Quite nice graphics, basic but interesting gameplay, bgm fits the atmosphere.
The laser sound can use a few variations so that it is not too monotone. Gather (or remix) 3 variations of the same repeating sound is good to break it up a little bit.
character controller is a bit basic. Tileset is good enough for the purpose.
Level design is surprisingly great. In the 8 path level i actually need to survey and identify the source of threat by clearing a little bit creep and let it regrow on the map.
On the other map, i don't have a direct path to the source of threat, so i was forced to race the clock to clear the hive before the creep comes to my base. That was good fun.
The tutorial part is not enough to convey that there are actually creep creeping to my base. I died about 3 times not knowing what killed me. But i guess it is not too big of a deal for a jam game. The cost to retry wasn't that high either, so i um... yeah it's a bummer but not greatly reducing the fun.
I haven't advanced too deep and only got one upgrade. The area clear is great and serves as an offhand weapon to be while reloading. Did add a bit depth to the early game. Choosing it over the auto-fire feature made me feel smart. I don't think auto-fire is that useful in the early game though, since i am more limited by the reload window more than anything else.
That area clear skill feels powerful, but needs skills to use. i like it. i think you basically fired invisible projectiles behind the scene, and it makes line-of-sight a tricky part to master. I need to fan out enemies in order for my AOE to take effect. I think it is neat.
Oh, forgot to praise the creep graphics. Super nice (and life-like considering the pixel art style). Looks like the hive must fill in every old pixel before expanding out? i can just cut the creep for but a pixel and still managed to slow down their advancement. It's great to see that the game rewards the effort to understand the game.
Good job!