August 19th-22nd 2011 :: Theme: Escape
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XNA 4.0 was used to make this, so it's likely that you'll need Windows with XNA Framework 4.0 installed in order to play it!
You are a charged particle with a clear disregard for the laws of physics.
Hit SPACE to invert your polarity, causing different particles to attract/repel you.
Navigate using WSAD, but use sparingly - it drains your charge.
Regain your charge by touching oppositely-charged particles.
Escape the electromagnetic foam!
www.audiotool.com was used to make the music!
Downloads and Links
Ratings
| #63 | Innovation | 3.62 |
| #156 | Audio | 2.67 |
| #239 | Graphics | 2.77 |
| #284 | Overall | 2.77 |
| #361 | Fun | 2.23 |
| #403 | Theme | 2.31 |
| #418 | Coolness | 0% |
Comments
More or less agree with ratking. It's not the first compo game I've seen (although none so far in this LD) using idea of + an -, but it's just too damn uncontrolable... game for very patient or very lucky
Indeed, some introductory material with details on the mechanics might make it more easy.
The theme feels very much tacked on, but I did enjoy the innovative mechanics (Osmos but not Osmos, indeed).
It's a bit hit and miss and I often leave the game area after just starting. Could do with some fine tuning but otherwise a great idea.
Took me a few goes to 'escape' (I'm afraid I have to agree with others that the theme is kind of shoehorned in there) - it's an interesting idea and the animation is really smooth. I found the controls pretty difficult, though.
I'd suggest two alterations:
1) keep the player contained within the play area (i.e. you can't go offscreen - at least not top and bottom)
2) start off with levels with less other particles. Perhaps even some with preset particles fixed in place, that teach you how to repel / attract yourself across the stage.
Promising start though!
Man, I thought you'd buy me with "You are a charged particle with a clear disregard for the laws of physics", but honestly, there is very little gameplay here. The idea is fine, but the terrifying amount of other *moving* charged particles makes this quite painful. Thinking how this game could be improved, I'd say MUCH less particles, especially in early levels, and some fixed particles and/or particles moving with no regards for physics (some simple trajectories) - player movement would be more deterministic. I like the concept, but the gameplay is to random now.
Interesting concept, it was a lot funner once there were less particles on the screen so you could time their rotations around to bounce off them, could definitely see something really fun evolving from this concept.
i seem to have trouble with running XNA games recentally, which is odd because i used to use xna on this machine :(
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Interesting idea (reminded me of Osmos), but the randomness threw me off. It feels very uncontrollable. Other than that, I liked the overall presentation and style.