LudumData

Escape Character by Zi

[raw]
made by Zi for LD31 (JAM)
==== [DESCRIPTION] ==============================

You are a file on a computer desktop which has suddenly been given life. A mysterious notification appears...

This is a short adventure. There was a lot more I wanted to do, but the time constraint and a bunch of Unity bugs made it impossible. Lesson learned.

==== [CONTROLS] ================================

WASD (or arrow keys) to move.
Left click (or Z) to... well, click. :D
You need to double-click to interact with certain things.

==== [TIP] =====================================

Try to inspect everything, because you may miss something if you're not careful. :D

==== [KNOWN ISSUES] =============================

I am so sorry if you experience difficulty clicking on things. It appears to be related to frame rate, and I did not know this since I only tested on my own machine. =( Thanks for your patience!

Web players, press Escape if you want control of your mouse back. Don't worry if you don't see it, it's still there, just invisible when over the game area.

==== [POST-JAM FIXES] =============================

I made a couple of "typo" bug fixes (according to the rules) within a couple hours after the jam:

1) Changed Web player resolution to match the standalone and removed context menu.
2) Fixed a checkbox triggering a sound it shouldn't have.
3) Fixed music not looping.
Web http://toastygames.com/escchar/Web.html
Windows http://toastygames.com/escchar/EscapeCharacter_Windows.zip
OS/X http://toastygames.com/escchar/EscapeCharacter_Mac.zip
Linux http://toastygames.com/escchar/EscapeCharacter_Linux.zip
Original URL https://ludumdare.com/compo/ludum-dare-31/?action=preview&uid=46572

Ratings

Coolness 91% 2
Overall(Jam) 4.57 2
Fun(Jam) 4.38 2
Graphics(Jam) 4.53 31
Humor(Jam) 4.28 10
Innovation(Jam) 4.55 6
Mood(Jam) 4.34 2
Theme(Jam) 4.82 3

Feedback

error031
09. Dec 2014 路 04:18 UTC
I always thought cookies are good, but this game made me reconsider :D Game is beautifull, it really gives you feeling you are in you computer. Congrats!
CoolChesire
09. Dec 2014 路 06:32 UTC
I love the graphics, you should finish this!
ViliX64
09. Dec 2014 路 06:32 UTC
I'm getting an error on the Linux build link.
Fortyseven
09. Dec 2014 路 06:35 UTC
Easily one of my favorites out of the 40+ I've judged this evening. I'd love to see this expanded out into a full game. The polish already on display is superb. :)
馃帳 Zi
09. Dec 2014 路 06:57 UTC
Thanks, guys! =) ViliX64, the link, or the build? I will re-upload just in case.
馃帳 Zi
09. Dec 2014 路 07:24 UTC
Oh, it could be because I was using Dropbox. It is now hosted on a private site. Hopefully that will fix it!
DiegoHenriquez
09. Dec 2014 路 21:55 UTC
This game was very well made. I also found it quite humorous. It's a shame that it wasn't longer, but for the amount of time that you had, I'm impressed with how much content there is.
Grindstorm
10. Dec 2014 路 01:53 UTC
What can I say? <3 <3 <3
ViKing Games
10. Dec 2014 路 02:01 UTC
Funny, I really loved the survey! The graphics were good, especially the filter over the entire screen. When I first saw the screenshots, I thought you might've taken a picture of your monitor with a camera! I'd love to see a longer version of this.
Zayron
10. Dec 2014 路 02:10 UTC
I had problems clicking folders and files. I would have to click 4-5 times for them to open. Other than that this was fun! :)
馃帳 Zi
10. Dec 2014 路 02:11 UTC
I apologize for the clicking problems, Zayron. I did not know this to be an issue until now. It appears to be related to frame rate and collision detection. =( The faster your computer, the easier time you will have.
ajayajayaj
10. Dec 2014 路 02:15 UTC
Amazing! You should make this a full game. It's awesome!
theomg
10. Dec 2014 路 02:24 UTC
Amazing game, everythig is awesome, the gameplay is fluid, the art and sound are great, really well done. Congratulations.
sorlok
10. Dec 2014 路 02:26 UTC
Fantastic game. Tight mechanics, cool idea, and well implemented. Would love to see this as a released game.
Troilk
10. Dec 2014 路 02:35 UTC
Awesome, the best game I've judged so far! I hope to see this as a full game in the near future :)
yosh
10. Dec 2014 路 02:47 UTC
Not sure what to say. this game really blew my mind by its simplicity... yet it was really clever (and good!).
You sir (mam?) get some five stars :)
Ozcr
10. Dec 2014 路 02:58 UTC
Really cool idea, really fun game!

Try mine, http://ludumdare.com/compo/ludum-dare-31/?action=preview&uid=44154
spacedoubt
10. Dec 2014 路 03:02 UTC
Fun all the way through! Clever game.
Skipi
10. Dec 2014 路 03:03 UTC
This is really good. I love a lot of the small details you put in there, like the clock.

I would pay for a full version of this game.
Azlen
10. Dec 2014 路 03:40 UTC
Hope you finish this game at some point! Love it so far!
Sayuri Tagata
10. Dec 2014 路 04:10 UTC
I just have to save it on my favourite pages... IT'S SO WONDERFUL AND SMART!The art is perfect and I love the way you made the character's lives XD
savethejets1
10. Dec 2014 路 04:31 UTC
Wow, great polish!
flatgub
10. Dec 2014 路 05:53 UTC
That.
Was.
Awesome.
10/10 would love to see it expanded
Paperscraps
10. Dec 2014 路 07:20 UTC
Best jam entry I have seen yet. This game was top notch in every fashion. This game had me laughing and the controls felt very tight. Well done!!
Trenaldi
10. Dec 2014 路 09:31 UTC
Music is great, game is cute. Controls nicely. Fun. All the hearts.

-Your Secret Admirer
MintArcade
10. Dec 2014 路 09:35 UTC
Awesome game - want to play it MOAR :D
Rahazan
10. Dec 2014 路 09:40 UTC
Amazing graphics, I love the particles and small details.

4.5/5 (on average)
Crefossus
10. Dec 2014 路 09:40 UTC
Take all my stars. Everything was really well done and incredibly original, with great writing, particle/screen effects and was fun to explore. The refill of the hearts was genius.

The double click (getting started) and ending could be missed without a little guidance. I get that's part of the humor, but I was tricked out of it.
merzlot
10. Dec 2014 路 09:59 UTC
There is an exit at the final screen! :D http://imgur.com/cbRRZw0
Great game, btw :)
馃帳 Zi
10. Dec 2014 路 10:16 UTC
HOW ON EARTH DID YOU- .... I DON'T EVEN- .... HACKS! WALLHACKS!
馃帳 Zi
10. Dec 2014 路 10:18 UTC
Never mind. Just found a hole in the wall colliders. -_- I still don't know how you got past the FIRE though. >.> I'm watching you...
CustomPhase
10. Dec 2014 路 10:36 UTC
Really fun, really interesting game, with unique approach to the theme. Liked it a great deal. Great job!
Taunia Sabanski
10. Dec 2014 路 10:44 UTC
This was one of the best LD games I've played thus far.

This was a perfect score for me. The art and music was adorable, I laughed out loud several times, the gameplay was simple and enjoyable. The only problem I had with it is that it ended too soon! :c

Thank you so much for making this! :D
Zayron
10. Dec 2014 路 12:56 UTC
@Zi. I was on my slower laptop at the time when I played your game. So that makes sense. :)
realbogart
10. Dec 2014 路 19:27 UTC
Cool game! :D
Rupert
10. Dec 2014 路 19:28 UTC
The best one I have tried so far. Looks great and plays great. Only thing I think could be better is if you could aim with the arrowkeys instead of the mouse, but thats just my preference.
馃帳 Zi
10. Dec 2014 路 19:36 UTC
Thanks for the feedback, Rupert! If I ever complete this game, I will be sure to add multiple control options. =)
flyingbear
11. Dec 2014 路 02:53 UTC
Nothing like beating the 1s and 0s out of cookies, eh? This was extremely clever, and I'd love to play more if you expand on this!
jackrugile
13. Dec 2014 路 07:52 UTC
This game gets a perfect score from me. That game just brought me so much happiness, thank you. I'd love to play an extended version of this. Gosh, incredibly well done!
Boberro
13. Dec 2014 路 08:59 UTC
<3<3<3
karlipoppins
13. Dec 2014 路 09:21 UTC
Amazing game. Top theme contender for me. You nailed every category. Congratz!
McNick
13. Dec 2014 路 09:25 UTC
I absolutely loved playing this! It's adorable! And very well made! Great job, honestly one of the most fun games I've seen yet!
Tiago Ling Alexandre
13. Dec 2014 路 12:24 UTC
Awesome game! You managed to create a fun and engaging little experience with so few elements - very nice graphics and music. Congratulations!
the-arrival
13. Dec 2014 路 12:32 UTC
Wow, awesome idea
HuntTheWumpus
13. Dec 2014 路 15:06 UTC
Really a great game :) Like Animator vs. Animation ^^
pjimmy
13. Dec 2014 路 23:09 UTC
excellent, love it, very creative, artwork, sound, controls, brilliant, 5 stars :)
el-pepi
13. Dec 2014 路 23:16 UTC
Amazing, very creative! Nice graphics and sound!
Grindstorm
13. Dec 2014 路 23:26 UTC
Another member of Grindstone commenting - so great! Love the concept, would love to keep playing! I died with only one Quickie left :(. Great work!

ps. our game:
http://ludumdare.com/compo/ludum-dare-31/?action=preview&uid=44088
ElectricSeagull
13. Dec 2014 路 23:35 UTC
I love your game. The idea and presentation are very original, the character sprite has 'character' and it all looks so good. Love the cookies/quikies and the readme notes. I want to have more adventures in this computer. 5*
馃帳 Zi
13. Dec 2014 路 23:59 UTC
Thanks Grindstorm! I already played DisChord. It was amazing! :)
lycrashampoo
14. Dec 2014 路 00:06 UTC
That was really cute and fun! I'd love to see it fleshed out into an action... RPG... whatever it is? with a full story, maybe some puzzles or just generally more complicated unlock conditions for files. This thing is a good thing! Make there be more of it!

Graphics look great and consistent, you made really good visual choices. The only thing that felt a bit off to me was the mouse controls; it felt strange to have the mouse button click the pointer-sword-thing but not have the mouse position control the direction of attack. That is literally the only thing approaching a complaint that I have, though.
馃帳 Zi
14. Dec 2014 路 00:09 UTC
Thanks for the feedback, lycrashampoo! I'll definitely rework the controls to be more intuitive if I ever expand this game. =)
alfadur
14. Dec 2014 路 00:36 UTC
This is just awesome! Everything fits together pretty much perfectly.
Had to play it twice to find the exit from the End window. :)
SK16 Games
14. Dec 2014 路 01:46 UTC
Best game I've played so far, I love especially the <EVERYTHING ABOUT THE GAME> !! 5/5
spotco
14. Dec 2014 路 02:29 UTC
Fun game and cute concept, though wish the combat or other mechanics were developed more.
rjhelms
14. Dec 2014 路 04:32 UTC
Outstanding entry! There's been a few games that play with the "one screen" theme like this, but this is probably the best executed of all the ones I've seen. Great graphics and sound, too!
tmpxyz
14. Dec 2014 路 05:22 UTC
Great work!
Scam
14. Dec 2014 路 10:17 UTC
Fun! I liked it a lot. I'd also like to see this becoming a full game.
redoxkun
14. Dec 2014 路 12:02 UTC
I would love to see and end but for the rest is an excellent game :)
skiddings
14. Dec 2014 路 13:36 UTC
That was great!
The thing I would want is more!
LTyrosine
14. Dec 2014 路 13:53 UTC
Brilliant! Awesome them usage, cool gameplay. I didnt manage to finish it, but I really like it a lot. In the top 10 LD31 entries imo. Congrats.
alyphen
14. Dec 2014 路 16:02 UTC
This was totally awesome. Really innovated based on the theme to make something totally unique. This was a lot of fun to play, and you should totally do more on this. The mechanic was really cool.
pvtroswold
14. Dec 2014 路 18:05 UTC
Yay this is so cool!
abdurrahmankh
14. Dec 2014 路 23:44 UTC
I would love a longer version because this is just amazing! I liked the humor on the survey :P

even if this game is unfinished (somehow), it felt finished because you said it will end in the game!
also I like that the game has a bit of game play to it, not just exploring.

I really think this game would sell if you make a good version of it. so please let us know if you are planning to.
alpha_rat
15. Dec 2014 路 00:52 UTC
One of my favourite entries so far, would love to see a post-LD version of this !
TheScragglyMan
15. Dec 2014 路 04:17 UTC
The music, omg its so happy, i really enjoyed playing the game, and i wish you could have done more too :D
Nick Weihs
16. Dec 2014 路 08:49 UTC
I loved this game! So many little touches that added to the experience. I just wanted to explore everything. I enjoyed the nods to zelda at the beginning when you pick up the cursor as your attack (pretty clever). The way that you moved around and interacted with this was extremely intuitive since it's all based on normal computer interactions. Every time a window opened up, I was delighted to find what it contained. Even though you didn't get to finish, I still feel like I played a fun game. The combat was a little strange since it felt like I was not taking damage when I should. Not complaining though since that second combat was a little on the difficult side (reminded me of those rooms full of blue knights in zelda tbh). Having the time in the bottom right reflect the real time on my machine was a nice touch. The post effects to add the graininess and slight fish eye distortion looked really really nice, and the overall look of the game was fantastic, especially the animations on the enemies and attack. There's so much potential here and I really hope you continue this project to make it into a complete game! Thanks for creating this and letting the world see it!
ButtonMasherBros
22. Dec 2014 路 22:06 UTC
Psst - You are in today's Ludum Dare to Believe! Check it out at - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r50pc-W4ln8
BabaJaga
22. Dec 2014 路 22:38 UTC
Good take on the theme
Vaclav
23. Dec 2014 路 15:41 UTC
I love this game :) I wish you continue it.
KrisDevelopment
23. Dec 2014 路 21:24 UTC
Love everything about that game :3
Instant Noodles
24. Dec 2014 路 18:53 UTC
Nice little game.
TaoPhoenix
25. Dec 2014 路 07:00 UTC
Yeah, I'll echo all the comments above about the art, and loose controls.

Fun tip to beat the boss: Run back to home base. It prevents the spawned minions from bothering you too much except the dog. : )
TaoPhoenix
25. Dec 2014 路 07:01 UTC
Hysterically funny parody of Windows!
Alter
28. Dec 2014 路 10:07 UTC
The best game ever!
SuperDisk
29. Dec 2014 路 05:22 UTC
Hey, this was pretty neat. The incompetech sound sort of spoiled the mood but otherwise it was really cool. I liked that there's a "secret admirer" and that the text files sort of lied to you. It reminds me of a game I made once (but was much less polished than this!)

Cool stuff.
hissssssssss
29. Dec 2014 路 07:56 UTC
This was adorable. I also had some problems both with clicking and collision detection, which made the Quikies screen basically unwinnable, but this game was so charming that that didn't mar the experience.
t4u
29. Dec 2014 路 09:37 UTC
The best game of the jam (equal only to slime quest). Wins on everything. Shame I found it out 16h before end.
Erkberg
29. Dec 2014 路 19:13 UTC
Wow, that was adorable and really well made. I pretty much loved everything about the game, except maybe for the end, but just cause I wished it was longer. Amazing job overall!
Suppagumma
30. Dec 2014 路 13:01 UTC
Saw this only now that it got second place. IT IS SO AWEEESOME!!! I will love you forever for doing this!
- Daniele
Kuupu
30. Dec 2014 路 13:24 UTC
AWESOME, this 4th wall breaking of wonderful
sorry I didn't played it during the jam =/
馃帳 Zi
30. Dec 2014 路 17:23 UTC
Thank you so much everyone! =) I will be making this into a full game in the near future!
Gandalf1209
30. Dec 2014 路 23:13 UTC
This is hilarious to most people, but to programmers in general because I'm the escape character XD XD XD
馃帳 Zi
31. Dec 2014 路 08:46 UTC
Gandalf1209, haha, I'm glad someone got that reference. I think for the logo for the final game, I'm going to make it something like:

\E
Chaoseed
02. Jan 2015 路 01:07 UTC
Haha, cute! Excellent graphics and animation. The "puzzles" were nice, they kept me intrigued until I got to the end "For real this time". The survey was especially amusing.

Maybe if you expand this game, the hero eventually faces the final boss, the Control Character?
Lane
15. Jan 2015 路 18:48 UTC
For real this time?? Don't tell me whats real and whats not!
sdsdsd
29. Nov 2018 路 07:12 UTC
<a href="https://happynewyear2019h.com/">Happy New Year 2019</a>