Leafcutters by gimbalock
Game link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3qNwrOqvxw5X1VOS2hrVUJLZ1U/view?usp=sharing
Bug Fixes 04/24/17: So a friend pointed out a bug that would destroy the gameplay. At a point the waste would be produced so fast, that it would instantly destroy the hive, because of a flat maxvalue. I have fixed this in the link below, plus some hive images that didn't load before. Feel free to play whatever version you think I should be judged upon.
Game link2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3qNwrOqvxw5aU9YMHVpSlFmR1U/view?usp=sharing
The game is called Leafcutters. It's a resource management/Idle game where you have to build the biggest ant hive. As I didn't have time to implement an endgoal, it could be an idea to see how big you can get the hive in for example 10, 20 or 30 minutes.
This is my first time joining Ludum Dare. I finished, even though I had a lot of ideas I had to scrap.
I don't have much experience in programming, but I'm learning. I have just started learning Unity, but don't have the skills to program in C# yet. That's why I have made this in Delphi, beacuse I have some Pascal knowledge.
Programs: Delphi 10 Seattle, MS Paint, Gimp.
Tips: * You can overpopulate your hive by manually clicking the egghatching activation button. * Always have plenty of builders, to keep expanding your hive, and not reach population limit. * Check if operations are running (green button). Some operations like evolve and fungalgarden will pause if you reach population limit or run out of resources. * Get rid of the waste. Assign Mediae ants to carry out waste from the fungalgarden. If the waste level gets too high, a small part of your hive will collapse. (Waste produces more waste) * The more ants you have of a certain caste, the faster they will evolve into the next tier. Don’t hesitate to pause evolutions, if you need a lot of a certain caste. * “Where are the enemies?” Lucky you, I didn’t have time to implement threats to the hive, that the major ants should fight of. That means the main focuses of the game are; Don’t reach population limit, don’t get too much waste, don’t run out of resources.
| Original URL | https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/38/leafcutters |
Ratings
| Overall | 315th | 3.211⭐ | 21🧑⚖️ |
| Fun | 268th | 3.158⭐ | 21🧑⚖️ |
| Innovation | 187th | 3.368⭐ | 21🧑⚖️ |
| Theme | 315th | 3.263⭐ | 21🧑⚖️ |
| Graphics | 333th | 3⭐ | 21🧑⚖️ |
| Humor | 287th | 2.438⭐ | 18🧑⚖️ |
| Mood | 287th | 3.053⭐ | 21🧑⚖️ |
| Given | 28🗳️ | 16🗨️ |
Enemies, End goal, Time challenge, Upgrades, Skills.
But anyway. This is the first time I enter the Ludum Dare, and at least I finished something.
Now I just have to figure out how to enter my game.
* You can overpopulate your hive by manually clicking the egghatching activation button.
* Always have planty of builders, to keep expanding your hive, and not reach population limit.
* Check if operations are running (green button). Some operations like evolve and fungalgarden will pause if you reach population limit or run out of resources.
* Get rid of the waste. Assign Mediae ants to carry out waste from the fungalgarden. If the waste level gets too high, a small part of your hive will collapse. (Waste produces more waste)
* The more ants you have of a certain caste, the faster they will evolve into the next tier. Don’t hesitate to pause evolutions, if you need a lot of a certain caste.
* “Where are the enemies?” Lucky you, I didn’t have time to implement threats to the hive, that the major ants should fight of. That means the main focuses of the game are; Don’t reach population limit, don’t get too much waste, don’t run out of resources.
For what it is its good. There is some strategy needed in how you play to make sure you have the resources you need. The graphics are simple yet convey what the function of the space is. I think its awesome that you made the game in Delphi! Pascal was my goto language back in the day. :)
And no, I wasn't running it on auto-pilot.
Even if it weren't for my strange affection towards watching numbers go up, I commend you for creating a unique little game that stands out from the rest. It's a real shame that you ran out of time for giving it a real objective, more things to do and most of all, a challenge.
Although the ants looked a bit scribbled, I overall really liked the aesthetic of the game. It's what drew me in initially. I also very much enjoyed your core mechanics that contained some biology research instead of "red ant", "blue ant".
Unfortunately there was no sound at all, which would have contributed nicely to the game.
I would love to see you continue from where you are now. You probably know that ants build intricate hives with special sections that are much more complicated than the little buggers let on, with a micro climate for optimal fungus growth and ventilation shafts. If you managed to pour this complicated dance into an algorithm that creates a realistic anthill from scratch, that would be a sight to see. A scrollable screen to see what you gatherers are up to, with the occasional trapped bug or discovered rodent cadaver to pick apart could keep things interesting. And of course fending off attackers, either as a minigame or just in simulation mode.
So much to do, so little time.
Anyway great job on your first Ludum Dare, keep it up and see you next time!
PS: While I wrote these lines, the anthill grew to 233 cm and has now over 10.000 inhabitants. I guess I'll just keep it running for a little longer.
It's pretty cool for 48 hours though and I would really be glad if there would be more of this :)
Are you planning on expanding your game after the ratings?
what you wanted to implement but didn't have time for. I'm also learning a lot while I go, but wow you made a great game with the tools you had. I hope you're proud of your work!
Would like to see it developed further!
Overall good job - this is awesome for your first Ludum Dare!
For MS Paint, the art isn't half bad. Heck, I'm impressed that MS Paint art made its way into a game. I wrote not long ago about the [free program that I've been using for game assets](https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/38/petty-puny-planet-38/krita-the-free-art-program-i-used-for-3-gamejams), so I'd recommend using something like that or Firealpaca in future, more demanding projects. But hey, if it works, it works, right?
I liked the game, and specially the details. I thought I had to learn all about "x is needed to make y" and memorize a lot. But having the signs stay if you hold over the buttons was a blessing.
Excellent work. Team [Whales and Games](https://twitter.com/WhalesAndGames) congratulates you on this great compo submission! Keep up the good work! :whale:
Great job on completing it and going the extra step to make sure the players know what to do!
Please check out [MicroCHIP](https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/38/microchip) and throw our team's game a rating if you don't mind. Congratulations on finishing!
In any case, it was a fun little game to play, congratulations :)!