LudumData

Bridge Balance by blohod

[raw]
made by blohod for LD34 (COMPO)
VIDEO by me: https://youtu.be/h9OLNCuYK74
VIDEO by Jupiter: https://youtu.be/vvV25Dw2BHg?t=11m38s
VIDEO by killswitch: https://youtu.be/R_FcRZBOBbc

You are growing a bridge out of logs.

You have to use the left and right arrow keys to balance logs on each other, try and lean the logs to catch the next one that will fall down when the current log freezes.

This is my first ludum dare and really my first game, I had fun doing this and it was a great learning experience.

I probably spent about 10 hours on this game, I used both themes, it has two button controls and you are growing a bridge.

Made in Game Maker, because that is what I have.

This game is on itch.io: http://blohod.itch.io/bridgeb
If you like this game you can follow me on itch.io to see what I make in the future.

Post your best score in the comments!

I have started to continue working on this game, download also available on itch.io. I have added a log timer, hopefully improved getting harder over time and I will make it less predictable.
Windows http://blohod.itch.io/bridgeb
Non LD Continuation http://blohod.itch.io/bridgeb
Source http://blohod.itch.io/bridgeb
Original URL https://ludumdare.com/compo/ludum-dare-34/?action=preview&uid=61724

Ratings

Coolness 95% 2
Overall 2.94 736
Audio 2.22 626
Fun 3.08 536
Graphics 2.16 856
Humor 2.21 559
Innovation 3.37 352
Mood 2.43 783
Theme 3.63 562

Feedback

OccamsRazor
14. Dec 2015 · 03:18 UTC
Nice! Quite fun, and actually pretty challenging. Good use of both themes!
Modoc73
14. Dec 2015 · 03:34 UTC
Nice idea. Was a little confusing at first to get the hang of the controls, but works well.
Music could have looped a bit better, but that happens.
shaulor
14. Dec 2015 · 03:41 UTC
A timer for the next log would be nice, otherwise fun game
Mixer
14. Dec 2015 · 04:06 UTC
I agree that a timer telling you how long you had would be helpful, because it would mean that you could time your movements. Interesting interpretation of the theme, and a unique idea. Good job.
yumaikas
14. Dec 2015 · 04:06 UTC
A timer for the next log would really round this off. Fun regardless
meep706
14. Dec 2015 · 04:25 UTC
I got 4634, can anyone get better, also a log timer would be great!
StarchyPancakes
14. Dec 2015 · 05:25 UTC
Lot of fun, challenging as well.
Chris Delta
14. Dec 2015 · 06:04 UTC
This is possibly the worst looking Ludum Dare game I've ever seen, but it's also possibly the most fun and creative. Nice job!
manabreak
14. Dec 2015 · 06:34 UTC
Difficult, yet enjoyable!
🎤 blohod
14. Dec 2015 · 07:28 UTC
Thanks for all the nice comments everyone, I am just glad that I could make a playable game.
Tensoplast01
14. Dec 2015 · 07:39 UTC
Nice game, it's just a shame to not have a timer :/ But nice! Great job
EvanEGibbs
14. Dec 2015 · 08:13 UTC
This game was cool! I agree with others that a timer would be really nice, but you get a feel for it after awhile. The physics was really well done. Nice job. :)
🎤 blohod
14. Dec 2015 · 08:23 UTC
I didn't even think of a timer, if I continue this game that is the first thing I add in, even before getting my brother to make some decent graphics. Thankyou for your comments everyone.
What scores did you get>
Cyranh
14. Dec 2015 · 09:21 UTC
Great idea, but I have to say it got a bit boring at 3000, because the game doesn't get harder any harder or faster over time. Also, since the bridge always spawns at the exact same position, I got myself in a position where I could hold left down and it would just keep going.

Great concept, but it needs some work to be playable and enjoyable.
uthamon
14. Dec 2015 · 14:16 UTC
Physics. I need to learn coding physics. Nice entry, I like the creative idea and it being challenging. Fish is a nice touch.
ajopart
14. Dec 2015 · 16:54 UTC
Hi Blohod. Very nice game. Congrats. Thanks for your comment on my game. I uploaded the folder. You can now test it. Cheers.
Wevel
14. Dec 2015 · 18:29 UTC
Fun game, would be nice to have a count down to when the next log appears, also the sound didn't work the first time i played but did after a restart.
Jupiter_Hadley
14. Dec 2015 · 18:39 UTC
SO FREAKIN CHALLENGING!! I included it in my Ludum Dare 34 compilation video series, if you’d like to check it out :) https://youtu.be/vvV25Dw2BHg
deadpixelsociety
14. Dec 2015 · 23:45 UTC
Took a half dozen tries before I could get a bridge to start forming. Not sure if it was the game or me but it was difficult to get started. Once I had one going though it was really just a matter of stacking them flat until I had a log fall the wrong way and that was the end for me. Got 999 points though! Overall, not bad!
NidzaKornjaca
15. Dec 2015 · 01:26 UTC
Overall pretty fun - took me a while to get the hang of it. Could use some refinement.
The sfx are earkilling though.
NotNewAnymore
15. Dec 2015 · 01:50 UTC
Very fun! Also difficult, but I like it.
Eingya
15. Dec 2015 · 01:59 UTC
Nice concept.

In a full fledge version I would love some sort of mechanic that gives the player at least a tiny bit of agency on when to lock the log though.
nunesbarbosa
15. Dec 2015 · 02:25 UTC
Windows won't let me open the file. :(
Garris
15. Dec 2015 · 02:29 UTC
Fun builder :] Ridiculous looking bridges xD Kudos on using both themes. Good job!
Reccy
15. Dec 2015 · 02:40 UTC
Fun and difficult game, but like other people said a timer would be a great addition. :)
QuestionableQuality
15. Dec 2015 · 03:27 UTC
Pretty damn addictive, a timer for when the logs going to freeze would be awesome. Nice job.
daveh
15. Dec 2015 · 03:30 UTC
I found it pretty intuitive. Would have liked a timer for the next log falling, or at least a hint it was about to happen. Seems to work pretty solidly.
TheMonsterFromTheDeep
15. Dec 2015 · 04:10 UTC
This is pretty cool! The graphics are a little silly, but I think they're charming.

My high score was about 750. It's a challenging game!

The only real problem I see is that for whatever reason, it doesn't fit very nicely on my monitor (1366 x 768). It fits horizontally, but sticks slightly out the bottom. I think I just have a weird monitor size.
IAmSpencer
15. Dec 2015 · 04:22 UTC
simple, but the core gameplay is pretty solid and fun.

really interesting mechanic that was fun to play around with, overall, great game for 48 hours :)
01010111
15. Dec 2015 · 06:53 UTC
Deceptively challenging! I couldn't break 1k :)
I agree with the other commenters - a countdown would be great! Also using LEFT/RIGHT to select the menu items would be awesome, I hated having to use the mouse to restart :P

Innovative game!
Jelinib
15. Dec 2015 · 07:38 UTC
I got far enough to see the screen move a little bit (899)! Really cool mechanic. The logs kinda make me hungry for chocolate. Like a bunch of Kit-Kats, all wedged up against each other... that chocolately coat over crispy layered wafers, and nomnomnomnom

The gameplay is simple and easy to understand, yet is unique. Nice job using the themes too!
ChaosCult
15. Dec 2015 · 08:02 UTC
Nice idea, but for the life of me I can't get past second log. Really hard. Also you should've added some sort of indicator to see how much time is left before freezing.
thebrickanator
15. Dec 2015 · 08:58 UTC
Fun game and mechanics... lol I wish I could say the same about the graphics but as a first game it is pretty well done :D
bradur
15. Dec 2015 · 08:59 UTC
Quite a hard game, but the mechanics are fair and the controls solid. Good work!
NuvlearGames
15. Dec 2015 · 09:20 UTC
It was quite fun. I really like the idea, although it was quite challenging for me.
Pixelfan Games
15. Dec 2015 · 09:45 UTC
Nice idea but the gameplay is a litle weird, but i like it. Good job :)
fullmontis
15. Dec 2015 · 12:55 UTC
The game is quite fun! It is very challenging to place the logs, I could not go past the third one. It is an interesting take on the balancing puzzles you see out there. Great job!
cynicalmonkey
15. Dec 2015 · 13:35 UTC
an interesting puzzle but maybe ramp up to your fail state. you end up dieing alot trying to get used to the timings of it. where if the first 2-3 or three you could do without losing the game it would let people pick up the rhythm easier
jomomomo
15. Dec 2015 · 13:47 UTC
Sadly, i can't play windows games.
triello
15. Dec 2015 · 16:34 UTC
Nice, man!
zulman
15. Dec 2015 · 17:10 UTC
Uber Super Mega hardcore one! I think little bit more directive controls will be fine. In any case t's always fun to play with physics :)
chaomoon
15. Dec 2015 · 19:01 UTC
cool idea, but really hard to play.
jigalx
15. Dec 2015 · 20:04 UTC
This was incredibly hard! Good idea.
Simplest
15. Dec 2015 · 20:31 UTC
Fun game!! Love the physics :-D
Pusty
15. Dec 2015 · 20:35 UTC
999 Score lol
Pretty fun! Good job!
Ben Allen
15. Dec 2015 · 20:57 UTC
Great job for a first game! Agree with everyone on adding a log timer. Graphics aren't great but I legitimately like how the lightning cloud looks.
kidando
15. Dec 2015 · 21:59 UTC
I was all rage for about 10 seconds. Then I mastered how to get 5 in a row. I feel so bad ass. Awesome submission!
themadknights
15. Dec 2015 · 22:12 UTC
Both themes are adapted very well
pjimmy
16. Dec 2015 · 01:23 UTC
funny sandbox game, hard but entertaining
eerongal
16. Dec 2015 · 01:58 UTC
Interesting little physics puzzler! Nice work!
Evergreen Games
16. Dec 2015 · 05:22 UTC
Pretty fun. It needed a timer but i see you added that. My high score is 806
rjhelms
16. Dec 2015 · 06:37 UTC
This is surprisingly difficult! Nice take on the theme - this ain't your average bridge builder.
kabel
16. Dec 2015 · 21:47 UTC
It had its moments, but more polish is needed.
jcmonkey
16. Dec 2015 · 22:42 UTC
nice game!
YinYin
16. Dec 2015 · 23:14 UTC
778

Wasn't as hard as other streamers made it look.
Robber
16. Dec 2015 · 23:24 UTC
very nice and interesting mechanic, first blocks seemd the most difficult, i guess the secret to the bridge was in the foundation!
careless
17. Dec 2015 · 01:39 UTC
Some awful graphics but quite challenging game play! Scored 1376 http://snag.gy/jKm5E.jpg

Took a while to get even 2 logs to stay up but got the hang of it in the end.

This is what LD is all about, trying things out, if you are bad at art that try a flat UI style of graphics, plain and simple is better than bad pixel art.

Well done on a great entry though!
thecatspajamas
17. Dec 2015 · 07:44 UTC
I wanted to enjoy your game, but there wasn't a way for me to know when the next log was going to fall.

I didn't understand how the points were calculated. It seemed like the best plan is to let the first log fall in the water. When building it further I continued to get less points.

I think it might be better to lock in points when each log freezes and just add from there.

I'm not sure if I was just really bad at the game, or the controls weren't ideal, but I found it frustrating when a log fell and I couldn't move it onto my already existing pile.
nopogo
17. Dec 2015 · 09:20 UTC
Fun game with an interesting combination of both themes. Only thing I really missed was an indicator for the next log
Cliff Lee(CL)
17. Dec 2015 · 14:32 UTC
Great concept!
But maybe can adjust tempo of the game, it seems slow to me.
Hot Box Games
17. Dec 2015 · 17:41 UTC
Challenging and engaging! As others have said, a timer would have helped with the balancing.
AnAverageTyler
17. Dec 2015 · 20:42 UTC
Nice idea but a bit slow and boring, needs sound and better graphics too.
TeamKawaiiju
18. Dec 2015 · 08:53 UTC
Very nice. I was a bit confused at first but once I got the hang of the controls it actually felt very satisfying to expand the bridge. I feel like the pieces freezing in place (sometimes at the last second!) really adds to that. If you have android export functionality in your copy of Gamemaker, I'd totally suggest expanding this a bit and doing a version for phones, as it seems perfect for the mobile platform.
rd127p77
18. Dec 2015 · 19:02 UTC
It's definitely difficult. But I wish there was a longer tutorial.
inbetweengames
18. Dec 2015 · 19:30 UTC
What a tough balancing act! Only got to 4 logs myself, very tense!
OnionBlaze
19. Dec 2015 · 08:21 UTC
Cool concept! Very challenging.
Xanjos
20. Dec 2015 · 23:37 UTC
Game itself is harder than it looks but the mechanics were very interesting and I love the whole risk/reward dynamic whilst balancing the logs.
sputnik
21. Dec 2015 · 18:15 UTC
Nice idea. Quite challenging!
LukeZaz
22. Dec 2015 · 03:46 UTC
Decent game, but the challenge fell off pretty quickly once I got the first few pieces down. Music also played over itself more and more with each loss.
alfie275
23. Dec 2015 · 19:41 UTC
Hey blohod, I did a video of your game here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uS93LbktP8