Cat-ana by Valandre

[raw]
made by Valandre for LD31 (JAM)
Cat-ana - Valandre - Jam Entry

Move: Arrows or WASD
Attack: Spacebar
Special jutsu: hold Spacebar
Reset room: R
Fullscreen: F11

----------------------
Cat-ana is our entry for the Ludum Dare #31.
I'ts an action-exploration games, in a japanese futurist world
We searched to mix 3D cell shadding characters and pixel art props.

Rules:
- Activate pressures plates to unlock the doors but beware of the trap
- Find the 5 special items
- Find the secret room


Hope you'll enjoy.

----------------------

Development (Haxe): Bernard "Valandre" Stouls
2D pixel art and texturing : Anais "Sashimi" Maamar
Art, Modeling 3D, Sounds: Etienne "E-MAK" Makowski
Animation 3D: Stephane "Tinois" Videlo

Very best thanks to our bosses.

Ratings

Coolness 71% 3
Overall(Jam) 4.08 21
Audio(Jam) 3.66 123
Fun(Jam) 3.37 261
Graphics(Jam) 4.72 4
Humor(Jam) 2.98 304
Innovation(Jam) 3.68 144
Mood(Jam) 3.77 90
Theme(Jam) 3.75 310

Feedback

Blue Thumbs Gaming
09. Dec 2014 · 01:40 UTC
That is really neat! I like that it stays on one screen but then floats to other levels. - Kintinue
SamCyanide
09. Dec 2014 · 03:20 UTC
Excellently done mate! Controls are a little stiff, but otherwise, well done!
herofresh
09. Dec 2014 · 03:22 UTC
Graphics were nice
But cats
SirRicecake
09. Dec 2014 · 05:22 UTC
Really nice Graphics and Area-Transition Animation.
kiririn51
09. Dec 2014 · 06:07 UTC
Controls are a bit hard but it looks lovely, I can't say no to graphics like these ><
caporaltito
09. Dec 2014 · 08:48 UTC
Excellent. The graphics are amazing and a really innovative concept. The controls are a bit hard, though. 5/5.
lintfordpickle
09. Dec 2014 · 09:29 UTC
A real neat idea and nicely realized. I loved the graphic style and arens (reminded me of the crusader games!)
MrBadIvan
09. Dec 2014 · 09:29 UTC
It looks cool, I like area animation and how you embedded interface elements to lvl!
But controls are really thing to be tuned.
pcmaster
09. Dec 2014 · 09:30 UTC
Cute graphics, very nice animations, theme 100%!
Nuclear Napalm
09. Dec 2014 · 09:38 UTC
Amazing graphics and animation! background music creates good mood. Nicely done!
wer2chosen
09. Dec 2014 · 09:42 UTC
Could not see the theme. The best graphics so far, almost way to good. LOL It is a good game with allot of depth for being done in less than 72 hours.
vicious_br
09. Dec 2014 · 09:46 UTC
Work always sensational team, congratulations on the game.
alecmilne
09. Dec 2014 · 09:54 UTC
Fantastic graphics! Gives a really great feel to the game and keeps within the theme very well. I did get a bit stuck as what to do, kept going around in circles going where I had already been.
GAFBlizzard
09. Dec 2014 · 10:33 UTC
Kudos for allowing both WASD and arrow keys! I am not sure this is a good type of game for diagonal movement, but it was an unusual choice at least.

The room transition sound is VERY loud. I kept turning my sound down.

It sometimes seems possible to get trapped in hitstun and take many hits in a row, especially against a wall or while trying to attack / charge the special jutsu.

I got all the items and found the secret room. Great artwork and animations everywhere!
keyle
09. Dec 2014 · 12:13 UTC
Great game! The first level took a few go, I kept going back to the main lobby, didn't see that exit between the two walls. Very impressed by the fact that it's a web game.
deepnight
09. Dec 2014 · 12:47 UTC
Your entry looks REALLY good *_* The engine is amazing and even though it's 3D, it really looks like a very beautiful 2D game, well done :)

However, the controls are a bit weird, traditional problem for isometric 3d game. The hero movements are a bit annoying, especially the fact that you have to stick to the grid, and that to move in a particular direction, you have to turn around first, then walk. Too "slow" for an action game like yours. Because of that, battles quickly became less interesting.

I love your room transition effect, but imho, it doesn't fit the theme at all, which is a big problem.
01101101
09. Dec 2014 · 12:53 UTC
It's a very impressive result, both technically and graphically. The whole thing is really cool to experience.
But as others have said, the controls make it hard move properly and enjoy the fights. The links between the rooms are a bit confusing too, but maybe just making the door you came through look different than the new ones would be enough to resolve this.
Overall, great work guys!
drludos
09. Dec 2014 · 16:14 UTC
Beautiful graphics!

What engine/tools/language did you use to create that?
ArcturusDeluxe
09. Dec 2014 · 17:51 UTC
Fantastic graphical style in this one! Love the transitional effects, especially the walls folding up from behind. I think the grid-based orthagonal movement doesn't do the combat any favours, it feels a tad clunky, and I wish the attacks had more punch to them. Some hit sounds would have been nice. Otherwise though, really well done.
pcmaster
09. Dec 2014 · 20:55 UTC
Stopped working (Opera, Firefox, IE11). Just says "Get Flash player". Something happened?
BuzzJeux
09. Dec 2014 · 22:50 UTC
Hard to control love to play it ! Great entry here art is very amazing good job !
🎤 Valandre
10. Dec 2014 · 08:54 UTC
Thanks for all your comments,now we know controls is a problem and we work on a solution to make a better experience.

Sorry for people who can't play to the game next to a large number of connections to dropbox. Now problem has been fixed. game is now hosted by a pro server.
blackmagic
10. Dec 2014 · 12:23 UTC
Nice game, not sure if the theme is really respected but the execution is amazing.
UrbanLogicGames
10. Dec 2014 · 13:26 UTC
Wow, very impressive! The artwork is amazing and the level transitions are really cool. I found the combat just a touch awkward, but might just need practice. One of the best games I've played so far!
Bygmalion
10. Dec 2014 · 14:02 UTC
Some parts of your music remind me of the transformers theme song, was it on purpose? If yes, great, if no... great!
sP0CkEr2
11. Dec 2014 · 00:51 UTC
graphics and animation were awesome - i could not get attack to work - adding it to my play again list so i can try it later - thanks.
celanova
11. Dec 2014 · 02:21 UTC
Very well done! Controls are a bit odd as people said, but an interesting mechanic indeed. Doors to other levels are a bit difficult to grasp at first, but once you get it you're in for a heap of fun!
thopis
11. Dec 2014 · 02:33 UTC
Cool Graphics!
markusfisch
11. Dec 2014 · 11:42 UTC
Absolutely love this game! I just can't get enough of that transforming animation and all that wonderful graphics! All those funny details! Beautiful! Intriguing! Just wow!
Pulsartronic
11. Dec 2014 · 19:07 UTC
Yes, this is a good one ... the tutorial was a great idea ... we rated high on graphics but we think the theme was not strictly respected, however our congrats :D
ryguydavis
11. Dec 2014 · 22:03 UTC
This was pretty great. I spent a long time wandering around because the world was so compelling. The controls were really awful--being locked to the diagonal grid just did not work for me. That said, I still have a great time and thought the concept was really amazing.
MurderSantaTeam
11. Dec 2014 · 22:19 UTC
wow ... amazing :)
metalchouchen
12. Dec 2014 · 03:02 UTC
Ok, that just amazing ! Art are awesome, and I love the effect on the level generation. Also really like your use of background elements as menu option. But I'm not fan of the character controller in only 4 directions. Great entry by the way. Congrats !
Raxsus
12. Dec 2014 · 04:05 UTC
Amazing! Did not think this much could be made in such a short period of time.
Xaychru
12. Dec 2014 · 20:28 UTC
Beautiful art and nice music! As previously said, the characters sticking to the grid makes fights less interesting, but the game is still quite fun. (btw the level transition is really cool! :p )
deepnight
12. Dec 2014 · 22:07 UTC
PS: about the theme "problem" I mentionned :) It's just a personal point of view. I still consider your game very solid and super impressive as a jam entry ;)
SecondDimension
13. Dec 2014 · 11:35 UTC
Very well polished game, loved how the levels came apart and constructed themselves. Graphics and overall look were really nice. Controls are a bit fiddly though.
runvs
13. Dec 2014 · 13:23 UTC
Very nice game! I like the level-switching mechanic, this just looks gorgeous!
I had some problems on orienting the sword in the right direction (facing the enemy) because of the iso-tiles.
A great game!
SaintHeiser
14. Dec 2014 · 05:04 UTC
Very cool and atmospheric!
Like how implemented room switching.
Teesquared
14. Dec 2014 · 17:03 UTC
I really enjoyed this game I thought it was a very original idea. I thought that it went on and there wasn't a stopping point but overall it was really good. Also the way to go to different levels is really cool!
Tiago Ling Alexandre
14. Dec 2014 · 17:57 UTC
Very nice game! Awesome to see a 3D game so polished made in Haxe for Ludum Dare, also good music and sfxs. Controlling a character in an isometric environment with the keyboard is always a little strange, but overall a very good entry. Congratulations!
zemeon12
15. Dec 2014 · 00:49 UTC
Very nice art style, but odd movement (off grid movement would work way better) keep me form enjoying this.
waxwire
15. Dec 2014 · 12:13 UTC
awesome game, i love how what you made of the single screen theme, it's quite pretty and stylish and i like the animations
Lythom
15. Dec 2014 · 14:40 UTC
I'm impressed by the technical level : 3D iso + graphic style combined with the music give this game a very unique and pleasant atmosphere. I had hard time to find the way and move around, and the rythm, jumping from screen to screen, is a bit jerky.
Still a very good entry, thanks for the game !
Ryusui
16. Dec 2014 · 08:49 UTC
I don't know why playing this made me think "GBA game." Any game that can make me think of one of my favorite gaming platforms ever gets extra points from me. ;)

Just a couple of concerns about the sound design. There should've been SOME feedback for defeating enemies - and that over-loud "MEOW" was irritating after a while. Also, am I the only one who heard a few bars of "Transformeeeeers, More than Meets the Eye!" in there?
spotco
16. Dec 2014 · 09:39 UTC
REALLY impressive graphics, though gameplay (combat) was on very clunky. Never a good sign when you feel like you need to fight the controls.
guimonpa
16. Dec 2014 · 13:12 UTC
Amazing graphics, and the level transitions look fantastic!
Also loved how the tutorial and options were integrated in the game.
Controls need some tuning though.
admix
18. Dec 2014 · 12:52 UTC
This looks stunning. Great job!
mechabit
18. Dec 2014 · 15:25 UTC
looks amazing and well done on the rps article
Impmaster
19. Dec 2014 · 14:40 UTC
Came here from the RPS article. I love the graphics and the polish. I felt that the controls were awkward, and the fighting was kinda hard. But I felt like it could be expanded into something really nice!

BTW, I got a glitch when I fell on the spikes where the pain sound played a million times in one second.

Anyways, great jam game!
PurpleApes
19. Dec 2014 · 22:14 UTC
Great!
LeReveur
20. Dec 2014 · 00:43 UTC
Fabulous ! A potential winner ? :D
greytram
20. Dec 2014 · 11:51 UTC
Ninja cats in a cyberpunk world! Me-oww!!
This game is beautiful and very well crafted! Graphics, sounds, music... Everything is impressive!
Directional controls are a bit difficult at times but that's always the case when dealing with isometric views.
Well done overall!
alpha_rat
20. Dec 2014 · 14:40 UTC
I'm really impressed by the graphics, they are gorgeous!
Geckoo1337
20. Dec 2014 · 15:45 UTC
I like this concept - how these worlds are created each time in a smooth movement, how the cat is moving and many others things. That is really neat. Well done. One of my favorites (serait-ce par hasard français tout ce beau travail ?)
OldPeculier
20. Dec 2014 · 15:53 UTC
This game is so, so great in so many ways that it's disappointing that it is weak in other areas. It's one of the downsides to make a really great Jam entry: it gets so good that it's comparable to a shipped, fully polished game, and the comparison is disappointing. Here, the graphics and concept are outstanding and I could see myself buying this game. The downfall is, unfortunately, the gameplay itself: the actual mechanics of moving and attacking. It's not fun. It's really not fun. So you've got the shell of a game with absolutely beautiful and intriguing trappings, but it's empty inside. Fill in this shell with really engaging gameplay and you've got a winner. And "engaging gameplay" doesn't have to be complicated: just better movement and attacking mechanisms are all you need.
Madball
20. Dec 2014 · 15:57 UTC
Amazing game! Control choice is strange, but it's okay. It leads to buggy situations though, like getting stuck in an enemy. Or getting hit by an enemy when exiting a level, it makes walking into animation play twice, and, if I'm not mistaken, after that my character wasn't centered on the tile he's standing on. But an amazing game, anyway! Reminds of old games, but in 3D... I like the space invaders graffiti. I want some story, though. I hope you'll make a post-compo with it and a final boss.
anissen
20. Dec 2014 · 17:02 UTC
Really awesome game! Especially the graphics and audio aspects are brilliant. The controls feel a bit clunky.
GFM
20. Dec 2014 · 17:23 UTC
Really polished! I really liked the way you guys changed the world's perspective in each transition, to keep it consistent with the direction you were entering the scene. This, with that amazing transition effect, was a great use of the theme!!

Although I personally found the game kinda slow, the battle system was really worked for me. I'd attack while entering the next tile, to have more range. Also, I'd attack while turning, to hit two tiles at once... Don't know if you guys wanted it to be played like this. XD

The graphics and the audio were great, and I was able to hear some "Sakura sakura" in there. :)
zatyka
20. Dec 2014 · 18:20 UTC
The controls felt a bit off, and I kept hoping for more variety in the gameplay, but this has some professional level production value. I'm impressed.
ShellfishGames
20. Dec 2014 · 22:17 UTC
Reminds me of Bastion and Transistor. Graphics are obviously amazing, but the game was laggy as hell when I played it, which made it pretty unplayable. :/ Couldn't really control it, sometimes my key presses were recognized several seconds too late and sometimes not at all, I couldn't properly fight the enemys and on top of that the two hp/energy bars at the bottom kept going crazy in all directions. Might be just my browser though as nobody else here mentioned such problems. Which is a little strange considering all games so far worked pretty much flawlessly on my machine. But well, I can definitely see it would be pretty awesome without the lagging.. :)
mathmadlen
21. Dec 2014 · 02:09 UTC
Awesome graphics! Nice, atmospheric music, great animations. The mechanics were clever, liked the way it stayed on one screen. Turning around was a bit of a pain though.
Frump
21. Dec 2014 · 10:48 UTC
I recognize the first song that is covered but I can't place it! The other one is the Transformers theme. Great work!
Instant Noodles
21. Dec 2014 · 20:14 UTC
full black screen at the begin, give me the feeling of bug but it's okay. Like the main cat-racter it remember me an old manga.
Alexandre Szybiak
22. Dec 2014 · 09:37 UTC
YEAAAAH STEPHAAAANE
dpgamingblog
22. Dec 2014 · 19:35 UTC
That is really cute and nicley done !!!
Hellequin
22. Dec 2014 · 20:45 UTC
This is the best game I have played in Ludum Dare! Really well done! Continue to develop it !!! wow.... Awesome!
Almax27
22. Dec 2014 · 21:14 UTC
Cute! Very cool way of moving between levels, awesome models and animations, good mood and simple yet fun gameplay. My only gripe would be hitting enemies was a little unsatisfying, they just... slide away :P audio on hit and a particle effect would go a long way. Otherwise great work! Looking forward to your next entry!
recursor
22. Dec 2014 · 21:48 UTC
There are a few collision bugs (at least I think they are bugs) that were a bit frustrating but otherwise this is quite nice. The level loading is quite innovative and well done. I also like the non-bloody deaths of the enemies. Is that sushi that the enemies turn into?
twelveplusplus
22. Dec 2014 · 22:22 UTC
this is really good! the onlly thing i don't like is the 4-way controls. the controls remind me of an isometric version of the original Startropics.

i think 8-way controls and not limiting to standing on a single tile at once would make the game feel better.

otherwise, love it! :)
Teejay5
22. Dec 2014 · 22:34 UTC
ITS SO PRETTY
AND CUTE
I ENJOY THIS
I like the really sharp texture filtering, and the cube transition is wonderful.
I would love to see this become a full thing! :D
apiotrw
23. Dec 2014 · 00:29 UTC
A really good game. Great art and cute idea. Definitely one of my fav ld games
barryrowe
23. Dec 2014 · 01:06 UTC
This is really well done. I had to check this out after watching LarryChupacabra cover it. The transition animations are so well done. All of the art looks great. The sound is great, the gameplay is smooth and fun. There's a lot of depth to the game. Very well done.
Lynx
23. Dec 2014 · 05:20 UTC
Very polished game, honestly the locked isometric movements were a bit weird to get used to but I can't wait to see more!

Definitely release a post-jam version!
Taldius
23. Dec 2014 · 14:29 UTC
The graphics are really great, I love it!
But the gameplay tends to become a bit repetitive.
But great work, one of the best looking game I've seen so far! :D
Pixel-boy
24. Dec 2014 · 23:55 UTC
Great entry, especially art, pretty mixing 3D / 2D, really polished for 72hrs
I just think isometric controls with arrows isn't the best game design choice, but despite that nice work !
GarethIW
26. Dec 2014 · 12:03 UTC
nice, reminds me of Batman/ Head over Heels, I could not spot the theme though..

-C
Mach60KAS
27. Dec 2014 · 13:57 UTC
Hey, I really liked your entry! I really liked the blending of 2D isometric with 3D models and the art style you went for, it looks really neat! The part I didn't like about the isometric world was the directions snapped to diagonals and movements made one tile at a time - I think Bastion's control scheme is a good example of controls done right in this kind of game. I really disliked being stunned when hit, it meant there were a lot of situations which resulted in certain death (e.g. an enemy landing on top of you); I'm glad there was little penalty for death though! The music was simple and fit the theme well, I liked it overall. It took a little bit to get used to entering and exiting on the same side of the screen, but I thought that was a great interpretation of the theme. I did find the secret room, shame there was no proper ending when you collected all the trinkets but I had fun along the way. :)

Great work folks, keep it up and good luck!
ponk
29. Dec 2014 · 14:38 UTC
Wow ! Impressive !

Great job :)
gameattack
29. Dec 2014 · 20:17 UTC
Waou very good entry guys! I can't believe you did this in 72 hours!
I like the musical references (Did I heard transformers and ghost in the shell in the same soundtrack? awesome)
skilljam
01. Feb 2015 · 00:46 UTC
Is that Babymetal in soundtrack? Keep hearing their melody from song Megitsune.