Signal King by LDJam user 408038

[raw]
made by LDJam user 408038 for Ludum Dare 59 (COMPO)

Build a network of buildings around your throne and defend it from enemy waves.

Your king yells every second - that signal travels through your network, powering every building it reaches. Gold mines collect gold, iron foundries smelt iron. But the signal weakens with distance, so placement matters. GIFGIFGIF.gif

Spend your resources on upgrades - new buildings, stronger signal, faster yells. Each death unlocks new tools. Come back stronger.

Timeline 1.gif Survive long enough . Defeat the boss and claim victory.

Ratings

Overall 32th 3.996⭐ 130🧑‍⚖️
Fun 29th 3.906⭐ 130🧑‍⚖️
Innovation 66th 3.72⭐ 129🧑‍⚖️
Theme 180th 3.496⭐ 130🧑‍⚖️
Graphics 31th 4.217⭐ 131🧑‍⚖️
Audio 60th 3.698⭐ 128🧑‍⚖️
Humor 59th 3.27⭐ 117🧑‍⚖️
Mood 91th 3.684⭐ 127🧑‍⚖️
Given 15🗳️ 5🗨️

Feedback

Floonace
Apr 20th · 02:58 UTC
Fun to play and feels so polished. I like it.
BarnabeWild
Apr 20th · 03:27 UTC
Pretty nice take on idle game, building shortcut would be a nice addition, had fun!
tweekus
Apr 20th · 07:20 UTC
Fun game, I like it, thanks
William Corrin
Apr 20th · 07:29 UTC
Graphics are really nice, and the implementation of progression and unlocking new towers upon dying is impressive in such a short time!

It does get repetitive for me kind of fast. But so do most entries in this genre!
Umaiit
Apr 20th · 07:37 UTC
Love the graphics! Intresesting idea. It feels really good when you swipe out a bunch of enemies.
GideonGriebenow
Apr 20th · 07:42 UTC
This is really impressive for a 2-day project. I don't really like these kinds of games, but your presentation was interesting enough for me to want to give it a play. Some shortcut keys would be nice, so the cursor don't have to go to the UI panel and you can keep slashing!
rhewid
Apr 20th · 10:50 UTC
Great game, very nice good looking art. I dont quite get what the signal power up did for me but I won :D

![SignalKingpng.png](///raw/0b3/21/z/708e6.png)
Jacat
Apr 20th · 13:51 UTC
Nice UI
Thoastbot
Apr 20th · 14:01 UTC
Fun game!

Was a bit confused in the beginning, getting used to childrenlimits. The first few rounds didn't feel great since low signalpower + childrenlimits = extremly weak, after the first few rounds it turns, now i got waay too much money and basically just randomly spam any tower into my base x)

I like the general idea a lot tho, connected towers, signal strength, special defense towers - all felt really good to play with.
Tanjou
Apr 20th · 16:16 UTC
Extremely fun and surprisingly well polished!
qwesasuke
Apr 20th · 16:30 UTC
Cool visual style and nice sound effects. I liked the upgrade system after death. Adds reloadability. It was thanks to her that I stayed in the game for quite a long time. Simple and tasteful!
LDJam user 280624
Apr 20th · 17:01 UTC
Hello from XK discord!

reat game. Just an incredible amount of work for Compo. Congratulations!
juyr
Apr 20th · 19:31 UTC
super fun! this could definitely be a great roguelike with some more work



great art!​
poddub
Apr 20th · 19:50 UTC
nice and short experience with very fancy art style and color palette, love it 💚
ZezinhoESR
Apr 20th · 20:44 UTC
work on that and publish on steam!, i see a great potential.
FakeTrap
Apr 21st · 00:34 UTC
It's an interesting concept for a game, though things start to get pretty chaotic on the screen toward the end. Overall, it was fun to play.
LDJam user 424535
Apr 21st · 04:19 UTC
I love you, man..
Reed Molbak
Apr 21st · 06:14 UTC
The rhythm and sound of the buildings is so good! I kept getting overwhelmed, having way more resources than I could possibly spend on buildings. And some variety in attack buildings could be nice. But I love the feel of the game, well done.
Jiri_One
Apr 21st · 09:00 UTC
Pretty cool game, I would prefer prefer upgrading throughout a run instead of between runs, but overall the gameplay was satisfying and fits the theme very well!
OldDog
Apr 21st · 11:22 UTC
The game's visuals are very cohesive and enjoyable, and the gameplay delivers a strong sense of satisfaction very quickly. Players can build up a large number of units early on, which feels great. Unfortunately, the amount of content is a bit limited, and it doesn’t take long before there’s not much room left for further progression. If the game had more gameplay variety and additional maps, it would feel much deeper
a333
Apr 21st · 12:17 UTC
That was quite original experience, never seen something like it. Impressive and polished work for a compo!

A bit unexpected that you supposed to die, had to reload first round couple of times to ensure i've done nothing wrong. I also couldnt find a way to cancel building placement selection.
Kwetka
Apr 21st · 12:34 UTC
![photo_5420600047746881095_x.jpg](///raw/339/76/z/71f28.jpg)
It's a good game with an unusual and interesting mechanic, but it ends quickly. It has the potential for more content. Good luck!
Enad96
Apr 21st · 12:38 UTC
its fun to reach critcal mass, then watch it all go away hahah! really unique idea that nails the theme
LDJam user 423838
Apr 21st · 13:18 UTC
super polished and fun with a unique style and satisfying effects but the start is a bit confusing since you have to die to progress and the late game gets chaotic but overall it's a really solid compo entry with huge potential for a full release
II-P
Apr 21st · 13:47 UTC
![Screenshot 2026-04-21 164314.png](///raw/1cd/76/z/71f9f.png) Death-ball
Satisfying to reload the signal with so much stuff, haha.
LDJam user 9418
Apr 21st · 14:10 UTC
fun game, a bit messy at the end, I just spammed archer towers and boss was eliminated in a second
Crowelian
Apr 21st · 16:14 UTC
Really original game!

And simple to learn the basics!

Liked also if you die the game gets a bit easier!
awalone
Apr 21st · 18:21 UTC
I Don't want To die
BorodaOlen
Apr 21st · 19:10 UTC
![2026-04-21_21-45-30.png](///raw/00f/13/z/721ad.png)
Awesome game, had a lot of fun. Archer towers are OP.

Cons: the sword attack is very slow, and towers occasionally spawn outside the screen boundaries at the beginning.
Tapot
Apr 21st · 19:42 UTC
Super fun, nice work!
outstar
Apr 21st · 19:44 UTC
Had a lot of fun, thought I was steamrolling hard, but unfortunately lost to the Big Dude! Would love to try to play it with more screen space/smaller nodes to fit even more on the screen. Impressive how much was happening at the end without any performance drops on browser :)
MaruMari
Apr 21st · 20:42 UTC
Game game i only wish there had been a way to quickly perform build actions using the keyboard. Otherwise really strong work
Dywanix
Apr 21st · 21:30 UTC
enjoyable gameplay!
HDVR02
Apr 21st · 21:42 UTC
I liked the beginning of the game — progressing through meta-progression is a really interesting idea! After a few unlocks and power-ups it got pretty easy, and I ended up just filling the whole field with buildings since I had tons of resources.

The idea of linking buildings through others is cool, but it kind of loses its meaning in the late game, and you just end up placing as many towers and archers as possible in random spots.

That said, I really enjoyed it — it’s a really great game!
Flinge
Apr 21st · 22:31 UTC
Interesting idea with potential for further upgrades, in my opinion. Right now though, it feels like the game can mostly be beaten by just spamming archers
Sthor726
Apr 22nd · 00:33 UTC
Probably the most polished compo game I've played this jam! Creative idea and has lots of potential. Nice worK!
Zwi Zausch
Apr 22nd · 01:49 UTC
Yoooo this is pretty cool! the pixel artstyle has lots of charm and the gameplay is minimalistic and quite clear! Looking forward to see where you will take this from here!
SHAKIROVICH
Apr 22nd · 04:07 UTC
![Screenshot (421).png](///raw/ab8/16/z/72364.png)
Hoeleboele
Apr 22nd · 05:43 UTC
Archer tower spam did work :D killed the boss before it hit the screen. But fun little game :) i like the thick outline artstyle very cohesive game overal
LDJam user 372012
Apr 22nd · 06:18 UTC
I like the connection to the theme. The Signal Is Watching
udfblr
Apr 22nd · 06:45 UTC
What a mess! This is amazing! :0

I had a lot of fun watching the process! It took me a while to figure it out, and my first loss was frustrating.
Batisdark
Apr 22nd · 09:05 UTC
I've beat the boss.
It really needs aoe tower placement as one of the upgrades! Even with using the keybindings - game is spammy! Unless it is one of the later upgrades - then it needs it sooner :D

Nice art style! Simple and clean!
Kit Gorn
Apr 22nd · 10:58 UTC
Довольно интересная механика. Но как-то все происходит слишком быстро. Какой-то особой стратегии от этой механики не увидел. Стоит над балансом поработать. Рудники и заводы я почти не использовал. Просто закидал башнями и лучниками по периметру. И не совсем понял, что делает перезагрузка сигнала, но она все порешала)
VerttiXPertti
Apr 22nd · 13:07 UTC
The game started out really good, but then suddenly I just got so much money that I could spam archer towers and win easily. I think the game isn't balanced so well, but everything else was great, so good job! I don't even know how I got so many resources because I didn't buy that many generators for them.
oeueGHa
Apr 22nd · 13:37 UTC
Найс арт. Мне не понравилось, что с 1ых траев забить босса нельзя тупа потому, что нет апгрейдов, и если нажать сразу на рестарт, не нажимая на апгрейды, то некст ран начнешь без них.
Bestdtang
Apr 22nd · 14:20 UTC
Solid concept! The crowded unit feel is awesome. I struggled a bit with the early game though. Feels like a more visible sense of growth would make those early rounds feel much better. Cool entry!
LDJam user 423872
Apr 22nd · 16:47 UTC
A very enjoyable incremental game! Excellent design!
Termegus
Apr 22nd · 18:28 UTC
Yeah this game rocks
LDJam user 280189
Apr 22nd · 19:27 UTC
Fun game! Cool concept but I feel like the signal mechanic didn't really matter much as I just spammed archer + defense towers without really thinking about it. Overall solid work!
LDJam user 385997
Apr 22nd · 19:29 UTC
This is an amazing use of "Signal" for this kind of game. Overall, it felt very polished and I had a lot of fun playing it. Right now, the mechanics allow for a pretty quick escalation where tower placement turns into spamming, but with some additional mechanics and balancing, this could evolve into a really cool and unique roguelite beyond this jam prototype.
Custodi
Apr 22nd · 20:04 UTC
There is around 500 buildings
![end.png](///raw/bb0/e5/z/725ac.png)
23edsa
Apr 22nd · 22:02 UTC
This was very enjoyable, I like that the meta progression is developed through losing runs, great job!
noneegy
Apr 23rd · 11:23 UTC
Great game! It was really fun to play. The art is cool and the gameplay felt pretty polished. Good job!
Roroto Sic
Apr 23rd · 16:13 UTC
Very polished entry ! I love the overall aesthetic !! Very Fun, GG !

![Capture d’écran 2026-04-23 181226.jpg](///raw/d93/94/z/727a5.jpg)
martinfernandezGD
Apr 23rd · 18:55 UTC
I really enjoyed the game; it's quite difficult to win at first, but it gradually gets easier. I loved the art.
VLAD_LEN
Apr 23rd · 19:34 UTC
Once again, a wonderful job, consistently making you delicious
designernap
Apr 23rd · 19:48 UTC
aaauh a ton of feel and lovely graphics on this. Theme is a stretch but it doesn't matter here. Lovely entry.
McBaker
Apr 23rd · 21:19 UTC
Nice game, art is really well done. The game is simple and intuitive.

I feel like the balance is a little off though - it seems that you can get by with like 2 gold mines and 2 iron foundries and then just spam archers and defense towers after few upgrades you get after you die.

I can really see a potential in this game, if it can get some balancing and a bit more depth.
Elbapotsnugg
Apr 24th · 02:36 UTC
Takes me back to the classic clicker games of flash days. Love the artwork. I wasn't getting a ton of the theme, but fantastic game nonetheless
VenomousMouse
Apr 24th · 08:04 UTC
Good mechanic, nice game.
Mikan
Apr 24th · 13:18 UTC
It's fun. Good job
OttoBroccoli
Apr 24th · 15:03 UTC
A very interesting mix of incremental and tower defense — it pulls you in quickly, and everything is clear. That’s very important for this kind of game. Great work!
ugly_robot
Apr 24th · 17:26 UTC
Fantastic entry! Perfection - I love the way loss grants unlocks / upgrades, the way you build out your almost microbial-like defenses, and the satisfying pulse of the signal.

The art, UI, and SFX for this game are delightful - incredibly polished and completely harmonious. Awesome job!
Mekuire
Apr 24th · 18:44 UTC
A great incremental game—I really enjoyed the gameplay; it’s very unique. The visuals and audio are also great. One of the best games in the jam.
Bumble
Apr 24th · 18:57 UTC
Very interesting gameplay especially with the death mechanic that actually makes it possible at some point. I would like to know how many death one needs at least to make sure the game is winnable, because at some point it gets too fast and easy :smile:

Also the art is very well made!
Allax
Apr 25th · 19:00 UTC
I love incremental games, thi is very solid
svalski
Apr 25th · 19:39 UTC
so cool, maybe a little bit more space for vision
Tomas Poblete
Apr 25th · 23:37 UTC
A super polished game, and made for a Compo entry? Incredible. I like how it gives you tools for the next round instead of just punishing you for losing. Great work @tetramollaxx!

![boss_defeated.png](///raw/628/c2/z/72baa.png)
sinemual
Apr 26th · 07:54 UTC
What a great idea—and what a great execution! The game feels polished without feeling overworked!
thunderklaus
Apr 26th · 10:27 UTC
Very nice game! Innovative idea to use a network grid instead of absolute placement. Well done!
1de
Apr 26th · 15:57 UTC
Fun game dude!
LDJam user 389319
Apr 26th · 16:24 UTC
Help, please make the game longer pp what a fun entry! Also graphics peak!
wdebowicz
Apr 26th · 20:40 UTC
This is really great entry. I would play it much longer if there would be shortcut for buildings.
IRKAR
Apr 27th · 05:06 UTC
What a cool idea! I love art and these mechanics.![photo_2026-04-27_08-04-33.jpg](///raw/25b/76/z/72cb3.jpg)
HordorSok
Apr 27th · 08:22 UTC
Love the concept and execution
GARYglhf
Apr 28th · 10:03 UTC
Здорово, очень красиво. Механика простая и понятная.
LLlarsO
Apr 29th · 08:21 UTC
Didn't realise that this is a COMPO-game. Really, really good game!

Of course it has balancing issues, but the core gameloop is so much fun.
The "signal mechanic" was not really noticeable, but the branching mechanic on the other hand is fantastic.

The visuals are nice and the UI is well implemented. The controls feel good and it is neat that you can choose your buildings with pressing the keys. Having more than just one enemy is also a nice touch and the progression bar shows you when the boss is arriving. Really polished game.
Yorsh
Apr 29th · 22:10 UTC
Fun game! The death giving you very strong upgrades is a little bit weird, I would have preferred getting better mostly cause I did better myself, no so much cause the game got easier. Graphics are very nice and it's a complete game. Congrats!
qmdev
May 01st · 14:15 UTC
Cool game. Very pleasant and not disturbing sounds
HolySparks
May 01st · 17:52 UTC
At first I though I was playing very poorly, but when I realized I'd be unlocking upgrades for next playthroughs then the game clicked for me. Great game
LDJam user 424326
May 04th · 08:29 UTC
A great project!

I like the visual effects and animations, and the mechanics are solid
rexpeppers
May 05th · 00:01 UTC
Fun!
killthealias
May 08th · 18:26 UTC
Really cool and unique style going on here. Exactly the sort of gameplay idea that feels like it could only come from a jam game. Fun and clever.