Ludum Dare #44compo

Faustian Sands

by seb-jones

Overall★★★★★★★★★★3.87

Fun★★★★★★★★★★3.59

Innovation★★★★★★★★★★3.53

Theme★★★★★★★★★★4.20

Graphics★★★★★★★★★★3.66

Audio★★★★★★★★★★1.96

Humor★★★★★★★★★★2.94

Mood★★★★★★★★★★4.07

When I first saw the theme, I spent some time thinking and then wrote the following:

> 'Life' is not just our physical body or our conscious mind - it is everything we interactive with too. Even the stars in the sky are a part of our life.
>
> Would you give one of these things for another?
>
> How much would you give up?

This was the interpretation of the theme that I had in mind going into the compo, and hopefully this idea is reflected in the game.

Controls

When given options, use the `Number Keys` to choose. Otherwise, use the `Enter Key` to proceed.

`F11` toggles fullscreen mode.

Change Log

* 1.0.1 Fixes game-breaking bug where seeing all events would enter an infinite loop and freeze the game.

Comments24

pvtroswold29 Apr 2019, 12:07

Hey nice work! Got some good ole Oregon Trail vibes. This got unexpectedly deep actually. At first I resisted the mysterious man, but after several failed attempts I decided 'what-the-hey,' and accepted. Interesting take on the theme, and, may I say, life in general? (I also poked around at the code hehe)

DigitalLimestone29 Apr 2019, 18:42

Great game! I managed to reach the end, but gave up almost everything in progress! I had a great time!

Shard29 Apr 2019, 18:46

Hodor is that you? :cry: Nice game :slight_smile:

Mia Devs29 Apr 2019, 18:59

NICE WORK

Flightless29 Apr 2019, 19:15

Wow! The parts about giving up on things to reach the goal was genius. Especially the stars!

cogcomp29 Apr 2019, 19:30

Very philosophical both by name and by content. The decision really made a difference to the journey and the experience.

zubspace29 Apr 2019, 19:32

Solid work with a deep message. Thank you for this thoughtful art piece.

64mega29 Apr 2019, 19:39

I loved it! Tried it a couple of times to try both declining all offers by the mysterious man, and accepting all of his offers.

Sebastien Bourgeois29 Apr 2019, 19:46

What a journey, really enjoyed the effects of accepting the weird man proposals. Very nice work!

FanManPro29 Apr 2019, 19:50

Awesome! Tells a nice little story and love the art.

joe-the-really-old29 Apr 2019, 21:36

Crisp graphics & well thought out.

jjoeyay30 Apr 2019, 19:10

Quite minimal but tasteful splashes of art and written atmosphere that I quite enjoyed! Really nice style and tone here.

cpx330 Apr 2019, 19:39

I spent around 5 minutes thinking about the bizarre questions. It was really good experience. Thank you! Implementation is also great!

Kharibidus30 Apr 2019, 23:18

I really enjoyed this, the graphics are simple but reminiscent of the old Oregon Trail games. I liked the idea of getting an advantage by making a deal with the devil, but losing something in the process.

Marcus Gambit1 May 2019, 02:18

I find your compo interesting as well as the feelings it gives when you play it. Usually, I find it difficult to make in-game choices that are not in line with my values (yes I know...). I did it anyway to see where those deals would lead : my favorite is the effect when you choose to loose an eye :)
A music would have added a lot to the atmosphere!

-banzi1 May 2019, 08:51

I made it! Interesting game, I wonder what would happen if I gave the priest a food. Good job!

rhewid1 May 2019, 13:34

Usually not a fan of story telling games, but this one was different. Really cool interactions. Though I lost my left eye, had 9999 bandages and food but lost the colour of the world.
5/7 would do everything again.

Rheel1 May 2019, 19:20

Nice game, nice story! I enjoyed playing this one, making decisions, and seeing how they worked out. Nicely written!

OlavDeng21 May 2019, 19:27

The first thought i had when playing this was definetely Oregon Trail. Its a cool fun little game, and id argue definetely a bit of a unique take on this from what i have seen around so far

ManTou3 May 2019, 12:54

It's fun to play. I like it.

microwerx3 May 2019, 18:29

I starved to death! I found some bandages, then I gave a priest some food, he gave me advice on a shortcut, then I tried to ford a river which soaked my medical supplies, and then I starved. Then 4 miles to go and I bled to death, because I had bandaged a soldier along the way. This game was cool. I really enjoyed it. Great job!

DigitalPenguin4 May 2019, 14:58

Liked it, very cool. But the ending was a bit disapointing.

Frank Gevaerts4 May 2019, 15:05

Nice work!

gamechoy4 May 2019, 15:32

Really cool interpretation of the theme! I love your take on the Oregon trail formula, focusing more on the philosophical consequences of your actions. I did one run without taking any of the man's deals and one where I took them all just to see what would happen. I think this game could use some ambiance or music to really heighten what you have here. Great work!