Varminal - a Mario & Luigi-like Indie RPG!
@animalrpgdev.bsky.social
Varminal is an indie rpg game inspired by the Mario & Luigi series, developed by Sleep Deprived Games. Follow us for updates on the game's development!
https://discord.gg/EBkqrbrruS
Support us on Ko-Fi for extra content!
https://ko-fi.com/animalrpgdev
https://discord.gg/EBkqrbrruS
Support us on Ko-Fi for extra content!
https://ko-fi.com/animalrpgdev
Pinned
Varminal Progress Update # 3 - Overworld moves, level design & more!
YouTube video by Varminal
youtu.be
New Varminal devlog is live! 🎮✨
We show off our new 3D level editor, overworld AI improvements, enemy behaviors, battle transitions, and new moves! We’ve officially caught up to - and passed - our old engine progress!
#gamedev #JRPG #marioandluigi
youtu.be/kZb0AlkqyfU
We show off our new 3D level editor, overworld AI improvements, enemy behaviors, battle transitions, and new moves! We’ve officially caught up to - and passed - our old engine progress!
#gamedev #JRPG #marioandluigi
youtu.be/kZb0AlkqyfU
Continuing onward with our main cast, here is some information on Plink, the robot accompanying Tara and Vyn on their adventure, and Nova, his eccentric creator!
January 16, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Continuing onward with our main cast, here is some information on Plink, the robot accompanying Tara and Vyn on their adventure, and Nova, his eccentric creator!
With development moving smoother than ever, it’s time for us to finally introduce the main cast of Varminal!
Keep in mind the story is still being developed so some information may be subject to change, nevertheless... here is some info about our main heroes, Tara and Vyn!
Keep in mind the story is still being developed so some information may be subject to change, nevertheless... here is some info about our main heroes, Tara and Vyn!
January 8, 2026 at 11:06 PM
With development moving smoother than ever, it’s time for us to finally introduce the main cast of Varminal!
Keep in mind the story is still being developed so some information may be subject to change, nevertheless... here is some info about our main heroes, Tara and Vyn!
Keep in mind the story is still being developed so some information may be subject to change, nevertheless... here is some info about our main heroes, Tara and Vyn!
New Varminal devlog is live! 🎮✨
We show off our new 3D level editor, overworld AI improvements, enemy behaviors, battle transitions, and new moves! We’ve officially caught up to - and passed - our old engine progress!
#gamedev #JRPG #marioandluigi
youtu.be/kZb0AlkqyfU
We show off our new 3D level editor, overworld AI improvements, enemy behaviors, battle transitions, and new moves! We’ve officially caught up to - and passed - our old engine progress!
#gamedev #JRPG #marioandluigi
youtu.be/kZb0AlkqyfU
Varminal Progress Update # 3 - Overworld moves, level design & more!
YouTube video by Varminal
youtu.be
January 5, 2026 at 3:54 PM
New Varminal devlog is live! 🎮✨
We show off our new 3D level editor, overworld AI improvements, enemy behaviors, battle transitions, and new moves! We’ve officially caught up to - and passed - our old engine progress!
#gamedev #JRPG #marioandluigi
youtu.be/kZb0AlkqyfU
We show off our new 3D level editor, overworld AI improvements, enemy behaviors, battle transitions, and new moves! We’ve officially caught up to - and passed - our old engine progress!
#gamedev #JRPG #marioandluigi
youtu.be/kZb0AlkqyfU
Check out our new Overworld HUD! Pretty cool looking, right?
We're definitely going to further tweak the animations and polish it all up later, but what matters now is another core component of the gameplay is already implemented - we're moving at a great pace!
youtu.be/SCEzPu4iqhk
We're definitely going to further tweak the animations and polish it all up later, but what matters now is another core component of the gameplay is already implemented - we're moving at a great pace!
youtu.be/SCEzPu4iqhk
Weekly Progress Update # 2 - NEW HUD!
YouTube video by Varminal
youtu.be
November 15, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Check out our new Overworld HUD! Pretty cool looking, right?
We're definitely going to further tweak the animations and polish it all up later, but what matters now is another core component of the gameplay is already implemented - we're moving at a great pace!
youtu.be/SCEzPu4iqhk
We're definitely going to further tweak the animations and polish it all up later, but what matters now is another core component of the gameplay is already implemented - we're moving at a great pace!
youtu.be/SCEzPu4iqhk
The first WEEKLY Varminal Update is here! 🎉
We're switching from Game Maker to @godotengine.org for easier 3D world handling, as well as implemented character switching (like in Superstar Saga!)
We're also happy to announce our new Lead Programmer joining us - Eezstreet!
youtu.be/4Ed4FTJ8gic
We're switching from Game Maker to @godotengine.org for easier 3D world handling, as well as implemented character switching (like in Superstar Saga!)
We're also happy to announce our new Lead Programmer joining us - Eezstreet!
youtu.be/4Ed4FTJ8gic
Varminal Progress Update - WE'RE SWITCHING ENGINES!
YouTube video by Varminal
youtu.be
November 8, 2025 at 10:41 PM
The first WEEKLY Varminal Update is here! 🎉
We're switching from Game Maker to @godotengine.org for easier 3D world handling, as well as implemented character switching (like in Superstar Saga!)
We're also happy to announce our new Lead Programmer joining us - Eezstreet!
youtu.be/4Ed4FTJ8gic
We're switching from Game Maker to @godotengine.org for easier 3D world handling, as well as implemented character switching (like in Superstar Saga!)
We're also happy to announce our new Lead Programmer joining us - Eezstreet!
youtu.be/4Ed4FTJ8gic
Reposted by Varminal - a Mario & Luigi-like Indie RPG!
This is Kero Quest 64!
Join Kero on a quest to stop the Prince from spreading evil Shards across the Kingdom! Coming 2026!
Join Kero on a quest to stop the Prince from spreading evil Shards across the Kingdom! Coming 2026!
October 14, 2025 at 6:06 PM
This is Kero Quest 64!
Join Kero on a quest to stop the Prince from spreading evil Shards across the Kingdom! Coming 2026!
Join Kero on a quest to stop the Prince from spreading evil Shards across the Kingdom! Coming 2026!
📢Development Update!📢
Another part of the battle system is finished - finally, all the death & revive animations are completed! This time, instead of a generic crystal, a special rejuvenating balm is the item needed to wake your friend back up.
Another part of the battle system is finished - finally, all the death & revive animations are completed! This time, instead of a generic crystal, a special rejuvenating balm is the item needed to wake your friend back up.
September 21, 2025 at 5:38 PM
📢Development Update!📢
Another part of the battle system is finished - finally, all the death & revive animations are completed! This time, instead of a generic crystal, a special rejuvenating balm is the item needed to wake your friend back up.
Another part of the battle system is finished - finally, all the death & revive animations are completed! This time, instead of a generic crystal, a special rejuvenating balm is the item needed to wake your friend back up.
We hit 600 followers on bsky!! Thanks so much to everyone who believes in this project, we're gonna keep at it and hope we can make you all proud!
September 3, 2025 at 6:46 AM
We hit 600 followers on bsky!! Thanks so much to everyone who believes in this project, we're gonna keep at it and hope we can make you all proud!
We're finally back in action! And with a new bit of progress: enemies can now be hit on the overworld, and the battle transitions have a little jingle leading into the battle theme! There's also one if you're the one that gets hit, but we'll let you discover that one yourself in the game.
August 30, 2025 at 11:04 PM
We're finally back in action! And with a new bit of progress: enemies can now be hit on the overworld, and the battle transitions have a little jingle leading into the battle theme! There's also one if you're the one that gets hit, but we'll let you discover that one yourself in the game.
Reposted by Varminal - a Mario & Luigi-like Indie RPG!
Random-ish enemy formations!
August 25, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Random-ish enemy formations!
Thanks to the help of our incredible discord community, Tara and Vyn now have their own little spot in Wplace!
If you'd like to come and add anything in the space that's available, go to wplace.live?lat=35.97238... and add in your own Varminal doodles around our big mural!
If you'd like to come and add anything in the space that's available, go to wplace.live?lat=35.97238... and add in your own Varminal doodles around our big mural!
August 21, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Thanks to the help of our incredible discord community, Tara and Vyn now have their own little spot in Wplace!
If you'd like to come and add anything in the space that's available, go to wplace.live?lat=35.97238... and add in your own Varminal doodles around our big mural!
If you'd like to come and add anything in the space that's available, go to wplace.live?lat=35.97238... and add in your own Varminal doodles around our big mural!
Another bit of progress, getting poisoned and all animations accompanying that are implemented again. As well as different portraits and health icons to match! Little touches we hope will give more charm to the UI.
#indiegame #indiedev #indiegames #jrpg #rpg #marioandluigi #mario #devlog
#indiegame #indiedev #indiegames #jrpg #rpg #marioandluigi #mario #devlog
July 6, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Another bit of progress, getting poisoned and all animations accompanying that are implemented again. As well as different portraits and health icons to match! Little touches we hope will give more charm to the UI.
#indiegame #indiedev #indiegames #jrpg #rpg #marioandluigi #mario #devlog
#indiegame #indiedev #indiegames #jrpg #rpg #marioandluigi #mario #devlog
In between us adding and re-implementing other animations and features, we finished both characters' item using animations. Now they can throw them to each other, just like before, and also have a new animation for drinking stuff! Just to add that little bit of extra charm.
#indiegame #rpg #indiedev
#indiegame #rpg #indiedev
June 29, 2025 at 8:57 PM
In between us adding and re-implementing other animations and features, we finished both characters' item using animations. Now they can throw them to each other, just like before, and also have a new animation for drinking stuff! Just to add that little bit of extra charm.
#indiegame #rpg #indiedev
#indiegame #rpg #indiedev
Tara's Jump counter has been re-implemented as well, but now with new animations! In the old beta, we just reused the regular jump sprites, but Paro wanted to go the extra mile, and we think it was worth it - stomping the enemies feels more satisfying than ever! #indiegame #marioandluigi #indiedev
June 21, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Tara's Jump counter has been re-implemented as well, but now with new animations! In the old beta, we just reused the regular jump sprites, but Paro wanted to go the extra mile, and we think it was worth it - stomping the enemies feels more satisfying than ever! #indiegame #marioandluigi #indiedev
Next on the list, the Goouls! Complete with new sprites and slightly better attack tells! (missing a few sfx for now) As well as a much nicer test background courtesy of @gardy102.bsky.social !
We keep getting closer to re-implementing everything the old demo had, but now looking SO much better!
We keep getting closer to re-implementing everything the old demo had, but now looking SO much better!
June 14, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Next on the list, the Goouls! Complete with new sprites and slightly better attack tells! (missing a few sfx for now) As well as a much nicer test background courtesy of @gardy102.bsky.social !
We keep getting closer to re-implementing everything the old demo had, but now looking SO much better!
We keep getting closer to re-implementing everything the old demo had, but now looking SO much better!
Reposted by Varminal - a Mario & Luigi-like Indie RPG!
Items are usable yet again! Complete with a new, more expressive and fluid animation. We're getting closer and closer to getting back where we were with the old battle system... but now with so much more style and charm! #Varminal #Indiegame #Indiedev
June 1, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Items are usable yet again! Complete with a new, more expressive and fluid animation. We're getting closer and closer to getting back where we were with the old battle system... but now with so much more style and charm! #Varminal #Indiegame #Indiedev
With a new art style and more skill on the team, we were finally able to finally make the menus according to the first concept behind them - now Plink displays every option, not just the move icons! A small diegetic touch to tie UI and the game world a little. #varminal #indiegames #indiedev
May 4, 2025 at 2:30 AM
With a new art style and more skill on the team, we were finally able to finally make the menus according to the first concept behind them - now Plink displays every option, not just the move icons! A small diegetic touch to tie UI and the game world a little. #varminal #indiegames #indiedev
April 18, 2025 at 10:06 PM
With the base overworld mechanics close to being fully implemented, we're ready to finally start revamping the battle system as well! Here's a look at some new animations, new UI, and new.. well, everything!
(though the background is currently just a placeholder.)
[🔊Sound on!]
(though the background is currently just a placeholder.)
[🔊Sound on!]
April 12, 2025 at 8:33 PM
With the base overworld mechanics close to being fully implemented, we're ready to finally start revamping the battle system as well! Here's a look at some new animations, new UI, and new.. well, everything!
(though the background is currently just a placeholder.)
[🔊Sound on!]
(though the background is currently just a placeholder.)
[🔊Sound on!]
Another move has been fully implemented! As we've said earlier, as the replacement for Mario & Luigi's bros. moves, Plink will transform into various tools for our heroes to use on the overworld. Here's the first one you'll receive in this game - the Plinkoline!
April 5, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Another move has been fully implemented! As we've said earlier, as the replacement for Mario & Luigi's bros. moves, Plink will transform into various tools for our heroes to use on the overworld. Here's the first one you'll receive in this game - the Plinkoline!
Reposted by Varminal - a Mario & Luigi-like Indie RPG!
Got the critical hits back in! Originally inspired by the flashiness of critical attacks in Fire Emblem and SMBZ
March 31, 2025 at 4:04 AM
Got the critical hits back in! Originally inspired by the flashiness of critical attacks in Fire Emblem and SMBZ
Reposted by Varminal - a Mario & Luigi-like Indie RPG!
Was scrolling though our old assets for the older battle demo and found the recording i made for an unfinished boss fight, sadd
March 29, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Was scrolling though our old assets for the older battle demo and found the recording i made for an unfinished boss fight, sadd
Reposted by Varminal - a Mario & Luigi-like Indie RPG!
Fanart Friday!!
Today’s fanart, @animalrpgdev.bsky.social !!
I absolutely adore how this game looks so far, I can’t wait for the full release!!
#Varminal #fanartfriday #furryart
Today’s fanart, @animalrpgdev.bsky.social !!
I absolutely adore how this game looks so far, I can’t wait for the full release!!
#Varminal #fanartfriday #furryart
March 28, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Fanart Friday!!
Today’s fanart, @animalrpgdev.bsky.social !!
I absolutely adore how this game looks so far, I can’t wait for the full release!!
#Varminal #fanartfriday #furryart
Today’s fanart, @animalrpgdev.bsky.social !!
I absolutely adore how this game looks so far, I can’t wait for the full release!!
#Varminal #fanartfriday #furryart