{"author_link":"\/users\/bruno-molteni","author_name":"Bruno Molteni","author_uid":1258598,"comments":[{"id":718353,"author_name":"ache games","author_uid":"ache-games","epoch":1633387638,"text":"I liked the visual art. Well done","format":"md","likes":2,"spam":"N"},{"id":718859,"author_name":"Federico Giorgi","author_uid":"federico-giorgi","epoch":1633389547,"text":"The outline was too thick. I liked the feel of the gameplay on this one. Nice work!","format":"md","likes":2,"spam":"N"},{"id":726370,"author_name":"Ty Rymer","author_uid":"ty-rymer","epoch":1633435931,"text":"No audio, cool idea, nice visuals! Congrats on finishing!","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"},{"id":726384,"author_name":"Rubi_LOL","author_uid":"rubi-lol","epoch":1633436062,"text":"Love the way it looks! It reminds me a bit to the WORMS. Is quite fun once you take it seriously and try to actually move the boxes over to the ship, lol. Nice one!","format":"md","likes":2,"spam":"N"},{"id":726449,"author_name":"BangKerpow","author_uid":"bangkerpow","epoch":1633436397,"text":"The visuals and animations are well well done. I felt like the crane didn't have enough \"weight\". Mine kept getting stuck upside down so I'd have to wiggle it to flip it over. Gameplay was fun but because of the crane issues I had flipped to frustration a couple times. It's a very unique game that could be great in a couch co-op style.","format":"md","likes":2,"spam":"N"},{"id":726453,"author_name":"zappablamma","author_uid":"zappablamma","epoch":1633436416,"text":"Nice concept! I found it quite hard to pick up crates, maybe next time the controls could be via the mouse rather than the keyboard? Overall a fun game, well done :)","format":"md","likes":2,"spam":"N"},{"id":726464,"author_name":"fabY","author_uid":"faby","epoch":1633436461,"text":"I had trouble understanding what to do precisly at first but it was fun controling both the boat and the crane ! The game begins to be very challenging after level 3 so I had barely time to get new boxes but clever gameplay mechanics I loved the crane physics and the visual art is well made ! congrats !","format":"md","likes":2,"spam":"N"},{"id":729391,"author_name":"Jane Wei","author_uid":"jane-wei","epoch":1633450786,"text":"Unique idea and fits the theme so well! I enjoyed juggling between the two game tasks. Challenging to master but fun.\nThanks!","format":"md","likes":2,"spam":"N"},{"id":732445,"author_name":"eldogg","author_uid":"eldogg","epoch":1633464816,"text":"Really responsive feeling controls. I think the only thing you may want to add is to hold space to grab boxes as I was tapping it, but that's a very small suggestion. The graphics are nice and bright and create a fun sea faring atmosphere.","format":"md","likes":2,"spam":"N"},{"id":745581,"author_name":"Bruno Molteni","author_uid":"bruno-molteni","epoch":1633595342,"text":"@bangkerpow @zappablamma @eldogg We just uploaded a fix for the crane controls, it should be easier to pickup crates now, it actually grabs the boxes automatically and you only need to tap space to release them :)\n\n@federico-giorgi I changed the outlines to make them more consistent now, check it out ;)","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"},{"id":746291,"author_name":"YouK","author_uid":"youk","epoch":1633608871,"text":"Very fun and good looking game. Personally, I think the sailing part is a little too long. But maybe if there is audio, it will also be a good rest part.","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"},{"id":747650,"author_name":"Tattomoosa","author_uid":"tattomoosa","epoch":1633628850,"text":"This was fun. Sailing was a bit long and could use a bit more visual feedback. I quite like the wacky crane physics.\n\nIt could really use a tutorial sequence so you're not wasting valuable time getting used to the controls. I spent most of the first level on my first playthrough just trying to figure out what was going on. Once I did it was fun though.","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"},{"id":747776,"author_name":"Thieme55","author_uid":"thieme55","epoch":1633630165,"text":"Very nice game idea! Missing audio is always kind of strange, and maybe the controls could be made easier (maybe only use W\/A\/S\/D)","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"},{"id":748726,"author_name":"bunnybones","author_uid":"bunnybones","epoch":1633640621,"text":"At first it seemed like I always lost when the timer reached 0, but once I went to the wheel manually as the timer ran out, I got to play the sailing part too. Really cool idea and execution. Maybe having the boxes not slide around as much would make placement feel more strategic. Overall a great game!","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"},{"id":748956,"author_name":"nanobuilder","author_uid":"nanobuilder","epoch":1633643215,"text":"I wish the physics weren't so janky, often times I would lose points because a box just decided to clip down through the boat.\nI really like this concept of making a dash for resources, weighing (no pun intended) which ones are safer or worth risking for points, then maneuvering carefully so you don't lose it all. One thing I would also change is the camera angles, it was a little awkward controlling the crane and it was hard to tell where you were dropping a box. The graphical style is very pleasing to look at, though, and I love the little bean character you play as.","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"},{"id":751845,"author_name":"Bruno Molteni","author_uid":"bruno-molteni","epoch":1633708673,"text":"@youk Thanks for the comment! I uploaded an updated version which has the sailing part cut a lot shorter than before, but more intense... give it a go! \n\n@bangkerpow @nanobuilder @thieme55 I get all the comments about the janky crane! I put some time to work on improving it and if you try it now the crane should be a lot more stable and easier to control! :D \n\n@bunnybones Thanks for the feedback, I pushed an updated version that should have crates that shouldn't slide around as much, so it's easier to manage, try it out ;)","format":"md","likes":2,"spam":"N"},{"id":766568,"author_name":"UnidayStudio","author_uid":"unidaystudio","epoch":1634509035,"text":"You know what? That's what I call a very well presented game. Nothing to say, just a couple of five stars for you! :)","format":"md","likes":0,"spam":"N"}],"format":"md","images":["ld49\/wayback-placeholder.png"],"links":[{"url":"https:\/\/hatecraft.itch.io\/island-merchant","text":"Link"}],"metadata":{"g_key":"79336","g_author":"1258598","g_event":"LD49","g_eventkey":"119","g_subevent":"JAM","g_urlkey":"379844","g_title":"Island Merchant","g_status":"WAYBACK","g_place":"1115","g_commentcount":"17","g_site2_node_id":"263347","g_hide":"N","g_has_icon":"Y","g_rqueue":"0","g_random":"0"},"nds":{"n_key":"263347","n_urlkey":"379844","n_parent":"258323","n_path":"\/events\/ludum-dare\/49\/island-merchant","n_slug":"island-merchant","n_type":"item","n_subtype":"game","n_subsubtype":"jam","n_author":"258598","n_created":"1632937392","n_modified":"1778339546","n_version":"846103","n_status":"WAYBACK"},"node":{"_collation":{"body_sanitizer":"TextUtils::SanitizeHTML via existing importer","event":"LD49","removed_author":false},"_superparent":9,"_trust":1,"author":258598,"body":"**Become part of the United Islands Merchant Marine**\n\nEmbark on a shakey journey through the rough seas while keeping your precious boxy wares on your boat with your crane (and ship) piloting skills.\n\nLoad as many boxes as possible and keep your boat level!\n\n**Boxes!**\n![crane.png](\/\/\/raw\/622\/f3\/z\/47d53.png)\n\n**Sunsets!**\n![sunset.png](\/\/\/raw\/622\/f3\/z\/47d54.png)\n\n**Cute Faces!**\n![cute.png](\/\/\/raw\/622\/f3\/z\/47d55.png)\n\n**Can you beat our Final Score?**\n![final-score.png](\/\/\/raw\/622\/f3\/z\/47d48.png)\n\n# How to play\n\n### Objective\n\nAt the start of each level you have some time on the docks to load up your ship with boxes ( you may need to swing the crane to get to the boxes farther away). Be careful to watch the weight balance to avoid sinking your ship.\n\nOnce the time is up on the docks, the ship will depart and you'll be tasked with facing the open seas while keeping the cargo balanced.\n\nGolden Boxes are heavier, so they will unbalance the ship quicker, but they give you extra points.\n\nTo control the crane or the ship just go up the stairs and get close to the control panel or the steering wheel.\n\n### Controls\n\nWalking controls:\n- Move with W\/A\/S\/D or Arrow Keys\n- Grab boxes with Space\n\nCrane controls:\n- Rotate crane with A\/D or Left\/Right\n- Pull up\/down the claw with W\/S or Up\/Down\n- Grab boxes automatically, release them with Space\n- Exit with Tab\n\nShip controls:\n- Move sideways with A\/D or Left\/Right\n- Exit with Tab\n\n# Changelog\n\n- 07\/10 - Fixed the crane, it was too hard to pick up boxes and changed from \"Hold space to grab\" to \"Tap space to release\". \n- 08\/10 - Crane control with arrow keys was fixed, the sailing part was cut a bit shorter and smoother transition of sea movement to fix crates clipping through the floor.\n- 08\/10 - General improvements to the UI to show correctly on all screen sizes and make it more obvious when the balance is off. Fixed crane physics so it shouldn't get stuck upside down anymore. Added fullscreen button on main menu. Hide crane when walking on the front of the ship to avoid camera clipping through it. Improved camera angle when using the crane.","comments":17,"comments-timestamp":"2021-10-17T22:17:15Z","created":"2021-09-29T17:43:12Z","files":[],"files-timestamp":0,"grade":{"grade-01":28,"grade-02":28,"grade-03":28,"grade-04":28,"grade-05":28,"grade-07":27,"grade-08":28},"id":263347,"love":0,"magic":{"cool":118.59245812021,"feedback":29,"given":32.875,"grade":27.857142857143,"grade-01-average":3.231,"grade-01-result":1115,"grade-02-average":2.942,"grade-02-result":1233,"grade-03-average":3.442,"grade-03-result":617,"grade-04-average":4.038,"grade-04-result":270,"grade-05-average":3.788,"grade-05-result":581,"grade-07-average":2.78,"grade-07-result":825,"grade-08-average":2.808,"grade-08-result":1275,"smart":1.9952090542746},"meta":{"allow-anonymous-comments":"1","author":[258598,262223],"cover":"\/\/\/content\/f40\/04\/z\/45a50.png","grade-06-out":"1","link-01":"https:\/\/hatecraft.itch.io\/island-merchant","link-01-tag":[42336]},"meta-timestamp":"2026-05-09T15:12:26Z","modified":"2026-05-09T15:12:26Z","name":"Island Merchant","node-timestamp":"2021-10-08T15:53:53Z","parent":258323,"parents":[1,5,9,258323],"path":"\/events\/ludum-dare\/49\/island-merchant","published":"2021-10-04T21:58:02Z","scope":"public","slug":"island-merchant","subsubtype":"jam","subtype":"game","type":"item","version":846103},"text":"**Become part of the United Islands Merchant Marine**\n\nEmbark on a shakey journey through the rough seas while keeping your precious boxy wares on your boat with your crane (and ship) piloting skills.\n\nLoad as many boxes as possible and keep your boat level!\n\n**Boxes!**\n![crane.png](\/\/\/raw\/622\/f3\/z\/47d53.png)\n\n**Sunsets!**\n![sunset.png](\/\/\/raw\/622\/f3\/z\/47d54.png)\n\n**Cute Faces!**\n![cute.png](\/\/\/raw\/622\/f3\/z\/47d55.png)\n\n**Can you beat our Final Score?**\n![final-score.png](\/\/\/raw\/622\/f3\/z\/47d48.png)\n\n# How to play\n\n### Objective\n\nAt the start of each level you have some time on the docks to load up your ship with boxes ( you may need to swing the crane to get to the boxes farther away). Be careful to watch the weight balance to avoid sinking your ship.\n\nOnce the time is up on the docks, the ship will depart and you'll be tasked with facing the open seas while keeping the cargo balanced.\n\nGolden Boxes are heavier, so they will unbalance the ship quicker, but they give you extra points.\n\nTo control the crane or the ship just go up the stairs and get close to the control panel or the steering wheel.\n\n### Controls\n\nWalking controls:\n- Move with W\/A\/S\/D or Arrow Keys\n- Grab boxes with Space\n\nCrane controls:\n- Rotate crane with A\/D or Left\/Right\n- Pull up\/down the claw with W\/S or Up\/Down\n- Grab boxes automatically, release them with Space\n- Exit with Tab\n\nShip controls:\n- Move sideways with A\/D or Left\/Right\n- Exit with Tab\n\n# Changelog\n\n- 07\/10 - Fixed the crane, it was too hard to pick up boxes and changed from \"Hold space to grab\" to \"Tap space to release\". \n- 08\/10 - Crane control with arrow keys was fixed, the sailing part was cut a bit shorter and smoother transition of sea movement to fix crates clipping through the floor.\n- 08\/10 - General improvements to the UI to show correctly on all screen sizes and make it more obvious when the balance is off. Fixed crane physics so it shouldn't get stuck upside down anymore. Added fullscreen button on main menu. Hide crane when walking on the front of the ship to avoid camera clipping through it. Improved camera angle when using the crane.","title":"Island Merchant","wayback_recovered":true,"wayback_source":{"capture":{"original":"https:\/\/api-jam.ludumdare.com\/vx\/node2\/get\/263001+263002+263003+263004+263005+263006+263007+263008+263009+263010+263011+263012+263013+263014+263015+263016+263017+263018+263019+263020+263021+263022+263023+263024+263025+263026+263027+263028+263029+263030+263031+263032+263033+263034+263035+263036+263037+263038+263039+263040+263041+263042+263043+263044+263045+263046+263047+263048+263049+263050+263051+263052+263053+263054+263055+263056+263057+263058+263059+263060+263061+263062+263063+263064+263065+263066+263067+263068+263069+263070+263071+263072+263073+263074+263075+263076+263077+263078+263079+263080+263081+263082+263083+263084+263085+263086+263087+263088+263089+263090+263091+263092+263093+263094+263095+263096+263097+263098+263099+263100+263101+263102+263103+263104+263105+263106+263107+263108+263109+263110+263111+263112+263113+263114+263115+263116+263117+263118+263119+263120+263121+263122+263123+263124+263125+263126+263127+263128+263129+263130+263131+263132+263133+263134+263135+263136+263137+263138+263139+263140+263141+263142+263143+263144+263145+263146+263147+263148+263149+263150+263151+263152+263153+263154+263155+263156+263157+263158+263159+263160+263161+263162+263163+263164+263165+263166+263167+263168+263169+263170+263171+263172+263173+263174+263175+263176+263177+263178+263179+263180+263181+263182+263183+263184+263185+263186+263187+263188+263189+263190+263191+263192+263193+263194+263195+263196+263197+263198+263199+263200+263201+263202+263203+263204+263205+263206+263207+263208+263209+263210+263211+263212+263213+263214+263215+263216+263217+263218+263219+263220+263221+263222+263223+263224+263225+263226+263227+263228+263229+263230+263231+263232+263233+263234+263235+263236+263237+263238+263239+263240+263241+263242+263243+263244+263245+263246+263247+263248+263249+263250+263251+263252+263253+263254+263255+263256+263257+263258+263259+263260+263261+263262+263263+263264+263265+263266+263267+263268+263269+263270+263271+263272+263273+263274+263275+263276+263277+263278+263279+263280+263281+263282+263283+263284+263285+263286+263287+263288+263289+263290+263291+263292+263293+263294+263295+263296+263297+263298+263299+263300+263301+263302+263303+263304+263305+263306+263307+263308+263309+263310+263311+263312+263313+263314+263315+263316+263317+263318+263319+263320+263321+263322+263323+263324+263325+263326+263327+263328+263329+263330+263331+263332+263333+263334+263335+263336+263337+263338+263339+263340+263341+263342+263343+263344+263345+263346+263347+263348+263349+263350+263351+263352+263353+263354+263355+263356+263357+263358+263359+263360+263361+263362+263363+263364+263365+263366+263367+263368+263369+263370+263371+263372+263373+263374+263375+263376+263377+263378+263379+263380+263381+263382+263383+263384+263385+263386+263387+263388+263389+263390+263391+263392+263393+263394+263395+263396+263397+263398+263399+263400+263401+263402+263403+263404+263405+263406+263407+263408+263409+263410+263411+263412+263413+263414+263415+263416+263417+263418+263419+263420+263421+263422+263423+263424+263425+263426+263427+263428+263429+263430+263431+263432+263433+263434+263435+263436+263437+263438+263439+263440+263441+263442+263443+263444+263445+263446+263447+263448+263449+263450+263451+263452+263453+263454+263455+263456+263457+263458+263459+263460+263461+263462+263463+263464+263465+263466+263467+263468+263469+263470+263471+263472+263473+263474+263475+263476+263477+263478+263479+263480+263481+263482+263483+263484+263485+263486+263487+263488+263489+263490+263491+263492+263493+263494+263495+263496+263497+263498+263499+263500?authors&parents&superparent"},"object":"objects\/sha256\/72\/72a598d955d975f92e3bce403fe0e2c1f36e96915e872136db4c2c02ca34b32b","record":"shard-2\/json-live-urgent-v3\/records\/1f709b307288ba265b8f027efeddc55c8d521d918f43c2330fb32682a0447110.json","sha256":"72a598d955d975f92e3bce403fe0e2c1f36e96915e872136db4c2c02ca34b32b","source":"https","stored_at":1784022344}}