Alright I’m in! This’ll be my second LD48 solo comp. LD26 was a success for me in that I actually got something out there and although I don’t have as much time this weekend I will give it a try!

I’ll be using:

» Engine: Game Maker Studio
» Graphics: Sketchbook Pro/MS Paint
» SFX: Random noises/piano
» Music: Electric Piano
» Audio: Audacity
» Hardware: X220 Tablet, Yamaha P-95, Zoom H2n

Much luck to all to get something done!

Out of the 70 games I managed to play so far the following 8 caught my attention based on the ratings categories:

Overall: Tendril

A deliberate pace sets the mood for this unique game with a one-button mechanic that rewards patience. The tension that is created as you try to weave through an opening and the relief once you’ve cleared it is extremely satisfying.

Innovation: SDFJKL

An original control scheme that makes for a very interesting Spider-Man-like experience weaved with a tale that puts the abstract graphics into context with every varied level.

Fun: Super 1-Bit Space Arena

Single player Smash Bros. with guns. In space. Enough said. Seriously though I kept coming back to this for more.

Theme: (Follow the) Line

Simple yet elegant graphics, one-button controls, and no audio. Minimalism to the core.

Graphics: Somsnosa

Outstanding artstyle with mind-bending abstract/surrealist environments and crazy creature designs give a fresh look to this entry that really sets it apart from the rest.

Audio: Wandering Darkness

This claustrophobic platformer has compelling level design and it keeps you company with a number of varied tunes that are not your typical fair.

Humour: Staring Contest

Minimalist comedy. Couldn’t help but laugh at the voiceovers and absurdity of it all.

Mood: GHOSTS

The tension is palpable in this game. Every element seems to reinforce that mood, the crescendoing music, the increasing light and thus greater threat level from the enemies as you try to find the exit.

PLOT TWIST: Worst Game (stealth shameless plug)

Inspired by the 10 second clips from Codexus‘ awesome compilation videos, I created a sort of teaser trailer for my entry. It’s short, one might say… minimalist, perhaps?

I enjoyed this process actually. In keeping with the theme, why not create a short trailer for your entry with the bare essentials without giving too much away? If you haven’t already and are on the fence about it I encourage you to do so!

(At this point I’m just procrastinating the postmortem and event review…)

At long last I have a web version of I Know Nothing up and running for anyone that wants to check it out! Definitely use Chrome as your browser.

This is my first game and HTML5 has been somewhat of a pain to deal with but a great learning experience. Alas, WebGL saved the day in the end for the primary issue at hand, namely performance.

Next up: a trailer. Stay tuned.

Finally getting around to posting my competition entry here on the blog! What a couple of days that was. This was my first Ludum Dare and it was truly quite an experience. I guess I was still recovering! Hehe. In fact, this is my first game ever, so let me know what you think of I Know Nothing.

I will write a full postmortem hopefully in a few days. I also hope to port it to HTML5 but I’m facing some strange bugs that I have no idea how to fix. I will post an update here if it works.

Looking over the games there are some real gems. I’m amazed at some of the creativity on hand but really bummed that I can’t check out most of the entries that are hosted on dropbox due to my current location (I assume).

Either way I hope you enjoy this little thing I made. Your feedback is welcome and thanks in advance.

Whew! What a day, I’m beat. I wasted a good two-to-three hours frantically hunting a cause for Game Maker Studio freezing and not running my game, until I realized it was my own mistake. Classic amateur coding, live and learn! Time to hit the hay, tomorrow will be longer. But first, a sneak peak at the prototype so far:

Still got a lot to do in terms of visuals, music, control tweaks, and level design, among miscellaneous little things, but the core is mostly done, albeit not very fun. Might add some extra things to make it a little more interesting if I have the time… For now though, some much needed rest. Catch you all in the ‘morrow.

So, minimalism! This being my first time doing anything like this I certainly can’t complain about the theme. I have an idea brewing already. But first, breakfast of champions: scrambled eggs and hash browns (it had to be done).

Time to get cracking!

This is where all of that hard pretend work and bountiful procrastination take place. A setting soon to be ravaged by calm panicking, fervent head-scratching, and the inevitable crunch collapse… Good times ahead!