FROM BELOW - A Real NES Game!
PREORDERS NOW CLOSED!
Preorders for physical versions of From Below (NES) and From Below Pocket (GB) have ended (October 2023). Thanks to everyone who purchased a copy! The game is still available as a digital ROM, here on itch.io!
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Keyboard Controls:
A: X or Alt Key B: Z or Ctrl Key Start: Enter Key Select: Space Bar or Shift Key D-Pad: Arrow Keys or WASD
Now with GAMEPAD support, right in your browser!
The Kraken cometh...
From the deepest trenches of the ocean, the Kraken has come to lay waste to your city!
The archers have slung every arrow.
The burning tar has run dry.
Every piece of military weaponry has been dispatch.
And yet... the Kraken moves forward, climbing the towering walls of your seaside fortress.
With no ammunition left, the city itself moves from a barricade, to a weapon!
The stones of the walls are broken off, and hurdled down at hideous creature. And it just might be enough to
slow it down till morning, when surely help will arrive...
---
FROM BELOW is a falling block puzzle game featuring:
- Soft Drops
- Hard Drops
- Wall Kicks
- T-Spins
- Lock Delay
- 3 modes of play:
Kraken Battle Mode
The signature mode of FROM BELOW. Battle the Kraken by clear lines across the onslaught of attacking Kraken Tentacles. The Tentacles push more blocks onto the screen every few seconds, forcing to act quickly, and strategize on an every changing board.
Classic Mode
The classic block falling mechanics you know and love without any new gimicks. Modernize for 2020, with Hard Drops, Lock Delay, and more, making this (hopefully) the best feeling puzzle game on the NES!
Turn Based Kraken Battle Mode
Similar to "Kraken Battle Mode", but instead of the Kraken attacking every few seconds, it advances its tentacle every time you drop a piece. Make every move count, as this move favors slow, deliberate play!
And now... Introducing Vs. From Below!
For the first time in 30 years, there is a new game for the Nintendo Vs. Arcade Systems: Vs. From Below!
You can learn more at http://vs.frombelowgame.com/ are download the ROMs below.
The Team
Created by:
Matt Hughson (https://x.com/matthughson)
Music and Sound FX:
Tui (https://x.com/Tui2A03)
Art:
Haller Zoltan (https://forums.nesdev.org/viewtopic.php?t=13144)
Box Art and Manual:
Dejah Payne (https://dejahpayne.com/)
Download
Install instructions
I have provided an embedded emulator at the top of this page to play the game in your browser. This is not recommended, as the emulator is not very accurate. However, its there if you want to just quickly check out the game.
The best way to play the game is to download this ROM file.
Once downloaded, it can be run in a free NES Emulator (like Messen or on real hardware with an EverDrive or similar).
Vs. From Below:
From Below has now been ported to the Nintendo Vs. System! You can download the eproms for flashing your arcade hardware in the zip title "VS SYSTEM [version number].
This ZIP also contains an emulator compatible version of the Vs. game, if you wish to just play it that way.
Development log
- Last Chance to Purchase!Oct 16, 2023
- From Below Cartridges on Sale Now for a Limited Time!Sep 19, 2023
- From Below Physical on Sale Thursday 9AM PTOct 28, 2021
- From Below Playable on Mobile in BrowserSep 30, 2021
- From Below Final 50 Copies Coming Soon!Aug 24, 2021
- Gamepad Support in Web PlayerApr 21, 2021
- VS System - Beta 0.10.0 CRITICAL FIXJan 14, 2021
- VS System - Beta 0.10.0Jan 14, 2021
Comments
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this is definitely, the best looking, the best sounding and the best feeling puzzle NES game ive played
a simple concept and yet so original
i would say its even more fun than the last modern tetris games ive played
and i really love the fantasy artstyle of this games
it really makes it feel a bit like the 80s
and the music is SO GOOD, it makes me feel so happy and its so sticky
umm sorry if i talked a bit too much but the point is i love this game :D
Thanks for taking the time to let me know! I'm glad you liked it so much!
I featured this game as one of the first 3 NES games added to HOUDINI's curated selection of indie games, modern classics if you will. https://erikhoudini.com/the_crypt/arcade/
Thanks so much!
This is so great! I've been loving playing this on my Miyoo Mini+. I want to get the GB version too! Great game!
a very nice game with a very cool soundtrack
do you plan on releasing the soundtrack anywhere or no
Thanks! The soundtrack comes with the Game Boy version of the game if you'd like to get the soundtrack and help support the game.
From Below Pocket by Matt Hughson (NES Dev) (itch.io)
Fun game! Nice work, Matt.
Thanks!
Just released an achievement pack for this game. It's at: https://retroachievements.org/game/20038 , for anyone interested.
Kudos to the developer for this fantastic game!
that's awesome 👌 thanks for sharing!
I've discovered datomatic as resource for roms, and noticed that the hash values do not match
https://datomatic.no-intro.org/index.php?page=show_record&s=45&n=3375https://datomatic.no-intro.org/index.php?page=show_record&s=45&n=4835
The root cause is that apparently, the nes 2.0 header is used when hashing the rom files instead of the original iNes header.
Is there any disadvantage making an official release with the never, better (and from what I've read) retrocompatible nes 2.0 header?
Also the vs version has a much nicer menu compared to the "normal" version, but unfortunately it is not possible to disable the hard drop :(
Otherwise great game!
Is there any disadvantage making an official release with the never, better (and from what I've read) retrocompatible nes 2.0 header?
I don't think the hash difference is related to the ines header. I think it's the filename that is "From Below (USA) (Aftermarket) (Unl).nes". When I changed the file name to match that, the hashes match.
but unfortunately it is not possible to disable the hard drop
It would be very easy to hack the game to disable harddrop, but yes, there is no in-game way to disable it. I can't remember the details, but I believe I had players test it extensively on authentic hardware, and unintentional UP presses on the joystick were non-existent (however, obviously that doesn't matter if you're playing in an emulator).
Hi
Hash values are based on content alone, the filename does not have any importance. Thus renaming the file has no effect. On the contrary, any difference in content will produce a different hash (collision excluded)
The crc32 values I have after downloading the files are
from_below_2020_09_16_v_1_0_0.nes -> crc32: 8ce49adb from_below_vs_2021_01_13_v_0_10_0.nes -> crc32: d1616b88
After manually patching the header with the one described in the database, for example with
printf ‘\x4e\x45\x53\x1a\02\x01\x0a\x09\x00\x00\x50\x00\x00\x02\x00\x04’ | dd of=from_below_vs_2021_01_13_v_0_10_0.nes bs=1 seek=0 count=16 conv=notrunc
I get the values reported in the database
from_below_2020_09_16_v_1_0_0.nes -> crc32: 86e935b2 from_below_vs_2021_01_13_v_0_10_0.nes -> crc32: f0232955
Sorry about that, I think I had my files mixed up and was getting a false positive.
So looking at the header settings in that database, they did more than just set the rom to ines2. They also set 2 additional settings in the header (looking at the NES version, not VS):
NES Database:
4E 45 53 1A 02 01 00 08 00 00 00 00 02 00 00 01
ROM switched to ines 2:
4E 45 53 1A 02 01 00 08 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
The "08" means ines2 format. That is all that I would expect to change.
The "02" means "VS PPU Type = RP2C04-0001"
The "01" means "Default input type = Standard Controllers"
I'm not sure why the database has those changes. To me the correct thing to do is update the database to accurately reflect the actual released ROM. To me the actual ROM should be the source of truth. What do you think?
I would have also expected that the hashes would be of the original image, instead of the image with the newer header (https://forum.no-intro.org/viewtopic.php?t=6772).
Which is why I was asking if there where any drawbacks in using the newer format, which seem to be preferred in some environments.
From https://www.nesdev.org/wiki/NES_2.0 I see that the header is backward compatible and provides some new features.
Great gameplay and a banging soundtrack!!
Thanks for playing! Music is by Tui if you're interested.
i really like the pause theme
It's funny you call that out, as it was pitched as "elevator music" when we were working on it (if I remember correctly). Music is by Tui if you're interested.
what is the trigger attack?
If you are playing mode with the Kraken (eg. not "Classic"), the SELECT button will trigger the Kraken to advance it's tentacle up one block right away, rather than waiting for the usual time.
This is often useful when the Kraken's movement will be advantageous to the player (eg. filling a gap).
congrats on a wonderful game Matt :)
Thanks!
Omg this is the First time i liked Terris! Because like every other Tetris games are boring but this game? THIS GAME KEEP ME HYPE UP SINCE THE BEGINING OF TIME AND SPACE BRO This game is FIRE 🔥.
Woah, retroactively hyping you up to the beginning of time!? I'm glad you're enjoying it! Keep your eyes open for From Below Pocket, an upcoming Game Boy port that adds multiplayer!
Mutliplayer?! I will ruin my friendship with my friend 💀
I have been jamming this on my NES , so great. Really good job!!! I think I find this more fun than any other game of this type :
Awesome! Thats the goal! Keep an eye out for an upcoming physical release...
Another great Tetris Clone for the nes and luckily unlike the latest official Tetris for the NES (hardware clone not endorsed by Nintendo but is by The Tetris Company, which leaves the game in a weird area of does a rom that is said to work on the NES count as an official game it the company that holds the rights to it signs off but the makers of the original console do not?) was released for many different ways, for free no less! A must download for Tetris Fans.
hello =) could you clarify which version you mean is "the latest official Tetris for the NES (hardware clone not endorsed by Nintendo but is by The Tetris Company" ? thank you!
The version exclusive to the go retro handheld console, which is a portable famiclone
Here I am in 2022 playing this game on a Blackberry Q10 with a real keyboard (via retroarch). You have just replaced my favourite tetris version of all time that I play almost daily (Tetris 2 + Bombliss NES Japan excusive).
"From below" has just the right mix of modern tetris rotation system with the DAS precision of classic tetris.
This paired with the charming retro graphics is just an irresistible combo.
Only slight anoyiance is the speed up music when you have a high stack. This is a classic design i could personally do without :-)
Thanks for making this precious gem of a game.
Wow, thank you so much for the kind words!
https://indieoyun.org/from-below/
I’ve been following your game before. However, today we had the chance to add it to our site. Your game is excellent.
Thank you for covering the game! It's coming to Game Boy soon too!
Hi.
We are already looking forward to it.
Brilliant game sir.
Here is my tribute to it...
Thanks for covering the game
Great game!
Thanks!
this is an absolute masterpiece!
10/10
Graphics are amazing!
Gameplay is super cool!
Would recommend :)
Kind words. Thanks!
I LOVE THIS GAME! Please make more cartridges!
https://youtu.be/UX6w2ZRLaw4
-Ducky!
Thanks for checking out the game, and sharing it with your viewers!
I heard about this game for the first time today! I wish I could have supported it. I'm looking forward to whatever you do next!
Thanks! Check out http://www.witchnwiz.com for my next game!
very good
Thanks!
Awesome game ! A game really made with love. Thanks.
Thanks for playing!
This is an awesome game! I've always loved stuff like tetris, but imo never liked the feel (music, colors) of it, so this is just straight up awesome!
Thanks! That's really cool to hear!
If I had the time and money I'd totally buy the Vs. System Arcade Cabinet. Great job!
Yah same 😄
Grats!
Definitely the best feeling Tetris clone I've played. Coming from NES Tetris, the amount of piece slide time makes me misdrop pieces when I load DAS, but hard dropping somewhat alleviates that. I'm totally loving this game. Awesome music too. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a physical copy.
Thanks for your kind words! I'm glad you could enjoy it! I spent a lot of time talking with classic Tetris players to make sure it was something people coming from that world could enjoy.
If you are interested in the physical cart, I'd highly recommend signing up for the mailing list. The first batch sold out in minutes, and I expect the final batch to do the same:
https://mailchi.mp/7c4c11bb4480/from-below-mailing-list
I'm gonna be honest, its an amazing game and all, but my one complaint is there isn't a way to manually set controls for it. I might be wrong but I think that would be a great addition to be absolutely perfect. other than that, best variant ever!
What control settings would you like to see? Usually that kind of thing is just done in the emulator.
I'd like to suggest the option of swapping the rotation buttons (ie: key x = A and key z = B) just an option to toggle that sort of thing or like WASD & arrow keys. just a thought
Oh, you are talking about the Web version! Yes, the A & B are actually backwards. I'll see if I can add some additional options!
Alright, I've updated the web emulator to add some additional key options (see hint section just below the emulator). I don't have time to do a full on user customization option, but hopefully this works better for you!
Thanks for the feedback!
well done! absolutely beautiful
I just added gamepad support too :D
I'm getting Tetris vibes... JK I tried to make a clone of Tetris before and it is
H A R D
What do I do with the .nes file
Download an NES Emulator and load the nes file in there. I'd recommend FCEUX. It's free.
this looks awesome. the playable browser thing doesn’t work for me. Safari Mac
Oh I need to remove that. It's not playable in browser atm!
Thanks for the heads up!
you’re welcome. also the game is really fun and looks amazing. definitely the best Tetris-alike on the NES
A fun little game. Loved the music.
Cool tetris clone(no ofense, this is cool spin on tetris)
None taken. Glad you enjoyed it!
What I don't like is that after hard drop it is not possible to move the figure left right. I am very used to that from other tetris games
I did actually implement that but took it out because I don't like how it feels. I get some people like it though.
Yes, if you make more nes games I would actually fucking buy them also how can I give you my money
And I will accept your money, sir.
How much money, begging, and/or soul-selling is required to get a physical copy at this point? Wondering if I should take out a loan.
Still 50 more copies to sell at some point but likely not any time soon. I check eBay here and there out of curiosity but none for sale yet.
I only kept 1 for myself.
Good to know, thank you! I'll be eagerly keeping an eye out for that email update on the final 50 then.
did you write this is 6502 assembly from scratch? if not what tool/framework did you use?
Its a mix of C and assembly (but mostly C), written from "scratch". I wrote about it in detail here if you are interested:
http://www.matthughson.com/2020/12/07/from-completely-in-the-dark-to-complete-in...
thank you!
Really fun game the music is super cool!
Thanks. Music is by Tui of you want to check out his other stuff.
Thank you for this. Great Tetris variant.
Thanks for playing!
Merry Christmas and thanks for freely sharing your game! But how do you start Vs. From Below? I don't have a PC to run Mesen, just an Android device. It boots up just fine in every NES emulator I've tried. But no button presses, or combination of button presses will insert coins or start the game. If I don't press anything, it eventually goes into running a demonstration. But as soon as I press a key, it bounces me back to the title screen. I've tried with the touch interface and a gamepad. Help would be appreciated.
It depends on the emulator. It needs to provide a way to insert coins (or change dip switches for free play mode)
I'm starting to think I might enable Free Play by default in the next version of the game. Might make it a bit easier for people like yourself.
That'd be an awesome move 👍
it's on by default now!