Ludum Dare #47compo
Fort Loop
Fort loop
*Every time the torches turn off, the whole castle resets and goes back in time. Everything goes back to its original place, except you.*
HOW TO PLAY
- *TLDR;* You have to bring Diamonds to empty slots in the levels. But every few seconds, torches turn off, and everything resets. The only things that stay are "plugged" diamonds and yourself.
- KEYBOARD: ARROWS to move, SPACE to throw an item.
- GAMEPAD: LEFT STICK to move, A to jump, X to throw an item.
ABOUT
To me, this game was some crash test for LEd, the level editor I’m developing for the indie community. Pretty much everything went really smoothly except the gameplay which on this game is kind of… meh.
I add a very bad time at making the looping functionality fun, and it never was a good base for interesting puzzle design. With some sleep, I now have some better insight at what should be fixed, but I’d love to hear about your comments :)
BUG FIX
I fixed a critical bug on Monday morning: keyboard controls were broken and it was not possible to climb ladders. Sorry about that!
Screenshots
Comments65
pkenney5 Oct 2020, 02:19
Very cool entry, with a strong idea and great graphics/sound/polish to match! I played the whole thing through, and the challenge and length were just right for my taste. It was fun to experiment and explore the rules, and the last few levels were clever tests of what I'd learned. A nice touch was the enemy guards, and they way they didn't require me to input an attack command or threaten me, except to delay me a bit.
Heads up, I did have to go dig up a gamepad because with the keyboard control I could not use ladders, leaving me unable to proceed through the tutorial. This was in the browser version. I went to download the windows version but I didn't see a link on the itch page. Once I got a USB gamepad everything worked fine.
Very strong compo entry, nice work!
Heads up, I did have to go dig up a gamepad because with the keyboard control I could not use ladders, leaving me unable to proceed through the tutorial. This was in the browser version. I went to download the windows version but I didn't see a link on the itch page. Once I got a USB gamepad everything worked fine.
Very strong compo entry, nice work!
ChickenCastle5 Oct 2020, 02:21
The graphics you've made are really good! Love the aesthetic!
Unfortunately I couldn't work out how to get down the ladder in the first room :(
Unfortunately I couldn't work out how to get down the ladder in the first room :(
UkuleleFury5 Oct 2020, 02:44
:( Yeah, the ladder is broken for me as well. The playback feels good, and the animations and art look amazing, so I was really looking forward to getting down that ladder! The little bit of game before the ladder already did such a great job of setting the mood. Oh yeah, I'm on a keyboard.
deepnight5 Oct 2020, 10:20
I fixed the keyboard control issue with ladders (critical bug fix, according to LD rules), sorry about that :) @ukulelefury @chickencastle @tengusheath
ChickenCastle5 Oct 2020, 11:02
@deepnight replayed and rerated
Mechanics felt smooth, perhaps a little slow moving. In particular the ladder climbing was a little slow I felt.
I actually couldn't make it past i think it's the 3rd or 4th level, where the castle resets. I couldn't really work out what I was supposed to do.
Submission feels polished though in terms of aesthetic and mechanically, Nice work!
Mechanics felt smooth, perhaps a little slow moving. In particular the ladder climbing was a little slow I felt.
I actually couldn't make it past i think it's the 3rd or 4th level, where the castle resets. I couldn't really work out what I was supposed to do.
Submission feels polished though in terms of aesthetic and mechanically, Nice work!
pkenney5 Oct 2020, 13:56
> critical bug fix, according to LD rules
Just in case you had any hesitation or doubt: agreed 100%.
Just in case you had any hesitation or doubt: agreed 100%.
Geegaz5 Oct 2020, 14:55
Wow, that was amazing ! The puzzles were interesting, and the time loop is well implemented - I got used to it very quickly, and after some time it became natural. As alway, good art and just enough juice, so generally a great experience !
Only issue (but at this point it's just nitpicking): I feel like the gravity while falling is perfect (giving it more impact), but the jump gravity (gravity while jumping up) is a bit too strong, making it hard to control. It's not a big issue since you mostly use ladders to go up, but a lighter gravity while jumping might feel better imo ^^
But apart from that, congrats ! It's near perfect.
Only issue (but at this point it's just nitpicking): I feel like the gravity while falling is perfect (giving it more impact), but the jump gravity (gravity while jumping up) is a bit too strong, making it hard to control. It's not a big issue since you mostly use ladders to go up, but a lighter gravity while jumping might feel better imo ^^
But apart from that, congrats ! It's near perfect.
joonamo5 Oct 2020, 17:17
I really enjoyed how strong you were when fighting the guards! Interesting puzzles too!
PixelMoose Studio5 Oct 2020, 17:32
Amazing game, it has a realy polished feel and look to it
crneumre5 Oct 2020, 17:34
The polish levels are always nuts. I was interested in how you could expand on the main mechanic, I really loved the portal thingy!
My criticism is I was interested in the story and didn't get a closure to it! If I wasn't there for the gems then whaattt.
Incredible entry as always.
My criticism is I was interested in the story and didn't get a closure to it! If I wasn't there for the gems then whaattt.
Incredible entry as always.
SecretPocketCat5 Oct 2020, 18:47
The visuals are great including the satisfying slashes, I just wish I had there was some combat to support them. I noticed the mention of LEd in the itch description and it looks really cool, so I'm gonna give that a look.
schraf5 Oct 2020, 21:49
Amazing you could get this all in for a compo. The levels were really well thought out for such a short amount of time. Graphics were insanely good. Only thought it was missing some music. Hats off to you!
cuoshen5 Oct 2020, 22:04
Great consistent art style
IndivisibleParticles5 Oct 2020, 23:02
I really enjoyed it and would love to see more levels.
KunoNoOni5 Oct 2020, 23:07
I have to admit that every LD I look forward to playing your entries and I am sad when you don't enter. This is another great entry into your ever growing LD portfolio.
The controls felt good and the art and animations are top-notch as usual. The puzzles were creative and I liked the comments on the levels. Overall its a another great entry.
The controls felt good and the art and animations are top-notch as usual. The puzzles were creative and I liked the comments on the levels. Overall its a another great entry.
kuro5 Oct 2020, 23:16
It never ceases to amaze me how much can one achieve with a few pixels. The whole game's aesthetics remind me of days when I played DOS games on my old 386. Even the sounds, although very simple, fit in so well. Awesome!
Doug Graham5 Oct 2020, 23:22
Really fun game, the art style was very good. Puzzles were hard, but not impossible 5/5
Starlight Glimmer is best poney6 Oct 2020, 01:32
"You are stuck in this looping castle. Forever" is a really interesting idea I haven't seen before. You should consider making a full game based on this concept and maybe add procedural generation to it for more replay value.
What you did this weekend is insane. Every jam puzzle game that makes me stop and think for a sec deserves extra credit. Congrats in advance for winning your fourth compo trophy.
What you did this weekend is insane. Every jam puzzle game that makes me stop and think for a sec deserves extra credit. Congrats in advance for winning your fourth compo trophy.
change6 Oct 2020, 04:15
Awesome game!Very polished in 48 hours, i'm giving you a 5/5 in almost every rating.!
I stuck in this level for a long time,Is this level really impossible?
Snipaste_2020-10-06_12-11-50.png
I stuck in this level for a long time,Is this level really impossible?
Snipaste_2020-10-06_12-11-50.png
hadesfury6 Oct 2020, 08:02
Awesome as usual .. I am always stunned by the what you get in 48h ..
Mr.developer6 Oct 2020, 09:05
Very good submission! A lot of humor, very polished, controls are very nice and the idea is awesome! Good job.
yopox6 Oct 2020, 09:05
Really innovative & super polished game. There's not much to say because everything is good and the game is not too easy. :100:
waynetron6 Oct 2020, 10:40
Fantastic as usual. I really appreciate the auto-attacking of enemies, felt really satisfying and chill.
arzi6 Oct 2020, 11:16
Wow! Love the art and the gameplay is very smooth. The puzzle difficulty was pretty good, but sometimes the loop time feels a tad bit short.
Florian Piette6 Oct 2020, 14:08
Awesome and crazy fun, congrats!
Kurt Roembke6 Oct 2020, 14:15
Some of the early puzzles stumped me for a while but I was interested enough to push through. Props to you!
Jon_Nova6 Oct 2020, 15:15
I loved the game! The use of the theme was realy clever.
AVAVT6 Oct 2020, 16:12
Great game. The concept of time loop was well executed, and polished art style.
2 thing I think could be improved are:
- The jump height and jump duration is too low. I know it's a realistic height, but gamer are too acquainted with mario's super jump height, and short jump is just too frustrating. The frustration become apparent at that level where 2 diamonds drop from the ceiling, and it require split moment reflex and precision to grab it. If it's an action game like ninja gaiden, it could be cool but in a puzzle adventure game, it feels terrible. "I found the solution of the puzzle, but I can't execute it after the 20th tries" is an experience no one enjoy.
- Jumping and landing sound could be nice. Jumping the first action you learn at the start of the game, but there's no sound and it felt kind of void.
Overall it's still a fantastic game though, easily one of the top game so far I've played.
2 thing I think could be improved are:
- The jump height and jump duration is too low. I know it's a realistic height, but gamer are too acquainted with mario's super jump height, and short jump is just too frustrating. The frustration become apparent at that level where 2 diamonds drop from the ceiling, and it require split moment reflex and precision to grab it. If it's an action game like ninja gaiden, it could be cool but in a puzzle adventure game, it feels terrible. "I found the solution of the puzzle, but I can't execute it after the 20th tries" is an experience no one enjoy.
- Jumping and landing sound could be nice. Jumping the first action you learn at the start of the game, but there's no sound and it felt kind of void.
Overall it's still a fantastic game though, easily one of the top game so far I've played.
DoctorHummer6 Oct 2020, 16:43
Looks great! Jumping is kinda clunky, it would be better if he jump higher. Anyways, the movements are fluid and controls are responsive, good job!
Kaganobik6 Oct 2020, 17:13
This one is probably the most unique one i've ever played so far. Simply amazing! Good job!
nethead6 Oct 2020, 19:14
super impressed with the art + amount of content you pumped out for this entry :0 must be a testament to the editing tools you've developed, so great job with that!
DrSmey6 Oct 2020, 23:40
This is amazing! There is so much depth and it just keeps adding new cool features!
LanaLux7 Oct 2020, 02:09
Wow this is so polished! And fun too. Great work. :)
Victor Vk7 Oct 2020, 03:03
One of the best games I played Here, no words to express how I realy Liked It, Amazing Job Guys, Thanks for this Masterpiece
squimmy7 Oct 2020, 03:04
The visuals are great and I quite liked the gameplay. The puzzles had a good difficulty curve and I particularly liked the way that enemies don't hurt you but they do slow you down, which is far more interesting, given the puzzle's core mechanic.
The short jump height and realistic movement didn't bother me, but I would have really appreciated some kind of clear feedback about when the loop is about to reset (maybe some sort of audio cue?). The torches were a good hint, but I found it difficult to tell the exact timing, which made the last couple of puzzles a little frustrating, since they weren't very forgiving on timing.
The short jump height and realistic movement didn't bother me, but I would have really appreciated some kind of clear feedback about when the loop is about to reset (maybe some sort of audio cue?). The torches were a good hint, but I found it difficult to tell the exact timing, which made the last couple of puzzles a little frustrating, since they weren't very forgiving on timing.
BadPiggy7 Oct 2020, 04:53
This is rather nice. I absolutely loved the pixel art.The sounds were great too. The presentation as a whole was great. I felt that the jump height was a little too low though. Also, the indicator for when the flame goes out could be a little better since it's not too easy to tell. Still, it's a really fun game with some stellar presentation
LandoSystems7 Oct 2020, 06:58
This game is amazing, only really got hung up on one level but got past it with a little perseverance. Fully realized play mechanics, good fit to the theme, lots of clever puzzles, good difficulty ramp up, great visual style, fitting sound effects. Really this is the total package, just outstanding work!
pichuscute07 Oct 2020, 09:01
The movement and throwing felt pretty stiff, like it was snapping to a grid or something weird. I disliked that you needed to press a button to put the diamond into hole when you seemed to auto-attack enemies. It also seemed like something the diamond would be dropped immediately from the same button press as when you pick it up, causing some frustration. And finally, I wasn't actually able to get my controller to work, which was a shame.
I did quite like the art and the game generally seemed good otherwise. I ended up stopping at a level that seemed to involve throwing the diamond through a hole that looked to be a bit too precise for this game's controls.
I did quite like the art and the game generally seemed good otherwise. I ended up stopping at a level that seemed to involve throwing the diamond through a hole that looked to be a bit too precise for this game's controls.
BaptistePerez7 Oct 2020, 09:56
It's a great game! And the art style is amazing, really cool pixel art game! Great work!
Eldelhas7 Oct 2020, 12:23
A 5/5 fun game for me, really nice experience and great job on it, really ! The theme is not explored much, but you use it enough for me :)
Stracker7 Oct 2020, 17:26
Are jam games even allowed to look this good ? It plays beautifully as well, not much to say here, great game !
jusw857 Oct 2020, 17:49
Amazing art and animations, and the game mechanics are on point. I beat the game, and the puzzle progression was just right for me. Great entry!
Galse878 Oct 2020, 00:02
Wonder how I'm supposed to get past through the "This is impossible" level lol Edit: ohhhhhhh Edit 2: Damn this was good.
Seth Tal8 Oct 2020, 01:54
The art is just fantastic, although it seems pixel art is your specialty? I could definitely learn a thing or two from this game. At first I really didn't understand the point of the guard entity type as combat was basically non-active which contrasted really strangely with the rest of the game, but then it hit me that *that* was kind of the point and that I was really just playing a puzzle game disguised as something a little more active. FANTASTIC JOB, truly!
edit: I did *not* realize you were the former lead & creator of dead cells. everything makes so much sense now haha
edit: I did *not* realize you were the former lead & creator of dead cells. everything makes so much sense now haha
Polymorph8 Oct 2020, 02:18
My favorite dev. As always good job.
aeveis8 Oct 2020, 04:51
I beat it! Nice job, had some fun figuring out the puzzles.
pranjalbisht8 Oct 2020, 12:37
Pretty amazing amount of content for a compo. I was wondering how you made it all alone, then saw the LEd stuff on your itch page. Pretty cool stuff!
HGgamer8 Oct 2020, 16:01
The "tutorial" was super instinctive so we easily understood what is the concept of the game.
The difficulty was OK, but i think the "impossible level" was a little bit soon ( to much difficult for a level 4 ).
Audio was not incredible but worked well
Pixel art was just "wow", super great work on that part
a nice puzzle game !
The difficulty was OK, but i think the "impossible level" was a little bit soon ( to much difficult for a level 4 ).
Audio was not incredible but worked well
Pixel art was just "wow", super great work on that part
a nice puzzle game !
wdebowicz8 Oct 2020, 17:44
Nice puzzle game! I like they way levels were structured, also the idea of auto attack was working quite well so player can focus on puzzle itself. Tutorial was also very smooth, and it's rather a rare think during LDJAM. Graphic was nice to eye.
swimdoctor8 Oct 2020, 19:48
Visuals look great, Level design is great.
I checked out your tool after seeing this, it's really cool
This serves as a great display of the potential of it
I checked out your tool after seeing this, it's really cool
This serves as a great display of the potential of it
Majadroid9 Oct 2020, 20:46
From the games I played so far, this is the one with the best visuals. I also like the puzzle mechanism very much, it fits the theme really well. Great job!
gentoogames10 Oct 2020, 02:55
This is one of the best looking games ive played all week! Absolutely stunning pixel art, and Im getting some major Braid vibes from the gameplay loop. Great job!!
Erlioniel10 Oct 2020, 10:21
Just amazing one, can't imagine that this game was done only by you. It is not complex, true, but for real, very stylish and nice one. Well done mate, you got my 5 stars.
pekuja10 Oct 2020, 12:21
I quite like the time loop mechanics, but the platforming controls feel a bit finicky. It was really hard just trying to catch the diamond that falls down a well next to a wall, especially since a guard spawns right next to that ledge.
qkdreyer10 Oct 2020, 16:23
Awesome entry, kudos to you !
PatrickJR11 Oct 2020, 08:39
Amazing game. The art-style and lighting is fantastic. The puzzles are well thought: that last one took me a while. The idea is innovative. Attacking feels satisfying, even though I am not doing anything. 5/5 for everything except humor (it's just not a funny game).
Wabble11 Oct 2020, 19:29
Loved it! The time time travel mechanic is very cool!
coryru15 Oct 2020, 03:14
Great polish and really fun to play. I just wish I had a bit more time before the loop mechanic kicked in. Maybe I was too slow. But still some really good stuff here.
Derek Volker17 Oct 2020, 20:45
Excellent mechanics, graphics and sounds. It's a really outstanding job for a 48h game, just lacks music. Congrats.
Enad9619 Oct 2020, 12:48
Yea this was incredible for a compo game congratulations!
Harry Alissavakis19 Oct 2020, 20:48
Very nice idea, lovely graphics and a really polished game overall! Great job!
FelixMcFelix20 Oct 2020, 20:04
Excellent graphics, and a very nice application of the theme. I really enjoyed the mechanics you cooked up, and the variety of levels to challenge was worthwhile. The little touches after each loop like the halo around usable objects and the character move speed boost made it easier to preposition, adjust, and intuit the mechanics.
Naturally, I think that music would have made the experience a bit more cohesive. An issue I had with the game was that I think I'd have really liked a way to speed up each cycle (or end it early!), particularly on the level where I had to catch diamonds. Only controls issue I had was that on some levels I expected that running into doors etc. with a held object would use it automatically.
Good job all in all!
Naturally, I think that music would have made the experience a bit more cohesive. An issue I had with the game was that I think I'd have really liked a way to speed up each cycle (or end it early!), particularly on the level where I had to catch diamonds. Only controls issue I had was that on some levels I expected that running into doors etc. with a held object would use it automatically.
Good job all in all!
Fatal-Exit21 Oct 2020, 19:58
Very cool, nice graphics and use of the theme, shame there was no music though!
Malai25 Oct 2020, 14:49
Awesome entry! Only missing music for a perfect jam game. On my 21:9 monitor some of the messages were cut of on the top
I couldn't figure out how to get down the first ladder though. Not sure if I'm missing something?