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Feature matrix

Where each way to play stands. Three clients play Crimsonland 1.9.93 or, per run, the 1.9.8 rules:

  • Python port: the reimplementation in Python and raylib (uvx crimsonland@latest).
  • Web: the original game, compiled from the recovered source, in the browser at crimson.land/play.
  • Native: the same recovered game under an SDL3 host for desktop (crimson-core/PORT.md).

The web and native clients run the original's own code, so they play as the 2003 game does, menus included. The Python port matches it tick by tick and adds what a modern release needs. All three fix the original's documented bugs by default.

Getting it

Python port Web Native
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Any browser with WebGL2 macOS, Linux; Windows not yet
Install uvx crimsonland@latest Nothing CI builds only, no signed release channel
Game files Downloaded on first launch Downloaded on first visit, or your own Crimsonland folder Downloaded on first launch, or a folder named on the command line
Saves Per-user data directory The browser's site storage The Python port's per-user data directory, shared with it

Playing

Python port Web Native
Survival, Rush, Quests Yes Yes Yes
Tutorial, Typ-o-Shooter Yes Yes Yes
Local co-op 2–4 players 2 players, as the original 2 players, as the original
Online co-op No 2 players from an invite link, with rollback No
Original bugs Fixed by default, kept with --preserve-bugs Fixed Fixed
1.9.8 rules The Play Game menu's 1.9.8 box, per run; --build 1.9.8 on crimson and crimson quest play; 1.9.8's own bugs with --preserve-bugs The Play Game menu's 1.9.8 box, per run, the Host's for an online co-op pair; links to custom quests from the site's 1.9.8 boards The Play Game menu's 1.9.8 box, per run
RTX lighting Yes; HDR on macOS and Linux Wayland With WebGPU; HDR where the browser shows WebGPU in HDR Yes; HDR on macOS
Resolution Any, with borderless fullscreen 1024x768, scaled to the page; fullscreen button 1024x768, scaled to the window; Alt+Enter fullscreen
Keyboard and mouse Yes Yes Yes
Gamepads PlayStation, Xbox and Switch Pro, twin-stick, every menu by pad PlayStation, Xbox and Switch Pro, twin-stick, menus by pad; one pad at a time PlayStation, Xbox and Switch Pro, twin-stick, menus by pad; one pad at a time
Music, sound, addon tunes Yes Yes Yes
Uncompressed source art Yes Yes With the distributed files
Mods No No No
Custom quests crimson quest play Browse and play from the Mods entry, or open by link Browse and play from the Mods entry
Console Yes Yes; it pauses the run, and ranked and co-op runs keep it closed Yes; it pauses the run, and ranked and co-op runs keep it closed

Replays

Python port Web Native
Every run recorded Yes, as .crd Yes, in site storage, with no way to take it out Yes, in the shared data directory
Watch a replay From the high scores and crimson replay play, seeking anywhere From the high scores and a run's link, seeking anywhere From the high scores and --watch links, seeking anywhere
Verify or render a replay crimson replay verify, render No No
Runs checked against the verifier By the gate and the server Every client build, in CI Every client build, in CI

Leaderboard

Python port Web Native
Ranked play Survival and Quests, each build's runs on its own boards Survival and Quests, alone or as an online co-op pair, each build's runs on its own boards Survival and Quests, each build's runs on its own boards
Uploads, offline queue Yes Yes Yes
Profile, signed in Yes Yes Yes, in your browser
Update scores on the high score screen Yes Yes Yes
Your key identity.key; export and import with crimson identity Site storage, no export; link an account to keep your runs identity.key in the shared data directory

Next

  • Native releases: a Windows host, signed builds and a release channel.
  • Web replays: a way to download your recordings and your key, which today stay in the browser.