Wow, thank you for your amazing words and support, it means a lot. First place would really just be icing on the cake, because I learned so much going through this process and couldn’t ask for more than that.
I assure you we are beginners (though I’m a professional web developer) and this is the first game we’ve built together (but we’ve talked and talked for years about trying game development!), and the first jam we’ve participated in. The secret sauce is our chemistry, and each specialising in their particular field (me, programming; MonstersMustDie, art and design). We also took a week off work to dedicate to the project, so credit also goes to our wives for their support and understanding.