Clones & Remakes

Here is a compilation of various Tunneler clones & remakes I’ve encountered.

First, here’s the original Tunneler for comparison:

Tunneler Screenshot  Tunneler Screenshot

Tunneler for the iPad by Andrej Tetak (2013): This looks like a pixel-perfect port to the iPad!

Tunneler for the iPad  Tunneler for the iPad

Tunneler for Android by the MyFlashLab team (2013): A single player (human vs. computer) implementation.  Even the menu pages retain the original DOS feel!  Here’s a review video by TalkAndroid.

 Tunneler for Android Screenshot  Tunneler for Android Screenshot  Tunneler for Android Screenshot

SDL Tunneler by Taneli Kalvas (2003-2007): multi-platform (via SDL). Source code is here.

SDL Tunneler Screenshot

Tunnel Tanks by Raymond Myers (2010): multi-platform (another SDL implementation). Source code is here. Includes fancier arena “mazes”, and computer “AI” opponents:

Tunnel Tanks Screenshot

GM Tunneler by Erik Leppen (2007): Windows. Adds: “configurable map settings (including a randomize option), custom player colors, and the placing of turrets at the cost of some energy.”

GM Tunneler Screenshot  GM Tunneler Screenshot

Pyros’s Mobile Miners by Avishay Yagoda (2000): DOS. Includes lots of additional weapons and options.

Pyros's Mobile Miners Screenshot  Pyros's Mobile Miners Screenshot

TunnelerDS by MagNet (2007): Tunneler for the Nintendo DS!

TunnelerDS Screenshots

Tunnelers by Floating Minds (2010): Windows. Network play. 3D bird’s-eye view. Many options, weapons, and arena options.

Tunnelers Screenshot Tunnelers Screenshot

Liero by Joosa Riekkinen & Erik Lindroos (1999): Windows (before Windows 7). While not truly a remake, this game has a look and feel that definitely seems inspired by Tunneler. Also check out OpenLieroX.

Liero Screenshot  Liero Screenshot

Tunneler2 by Allan Lavell (2011): Written in Python.  Network play.  [no good screenshot available]

Tunneler2 Title Screen

TunnelTanks by Ray Myers (2014): Source code is here.

Tunneler by Chronos (2024): Developed using Lazarus for Windows and Linux.

tunneler.hrejko.com by Petr Mašát (2025): Online multiplayer, supporting more than two players, human or bots.

Tunneler: A Vibecoding Experiment by sojkaware (2025): AI-generated code is here.

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4 comments on “Clones & Remakes”

  1. Petr Mašát

    Hello,

    I would like to share a fan-made remake of the original DOS game Tunneler, which was created by Geoffrey Silverton.

    Tunneler was one of my favorite childhood games, and it left a strong impression on me thanks to its simple but brilliant gameplay. As a tribute to this classic, I have created a modern remake that stays true to the spirit of the original.

    The game is available here:
    https://tunneler.hrejko.com

    If the original author happens to see this message, I would be incredibly grateful if he could get in touch. I would truly appreciate any feedback or thoughts about the remake.

    Thank you for keeping the legacy of this great game alive, and thank you to Geoffrey Silverton for creating such a memorable piece of gaming history.

    Best regards,
    Petr Masat

  2. Josef “Chose” Šíma

    Hi Geoffrey,

    I’m Josef (“Chose”), an indie developer from the Czech Republic. I grew up playing Tunneler, and I still remember digging through the darkness, finding a friend’s tunnel and wondering whether following it was a good idea. Thank you for creating those memories!

    I’m now working on Tunnel Brawl, an independent game inspired by Tunneler. It brings that underground hunt to online 1v1 battles, with an isometric 3D view, destructible terrain and energy management. It has its own codebase, visuals and identity, but your game is the inspiration behind it. I already acknowledge that on the website and link back to the original.

    The game is currently in alpha, and I’m planning a paid release on Steam. I’d love to have your permission and blessing to develop and release it as a Tunneler-inspired game.

    You can see the gameplay trailer and screenshots here:
    https://www.tunnel-brawl.com/

    Would you also consider adding Tunnel Brawl to your Clones & Remakes collection? I’d be happy to arrange access to a playable build, and I’d love to hear what you think.

    Thanks again for making a game that stayed with me for so many years.

    Josef (“Chose”) Šíma

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