Super cool! Feels like a solid classic platformer. I've always been curious about PICO-8, how was it getting to learn how to develop for it? Maybe I'll try one day :D
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Deep Dive (Beginner's Jam April 2024)'s itch.io pageResults
| Criteria | Rank | Score* | Raw Score |
| Creativity and Theme | #7 | 3.826 | 3.826 |
| Fun | #9 | 3.739 | 3.739 |
| Overall | #11 | 3.667 | 3.667 |
| Visuals and Sound | #23 | 3.435 | 3.435 |
Ranked from 23 ratings. Score is adjusted from raw score by the median number of ratings per game in the jam.
Comments
Thank for your kind words!
Well, Pico-8 is the only engine I use, so I can't really compare it to others. But I would describe it as a simple but complete game engine.
Because it's simple, it's quite easy to learn, you basically have 5 tabs and you can do everything with it, which is very cool! You are not overwhelmed with features, menus and so on. Which I think is nice when you start learning game development.
The programming language is Lua, which is quite clean and easy to learn, especially if you already know another language like Python, JS.
As the name implies, Pico-8 is for 8bit like games, so you will have some limitations when making your game.
All in all, it's good for prototype/game jam games and I'd recommend it to anyone.
The game fits very well the theme of the jam and the art is cute. Good job!
I also love that there is a tutorial. Sadly, I didn’t understand the scoring system. I got hit by enemies a lot of time but it didn’t killed me but then, I saw the score in the top right corner. I got a score of 40 at the end of my first game but I don’t really understand what it means: is it good or not? :’D It would be useful to better integrate the score system in the game (like a little +X score that pops close to my character when I do something good and -X when I do something bad).
Submitted
The Garden of GiftsThank you for your kind words and feedback!
Regarding the scoring system. At first I wanted to have a classic life system instead of a score (like you start with 3 lives, if you get hit you lose one, and game over if you lose all your lives). But since it's a game jam, I wanted people who play my game to be able to see all the levels without dying.
So I removed the life system and implemented this scoring system. The scoring system works like this: Your score increases when you kill an enemy, a boss or when you complete a level. If you get hit, you lose 10 points. The maximum score should be around 180-185.
You are right, I did not think about it, but I should add a +/- score pop up, as you say, close to the character or maybe on the top right, close to the score?
I'm thinking of updating my game after the jam and if I do I will definitely implement that.
Been wanting to play this game ever since I saw it in discord! Finally got to play it and it's very fun!
Submitted
Aldrich - The Treasure HunterThis is beautiful! You did an amazing job. It feels so Game Boy-ish; I am very curious about the engine you used, Pico-8! How was working with it?
Submitted
Deep Dive OdysseyThank you so much for your kind words!
As for the Pico-8, it's a very nice engine, and it's the only one I've used so far! I'd say it's a very simple but complete engine.
- Simple: In a way that you are not overwhelmed by complex menus, options, configuration.
- But complete: You can do everything in Pico-8: programming, sprites, maps, SFX and music.
As the name implies, Pico-8 is made to make 8-bit style game, so you have technical limitation in code size, screen size (128x128 pixels), spritessheet (128x128 pixels also).
All in all, I think it's a fantastic tool for prototyping and game jam. It's also a good engine for anyone wanting to take their first steps into game development. The community behind it is also quite large and very helpful and welcoming.
Love the visuals, and I agree with some of the other comments about the SFX. Other than that, super nice retro style, congrats!
Submitted
Downwell RunA very creative and cool concept even outside the scope of the jam IMO
Loved the experimentation with the core mechanic, would've liked if the movement could be smoother though
Submitted
Spell HellFavorite game I've played so far. Good execution and love the visuals
Submitted
Deep Drill Rescue
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