Medium
Desert Appel
Appel with online multiplayer, local co-op, and mobile support for collaborative platforming.
Play Nowđź’ˇ Tip: Click the green flag inside the game to start. Press the full-screen button in the game for the best experience.
Appel v1.4 (Original)
griffpatch
December 20, 2020
9 Levels
Difficulty: Medium
10,000,000+
Views
200,000+
Loves
150,000+
Favorites
25,000+
Remixes
About This Game
The original Appel platformer game by griffpatch. A charming platformer where you control a small yellow character wearing a green hat. Collect golden apples, overcome obstacles, and master advanced movement mechanics across 9 challenging levels. The game features precise controls, innovative physics, and a powerful built-in level editor that has inspired thousands of community creations.
Features
- âś“ 9 handcrafted levels with progressive difficulty
- âś“ Wall jumping mechanics for vertical navigation
- âś“ Ceiling stick ability to navigate upside-down sections
- âś“ Crouch and shrink to squeeze through tight spaces
- âś“ Built-in level editor with 7 block types
- âś“ Golden apple collectibles in every level
- âś“ Hidden red apple challenges for completion
- âś“ Checkpoint system for easier progress
- âś“ Replay save feature to continue your adventure
Tags
#original
#platformer
#editor
#collectathon
#puzzle
Game Controls
movement
WASD or Arrow Keys - Move left and right
jump
W or Up Arrow or Space - Jump (hold for higher jumps)
crouch
S or Down Arrow - Crouch to shrink character
wall Jump
Jump against wall + hold direction to stick, press jump to push off
ceiling Stick
Hold Up when touching ceiling to stick
editor Toggle
Q + M - Toggle level editor mode
quick Restart
Q + R - Quick restart level
Game Mechanics
Wall Jumping
Jump against a wall and hold the directional key toward it to stick. While stuck, press the jump button to push off in the opposite direction. Chain wall jumps to climb vertical shafts and reach high platforms.
Ceiling Stick
Hold the up key when touching a ceiling to stick to it. While stuck to the ceiling, you cannot move sideways. Use this to avoid enemies below or time your drops carefully.
Crouch and Shrink
Hold the down key to make your character crouch and shrink. This allows you to pass through narrow one-block-tall passages. You cannot jump while crouching.
Variable Jump Height
The longer you hold the jump button, the higher you jump. Tap for small hops, hold for maximum height. Master this for precise platforming.
Golden Apples
Collect all golden apples in each level for completion. Some apples are in plain sight, others require mastering advanced movement techniques.
Hidden Red Apple
Each level contains one secret red apple hidden in hard-to-reach places. Finding all red apples is the ultimate challenge for completionists.
Level Editor Guide
Appel includes a powerful built-in level editor that lets you create and test custom levels. Access it by pressing Q + M simultaneously during gameplay.
Editor Controls
1
Ground blocks - Solid platform blocks
2
Decorative dark blocks - Visual variety
3
Spikes - Hazards that reset to checkpoint
4
Enemies - Moving obstacles
5
Moving platforms/lifts - Dynamic platforms
6
Mashers - Crushing hazards
7
Level blockers - Invisible barriers
R
Rotate selected block (works for spikes, enemies)
E
Eraser/picker mode - Remove blocks or copy existing
M
Test level in real-time (hold Q while pressing)
Q
Return to edit mode from test mode
Block Types
Ground blocks (Key 1)
Standard solid blocks that form the main structure of your level
Decorative dark blocks (Key 2)
Darker colored blocks for visual variety, function the same as ground blocks
Spikes (Key 3)
Hazardous blocks that reset the player to the last checkpoint. Can be rotated with R key
Enemies (Key 4)
Moving enemies that patrol back and forth. Touching them resets to checkpoint
Moving platforms (Key 5)
Platforms that move horizontally or vertically in a set pattern
Mashers (Key 6)
Crushing blocks that move in and out of walls, requiring careful timing
Level blockers (Key 7)
Invisible barriers used to prevent players from leaving the intended play area
Level Design Tips
- đź’ˇ Start with a simple layout before adding hazards
- đź’ˇ Test frequently by pressing Q + M to ensure your level is fair
- đź’ˇ Use ground blocks to create the main path first
- đź’ˇ Add spikes and enemies to create challenge
- đź’ˇ Place golden apples in locations that reward exploration
- đź’ˇ Hide the red apple in a very difficult or secret area
- đź’ˇ Use moving platforms to create dynamic challenges
- đź’ˇ Don't make it impossible - always test that it's beatable
Tips & Tricks
1
Master wall jumping early - it's essential for later levels
2
Time your ceiling stick drops carefully to avoid enemies
3
Use crouch to access secret areas with hidden apples
4
Don't rush - precision is more important than speed
5
Watch enemy patterns before attempting difficult sections
6
Checkpoints save your progress, so take risks after reaching one
7
The red apples are optional but very rewarding to find
8
Experiment with the level editor to understand game mechanics better
Appel: The Revolutionary Scratch Platformer That Changed Browser Gaming
What Makes Appel Special?
Appel represents a landmark achievement in browser-based gaming, particularly within the Scratch community. Created by legendary developer griffpatch in December 2020, this deceptively simple platformer introduces innovative movement mechanics that have inspired over 25,000 remixes and garnered more than 10 million plays. Unlike traditional platformers that rely solely on running and jumping, Appel incorporates wall jumping, ceiling sticking, and character shrinking to create a unique gameplay experience that rewards skill and creativity.
The Story Behind Appel's Creation
Griffpatch, already renowned in the Scratch community for technical tutorials and impressive projects, designed Appel as both a playable game and an educational tool. The built-in level editor wasn't just an afterthought—it was a core feature meant to empower players to become creators. This design philosophy transformed Appel from a single game into a platform for learning game design principles. The character design, featuring a cheerful yellow protagonist with a distinctive green hat, became instantly recognizable and spawned countless variations across the community.
Mastering the Core Mechanics
Appel's brilliance lies in its layered complexity. New players can complete early levels using basic movement, but advanced techniques unlock as skill develops. Wall jumping allows vertical navigation through tight shafts by alternating between walls. Ceiling sticking provides safe zones to observe enemy patterns and plan next moves. The crouch-shrink mechanic opens secret passages containing hidden collectibles. Variable jump height, controlled by button hold duration, enables pixel-perfect platforming. These mechanics combine in endless ways, making each playthrough feel fresh even after mastering the game.
The Level Editor Revolution
What truly sets Appel apart is its accessible yet powerful level editor. Activated by pressing Q+M, the editor provides seven block types including standard platforms, rotating spikes, patrolling enemies, moving platforms, and crushing mashers. This toolset strikes the perfect balance—simple enough for beginners to create their first level within minutes, yet deep enough for experienced designers to craft intricate challenges. The ability to test levels instantly by toggling between edit and play modes accelerates the learning process. Thousands of community members have used this editor to develop game design skills that translate beyond Scratch.
Community Impact and Legacy
Appel's influence extends far beyond its immediate popularity. The game sparked a creative explosion in the Scratch community, with creators developing themed variations (volcanic, ice, space), difficulty modifications (easy mode, kaizo challenges), multiplayer adaptations, and massive level packs containing 100+ stages. Speedrunners established competitive categories with detailed leaderboards. Educational institutions incorporated Appel into game design curricula. The project demonstrated that browser games could achieve the depth and replay value of commercial platformers while remaining completely free and accessible. Four years after release, Appel continues to inspire new creators and entertain players worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access the level editor in Appel?
Press Q and M keys simultaneously during gameplay to toggle the level editor. Once in edit mode, use number keys 1-7 to select different block types, click to place blocks, press E for eraser mode, and R to rotate blocks. Press Q+M again to test your level in real-time. Your level will be saved within your browser session.
What's the difference between golden apples and red apples?
Golden apples are the primary collectibles scattered throughout each level. Collecting all golden apples provides 100% completion satisfaction but isn't required to finish levels. Red apples are secret collectibles—one hidden per level in extremely difficult-to-reach locations. Finding all red apples represents the ultimate completionist challenge and often requires creative use of multiple advanced techniques.
Can I play Appel on mobile devices?
The original Appel was designed for keyboard controls and works best on desktop computers. However, community members have created mobile-friendly remixes with touch controls optimized for tablets and smartphones. Search for 'Appel Mobile' or 'Appel Touch Controls' on Scratch to find these adapted versions.
How do I save my progress in Appel?
Appel includes an automatic checkpoint system. When you touch a checkpoint (marked by flags or specific objects), your progress is saved. If you die, you'll respawn at the last checkpoint you touched rather than restarting the entire level. Your overall game progress (which levels you've completed) is saved in your browser's local storage, so you can close the game and return later to continue where you left off.
Why won't my character stick to the wall?
Wall sticking requires precise timing and input. You must be moving toward the wall when you make contact—simply jumping straight up next to a wall won't work. Hold the direction key (left or right) toward the wall continuously while in the air. If you're still having trouble, try jumping at a slight angle toward the wall rather than directly into it. Practice in the early levels where wall jumping is introduced before attempting difficult vertical sections.
How can I share custom levels I create?
To share custom levels, you'll need to remix the Appel project on Scratch. Click 'See inside' on the original project, then click 'Remix' to create your own version. Build your levels using the editor, save your project, and share the project link with others. You can also submit your remix to Appel-themed Scratch studios where community members discover and play custom content.
What is the world record speedrun time for Appel?
Speedrun times vary by category. The Any% category (complete all levels, apples optional) has seen runs under 10 minutes by top players. The 100% category (collect all golden and red apples) typically takes 15+ minutes even for skilled speedrunners. Individual level (IL) records range from 15 seconds to 2 minutes depending on level complexity. Check Scratch studios dedicated to Appel speedrunning for current leaderboards and record holders.
Are there any secret techniques or glitches in Appel?
Advanced players have discovered several techniques beyond the basic mechanics. 'Corner boosting' involves precise timing when transitioning between walls to gain extra height. 'Ceiling clips' can sometimes allow passage through thin barriers. 'Enemy bouncing' (timing jumps on enemy hitboxes) can extend your reach in specific scenarios. Most of these techniques are difficult to execute consistently and are primarily used in speedruns or challenge runs. The game is fully completable without knowing any glitches.
Why is Appel so popular in the Scratch community?
Appel's popularity stems from several factors: tight, responsive controls that feel professional; innovative mechanics that are easy to learn but difficult to master; the empowering level editor that turns players into creators; griffpatch's reputation for quality projects; perfect difficulty curve that challenges without frustrating; and the game's remix-friendly design that encourages community participation. It represents the pinnacle of what's possible in Scratch while remaining accessible to creators of all skill levels.
Can I make money by creating Appel remixes?
No. Appel is created in Scratch using the MIT License, which means all projects must remain free and non-commercial. You cannot sell Appel remixes or charge for access. However, creating high-quality Appel content can build your portfolio, demonstrate game design skills, and help you gain recognition in the Scratch community. Many successful game developers started by creating Scratch projects like Appel before moving to commercial platforms.
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