It has been nearly four decades since the Sega Master System made its debut, yet the console continues to thrive, thanks in large part to a passionate homebrew community that consistently delivers fresh content. Among the latest offerings is a captivating project that has caught our attention: Devwill, a Master System port of a 2017 PC game of the same name.
Reviving a Classic
Originally crafted by Brazilian illustrator and homebrew developer Amaweks, the original Devwill is an arcade-style platformer that draws visual inspiration from the aesthetics of “old black-and-white movies.” The narrative follows a golem who comes to life and embarks on a quest to uncover his purpose, challenging his creator in the process. This unique story unfolds through silent-film-style titles that express the golem’s thoughts as a dramatic poem, while players engage in combat against the undead using fireballs, all while navigating perilous environments.
Following its initial release, Devwill saw a sequel, Devwill Too, launched in 2019 for the Sega Mega Drive and other platforms. The game has also experienced a journey through various adaptations, including an unfinished Sega Genesis/Mega Drive port and a Master System ROM hack of Alex Kidd in Miracle World.
Now, Amaweks is preparing to bring this enchanting title to life on cartridge, with the Brazilian version set to launch on August 5, 2026, through LMS Retro. A European version is also on the horizon, to be distributed by Teknamic.
In a delightful touch, the game will be accompanied by a colorful manual, which Amaweks proudly states is entirely hand-drawn, eschewing AI in favor of traditional artistry. This commitment to craftsmanship reflects the developer’s dedication to preserving the nostalgic essence of gaming.
To commemorate this exciting development, Amaweks has released a short trailer showcasing in-game footage interspersed with traditional stop-motion animation, a creative endeavor that took the developer two days to complete.
