ZxNextMaker’s latest update adds platformer collision options and fixes English-language text in FOKO Games’ Spectrum game-making tool. Version 1.0.1 arrived on 23rd October 2026, following the tool’s publication on itch.io the previous day.
The Windows application exports TAP files for the ZX Spectrum 48K and 128K, alongside NEX files for the Spectrum Next. It uses a visual workflow in which creators draw graphics, arrange rooms and assign behaviours with blocks, while the application generates machine code. FOKO Games says the exported Next programs are self-contained and do not include or require the original Spectrum ROM.
FOKO Games lists the tool at €9.99 or more. The current download is a 7.7 MB Windows ZIP, with 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 required. The application works offline without an account.
The update gives platformer projects an adjustable margin of zero to six pixels around harmful collision boxes. FOKO Games says this prevents empty corners of a sprite from counting as contact with enemies, projectiles or spikes. Collectable objects and interactive scenery retain their full collision boxes.
Other additions cover fall damage and movement in the air, including sideways movement after a vertical jump or a mid-air collision. A configurable one-to-five-second invulnerability period protects a character immediately after respawning.
Version 1.0.1 also adds tile folders, tile searching and quicker access to project colours and saved palettes. Its fixes address English platformers displaying Spanish lives and score labels, a Spanish-only key-redefinition screen, and a Next display issue which drew that screen over the title picture.
Four game formats, with separate Next features
The tool supports platformers, overhead adventures and RPGs, isometric games and text adventures. FOKO Games describes the isometric system as FOKOMATION, with rooms in the tradition of Knight Lore. The text-adventure option uses a PAW-style parser and supports English or Spanish.
Graphics editors cover tiles, sprites and isometric blocks, with PNG import. The application also includes editors for beeper effects and melodies, an AY tracker for 128K projects, custom fonts, loading screens and title pictures.
For Spectrum Next projects, FOKO Games lists Layer 2 graphics, colour hardware sprites, horizontal and vertical hardware scrolling and parallax backgrounds. Next exports also support 256-colour title and game-over pictures. FOKO Games lists room drawing at 28 MHz and support for up to 128 isometric rooms.
The Next audio options include PT3 music files and support for its three AY chips. FOKO Games credits Conor Armstrong’s zx_go for the built-in Next emulator and a PT3 playback implementation based on Sergey Bulba’s player, ported by Ben Baker.
Built-in Spectrum and Next emulators provide a way to try projects inside the application. Sample projects include El Faro de Sant Bru in overhead, isometric and text-adventure forms, plus La Tumba, SokoSoko and Microban.
The release and its update notes are available on FOKO Games’ ZxNextMaker page.
