Building DamN64: LLM-Assisted N64 Development (vieux.fr)

In a recent project, the developer created DamN64, an isometric 2D, two-player game for the Nintendo 64, during the N64brew Game Jam. This development cycle saw a significant integration of large language models (LLMs) throughout the entire process—engine code, gameplay logic, tooling, and asset assembly—highlighting their potential as valuable assistants in constrained environments. The project pushed the boundaries of N64 development by incorporating sophisticated features such as a dynamic split-screen camera while emphasizing efficient coding practices due to the console's limited resources. The experimental use of LLMs with tools like OpenAI Codex and Anthropic Claude culminated in improved iteration speeds, allowing the developer to focus on nuanced gameplay elements instead of boilerplate code. By treating the LLMs as augmented junior engineers informed by previous codebases, the developer successfully navigated the challenges posed by the N64's unique architecture. This approach underscored a critical insight: while LLMs are not infallible drop-in solutions, their contextual applications can significantly optimize workflows and enhance creative development in retro game design.