foldercontrol]]
12
13	[[folder: Based on Anime & Manga ]]
14	* ''VideoGame/GriefSyndrome'' is a BeatEmUp based on the anime ''Anime/PuellaMagiMadokaMagica''.
15	* ''VideoGame/YourBizarreAdventure'' is a ''Platform/{{Roblox}}''-based RPG/fighting game hybrid based on ''Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure''.
16	[[/folder]]
17
18	[[folder: Based on Live-Action Films ]]
19	* ''VideoGame/TheRoomTheGame'' turns ''Film/TheRoom2003'' into a 2D Top-Down Adventure-Style game.
20	* ''VideoGame/TerrordromeTheGameRiseOfTheBoogeymen'' is a big IntercontinuityCrossover between many of the famous monsters of movies, all made in {{CGI}}. Just like ''MLP: Fighting Is Magic'', the game has been closed various times because of [[ScrewedByTheLawyers cease-and-desist clauses]], but eventually was recreated in other {{fighting game}} engines like ''VideoGame/{{MUGEN}}'' and ''Fighter Maker 2000'' by ripping their sprites and sounds to be remade under those engines.
21	[[/folder]]
22
23	[[folder: Based on Literature ]]
24	* ''VideoGame/WarriorCatsUntoldTales'' is a WideOpenSandbox based off the ''Literature/WarriorCats'' series which allows you to become a Clan cat (or rogue or kittypet, if you prefer), hunt, and explore. The game was later revamped into the commercial game ''VideoGame/{{Cattails}}''.
25	[[/folder]]
26
27	[[folder: Based on Live-Action TV Series ]]
28	* ''VideoGame/TheBabylonProject'' is a [[SimulationGame space combat flight simulator]] based on ''Series/BabylonFive'', using the open-source ''VideoGame/FreeSpace2'' engine.
29	[[/folder]]
30
31	[[folder: Based on Toys ]]
32	* ''VideoGame/BionicleTheMasksOfPower'' ([[https://jojordan2.wixsite.com/bioniclemasksofpower here's the homepage]]) is an in-progress ''Toys/{{Bionicle}}'' fan-game recreating the 2001 saga and boasting an extensive re-creation of the island of Mata Nui.
33	** ''Masks of Power'' [[DuelingWorks isn't]] the only one of its kind. ''VideoGame/BionicleQuestForMataNui'' has been in development for over six years and even got [[ApprovalOfGod approval from LEGO themselves!]]. They've also gotten Tony Wedgwood, the narrator for the majority of the G1 commercials, to do some voice work for the project.
34	[[/folder]]
35
36	[[folder: Based on Video Games ]]
37	* ''VideoGame/AbobosBigAdventure'' gives ADayInTheLimelight to the eponymous GiantMook from ''VideoGame/DoubleDragon'', having him fight through a huge mashup of UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem goodness.
38	* ''Torotribution'' is an upcoming ''VideoGame/CaveStory'' fangame where you play as Alex, a childhood friend of Toroko whose goal is to revive his lost mimiga friend with the help of Balrog's cousin, all through graverobbing and other shenanigans...
39	* ''Chrono Trigger Resurrection'' (later renamed ''Chrono Resurrection'') was to be a full-3D remake of ''VideoGame/ChronoTrigger'', until it was C&D'd away (a few years later, Creator/SquareEnix would publish the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS port).
40	* ''VideoGame/CrashBandicoot'': ''VideoGame/CrashBandicootCrystalsWrath'' is a ''Crash Bandicoot'' fan game that has been stuck in DevelopmentHell for a while. It's been in development since 2013 but has been restarted several times. It was originally fully 3D ala ''VideoGame/CrashTwinsanity'' but is now TwoAndAHalfD like the original ''Crash'' trilogy.
41	* ''VideoGame/DarkSoulsNightfall'', a fan sequel to ''VideoGame/DarkSouls'' developed by an alumni of popular Souls modders. Features an extensive combat system, a very dynamic game world (with timers and a day and night cycle inspired by ''Majora's Mask''), fully voiced NPC's, new bosses and enemies built from the ground up, a twisted and dark version of the first game's map, and a new story centered around the concept of exploring the Age of Dark for the first time in the series.
42	* ''VideoGame/DayOfTheTentacle'' has a FanSequel known as ''[[https://returnofthetentacle.de/en Return of the Tentacle]]'' that has been in DevelopmentHell since 2004. The prologue to it [[https://catmic.itch.io/return-of-the-tentacle was finally released in 2018]], and the rest of the game is still in the works.
43	* ''FGORPG'', formally known as ''GBAFGO: FATE/GRAND ORDER for GAMEBOY ADVANCED'' is an upcoming ''[[VideoGame/PokemonRubyAndSapphire Pokémon Emerald]]'' romhack of ''VideoGame/FateGrandOrder'', with Servants as Pokémon, with three Servants at once like ''Fate/Grand Order''.
44	* ''Franchise/FiveNightsAtFreddys'': [[FanWorks/FiveNightsAtFreddys Has its own page.]]
45	* ''VideoGame/{{Gradius}}'':
46	** ''[[https://suppon.itch.io/spolous Spolous]]'' is a ''Gradius'' game in all but trademarks, featuring its signature power-up meter, a variety of weapon loudouts, and a lot of stages inspired by the source material. Unlike most ''Gradius'' games, this one doesn't have respawn checkpoints, but your Options only fire regular shots.
47	** ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cYPd7stp2c Universe]]''[[note]]Look for the files that begin with "グラディウス風STG【UNIVERSE】"[[/note]] is more explicit in its referencing, taking the assets from the games themselves. It features noticably more intensive enemy patterns and attacks, but also features various conveniences like a rear-shot button and dying not completely de-powering your ship.
48	* ''VideoGame/HoloCure'' is a ''VideoGame/VampireSurvivors'' fan game based on the VirtualYouTuber group WebAnimation/{{hololive}}, with the English groups -Myth-, -Council-, and Project: HOPE as the initial roster. Later updates are planned to include the Japan and Indonesian talents.
49	* ''VisualNovel/LoveIsStrange'' is a {{romance\|Game}} VisualNovel based on ''VideoGame/LifeIsStrange''.
50	* ''Franchise/MegaMan'' is [[FanWorks/MegaMan no slouch in the fan-game department, either]]. Expect to see a lot of SailorEarth Robot Masters:
51	** ''VideoGame/HardHat'' is a series of fangames based on ''VideoGame/MegaManClassic'' series.
52	** ''VideoGame/RokkoChan'' is a Rule63 example.
53	** ''VideoGame/MegaManADayInTheLimelight'', where Robot Masters take the place of the Blue Bomber.
54	* ''VideoGame/MonkeyIsland2LeChucksRevenge'' has a fan remake/Affectionate parody ''VideoGame/MI2LeChucksRevenge'', which also references ''Film/MissionImpossibleII'' and tons of other pop culture media from the 1990s and early 2000s.
55	* ''VisualNovel/YourAffection'' is a {{romance\|Game}} VisualNovel that serves as a sequel to ''VideoGame/Persona4''.
56	* ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'': While most fan games from this franchise are ROM hacks, ''VideoGame/PokemonUranium'' took 9 years to make in UsefulNotes/RPGMaker, and it features a whole new region with 100+ new {{mons}}. Unfortunately, it was taken down to avoid copyright claims.
57	* ''VideoGame/PowerBomberman'', a ''VideoGame/{{Bomberman}}'' fan-game with an emphasis on perfecting the series' Battle Mode.
58	* ''VideoGame/{{Rayman}}'' [[https://raymanpc.com/wiki/en/List_of_notable_Rayman_fangames has list of some fangames made by different developers]].
59	* ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil'':
60	** ''VideoGame/ResidentEvilDuringTheStorm'': A prequel to ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil2'' and ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil3Nemesis.'' Puts you in the shoes of Kevin Ryman and several other police officers during the siege of the R.P.D. and forces you to make [[StoryBranching several critical decisions]] over the course of the story.
61	** ''VideoGame/ResidentEvilREVisited'': A prequel to [[VideoGame/ResidentEvil1 the first game]] that puts you in the shoes of [[Literature/ResidentEvil Trent]], an Umbrella agent dispatched to the Spencer Estate after communications with the Mansion Lab cease.
62	* ''VideoGame/RhythmHeaven'':
63	** ''VideoGame/KaratekaMania'' is a RhythmGame based on the Karate Man minigames.
64	** ''VideoGame/PolyrhythmMania'' is a RhythmGame based on the Polyrhythm and Built to Scale games.
65	** ''Bouncy Road Mania'' is an extension of the Bouncy Road minigame.
66	* ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog'':
67	** ''VideoGame/FreedomPlanet'' was first conceived as one of these before being retooled into an original story.
68	** ''Project AXSX'' refers to a [[DevelopmentHell long-running]] attempt to recreate the famous cancelled ''Sonic'' game ''VideoGame/SonicXTreme''. It is one of various attempts but is the most well-known.
69	** ''VideoGame/SonicUtopia'' is an in-development fan game from a ''Sonic'' fan who doesn't like how Sega does 3D ''Sonic''. It features Sonic's classic design and attempts to emulate the original games' charm with an open-world 3D twist.
70	** ''VideoGame/SonicAges'' is a hand-drawn sidescroller styled after the classic games.
71	** ''VideoGame/SonicStudio'' is a Mega Drive-style game where players can build their own ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' levels. All the sprites are built from the ground-up.
72	** ''VideoGame/SonicOmens'' is an episodic fan-game with cutscenes and full voice acting. It's a 3D game using the Boosy gameplay.
73	** ''VideoGame/SonicRoboBlast2'' is a 3D Classic Sonic game made in the ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'' Engine. It itself also spawned two mods that could classify as full fangames in their own right running on its engine, those ''VideoGame/SonicRoboBlast2Kart'' and ''VideoGame/SonicRoboBlast2Persona''.
74	** There is the famous "Sonic.exe" {{creepypasta}}, in which the players control Tails, Knuckles, and Eggman (in that order) and get murdered by a demonic-looking Sonic each time.
75	* ''Franchise/SpyroTheDragon'':
76	** ''Spyro: Myths Awaken'' was a game based off of the original ''Franchise/SpyroTheDragon'' trilogy. It was originally conceived as ''Spyro 4'' before being renamed. ''Myth Awakens'' had a {{retraux}} style similar to the [=PS1=] games. The game was cancelled after it received a cease-and-desist. It was turned into ''VideoGame/ZeraMythsAwaken'', starring a new protagonist.
77	** ''VideoGame/Spyro2SpringSavanna'' is a fan {{interquel}} between the [[VideoGame/Spyro2RiptosRage second]] and [[VideoGame/SpyroYearOfTheDragon third]] games that is in development. It [[{{retraux}} emulates the style]] of the games as well. The game creates a spring-based home world to go with the summer, autumn, and winter ones in the original ''Spyro 2''.
78	** ''VideoGame/SpyroMortasMayhem'' is a fan game in development. It allows you to play various characters such as Spyro, Flame, Ember, and Cynder.
79	%% * ''VideoGame/StarFoxEventHorizon''
80	* ''Franchise/StarWars: VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic'' has ''VideoGame/TheJediMasters'', a full-conversion GameMod for ''VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublicIITheSithLords'' that seeks to [[FixFic create a more satisfying conclusion]] to the trilogy than the [[CharacterDerailment controversial]] ''VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic''.
81	* ''VideoGame/StoryOfSeasons'':
82	** ''VideoGame/StardewValley'' started life as a ''Harvest Moon'' fan-game before becoming a SpiritualSuccessor instead.
83	** ''VideoGame/HarvestMoonMeadowOfDreams'' is an attempt at making a fan-game using fan feedback. It includes things people want in ''VideoGame/HarvestMoon'', such as a GayOption.
84	* ''VideoGame/SugarySpire'' is an upcoming fanmade candy-themed RoleSwapAU fangame of ''VideoGame/PizzaTower''.
85	* There are several ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'' fan games made in MediaNotes/AdobeFlash and other game engines. [[FanWorks/SuperMarioBros Here's a full list.]] Prominent examples include:
86	** ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBrosCrossover'' sees several UsefulNotes/{{NES}} stars playing through recreations of ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros1'', ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBrosSpecial'', and ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBrosTheLostLevels'',
87	** ''Super Mario Fusion'' was a ''Franchise/{{Mario}}'' fan game with a focus on Mario and friends adventuring through the {{Real World\|Episode}}, with assets from ''VideoGame/MetalSlug'' and ''VideoGame/{{Halo}}'' as a basis. Eventually, other developers began adding [[MassivelyMultiplayerCrossover more content and playable characters from other games,]] such as [[Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog Sonic, Tails,]] [[VideoGame/MegaManClassic Roll,]] [[VideoGame/GhostsNGoblins Arthur,]] and many more, eventually renaming the project ''VideoGame/MushroomKingdomFusion''. Unfortunately, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR_etUlYSOE a number of factors led to the project's cancellation]]. The original head developer went on to make ''VideoGame/SuperMarioFusionRevival'' with intent to {{revisit\|ingTheRoots}} the initial concept.
88	** ''VideoGame/Mari0'' is ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros1'' with a VideoGame/{{Portal}} Gun.
89	** ''VideoGame/PsychoWaluigi'' aims to fill the demand for a starring role for everyone's favorite AdvertisedExtra.
90	* ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'':
91	** The ''VideoGame/SuperSmashFlash'' series, ''[[SurprisinglyImprovedSequel Super Smash Flash 2]]'' in particular, is an unofficial ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' installment made entirely in Adobe Flash.
92	** ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosCrusade'' does something similar to the above.
93	* Due to the 10+ year SequelGap between ''VideoGame/TheGreatGianaSisters'' and ''VideoGame/GianaSistersDS'', the ''VideoGame/GianaSisters'' series has had several fan-games:
94	** ''Giana's Return'' is a FanSequel that began development in 1998 and ended development in 2004. A different coder restarted the game but almost had to quit because [[VideoGame/GianaSistersDS an official sequel]] was coming out; ''Giana's Return'' was allowed to continue as long as it was freeware. The last patch for the game was released in 2014.
95	** ''Giana Madness'' is a cancelled 3D fan game.
96	** ''Mario & Giana Adventure'' is a 3D crossover between ''Giana Sisters'' and ''Super Mario Bros''.
97	** ''Giana Worlds'' is a 1999 FanSequel to the original game. It has a cancelled sequel called ''Giana Worlds 2''.
98	* ''VideoGame/TheMansion'' is a game based off of ''VideoGame/ClockTower''.
99	* ''Franchise/TouhouProject'' has [[https://en.touhouwiki.net/wiki/Fangames an enormous amount of fangames]] for a game made by a single person, ranging from simple Flash games to shoot'em ups to RPGS to actual console games.
100	* ''VideoGame/{{Undertale}}'' has MANY, ranging from one-off battles to full-blown games. The ones with pages on this wiki include:
101	** ''VideoGame/{{Dusttale}}'': A game based on the Dusttale AU, in which Sans can remember resets and goes AxCrazy from hundreds of Genocide runs committed by the VillainProtagonist.
102	** ''VideoGame/TSUnderswap'': An upcoming game with an original take on a popular fan RoleSwapAU. It's been in development in 2016 and had a demo released in December 2020.
103	** ''VideoGame/UndertaleLastBreath'': Another game based on the Genocide run, in which a certain EasterEgg character works together with the route's FinalBoss to try to stop the VillainProtagonist.
104	** ''VideoGame/UndertalePapyrussBelief'': A game based on the FandomSpecificPlot known as "Disbelief," which takes a spin on it by having Papyrus be unfazed by the death and destruction caused by the player during a Genocide Route instead of being [[BreakTheCutie completely broken]] by it.
105	** ''VideoGame/UndertaleRed'': A battle against an OriginalCharacter, a Royal Guard member named Red, with multiple "routes" you can choose from and MultipleEndings. Notably turned Red into a RecurringFanonCharacter.
106	** ''VideoGame/UndertaleYellow'': A prequel where you play as [[OriginalCharacter Clover]], who is DoomedByCanon. Had been in development in 2016 with a demo released that same year and released in Dec 2023.
107	[[/folder]]
108
109	[[folder: Based on Visual Novels ]]
110	* ''VideoGame/CorpseParty'' has had alot:
111	** ''VideoGame/CorpsePartyZero''
112	** ''VisualNovel/CorpsePartyCrossFear''
113	** ''VisualNovel/CorpsePartyIf''
114	** ''VisualNovel/CorpsePartyD2DepthsOfDespair''
115	** ''VisualNovel/CorpsePartyD2FatalOperation''
116	* ''Franchise/{{Danganronpa}}'':
117	** LINUJ's ''Danganronpa Another'' series are fan-made ''Franchise/{{Danganronpa}}'' games that take place in their own universe. There are two games, ''VisualNovel/DanganronpaAnother'' and ''VisualNovel/SuperDanganronpaAnother2''.
118	** ''VisualNovel/ProjectEdensGarden'' is similarily based on ''Franchise/{{Danganronpa}}'', though in American setting instead of a Japanese one.
119	** ''VisualNovel/AceAttorneyUltimateJustice'' is an in-progress {{crossover}} placing the ''Danganronpa'' cast within the ''Franchise/AceAttorney'' universe.
120	* ''Higurashi Daybreak'' started out as a fan-made first-person shooter based on ''VisualNovel/HigurashiWhenTheyCry''. It was eventually [[AscendedFanon canonized]] and remade.
121	* ''VideoGame/KatawaCrash'' is a Flash game loosely based on ''VisualNovel/KatawaShoujo''.
122	* ''VisualNovel/HomecomingMorenatsuRevisited'' is a fan-made continuation of ''VisualNovel/{{Morenatsu}}'', which intends to remake, expand, and finish the story after the latter was cancelled.
123	[[/folder]]
124
125	[[folder: Based on Web Originals ]]
126	* ''VideoGame/TheBossAJacksepticeyeFanGame'' is a fan-game based off of the Platform/{{Youtube}}r WebVideo/JackSepticEye.
127	** ''VideoGame/TheBossIsNothing'' is its {{DLC}}.
128	** ''VideoGame/GlitchInTheSystem'' is its sequel.
129	* ''VideoGame/LittleRunmoTheGame'' is a fan game based on ''WebAnimation/LittleRunmo''.
130	* ''WebAnimation/{{RWBY}}'':
131	** ''VisualNovel/SummerRoseCourt'' is a {{visual novel}} based off of ''WebAnimation/{{RWBY}}''.
132	** ''VideoGame/RWBYGrimmEclipse'' started out as a fan-game but partway through development it was licensed.
133	[[/folder]]
134
135	[[folder: Based on Western Animation ]]
136	* ''VideoGame/CallOfGruty'' is a mobile ThirdPersonShooter game based on a meme originating from the ''Franchise/DespicableMe'' fanbase.
137	* Nick Kalmar developed a ''WesternAnimation/CatsDontDance'' homage game, with help from artist Shelley Pleger and sprite builder Reggie, among others. It's a simple platform jumper with an occasional hazard to throw snowballs at. It's available as freeware from the fan site [[http://cdd4ever.com]] under the Fun Stuff tab.
138	* ''VideoGame/DoodleBobAndTheMagicPencil'' is an action-platformer game based on the ''[[WesternAnimation/SpongeBobSquarePants SpongeBob SquarePants]]'' episode, "[[https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Recap/SpongeBobSquarePantsS2E14WelcomeToTheChumBucketFrankendoodle Frankendoodle]]".
139	* ''VideoGame/EggsForBart'' is a horror game based on ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'' and a line from ''WebVideo/GameGrumps''.
140	* ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'':
141	** Up until its [[ScrewedByTheLawyers cease-and-desist]]. ''VideoGame/MyLittlePonyFightingIsMagic'' was a game based on ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic.'' After the [=CnD=], Creator/LaurenFaust joined the Mane 6 team and helped to retool the project, which eventually became known as ''VideoGame/ThemsFightinHerds''.
142	** ''VisualNovel/StarswirlAcademy'' was originally a romance visual novel based off of ''Friendship is Magic'' where you can date [[MoeAnthropomorphism humanized versions]] of the Mane Six. Creator/{{Hasbro}} forced the characters to be name changed, however their designs and personalities were not, resulting in a cast full of CaptainErsatz. Even the characters initials are the same.
143	** ''VideoGame/StoryOfTheBlanks'' is an 8-bit horror game where Apple Bloom stumbles into the Everfree Forest.
144	* ''VideoGame/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtlesRescuePalooza'' is a fan game of''WesternAnimation/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles1987'' that pays homage to the {{Licensed Game}}s of the cartoon developed by Creator/{{Konami}}.
145	* ''VideoGame/MrKrabsOverdosesOnKetamine'' is a dark parody of ''WesternAnimation/SpongeBobSquarePants '' where [[CrossesTheLineTwice Mr. Krabs is a ketamine addict.]]
146	* ''VideoGame/{{IFSCL}}'' is a simulation game by Alexis Foletto, a.k.a. Immudelki or Immu, based on the supercomputer from ''WesternAnimation/CodeLyoko''.
147
148	[[/folder]]
149
150	[[folder: Miscellaneous Examples]]
151	* ''VideoGame/AIDungeon2'' allows anyone to make a fan TextAdventure game thanks to the use of custom user-generated scenarios. In particular, there are quite a many ''Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure'' scenarios that get uploaded onto the site daily.
152	* ''{{VideoGame/Edelweiss}}'' is a DatingSim set in the universe of the grand strategy game ''{{VideoGame/Hearts of Iron IV}}'' mod ''{{VideoGame/Kaiserreich Legacy Of The Weltkrieg}}''. No, we are not making that up.
153	[[/folder]]
154

Context Main / FanGame