UPDATE (5/5/13): What's that? You can now play my game online in a modern browser? Well thanks to the rather amazing JSIL (http://jsil.org/), I've now ported my entry to HTML5/JavaScript. Should work on all major browsers (although Windows users should definitely download the executable versions so I don't end exceeding my dropbox bandwidth limits :P)
UPDATE (1/5/13): I've now added a zipped folder that includes a standalone EXE of the game for those who prefer not to use the Click-Once installer (I've included the XNA dlls just in case)
First attempt at a Ludum Dare (yet somehow I survived)
You are a generic blue square and your objective is to kill all the enemy squares in each level. However, you only have one bullet to do this. Fortunately there are special reflector blocks placed around to help you.
Most of the game mechanics (especially the reflecting) are still buggy plus there are some more features I wish I had more time to add (e.g. more levels, more block types etc.)
Game Instructions:
Arrows to move. Spacebar to shoot
Small protip - By default you face upwards
Tools Used:
Language:C# Library/Framework:XNA Graphics:Paint.Net Sound/Music:bfxr,Otomata, Audacity for general cleanup
The bullet splitting was pretty cool. I did run into a problem where it wouldn't let me retry a level after I lost a couple of times (the 'r' key didn't respond at all).
@shohs that bug where pressing the retry button didn't work after losing a couple of times has happened to me during testing as well sometimes. Not sure what's exactly causing it and so far unfortunately the only workaround in game is quit to the main menu since that's the only option left.
Thanks for getting a standalone version up. Worked like a charm. Really liked it. That last level was hard, but happy to say I passed it. Maybe a different sprite for the splitter to better communicate what it'll do?
Good job! (And thanks for your feedback on my game)
@tankete Cheers :D The last level needed some ridiculous amounts of timing to complete and I didn't have much time to refine it because I was in a hurry trying to design and bugtest as many levels before the deadline. Also, regarding the reflectors/splitters, I think what I'll do next time is to change the mechanics so that instead of splitting from all sides apart from where it was hit, the splitter will only split in certain directions (with arrows on the blocks showing which directions it will split bullets in)
Very interesting idea, and I liked the concept, but the implementation has some problems. I would have liked for there to be some indication of my current direction, as I missed some shot solely because of that, I also would have preferred is the game was more about puzzle solving than waiting for the enemies to align. But overall, pretty cool attempt!
@Squared Muffin: Thanks for the feedback. I do admit it's hard to see which direction the player is facing (especially when the player is a simple blue square). I think what I'll do next time is to just simply add an arrow showing the current direction (wait, why didn't I think of this before D:). Also I did try to design some levels that were more puzzle oriented (with stationary enemies and strategically placed reflector blocks) but wasn't able to implement it well because of how buggy the reflectors are currently.
Nice sounds and good gameplay, very much a waiting game, but enjoyable results, only problem is that there's no way to know where you are facing. Good job.
@ZYXer: Thanks! I actually wanted to make at least 5 levels but I kinda stopped after level 4 because my brain was starting to get tired from designing any more levels during the final night and I was in a hurry trying to submit before the deadline XD
Wow, a 30-meg web app. :-) Interesting concept idea and good implementation. The guy moves pretty slowly, as others have said. Most of the puzzles are timing rather than logic, which is fine, but it might be good to have a mix. More levels would help build it into more of a game. I really like the Mondrian-ish art, and the game is definitely minimalist. Anything where you can set up complex shots is fun in my book. Nice work!
Simple, true to the theme, but too short :< The puzzles themselves were not really difficult, it was just the timing. The first time I cleared the final level I thought I ran out of lifes or something and replayed the game :P
Add some adittional "grey" blocks that have different behavior. (that only shoot one way, react on colors, there's a lot possible there) and show the which way the gun is pointing/the block is facing.
@Siewart: I'm actually thinking of adding additional blocks besides reflectors like one that changes the colour of the bullet and have a gimmick where certain enemies can only be killed by a certain colour or have a special walls that blocks all bullets except bullets that are the same colour as the wall etc. if I actually get round to making a post-compo version.
Would have hoped for a better art style. I know minimalism is this but a lot of games I've played in this LD seem happy with this. Despite that, I think the central mechanic was fun and was used in a manner which justified it. Good job!
@lightnarcissus: I know what you mean. I'm not an artist and I can't even draw to save my life so theme-wise I sorta lucked out on the graphics department XD
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Cambrian_Man19 May 2013, 15:18
I liked it. The mechanic worked quite well and the music was nice.
I liked the idea and I'd continue with it. The issue I had was that even by the 4th-5th level it became sort of hard to predict the levels and it was all trial and error and got a little frustrating. I think the idea is solid and with better level design you might have a realyl fun game here. Also, yeah, player moved too slow. Good job overall.
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Thejuster6 Jul 2016, 14:44
Hello Xanjos can you help me to build a project whit JSIL? same your project
Comments45
Good job! (And thanks for your feedback on my game)
The puzzles themselves were not really difficult, it was just the timing. The first time I cleared the final level I thought I ran out of lifes or something and replayed the game :P
Add some adittional "grey" blocks that have different behavior. (that only shoot one way, react on colors, there's a lot possible there)
and show the which way the gun is pointing/the block is facing.
Last level is a bit hard (but I made it! )
Great use of the theme (One shoot + relection is a good idea)
same your project