itch.io

Really love the four-color pixel graphics. Everything is very readable and the animations are nice. Also, the premise of giant evil carrots chasing a rabbit is patently hilarious.

I think the carrot control is generally an interesting idea, and it made more sense once carrots starting appearing on the field, but it was a bit frustrating at points. I don’t think there’s a benefit to allowing us to throw ineffectual carrots next to or behind the rabbit - it’s frustrating to interact with the game and not get any result.

One other minor grips is that it could feel a bit too random at times - like I would go long stretches without coins, and then when one finally appeared, it would be too far to pick up. Maybe a bit of tweaking to the generator algorithm could help the game flow better.

Still, the power-up shop is a nice touch to keep the game’s inertia and leave me wanting to play more, and it was instantly clear how to play the game. Plus, the music is nice and fittingly minimal, as well as the sound effects.

Yep! You can modify the game page however you like, just not the files.

This is a nice start to the classic launch-jump platformer. I like how you used arrows and warning signs to help navigate the level.

I think we could be zoomed out a bit more, or utilize more of a wide screen to give us more of a warning what’s coming up in the level. Also, some edge-of-screen indicator to tell us the net is getting close (and where it’s coming from) would help. There were several times I unexpectedly crashed into it, and losing when you had no idea it would happen is a bit unfun.

The jump feels great, though, so kudos on getting that core thing right. I also think there’s some interesting level design going on with alternate routes taking advantage of the ability to double-jump. And turning the drag line red when we can’t jump anymore is a great idea.

A bit more polish, some playtesting, and some music and sound effects, this could be super fun.

I can kind of see what you’re going for here, but I think it would work a lot better on mobile with multi-touch because it’s excruciatingly difficult to handle all of the controls at once. It’s also very difficult to tell where the steering wheel is, since it would occasionally snap to a position based on where I clicked it.

The choice of music is solid, and the graphics are interesting enough to tell what’s going on. I’m guessing from the title screen we’re racing a washing machine or something? It’s a bit unclear.

A good start to a 3D time attack racer, but needs more work.

An interesting idea that seems a little bit unfinished. I like the idea of a spider escaping a Tetris game, and you really nailed the movement and sound effects for the spider. Also, the red lines to show where blocks will fall is a nice touch.

It could be more clear if there were animation for the falling blocks, or maybe a sweep across the top of the screen so we get a feel for the timing of the blocks as they arrive.

Also, there are plenty of rampant bugs, and the easiest way to cheese the game is to just crawl up the sides. Not sure that should be allowed.

But the idea is cool. With a bit more work and polish, this could be quite interesting!

Cool idea with the ball physics, almost feels like Uniracers for the SNES (a relic of the ancient past).

I was able to basically fly everywhere and break through the walls at one point with an infinite scroll wheel but it was pretty fun anyway.

The minimalistic graphics are neat, and a good use of four colors with an unusual palette and clear contrast.

I think some kind of compass or arrow, or a pre-level fly-around, or some sort of map/minimap would be a good improvement to get our bearings on the level.

I’ll be sure to let you know when I do :)

Great! Thanks.

Hi! I was having some issues with the submissions for VimJam and needed to remove this entry to fix it. Please add it back in when you get the chance.

Let me know if you miss the deadline and I can get you a late submit link. Easiest would be to contact me on Discord.

Thanks!

Unfortunately, I’m currently working with itch support to fix an issue breaking the submission listing related to a change in these questions. I’m aware of the issue with selecting diversifiers, but I’d like to have the other issue fixed before making another change. For now, pick your favorite, and I’ll get it fixed as soon as possible so you can add the others later.

You’re still in the clear as long as it only uses single touch which could be implemented with a mouse.

Since the entire game should be four colors, that should result in the screenshots automatically meeting the requirement. You’re free to do whatever you like with cover art and the game page in general.

Yes, the “4 Color Palette” diversifier applies to the entire game.

Thanks for using my music! Also really appreciate the crediting.

A color is one hexadecimal color code, so if you use #660000 and #670000 that would be two colors counting toward the limit of four.

The diversifiers are left intentionally vague, but for the sake of reaching the broadest possible audience I’d recommend sticking to the most common setup with max three buttons, movement, and scroll wheel.

Yes

Absolutely, that falls under the category of Japanese folklore where you’ll find classic games like Okami and Fatal Frame. :)

Hey! As long as you include the credits as written on the music pack page, you’re all good. Thanks for using my music. :)

Hey thanks! Glad you liked it. :)

I answered on Discord but in case anyone looks here, I’ve updated the game page to say this:

If the game is 3D, the camera must be fixed horizontally and not turn, to simulate the vertical scrolling of a 2D game. Basically, treat it like a 2D vertical scroller, but you can have 3D graphics and elements.

The music can be any type, any style, any instruments. Good luck have fun!

Hiya! The credit needs to be displayed as this:

Contains music ©2023 Retro Indie Josh (https://retroindiejosh.itch.io) Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International

You can put it in the game or gam page or wherever, as long as it’s easily accessible.

Hello there! I’m a composer itching to work on tunes for a horror jam. I’ve produced a horror music pack and the music for Domino House which you can hear at the beginning of my music portfolio reel, but I’m itching to do some purpose-made horror soundtracks.

I’m a huge fan of Akira Yamaoka, and Silent Hill 2 in particular. That’s what I strive to accomplish.

I would love to join a team for Panic Horror Jam! If you’re interested, reach out on Discord at retroindiejosh or DM me on Twitter.

Thanks!

Hiya! Guess I should’ve put that in the post. I can indeed be reached on Discord at RetroIndieJosh.

You can use this link to submit: https://itch.io/jam/384900/add-game/2484084/330525?token=6G8EtqKnGgL9NlBYW56PB8fK4

Hey everyone, I’m looking to join a team to compose music for Dungeon Crawler Jam 2024, with a goal of expanding my portfolio and sharpening my skills.

I have been producing music since 2006 and releasing free-to-use game music since 2018. My strengths are in electronic and chiptune, but I’m comfortable venturing into horror, ambient, orchestral, and other styles, especially in the “retro game” flavor.

To be honest, I never got into these sorts of first-person dungeon crawlers, but I can see myself enjoying the genre. I do love me a good RPG, and first-person adventures (the likes of Shadowgate) are definitely up my alley. It would be great fun to compose for the moody atmosphere of a dungeon, and the intensity of battle.

Check out my video portfolio (or if you prefer, SoundCloud portfolio playlist) to get a taste of what I’ve done.

You can reach me by responding here or on Discord at retroindiejosh. Looking forward to hearing from some cool people!

Hey everyone, I’m looking to join a team to compose music for the 7DRL Challenge, with a goal of expanding my portfolio and sharpening my skills.

I have been producing music since 2006 and releasing free-to-use game music since 2018. My strengths are in electronic and chiptune, but I’m comfortable venturing into horror, ambient, orchestral, and other styles, especially in the “retro game” flavor.

My favorite roguelike is ADOM, and I’ve always wanted to make one, but never had the time. At the very least, I would love the opportunity to compose music fitting the vibe of a quality roguelike.

Check out my video portfolio (or if you prefer, SoundCloud portfolio playlist) to get a taste of what I’ve done.

You can reach me by responding here or on Discord at retroindiejosh. Looking forward to hearing from some cool people!

Hey everyone, I’m looking to join a team to compose music for Metroidvania Month, with a goal of expanding my portfolio and sharpening my skills.

I have been producing music since 2006 and releasing free-to-use game music since 2018. My strengths are in electronic and chiptune, but I’m comfortable venturing into horror, ambient, orchestral, and other styles, especially in the “retro game” flavor.

I absolutely adore platformers, and metroidvanias are the bets of the best. I would love the opportunity to develop a fitting musical mood for a well-designed metroidvania with tight controls and beautiful graphics.

Check out my video portfolio (or if you prefer, SoundCloud portfolio playlist) to get a taste of what I’ve done.

You can reach me by responding here or on Discord at retroindiejosh. Looking forward to hearing from some cool people!

Yes, you’re allowed to change the game page as much as you like, just unable to upload new game files.

You should have an “Edit Submission” button on your jam entry page. You can get there by clicking “Submission to VimJam 4” at the top right of your game page, then click “Edit Submission” to update your responses.

Oops, I missed that one. You’re right that it’s not there so don’t worry about it.

No

Yes this would be no problem.

It’s a cool idea, but as you seen to be aware, opens up a lot of potential for problems. I don’t have anything against such an entry since you’re willing to police the links, but keep in mind any DMCA related incidents could result in itch banning your account. It’s up to you if that’s a risk you’re willing to take.

One alternative is something like what Audiosurf does, where the levels are linked to metadata tags and the player needs to get the song file themselves.

Hope that answers your question.

Yes, that’s fine. It’s mostly to prevent needing to finish the entire game to get to them.

Hi MuffintreeGames, yes that would be an acceptable way to do it. Happy jamming!

Hi OpErA. The original intent of the Shapely diversifier is one object = one shape, but if it remains clear that you used simple shapes then it’s okay to use multiple for one object. But the more complex the objects become, the less it looks like applying that challenge, so it’s best not to push it too far.

Hope that helps! Happy jamming.

It’s a little bit of a stretch on the requirements, but I think it still fits the spirit of sticking to basic shapes.