Ludum Dare #59compo
Avalanche
The game
You are the only survivor of an avalanche.
Use your detector and listen to the signals to find the 12 members of your crew.
Instructions
Use "arrow keys" to move. Use your headphones to listen to signals and find members of your crew.
Use "Spacebar" to jump.
Post-Mortem
For the first time since a while, I had an idea in the first hours of the jam. It changed everything because I had the time to add more assets and polish the whole entry. The last jam I did, the game needed the player to hold his breath, now the player needs to use his ears. I think I like immersion.
I used Godot, I didn't manage to use the engine efficiently, I tried to create a tiny world but I put all the assets by hand with rotation, it took so much time. I also struggled with the camera, I tried many camera positions, rotations, multiple cameras but eventualy, just a fixed camera was enough.
At first members of the crew were a bit visible under the snow but after some playtesting, it cleary shows that it was not as fun as using only ears to listen to the signals and find the bodies. It's always suprises me how gameplay can improve with just some little tweaks.
Things I would like to improve
After reading all the comments, I would like to improve the controls. I went for a retro control system and it seemed better at the time because it was always aligned with the isometric world but I can understand why it's weird. I experimented with 8-direction movement, it doesn't add to the game but maybe it's a little less weird.
I also would like to add more stuff to see and listen into the world, more mysteries, secrets or curiosities and a bit of narration about life and death or absurd humoristic things to make exploring more entertaining. It was clearly the vision I had but I didn't have time. I want to keep the contemplative vibe of the game and I think it's cool sometimes to play something slow, but it can be slow without being boring and that's the aim, that's why adding life to the world and narration could improve it.
Also, it needs a lot of polish on the controls, the audio, the animation and everything.
Thank you all for your feedback!
I hope you'll enjoy this little game!
Comments60
LDJam user 42864620 Apr 2026, 08:40
How the heck did these guys get up here???
Anyways this was a pretty neat experience. It was a little tedious by the end when you had to scour the map for the last few guys, but I still liked it a lot. I kind of wish it made use of the climbing more. The added verticality really makes the isometric art shine. When I was just walking around the flat parts, it felt pretty barren.
Anyways this was a pretty neat experience. It was a little tedious by the end when you had to scour the map for the last few guys, but I still liked it a lot. I kind of wish it made use of the climbing more. The added verticality really makes the isometric art shine. When I was just walking around the flat parts, it felt pretty barren.
beareye20 Apr 2026, 08:46
first game I'm playing on this jam and i already like it so much!
The only thing is I had a bug: I walked into the mountain and could not come back, so I had to restart.
Good job!
The only thing is I had a bug: I walked into the mountain and could not come back, so I had to restart.
Good job!
Liam20 Apr 2026, 08:54
Nicely done. I found all the members, had fun exploring the world, seeing the little creatures and tanking jumping from great heights! A superb look and audio design I thought. I think the camera worked well so good choice. If the rescued people had provided some narrative like you suggested that would 100% have broken things up a little. I felt like I found a cave behind a mountain at one point so was always checking if someone was there :laughing:.
Little secrets to discover when you're tracking back and forth to add to the gameplay would also be the cherry on top but overall I'm very glad I played and got to immerse myself in this little world for a bit.
Little secrets to discover when you're tracking back and forth to add to the gameplay would also be the cherry on top but overall I'm very glad I played and got to immerse myself in this little world for a bit.
Enryu Mirik20 Apr 2026, 08:55
Beautiful, I found them all.
MountainGoose20 Apr 2026, 14:26
Enjoyed it very much. Great audio and visual design, also just a fun idea for the jam. Super well done!
LDJam user 42814020 Apr 2026, 14:28
I love the graphics and atmosphere of this game. The world feels so big! The movement threw me off at first but then I got the hang of it. I had a lot of fun finding my friends!
harujam20 Apr 2026, 14:34
Climbing in that mountaneous terrain reminded me a bit of peak. I enjoyed the isometric map and the tiny details like the howling wolf. What I missed though was 8 way movement -and- I'm not sure if this was a bug, but after founding the first member the audio signal just disappeared. I assumed the signal would be played for all missing members?
hammeredzombie20 Apr 2026, 14:40
great look, style, best audio ive experience so far. a bit repetitive, so i didnt finish but thats because ive done plenty of beacon training in the backcountry. cool game! maybe it could expand to include slides and time trials on finding beacons? with out how the spatial audio is done i feel like this could turn into a training tool
DarthWaxus20 Apr 2026, 14:43
Amazing visuals and atmosphere! Great work!
CrociDB20 Apr 2026, 14:59
Wow, nice! That's what I most enjoy finding on Ludum Dare, simple mechanics but really good experiences. I really like the presentation and the atmosphere. The graphics are really beautiful and you did a great work on the audio. The soundscape makes you feel almost like you're there. Fantastic attention to the details. The only point I'd like to bring is that I was expecting some sort of plot-twist on the story, or at least some more depth. But you did a great job!
Pimeko20 Apr 2026, 15:29
What a mood! It's really beautiful, loved the fov effect, the snow trails and the concept.
Great entry :)
Great entry :)
mathemagics20 Apr 2026, 15:40
A very beautiful game, I like the graphics. When I first realized that you can climb up the mountains, I was pleasantly surprised. Very good, thank you for the game!
Ivan Grigoriev20 Apr 2026, 18:02
Very cool, but the controls are weird;)
darkshadow20 Apr 2026, 18:20
I like the challenge of following the pinging noise, audio and art style is great and climbing the mountains is quite fun plus little critters! Maps maybe a bit too big, just needs a little more of something to keep you going
nicardo20 Apr 2026, 20:00
Great execution , simple and well polished of a jam. Try my game its much similar but its visual cue than 3d audio
042a20 Apr 2026, 20:07
Simple and effective. I think you was able to get a great style that I also was aiming for but completely botched..
Pavlo20 Apr 2026, 20:14
The visual style is really nice!
XeduR20 Apr 2026, 20:28
It's a simple, fun and enjoyable game.
I think the pinging sound could have been "less annoying" on the ears as the games general atmosphere was otherwise so relaxed. The controls did feel like they could have worked a bit differently, but overall it was a great experience.
I think the pinging sound could have been "less annoying" on the ears as the games general atmosphere was otherwise so relaxed. The controls did feel like they could have worked a bit differently, but overall it was a great experience.
LDJam user 23456720 Apr 2026, 21:06
A simple idea, brilliantly executed :thumbsup:
Now I hear beeps all the time :smile:
Now I hear beeps all the time :smile:
Lenny Rudeberg20 Apr 2026, 21:10
This is the perfect kinda chill for me post jam. Great job, both aesthetics and theme were on point for me.
Mr. Flower20 Apr 2026, 21:39
such a good game, I love all the details of the mountain goats, the wolves, and it was just fun to play. The art was great, the sound design was phenominal, the atmosphere was perfect, overall just a fantastic game. Hope you get to continue working on it and make it into your vision, you clearly got it :D
Big Nose21 Apr 2026, 03:04
wow very nice i love the goats
Head Priestess Ari21 Apr 2026, 03:47
I really liked it! The graphics were really cool. At one point I somehow managed to mess up the climbing animation, so I climbed sideways (^^; The movement was maybe a bit too slow for my tiny lil' brain, I could maybe use a run/walk faster button, but that's a tiny nitpick. Really fun!
ScrapMetal21 Apr 2026, 03:58
WOW. first game of the jam I played. :metal: Vibe-wise and aesthetics... you KILLED it. :fire: Sounds design is phenomenal.. snow particles would've been awesome. But also... i love the way you can get around the environment. Good stuff!!
goodwayman21 Apr 2026, 09:49
Found my crew! :D
Nice entry! I really liked the game, the graphics, the mood! Good use of the signal theme! I had a lot of fun climbing up the highest mountain in the game and then doing the leap of faith thing :D The exploration is getting quite boring - maybe adding some secrets would add some spice to the game? Overall, I had a good time playing it! Good job!
Nice entry! I really liked the game, the graphics, the mood! Good use of the signal theme! I had a lot of fun climbing up the highest mountain in the game and then doing the leap of faith thing :D The exploration is getting quite boring - maybe adding some secrets would add some spice to the game? Overall, I had a good time playing it! Good job!
skale21 Apr 2026, 13:00
Incredible game! I noticed the tilt-shift effect - I’m a huge fan of that style. I really love the visual integrity and the fact that listening is the core gameplay mechanic. It would be hilarious to see goats climbing the rocks, though! I think I enjoyed this so much because we share a similar vision. We both made games where the player wanders around with orthographic follow camera looking for something, just with different goals
Sharky318821 Apr 2026, 13:00
A cute game concept, with a really nice atmosphere. Even though there wasn't a time pressure, i still felt like i was really there to rescue those other guys. Controls felt a little bit stiff, but otherwise really solid entry.
Mr. TJ21 Apr 2026, 14:23
A simple idea but really good execution so well done!!
Richnou21 Apr 2026, 14:40
Very nice !
Crowelian21 Apr 2026, 14:54
I loved the graphics and the soundscape!
Great game!
Great game!
limpch21 Apr 2026, 14:57
I really like your art style. The sound is also amazing. I wish this game on my phone :)
schadocalex21 Apr 2026, 15:13
Nice little game, I liked the animals around the map, especially the two wolfs!
AO-8521 Apr 2026, 15:32
Interesting concept! I think you should increase the activation range for the campfires I was surprised when I realized I had to climb mountains to trigger them. Still, I really enjoyed it!
Allexeee21 Apr 2026, 15:36
Interesting surroundings
FrowsyFrog21 Apr 2026, 16:25
The game was interesting, and the graphics along with the atmosphere turned out really well!
Enver Arco21 Apr 2026, 17:06
Great concept, reminds me of heroes of might and magic, trying to pin point and dig up the artifact. Very unique interpretation of theme and use of sound. Graphics and style are great too.
Avhatar21 Apr 2026, 18:25
Amazing atmosphere, really minimalist and striking visuals, simple — almost non-existent — gameplay that somehow still keeps you going. The sound supports everything beautifully. Little joys like the rabbits, wolves, and sheep are super delightful and feel like tiny discoveries. I chased a rabbit for a good 5 minutes hoping to catch it =). Special respect for the well-executed tilt-shift effect. So far you're my favorite, fellow jammer. Beautifully done — definitely sharing this with my friends!
The only con - no source code =(
The only con - no source code =(
Jacky San21 Apr 2026, 19:38
Great concept dude ! This atmosphere is incredible :heart_eyes:
Very well polished game :clap:
Very well polished game :clap:
jester145421 Apr 2026, 21:05
Cool! I enjoyed it, although the last two were extremely difficult to find. Cool idea with the footprints in the snow and the animal sounds. I liked the atmosphere, the graphics, and the sound work, great job!
LDJam user 35249021 Apr 2026, 21:10
So I haven't read the other reviews for your game, but I saw your post on the front page, and wanted to say that I personally didn't find the game boring to play at any point. I thought it was lovely wanding around that barren, white wasteland looking for survivors. The lack of things moving just added to the sense that you're somewhere where life has a hard time existing (especially right after an avalanche).
It didn't take long to get used to the isometric controls, and I thought they worked just fine (I played it on a controller d-pad). The four-directional movement forces you to move across the map in horizontal and vertical lines, which could be a good or bad thing depending on the game. But I think it was a positive thing here; you have to be more methodical about the search, and it slowed me down in a way that made the world feel just a bit larger than it would have otherwise.
Figuring out you could climb up the mountain was a cool moment. The stereo audio was telling me I had to go right (even though there was obviously a wall blocking my way), so I just held right and I started climbing.
I like all the little touches, like the snow telling you where you've already explored, or the animal sounds muffling how well you can hear your detector. I went up real close to the wolves to hear them howl, felt like I got to join their pack for a moment. I wonder if the snow tracks were a too low contrast though; I only saw them if I was looking specifically for them, and someone with a worse monitor (or in bright light) might not be able to see them at all.
The coolest moment was the very last guy I found at the really tall pillar. Losing sight of the ground, with the wind bellowing, and nothing to see but me, the wall, and the sky. You lose any sense of scale or direction, and it gives the feeling like there's this infinite expanse between you and the ground below.
All that to say, I thought the game was awesome, and thanks for making it!
It didn't take long to get used to the isometric controls, and I thought they worked just fine (I played it on a controller d-pad). The four-directional movement forces you to move across the map in horizontal and vertical lines, which could be a good or bad thing depending on the game. But I think it was a positive thing here; you have to be more methodical about the search, and it slowed me down in a way that made the world feel just a bit larger than it would have otherwise.
Figuring out you could climb up the mountain was a cool moment. The stereo audio was telling me I had to go right (even though there was obviously a wall blocking my way), so I just held right and I started climbing.
I like all the little touches, like the snow telling you where you've already explored, or the animal sounds muffling how well you can hear your detector. I went up real close to the wolves to hear them howl, felt like I got to join their pack for a moment. I wonder if the snow tracks were a too low contrast though; I only saw them if I was looking specifically for them, and someone with a worse monitor (or in bright light) might not be able to see them at all.
The coolest moment was the very last guy I found at the really tall pillar. Losing sight of the ground, with the wind bellowing, and nothing to see but me, the wall, and the sky. You lose any sense of scale or direction, and it gives the feeling like there's this infinite expanse between you and the ground below.
All that to say, I thought the game was awesome, and thanks for making it!
Oradimi21 Apr 2026, 21:38
I really loved the in-game headphones sound, the way it closed in in one ear then the other was really satisfying. I makes me want to try to exploit sound more in my future games
LDJam user 37402821 Apr 2026, 21:40
As someone who is afraid of climbing, this game gave me the chills every time the player character would not attach properly to the face of the mountain and fall off. I like the graphics, the music, the mood and the animals. Nice work!
MrTroy22 Apr 2026, 00:04
I saved everybody! At a certain point I did clip in to the mountain and couldn't get out, no matter. I hit refresh and made sure I saved everybody!
Grizwhirl22 Apr 2026, 01:05
This was a wonderful entry, very captivating atmosphere between the audio and visuals
Zwi Zausch22 Apr 2026, 01:53
Yooojust wanted to say i dig the minimalist artstyle, very cool! Also neat gameplay 👍 I was surprised about the climbing, nice touch.
Ternarycat22 Apr 2026, 02:02
That's really simple and fun, specially i like how the guy goes up, all graphics looks beautiful!
LDJam user 42387222 Apr 2026, 02:30
The sound effects create a great atmosphere. I would like to see more variety in the signals used for searching.
LDJam user 38980622 Apr 2026, 04:48
Great game! The atmosphere is so good! I liked the control, simple and clear, and it goes great with the art style. Personally I feel adding a stamina bar and death conditions would go a long way. With some map design and just a bit of story this would turn into a full game I want to spend money on and play.
yoko-san22 Apr 2026, 08:21
Nice! I really enjoyed the trip to the lonely, snowy landscape.
The world is huge and the art style is cool; even the trees somehow reminded me of when I used to play with Lego :D
The atmosphere is very fitting.
The world is huge and the art style is cool; even the trees somehow reminded me of when I used to play with Lego :D
The atmosphere is very fitting.
Haln22 Apr 2026, 18:39
This game was a nice experience!
The lonely atmosphere really makes every sign of life feel exciting to find!
Exploring was fun, although trying to find the last person got a little trying because I had no idea where to go, feeling like I had checked everywhere already.
8-direction movement would have definitely made the character control a bit less weird.
The lonely atmosphere really makes every sign of life feel exciting to find!
Exploring was fun, although trying to find the last person got a little trying because I had no idea where to go, feeling like I had checked everywhere already.
8-direction movement would have definitely made the character control a bit less weird.
Caer22 Apr 2026, 22:53
This game nails the idea of "moody", and fits the jam theme really well. I loved having to listen to signal really closely to find my way to survivors--I feel like most games default to visual signals, and it's been a while since I've had to use a different sense (like sound) to engage with a core mechanic.
Also, I didn't find it lonely at all...at least, not in an undeserved way. Like I said, super moody, super delightful.
Also, I didn't find it lonely at all...at least, not in an undeserved way. Like I said, super moody, super delightful.
Roroto Sic24 Apr 2026, 13:46
I love the theme and the voxel art ! Great job !
(i finished the game but I upload this screenshot because I prefer it.)
(i finished the game but I upload this screenshot because I prefer it.)
ugly_robot24 Apr 2026, 18:04
Awesome! Gorgeous game!
I wish the spatial audio was a little more obvious - only found 2, as I wasn't sure what I was listening for - but I really enjoyed just exploring!
Can't believe you managed to add ambient wildlife in a compo game!
I love the controls! Jams are exactly the place you want to try tweaked little control schemes. I found it very charming!
Great work!
I wish the spatial audio was a little more obvious - only found 2, as I wasn't sure what I was listening for - but I really enjoyed just exploring!
Can't believe you managed to add ambient wildlife in a compo game!
I love the controls! Jams are exactly the place you want to try tweaked little control schemes. I found it very charming!
Great work!
recursor24 Apr 2026, 18:58
I appreciate the simple yet interesting game-play and minimal controls. It was very easy to jump in and start finding the other 12 members of your crew. Nicely done.
Bananplyte29 Apr 2026, 15:17
Cute and minimalistic
LeReveur2 May 2026, 23:57
You don't see very often voxel used in a LD, and yet less often with great style like this! I liked the mood, the simple but good interpretation of the theme, and finding some cute surprises while searching for my unfortunate team. I finished it and it was fun, so: well done!
pkenney3 May 2026, 02:56
I finished the game. Enjoyed the free-ranging controls, the lack of punishment for huge falls, the jump, the insane ability to climb sheer walls like it's nothing.
The rabbit was a nice touch, I diverted myself a bit by chasing him right when I hit a lull. The graphics and the space and the free-flowing movement left me feeling fine about the simplicity of the challenge. The trails I left behind started as a nice visual element but became a very useful search aid toward the end.
How did you create such true-to-life sound effects? They are very nice. The wind blowing, the sheep, the howl of the wolf. I've tinkered with lots of ways of creating sfx but I wouldn't know where to begin with making sounds like that. Did you synthesize them somehow?
Anyway, very nice entry! I enjoyed.
Oh - don't really care and won't change my rating, but I do think a compo entry should have code included.
The rabbit was a nice touch, I diverted myself a bit by chasing him right when I hit a lull. The graphics and the space and the free-flowing movement left me feeling fine about the simplicity of the challenge. The trails I left behind started as a nice visual element but became a very useful search aid toward the end.
How did you create such true-to-life sound effects? They are very nice. The wind blowing, the sheep, the howl of the wolf. I've tinkered with lots of ways of creating sfx but I wouldn't know where to begin with making sounds like that. Did you synthesize them somehow?
Anyway, very nice entry! I enjoyed.
Oh - don't really care and won't change my rating, but I do think a compo entry should have code included.
LDJam user 4243265 May 2026, 12:38
A very cinematic game.
It has a lot of great moments that look good in screenshots
It has a lot of great moments that look good in screenshots
Ava Skoog5 May 2026, 19:03
Very nice game. Don't know about others, but I like the slowness :)
Good atmosphere. I suppose a game about avalanches could've gone in a more dire direction too, but not having to stress out is nice, and I think this works better here since the overall style is more cartoony. Must've been one heck of an avalanche, getting people up to those pillars! Good thing these people have bones of unbreakium and can leap all the way down safely.
Looks and sounds nice. I like the low framerate of the animations. It was cool hearing things besides the signal. It took me a couple of minutes before I heard any of the animals and it was very faint so I got confused, unsure whether the baas were coming from the game, and then I found the goats. I will say that a mellower sound for the signal itself would've been nice, since you have to listen to a lot of it.
Short but sweet. Felt polished and well presented. The extra ideas you mention on this page would've definitely added to it, but I liked it this way too!
Good atmosphere. I suppose a game about avalanches could've gone in a more dire direction too, but not having to stress out is nice, and I think this works better here since the overall style is more cartoony. Must've been one heck of an avalanche, getting people up to those pillars! Good thing these people have bones of unbreakium and can leap all the way down safely.
Looks and sounds nice. I like the low framerate of the animations. It was cool hearing things besides the signal. It took me a couple of minutes before I heard any of the animals and it was very faint so I got confused, unsure whether the baas were coming from the game, and then I found the goats. I will say that a mellower sound for the signal itself would've been nice, since you have to listen to a lot of it.
Short but sweet. Felt polished and well presented. The extra ideas you mention on this page would've definitely added to it, but I liked it this way too!
The concept is really neat, and you executed it well. The atmosphere, graphics, and sound effects really go good together as well. An extra juice would be some flowing snow particles in the wind!
I do think one thing is that it gets a bit repetitive after a while. I'm not sure what else you could add gameplay-wise, but it does feel like its missing a bit on the progression front.
Really great job overall on this.