LudumData

Karaoke Ninja by GastricSparrow

[raw]
made by GastricSparrow for LD 41 (COMPO)

The only stealth game where you make noise to win.

Apr-23-2018 19-59-11.gif

Demonstration purpose only. Piano and hand not provided.

Karaoke Ninja is the amalgamation of stealth and music (or is it music and puzzle-platformer?). You control the Black Ninja, dodging and weaving to escape a dark fortress defended by deadly laser beams and guarded by a legion of Red Ninja, who has a quirky little habit of killing your butt. You however choose not to use weapons, as part of a personal mantra, but mainly not to stain your velvet robes. So what CAN you do?

You are able to conjure musical notes* in physical forms. PlatFORMs, to be specific.

screenshot.png

  • Chromatic scales only, other scales were in the works but my desktop screen wasn’t big enough

Sing, talk, scream, play a video, play piano, play guitar (you probably need more than one person for that last one), anything that will take your ninja one step closer to the finish line!

sing.png

So what are you waiting for? Grab your Blue Yetis and let’s stealth the roof off this place!

NOTE: The right ratio to play in is 4:3 or 1024x768.

Not in a situation to play? See my game hilariously dissected on video by these wonderful human beings: ErebusWolf, ElysiaGriffin, Tim Ruswick, Jack Le Hamster, Tech Valley Game Space and awesomebytes.

Windows https://gastricsparrow.itch.io/karaoke-ninja
Source code https://github.com/gastricsparrow/KaraokeNinja
Original URL https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/41/karaoke-ninja

Ratings

Overall 87th 3.854⭐ 74🧑‍⚖️
Fun 89th 3.81⭐ 73🧑‍⚖️
Innovation 4th 4.493⭐ 74🧑‍⚖️
Theme 64th 4.194⭐ 74🧑‍⚖️
Graphics 299th 3.368⭐ 74🧑‍⚖️
Audio 304th 2.966⭐ 60🧑‍⚖️
Humor 138th 3.325⭐ 65🧑‍⚖️
Mood 239th 3.266⭐ 66🧑‍⚖️
Given 56🗳️ 61🗨️

Feedback

Potondo
23. Apr 2018 · 08:10 UTC
Wow, a really neat concept, and I'm loving the art too.

I found the mapping from note to platform a bit hard to connect at times, but maybe it's just because I have to hum quietly due to it being late over here.

Anyway a fantastic idea, and a nice, fun game to boot!
Jiri Hysek
23. Apr 2018 · 08:31 UTC
Amazing and innovative concept! It takes some time to master but it's really catchy.. there are such possibilities to expand this concept, really great work! I like the feeling when I "summon" a platform where I need only by whistling before computer! It takes some practice but when you can do it, you feel like the Neo :)
ditzel
23. Apr 2018 · 08:40 UTC
Really nice!
Wow, an executabe for every OS :D Would be gread to have one in HTML5 - should be no problem in unity.
🎤 GastricSparrow
23. Apr 2018 · 08:48 UTC
@ditzel Thanks! I wanted to export to html5 but microphone input (which is 90% of the game) doesn't work sadly :(
ditzel
23. Apr 2018 · 09:06 UTC
@GastricSparrow That is sad. But still a great game.
Memel06
23. Apr 2018 · 10:14 UTC
Fantastic idea! The use of audio-inputs were really cleaver (we also used microphone in our jam entry, if you want to try it this is the link https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/41/scarry)

This concept is so powerful that you must do a post-jam release with polished assets and generic improvements! It can really be the killer party game, it's really funny.
Thanks for your work and cheers!
Apace
23. Apr 2018 · 10:57 UTC
Microphone input to control the game. Not bad! Neat idea and concept. A polished version is something I would definitely love to check out!
Aaronacus
23. Apr 2018 · 15:47 UTC
Such a original idea!
Mazzletov
23. Apr 2018 · 16:08 UTC
This is my #1 game that i've tested! Difficult to keep a note to elevate myself. I'll mention you to my friends to leave a rating/comment.

Also rate/play my game, if you want
🎤 GastricSparrow
23. Apr 2018 · 16:19 UTC
@Mazzletov wow I'm super flattered, thanks! I'll definitely rate your game as soon as I get on Windows, it looks like a ton a fun.
Jiri Hysek
23. Apr 2018 · 17:14 UTC
Just played it in "multiplayer" mode with my daughter. She loves it and its much more fun when you play with someone. I even needed to increase rating in a few categories (not innovation of course, it was 5/5 before:)

I agree this can be great party game after some polishing! Maybe you can add levels designed for two players - each one in opposite side of screen and who reaches some point first wins! That would be hilarious :)
Mathiouza
23. Apr 2018 · 17:43 UTC
Cool game ! I will not lie : I was more amused by the notes I saw than the game ^^' (because I am really bad, but anyway)

The game is really interesting, and I think you are really few to make game with audio recording, and that is a good point!

Keep coding :)
Richnou
23. Apr 2018 · 18:19 UTC
I like that !

Just a little thing : when the ninja arrives on the right, I have the impression that he is dying ...
🎤 GastricSparrow
23. Apr 2018 · 23:06 UTC
@Jiri-Hysek I’m so happy to hear that your daughter likes my game! Not to toot my own horn, but I actually enjoyed playing it by myself / with a "co-pilot" so much that 2 controllable players didn't even occur to me! That is an absolutely amazing idea, I feel like I have to spend time fleshing it out now. This is becoming my magnum opus.

@Richnou I believe you're right, I actually only had 24 hours and specifically avoided falling into the polishing trap due to time issues I've had in the past. So you'll find certain things lacking e.g. responsive UI, game juice, or even consistent aspect ratios! in favor of the core game. The right ratio to play this in is 4:3 or 1024:768 :)

Thanks everyone for responding so warmly, I'm making sure to rate all your games :heart_eyes:
edj99
24. Apr 2018 · 02:11 UTC
Such a fun concept, I'm loving these games that find creative ways to get user input. Awesome use of the theme too, and the graphics are excellent.

Also if you want to it would be really great if you could have a look at my game and maybe leave some feedback. https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/41/dunk-four
EkkoEkko
24. Apr 2018 · 04:04 UTC
Coooooool! I love this one its so fun to play.
Ananace
24. Apr 2018 · 15:30 UTC
That was a quite enjoyable experience, even if I apparently suck at singing scales - which doesn't surprise me all that much.
LORENZ
24. Apr 2018 · 15:33 UTC
Greate this game is funny God Jop!!!
Keep Coding :)
Corvin
24. Apr 2018 · 15:36 UTC
Good concept, I like the mechanic that you have to sing to get forward :D, your game will be make the first place :wink:
fashionbatman
24. Apr 2018 · 17:08 UTC
This is such an amazing idea! I would love to see more of this. Great job!
GameDevMumin
24. Apr 2018 · 18:32 UTC
Okay, I think my family think I am psychopath now. But doesn't matter. You are a genius with that XD Just add some sounds and it is completed :D
Corbak
24. Apr 2018 · 19:43 UTC
Very original I must say. At first I didn't believe it was my voice that made the platforms but in fact it was !
By the way it was cool and interesting. Well done on the originality :)
Nick Rafalski
25. Apr 2018 · 02:48 UTC
super novel concept! I love it. There was a funny moment where a platform lifted a red-ninja up to the heavens, so I thought I was in the clear, and then he fell back down to earth, only to land right on (and thus kill) me! I literally laughed out loud

Great stuff!
🎤 GastricSparrow
25. Apr 2018 · 02:56 UTC
Thanks everyone, I'm really happy reading all your nice comments and checking out your games.

@Nick-Rafalski Thanks for sharing, that sounds hilarious! I would love to take credit but it's a happy accident :grin: If my game brings laughter to any one person I'm happy.
AL19890604
25. Apr 2018 · 03:43 UTC
Cool concept and fun game experience for me haha as I were singing something nonsense in order to get through the obstacle and enemies haha. Great job!
gamesplusjames
25. Apr 2018 · 03:52 UTC
That was a really cool concept! It felt good controlling the character, and the animation was really nice. Creating the platforms with sounds was such an interesting idea and you did an awesome job with it! Really nice work!
RAFFE
25. Apr 2018 · 08:51 UTC
A great game! Audio is very nice and the graphics look very good!! You did a good job with this game!
Aditya Shukla
25. Apr 2018 · 09:17 UTC
Amazing concept. I dont know why but because of some reason it wasn't taking my microphone input. I guess the problem is from my side. But from the above comments i can say it is really a great idea. Keep it up brother!
polegar
25. Apr 2018 · 09:46 UTC
Now my neighbor think I'm crazy but that doesn't matter I had a lot of fun playing your game. I just encountered a little issue on the lvl with the first laser beam because I was getting killed without anything touching me.

Anyway you did an awesome job, with a completely original game with good graphics !
mrspeaker
25. Apr 2018 · 14:17 UTC
Brilliant! I want to see this at a bar, on stage - game projected on a wall, and you have to sing and play via controller. Make it happen!
🎤 GastricSparrow
25. Apr 2018 · 14:49 UTC
@polegar I definitely left some bugs in there so I hope it's not too intrusive. As long as people can still have fun :)

@mrspeaker Haha I would love to make that happen, but I don't have the resources. Maybe someone will :wink:
Matt Pattabhi
25. Apr 2018 · 17:33 UTC
Nice entry and great art well done !
Damienp
25. Apr 2018 · 21:55 UTC
Besides the nice puzzles, I liked the way that music is turned into a kind of architecture, as in, I sing a scale and get a stair, or I sing a long note and brief ones to get a sort of wall and windows. Makes one want to form a harmony quintet to beat the game while drawing nice shapes.
Great job!
LarrySeinfeld
26. Apr 2018 · 05:48 UTC
Awesome use of the theme! Really unique idea and well executed! This is definitely one of the cooler and more unique games I've seen this jam. Awesome job!
Reizo
26. Apr 2018 · 06:00 UTC
Definitely the most innovative game this jam. This has fantastic potential, you should totally run with it! So much fun to play with friends.
smatcher
26. Apr 2018 · 23:31 UTC
Awesome concept! I totally have to try this in coop with a friend playing the guitar.
JackLeHamster
27. Apr 2018 · 05:28 UTC
Oh what a game. I think this was made for a Let's Play video. Well... here's your let's play. Have fun watching me suffer through your game:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnlqU52nHaQ
erebus
27. Apr 2018 · 18:57 UTC
This was a lot of fun to play on stream! Thanks so much for stopping by and showing it!
🎤 GastricSparrow
28. Apr 2018 · 02:04 UTC
@JackLeHamster @erebus Thanks for playing my game on video! It's a lot more fun to watch when people try, and you definitely did wonderful jobs displaying the game's strengths!
Tim Ruswick
28. Apr 2018 · 04:12 UTC
JAMES. WHY DO YOU MAKE GAMES THAT MAKE ME UPSET. I AM VERY UPSET. I SUGGEST THAT YOU MAKE GAMES THAT MAKE ME LESS UPSET. KTHANX.
sirikan
28. Apr 2018 · 05:37 UTC
Awesome game. Loved your use of the theme :D. I am so sorry to anyone who had to listen to me singing though.
🎤 GastricSparrow
28. Apr 2018 · 14:14 UTC
@tim-ruswick You did it you absolute madman! You beat the game! I am finally freeeee
awesomebytes
28. Apr 2018 · 14:54 UTC
Haha I had a lot of fun with it too. Sorry for the swearing: https://youtu.be/i6sWuGYTCHY
Von Vista
28. Apr 2018 · 16:12 UTC
Wow! One of the most astonishing concepts of LD41 so far, I really had fun and I also must commend about the graphics and the slickness of the animation, very very nice, excellent work!
Jiri Hysek
28. Apr 2018 · 18:25 UTC
Now I'm going to beat this game. **I am ready!**

![IMG_2291.JPG](///raw/221/c/z/14648.jpg)
GregWLyons
28. Apr 2018 · 19:13 UTC
hey, I was fortunate enough to play this game as a group on the TVGS stream the other night. We had a great time. I think I would have enjoyed a calibration level or something, where I said one thing and then saw specifically what it created. But maybe that's because we were in a room with everyone talking, so bars came from all over. Thank you for submitting, this game; it turned out to be a great coop party game! Well done. Cheers!
kittyinthestudio
28. Apr 2018 · 23:13 UTC
i think this game is a cool idea. the only thing is using your voice is a struggle for me. It might be because of my terrible singing/other XD. Anyway. I'm sure this game would be way better with a piano plugged in but i have no way of knowing. Real shame too cause this game just seems so *cool*
patrickgh3
28. Apr 2018 · 23:20 UTC
Fantastic! Playing this game was a special experience. The mechanic is well implemented, and the level design explored it pretty well. My only complaint is that some spike placement is difficult to get over, especially early on in the game, and that feels frustrating / janky. There's also potential to explore the mechanic further but it's fun to play as is. Great job, really a special idea!
🎤 GastricSparrow
29. Apr 2018 · 00:05 UTC
@awesomebytes Hey I know you!

@GregWLyons Thank YOU for playing my game on stream! I'll honor your group as the first to beat the game, as far as I'm aware. I will definitely improve on the mic input in my future release, which is on the agenda considering the overwhelming positive response. Really appreciate your time :grin:

@patrickgh3 You're right, some have called this a rage game, even if I didn't quite intend it to be xD (or did I?). I will consider having a difficulty setting when I do release a full game.

To everyone else thank you so much, this week has been so fulfilling thanks to you, do keep in touch!
LJFMX
29. Apr 2018 · 00:32 UTC
Really cool game. You get the hang of it fast, and fits with the theme well.
Indie Gaming
29. Apr 2018 · 04:44 UTC
Check out my play through of this awesome game, and make sure to hit that subscribe button to see more playthroughs of LD41 entries! : D
https://youtu.be/L4P9d3y8q7o
🎤 GastricSparrow
29. Apr 2018 · 05:04 UTC
@indie-gaming Hi, sorry to hear that you didn’t get the full experience with the game. I can vouch for the fact that it IS your microphone that was producing those pltforms, which you can see for yourself by clicking on one of the streamers’ names in my description (who you accidentally mistook for the project’s developers by the way). With that I hope you could try it again some time, if not no worries, thank you for your time! :smile:
Indie Gaming
29. Apr 2018 · 05:07 UTC
I'm mortified that I didn't call you out as the developer, I'm sooo sorry!
🎤 GastricSparrow
29. Apr 2018 · 05:17 UTC
@indie-gaming No problem at all! You're probably so busy doing all these games that mistakes are inevitable. Keep it up, we developers really appreciate what you do :blue_heart:
cileth
29. Apr 2018 · 05:38 UTC
whale song op.
Frodewin
29. Apr 2018 · 22:35 UTC
Tried it with singing mostly failed - but that's not due to your game :-) Awesome combination Karaoke game and puzzler, could solve a couple of level with mostly random sounds.
Jupiter_Hadley
05. May 2018 · 11:57 UTC
Sadly, I couldn't make it work. I included it in my Ludum Dare 41 compilation video series, if you’d like to take a look. :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=157gFcDgY28
🎤 GastricSparrow
06. May 2018 · 01:49 UTC
@jupiter-hadley That is a huge shame, I will look into the problem. Thanks for playing my game anyway :sweat_smile:
Jin9310
06. May 2018 · 07:32 UTC
This was really nice. What a unique way to create a game! I was really impressed how you managed to do this. I was only trying to make some noise to my mic, but it would be cool to try it with some actual instrument (I'm a drummer myself :)) Great entry!
Omiya Games
10. May 2018 · 00:50 UTC
Loved how the other players could easily troll the player when using a microphone. Unfortunately, it was often difficult to control the actual pitch to make a specific platform appear, but still, it was in good silly fun. Perfect for streams!
PeachTreeOath
11. May 2018 · 04:43 UTC
Honestly this was probably my favorite game this jam. You explored the mechanic in ways I didn't expect and it felt amazing whenever I one shotted an enemy in one note!
frogcheese
11. May 2018 · 19:07 UTC
This was lots of fun! Had a blast trying different songs and figuring out which ones worked for certain situations. Great take on the theme and a great game overall!
Frederika
13. May 2018 · 23:06 UTC
We played this on the stream for TVGS. It was so much fun! This was great idea.
Rodrysson
15. May 2018 · 19:06 UTC
Very interesting game!
I was making sounds with my mouth trying to hack the mechanics... 0 results hahahaah Later I tried to sing but my voice level is always the same.
Anyway, I like the game a lot, but sometimes the enemies go to the left if they don't hit the player. :D