Medium
Appel v1.4 (Original)
The legendary original Appel platformer with 9 levels and a built-in level editor.
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.
Desert Appel
Community Remix
May 15, 2021
9 Levels
Difficulty: Medium
2,000,000+
Views
50,000+
Loves
35,000+
Favorites
3,500+
Remixes
About This Game
An enhanced remix of Appel v1.4 featuring both online and local multiplayer capabilities. Play cooperatively with friends to solve platforming challenges together, or race against each other to see who can complete levels faster. This version includes mobile touch controls for playing on tablets and phones, plus all the features of the original game including the level editor.
Features
- âś“ Online multiplayer for Scratchers (requires Scratch account)
- âś“ Local multiplayer mode for same-device co-op
- âś“ Mobile touch controls for phones and tablets
- âś“ Enhanced level editor with multiplayer testing
- âś“ All original Appel features and mechanics
- âś“ Cooperative puzzle-solving gameplay
- âś“ Competitive racing mode with timers
- âś“ Cross-device compatibility (desktop, tablet, mobile)
- âś“ Room code system for private multiplayer sessions
Tags
#multiplayer
#mobile
#cooperative
#racing
#online
Game Controls
movement
WASD or Arrow Keys - Move (Player 1)
jump
W or Up Arrow or Space - Jump (Player 1)
crouch
S or Down Arrow - Crouch (Player 1)
player2 Movement
IJKL keys - Move (Player 2 in local multiplayer)
player2 Jump
I key - Jump (Player 2 in local multiplayer)
touch Controls
On-screen buttons for mobile devices
multiplayer
Enter room code to join friends online
Game Mechanics
Cooperative Platforming
Work together with another player to overcome challenges. One player can help boost the other by providing platforms or distractions for enemies.
Competitive Racing
Race against your friend to see who can complete each level faster. First to collect all apples and reach the end wins.
Mobile Touch Controls
Optimized touch buttons appear on mobile devices. Virtual D-pad for movement and dedicated jump/crouch buttons make mobile play smooth.
Room Code System
Create a private room and share the code with friends. Only players with the code can join your game session.
Tips & Tricks
1
Communicate with your teammate for better coordination
2
In co-op mode, help each other reach difficult platforms
3
Mobile controls work best on tablets with larger screens
4
Create a room code and share it via Scratch messages
5
Practice solo first before racing against friends
6
Use the level editor to create custom multiplayer challenges
Appel Multiplayer: Transforming Solo Platforming into Collaborative Adventure
The Evolution of Multiplayer in Browser Games
Appel Multiplayer Edition represents a significant technical achievement in the Scratch platform, introducing real-time cooperative and competitive gameplay to griffpatch's beloved platformer. Released in May 2021 by talented community developers, this remix demonstrates how Scratch's cloud variables can enable genuine multiplayer experiences. The addition of mobile touch controls further expands accessibility, allowing players on tablets and smartphones to enjoy Appel alongside desktop users. This cross-platform approach was revolutionary for Scratch games, proving that browser-based multiplayer could rival native applications in responsiveness and fun.
Cooperative Gameplay Dynamics
Multiplayer Appel transforms the solo platforming experience into a team challenge where communication and coordination determine success. Players can help each other reach difficult platforms, with one player creating distractions while another navigates dangerous sections. The cooperative mode introduces new strategies—using one player as a mobile platform, timing simultaneous wall jumps to reach higher areas, and coordinating apple collection to maximize efficiency. These mechanics create emergent gameplay not present in the original, as friends develop unique techniques through experimentation. The social dimension adds replay value, making familiar levels feel new when approached collaboratively.
Competitive Racing Mode
Beyond cooperation, the competitive racing mode adds adrenaline-pumping challenges where speed and skill determine victory. Players race through identical levels simultaneously, competing for fastest completion times or most apples collected. This mode highlights the skill ceiling of Appel's mechanics—small optimizations in movement, knowing when to take risks versus playing safe, and memorizing optimal routes all matter. The racing mode has spawned its own competitive scene within the community, with players organizing tournaments and sharing racing strategies. Even friendly races between newcomers create memorable moments of narrow victories and spectacular failures.
Mobile Touch Control Innovation
Adapting Appel's precise keyboard controls to touchscreens presented significant design challenges. The multiplayer edition addresses this with an optimized virtual controller featuring a responsive D-pad for movement and prominent jump/crouch buttons positioned for thumb access. The touch controls include visual feedback showing button presses and support gesture-based movement for players who prefer swipe controls. While keyboard play remains ideal for competitive speedrunning, the mobile implementation successfully captures the core feel of Appel. Tablet users, in particular, benefit from larger screens that accommodate both the game view and touch controls comfortably.
Building the Multiplayer Community
The room code system enables private multiplayer sessions while maintaining security and preventing griefing. Players create rooms, share codes with friends through Scratch messages or external communication, and enjoy lag-minimized gameplay through clever netcode optimization. The multiplayer edition has fostered a dedicated community that organizes scheduled play sessions, creates custom multiplayer-specific levels (designed for cooperation or racing), and develops meta-strategies for both modes. Community events like 'Multiplayer Mondays' and cooperative speedrun challenges keep the game fresh. For many players, the multiplayer edition has become their preferred way to experience Appel, transforming a solo skill challenge into a social activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I play Appel Multiplayer with my friends?
To play online multiplayer, both you and your friends need Scratch accounts and must be signed in. Create a room by clicking the multiplayer button and share the room code with your friends. They enter the same code to join your session. For local multiplayer on one computer, Player 1 uses WASD/Arrow keys while Player 2 uses IJKL keys. Make sure you're both ready before starting a level.
Why is multiplayer mode only for Scratchers?
Online multiplayer uses Scratch's cloud variables feature, which is only available to confirmed Scratch accounts (Scratchers). This restriction prevents spam and ensures a safer multiplayer environment. To become a Scratcher, create a Scratch account, verify your email, and participate in the community for a short period. Local multiplayer (same computer, two keyboards) doesn't require a Scratch account.
Can I play multiplayer on mobile devices?
Yes! The multiplayer edition includes optimized touch controls for tablets and smartphones. Each player needs their own device. Connect through the room code system—one player creates a room and shares the code, others join with that code. For best experience, use tablets with screens 8 inches or larger. The touch controls work on both iOS and Android devices through any modern web browser.
Is there lag in online multiplayer?
Some lag is inevitable in any online game due to internet connection speeds and distance between players. Appel Multiplayer minimizes this through client-side prediction and optimized netcode. Players on the same continent typically experience minimal noticeable lag. For competitive racing or precise cooperative challenges, playing with friends on stable connections in similar geographical regions provides the smoothest experience. Local multiplayer (same device) has zero lag.
Can more than 2 people play together?
Yes, online multiplayer supports 2-4 players in the same room. However, local multiplayer (same keyboard/device) is limited to 2 players due to control constraints. The game remains playable and fun with 3-4 players online, though screen space becomes more crowded. Some custom levels are specifically designed for larger player counts, featuring puzzles that require 3+ people to solve.
What happens if one player dies in co-op mode?
In cooperative mode, if one player dies, they respawn at the last checkpoint after a brief delay. The other players can continue playing while waiting for their teammate to respawn. Some community-created levels include mechanics where all players must survive certain sections together, adding extra challenge. In racing mode, deaths only affect your individual time—other racers continue competing.
Can I create multiplayer-specific custom levels?
Absolutely! The level editor includes all the tools needed to design levels specifically for multiplayer. Create cooperative puzzles requiring multiple players to trigger switches simultaneously, design races with multiple paths of varying difficulty, or build challenge courses where players can help or hinder each other. Share your multiplayer levels in dedicated Scratch studios for others to discover and enjoy.
Do both players need to collect apples in co-op mode?
Apple collection rules depend on the specific game mode and level settings. In standard co-op, apple collection is usually shared—if one player collects an apple, it counts for the team. In competitive racing mode, each player must collect their own apples. Some custom levels implement unique rules like requiring players to collect equal numbers of apples or splitting apple collection responsibilities. Check the level instructions or experiment to understand the rules.
How do touch controls compare to keyboard controls?
Touch controls provide good accessibility but don't quite match keyboard precision for advanced techniques. Basic movement, jumping, and wall jumping work well on touchscreens. However, frame-perfect inputs and rapid wall jump chains are more difficult with virtual buttons. Most mobile players can complete all levels with touch controls, though competitive speedrunners prefer keyboards. The control scheme is customizable—you can adjust button size and positioning for your comfort.
Is voice chat included in multiplayer mode?
No, Appel Multiplayer doesn't include built-in voice or text chat due to safety considerations in the Scratch platform. Players typically coordinate using external communication methods like Discord, Zoom, or phone calls. Some players find that playing without voice chat adds fun challenge, requiring visual communication through character movement and in-game gestures. Always follow internet safety practices when coordinating with other players online.
