Mystical Island by azakharov

[raw]
made by azakharov for Ludum Dare 48 (JAM)

cover.jpg

Description

Your ship was caught in the storm and now you are stranded here, on this island. To leave it you need a raft and to build a raft you need resources. You have nothing else to do, but to venture deeper and deeper into the heart of an island. But be cautious, you may not be the only one here...

How to play

You need to gather 5 sticks, 20 leaves, 20 vines and 5 wooden logs, so get going. You can move to any of the tiles that are one step away from those which you already explored, these have yellow boundaries. There are also some events which can help you or bury you. Some tiles have additional events and those will have green boundary. Screenshot_1.png

Ratings

Overall 1518th 3.133⭐ 130🧑‍⚖️
Fun 1607th 2.816⭐ 130🧑‍⚖️
Innovation 993th 3.141⭐ 130🧑‍⚖️
Theme 1345th 3.283⭐ 129🧑‍⚖️
Graphics 1400th 3.171⭐ 131🧑‍⚖️
Audio 1023th 3.024⭐ 127🧑‍⚖️
Humor 1162th 2.357⭐ 114🧑‍⚖️
Mood 964th 3.467⭐ 125🧑‍⚖️
Given 112🗳️ 128🗨️

Feedback

EpicCrownKing
26. Apr 2021 · 01:19 UTC
Very cool idea, and a nice mix between text-adventure and RTS, but I find it really hard to know where to go and what to do - everything feels up to chance. On the other hand though, I really love the art style and think the way the map is plotted out is really clever.
ehtd
26. Apr 2021 · 06:04 UTC
I liked the idea, didn't notice you could click explore on the top right. Just keep dying haha
freamdev
26. Apr 2021 · 07:20 UTC
Really cool idea, played it a few times but didn't manage to find a single stone, maybe I'm doing something wrong :smiley:. Wish the game would show how much of the resources I need like 5/10 or something.
🎤 azakharov
26. Apr 2021 · 07:24 UTC
@freamdev probably we did something wrong! :smile:
Valid
26. Apr 2021 · 07:28 UTC
I enjoyed this, thanks. The explore button was a little hard to notice at first but it worked out.
LakshyaIsAGod
26. Apr 2021 · 07:29 UTC
TODO: review game
dhim
26. Apr 2021 · 07:32 UTC
WOo nice mood, I like it a lot.
I had to unzoom the window to see the whole screen
Are the events random ?
🎤 azakharov
26. Apr 2021 · 07:59 UTC
@dhim thanks! Yes - events and researches are random and depends on tile type.
BoClow
26. Apr 2021 · 08:10 UTC
Really hard game. Loved the atmosphere and the sounds.
I sort of figured out how to keep your stamina and hunger up but did not find solution for health.
LDJam user 235161
26. Apr 2021 · 08:50 UTC
The cover and screenshot remind me of Civilization at the first sight, but the mechanics are quite different. I love the idea and the art!
PurpleAlien
26. Apr 2021 · 11:22 UTC
Cool idea! I struggled a little with the UI feedback, though. It's not clear where you can and cannot click D:
Liam
26. Apr 2021 · 11:46 UTC
Nice concept, had fun exploring. I feel like the tiles that could be explored would have benefited from an eye icon or similar to click rather than moving up the explore button top right. Nice work with the theme!
arya-s
26. Apr 2021 · 11:48 UTC
Hi,
the mood and atmosphere of the game is really good. The map is neat and filled with a lot of events.
I think it's a bit too hard at the beginning, I guess you have to get better RNG - something which my game also suffers from.

I think it would've been nice to have a player figure on the map even if it can teleport around. I was a bit confused at first.

Overall neat!
glitchman
26. Apr 2021 · 11:55 UTC
👊 Not bad!
![2021-04-26_145423.png](///raw/200/81/z/3d648.png)
FDK
26. Apr 2021 · 12:16 UTC
Cool game ! Music is quite spooky ahah it does make you feel the stress of the atmosphere, are the effects random or is there a "win route" ?
AnthonyHarmitage
26. Apr 2021 · 12:22 UTC
@FDK There are a couple of predetermined tiles, but all in all, most of the events are tile-based, but random.
I'm glad that the music spooks ^_^
Pe7e
26. Apr 2021 · 12:42 UTC
Cool game
Ghost_Wave
26. Apr 2021 · 13:48 UTC
Seem quite complex. I'm not used to this type of game so I had a hard time figuring out what was going on. Once I did I had an enjoyable experience. Great work!
rhoff95
26. Apr 2021 · 15:19 UTC
Cool game! I like the idea and the island visuals are really cool and mysterious. It felt a little too random for me to be interested in choosing what tile to pick next. I had no indication of what any tile might have.
Venezia
26. Apr 2021 · 15:24 UTC
Enjoyed it! Seems a bit tough and up to chance, but I imagine being stuck on an island would be quite a similar experience :)
ville
26. Apr 2021 · 15:32 UTC
Man, it's tough! But I keep getting better and better at surviving, still no win though :)
TomBuston
26. Apr 2021 · 15:41 UTC
Nice entry. I was actually a bit disappointed that events were random as I couldn't learn from my mistakes at each run.
The concept is good. Multiple times I was on the verge of dying and suddently got an event wich saved me, if it's intentional it's a really nice touch.

Well done!
IndigoWolf
26. Apr 2021 · 16:03 UTC
I really enjoyed this, some nice graphics and a cool take on the theme that gives way to unique gameplay. Well done.
LDJam user 236416
26. Apr 2021 · 17:12 UTC
I died several times :( I love music/sounds.
Fozzy
26. Apr 2021 · 18:40 UTC
its fun but clicking explore is repetitive and gets old quickly.
Pepper Boi
26. Apr 2021 · 19:05 UTC
Fun: A little bit annoying. There was a lot of bad rng. I liked it but it got a bit annoying at times.

Innovation: It is a survival game and I dont see many survival games in game jams.

Theme: Interesting take on the theme.

Graphics: I liked the graphics. I think the notifications in the top right could have been better in the middle of the screen because I didnt notice them at first.

Audio: I liked the ambient sounds and background music.

Humor: There might have been a bit of gruesome humor.

Mood: Really good. The audio and mysterious people really helped.

Overall: Nice game. You should update post-jam.
henriquecanella
26. Apr 2021 · 19:39 UTC
Nice game, really like to see this kind of game in jams since i don't play them very usually, so since I'm not so good with those kind of mechanics I struggled a bit to progress. But overall well done =D
Hotpaw
26. Apr 2021 · 19:43 UTC
Really fun game, i tried it several times, noticed water was gas, until water killed me, really nice
Mero
26. Apr 2021 · 19:44 UTC
I like the idea but i dont rly understand how i can incerease my chances of survival?
🎤 azakharov
26. Apr 2021 · 19:50 UTC
@mero go to river and explore every tile of it when you need stamina or food. Then collect wood, leaves, vives and sticks in forest or jungle. But random events still can kill you)
mdotedot
26. Apr 2021 · 20:04 UTC
Oh boy what a disaster that lurks on (seemingly) every tile. It felt like Frodo's journey. But at least you made a game where you can formulate that kind of journey in your head.
LDJam user 93368
26. Apr 2021 · 21:57 UTC
This is the one of the most diverse game regarding theme and mechanics. I liked it! RNG is hard but I guess that's like it is... A marker, where you are and some highlighting where you can go would be awesome!
GuardianMAD
27. Apr 2021 · 00:15 UTC
Like the idea, game volume was a bit loud at the start but interesting game.
Threeli
27. Apr 2021 · 01:06 UTC
I think the RNG is weighted a little on the unfair side, but I've gotta say: this is a really cool idea, and a fun experience. I'm going to be poking around on the little island for a while I expect.
Nick Barrash
27. Apr 2021 · 01:47 UTC
Seems like we had kind of similar concept but it seems like your game world is more unique/interesting. I really like your world/map and the way you uncover the art as you walk around. Awesome job!
youthfulIdealism
27. Apr 2021 · 03:08 UTC
Your use of audio to set tone was skillful. That the events I encountered were all negative was very harsh. As a result, I didn't really want to explore. I think it would be a good idea to mix in some very positive events, give the user a dopamine rush every now and again to keep them going.

I really liked the game on a conceptual level--the overhead tile exploration with an emphasis on audio for storytelling. I think you're onto something here.
Lunavenator
27. Apr 2021 · 08:21 UTC
The sounds are adding a kind of time pressure, which is nice for the mood. Unfortunately I didn't manage to find any stone. Also it was for me a little bit too random, or I didn't get the logic behind.
Dorkulon
27. Apr 2021 · 09:22 UTC
Really interesting and moody game, and a good take on the theme.
treslapin
27. Apr 2021 · 09:23 UTC
This game is really harsh, but I guess that's what being deserted on an island is like :smile: I really like the idea behind this game, I hope you develop it more outside the jam. It really reminded me of the 7th Continent board game. I like how you can uncover tiles and then additionally also explore. It's really my type of game! One other note - I wish the border for explorable tiles was more obvious, right now it was really hard to tell the yellow and green ones apart.
Rendow
27. Apr 2021 · 09:50 UTC
Great game idea! Feels a bit too hard on the first try. Love how many events there are, they give you a lot of immersion. All in all good job with the game!
🎤 azakharov
27. Apr 2021 · 10:06 UTC
@treslapin tiles indication is really bad. We will work on that. Thanks!
Craplex
27. Apr 2021 · 10:26 UTC
Very cool game. Love the idea.
Caca
27. Apr 2021 · 11:39 UTC
I really like the idea. The map is cool! Maybe we could need a bit more information on where to click ?
The sound effect and the music are nice, they contribue to the stress on the island.
good job!
TheGamerASD
27. Apr 2021 · 11:53 UTC
I liked the idea and your take on the theme!
darkfrost
27. Apr 2021 · 14:53 UTC
Nice idea! Game was a bit harsh though, fell down a hole or something and died immediately!

Wasn't immediately obvious how to play, but worked it out after clicking around a bit :)
Janetheodd
27. Apr 2021 · 15:10 UTC
Great Game! Tried and died multiple times but I guess that's what happens when one is stranded on a mystical island. As others have mentioned before, the explore window is easy to miss.

Will most likely come back to it to play some more.
somestufz
27. Apr 2021 · 16:44 UTC
A nice idea on the theme and overall pretty good, however at the beginning its overwhelming so maybe you could split it up into different islands or have some of it completely hidden but still great.
somestufz
27. Apr 2021 · 16:44 UTC
A nice idea on the theme and overall pretty good, however at the beginning its overwhelming so maybe you could split it up into different islands or have some of it completely hidden but still great.
Cryptomnesic
27. Apr 2021 · 16:53 UTC
Pretty please allow us to toggle audio or control volume! This could be an interesting board game I think.
Luc-creationallabs
27. Apr 2021 · 17:27 UTC
This is super nice, awesome how a simple grid can give so much exploration feelings, I really like the concept but I think some decisions in the execution hurt the game, the Explore Button is the most important thing in this game and is almost hidden from the player, and the popups stopping the gameplay and have to be clicked to leave the screen is very annoying. The concept is really interesting though, well done!
Ranchoman
27. Apr 2021 · 18:43 UTC
Recommend putting the controls in your description! But super neat take on the theme with a simple, approachable mechanic. Awesome job!
EvoGenGames
27. Apr 2021 · 19:09 UTC
Nice concept but it's pretty much up to chance right now, or am I missing something?

Nice art, sound effects and mood!

OVerall very good, well done!
iovorobiev
27. Apr 2021 · 19:21 UTC
Nicely done with sounds and graphics!

I played a bit, and even though it is fun to venture diving into the jungle I didn't understand what should I as a player do? It feels like the game plays itself and I only press the button to read the next part of a story. The only decision I make is what tile to explore next, but there is no knowledge I can apply to understand which tile I should choose.

I like that there is no player on a map, it creates a sort of first person exploration feeling.

Overall, certainly a great jam entry!

P.S. Also a nitpick: when I read "Hunger +6" it feels that I am getting more hungry, however in the game it is quite opposite :)
GoldOne
27. Apr 2021 · 21:20 UTC
Love the concept and the interpretation of the theme! Also rely conveys the feeling of being stranded on your own very well!

Only thing I was struggling with was to anticipate what my actions will lead to. Might make it easier to give players more input so they can make more informed decisions.
Phillip Scott
27. Apr 2021 · 21:34 UTC
Fun, took me a few goes to figure out the top right explore button. but once I did was a fun little game :D Great work
nyanpierre
28. Apr 2021 · 02:59 UTC
Really nice game :
dxk2294
28. Apr 2021 · 06:11 UTC
Clever idea, and a great take on the theme! I feel like there's not a ton of player agency - you click on a square and something happens to you, but you have no way of knowing the potential consequences or how to influence those consequences. I'd love to see this expanded with either more information provided to the player, or diferent things they could do to influence the outcome. Still, good job!
RobbzenOne
28. Apr 2021 · 11:05 UTC
Good idea!
GoldenEvolution
28. Apr 2021 · 14:23 UTC
Although the concept is really cool, I have the feeling that there's not really any strategy to it and I am just clicking around, unless I missed something?
Roikku
28. Apr 2021 · 20:03 UTC
Cool writing :)
AwesomeZebra
28. Apr 2021 · 20:13 UTC
Really cool idea, feels a bit like Oregon trail. I wish that you had options to choose from when exploring (like risk-reward or play it safe). Right now it's somewhat random, so I can't really control my own fate much.
DanMedeiros
28. Apr 2021 · 21:30 UTC
The writing is amazing, I was really immersed in the story! Love the gameplay in general too. Good job.
Tom Robson
29. Apr 2021 · 10:42 UTC
Enjoyed this one a lot! Took me a little while to get what I was meant to do, but once I got into the flow of it, it was a fun adventure!

I think some extra polish on the UI might help though, it was a little all over the place with the text boxes.

Can't complain though, I had plenty of fun!
kromeboy
29. Apr 2021 · 14:23 UTC
The basic concept is good, but playing it seem random. Maybe some kind of choice could be better then random events
Préda
29. Apr 2021 · 21:06 UTC
I was a but confused at first but then I found out how I was supposed to play. Nice little game, I like the sounds
etrealjunior
30. Apr 2021 · 00:11 UTC
Congratulations on the game, the big problem I see in games like this is to stay in touch with luck, and not giving the player the opportunity to make his strategy, I believe that making this style of play is one of the most difficult because to work well you have to count on a series of things very well done and aligned to work, and it certainly takes a long time to be built, I appreciate the opportunity to play your game, a big hug to everyone, and I await your evaluations regarding my game.
Szymon OGD
30. Apr 2021 · 03:29 UTC
Hehs, very cute game ;)
bereg
30. Apr 2021 · 17:18 UTC
The concept is great, I like your take on the expansion mechanics. For a prototype, it's already playable, but it would be good if you can add some feedback for what's happening, like sound effects and so on. Overall it's a solid entry and an interesting idea of the game. Great job!
MicroChasm
30. Apr 2021 · 18:20 UTC
I really like this idea. This kind of one-screen management sim is perfect for a jam game. One thing that is a little confusing at first is that the meter labeled Hunger goes up when you eat-- it probably should either be reversed, or labeled Food. I want it to be that you need to build up resources by going around the outside of the island before slowly moving towards the center, going back to the outside when you lose resources again. It would make the inside feel more special-- as it is, my experience was that I had was that I died no matter what I did. Cool idea though, and well executed.
Asue
01. May 2021 · 08:26 UTC
I like the idea and the concept, I think the game fits perfectly the theme. Just needs a bit of polish and it would be really cool!
tanis
01. May 2021 · 10:19 UTC
Nice idea and the music matches the mood perfectly. Sometimes it feels a bit too much left to random chances, though. It would be nice to have more control over your choices.
Beardmage
01. May 2021 · 13:24 UTC
I liked the concept !

As others said above, some events feel a bit too random to me, you don't feel like your choices meant that much, it's either you get good stuff or you get the boot.
Maybe a system with several choices for each event could be great (Like spending some of the resources to gain others maybe ?)

Good job anyway, congrats !
Dodidouda
02. May 2021 · 15:57 UTC
Very cool idea, liked the mood a lot. Would have wished it felt less random and to have some sort of strategy to optimize your health, hunger and stamina (like collecting food and having the freedom to eat it once per turn, choosing when to set a camp, etc). But I did retry the game many times, which shows how fun the gameplay loop is! Nice job!
darthone
03. May 2021 · 06:07 UTC
I wish there was a way to spend some of my resources to rest and heal as that was usually how I ended dying. Really enjoy the idea here!
general
04. May 2021 · 17:04 UTC
Recorded my first playing experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdA7naxc9aI
Hope this will be interesting for you to see :)
LDJam user 238142
05. May 2021 · 13:24 UTC
I died...a lot...But I love the idea, and there's lots of varied writing in here. I like that the running water kicks in when you find yourself close to a river. Nice entry all in all, congrats!
ChrisAP
15. May 2021 · 00:08 UTC
Good idea for a game! I just kinda wish you changed the font...