Disclaimer & Inspiration:

The game is lightly inspired by the true story of Mike Kasprzak. The "Pinky and the Brain" reference birthed the player's name, Mike Pinky (who uses the Brain's image), and the game's central theme.

🎮 How to Play

Help Mike Pinky upgrade his résumé and secure a job before his notebook's old, "addicted" battery dies!

Instruction:

Start Game: Click "Play" on Mike Pinky's notebook taskbar (inside the game).

Access Menu: Click the orange "M" icon in the bottom-left corner.

How to play:

Up arrow ⬆: Move up.

Left arrow ⬅: Move to the left.

Down arrow ⬇: Move down.

Right arrow ⬅: Move to the right.

🎯 Objective

Navigate the labyrinth to collect Skills and Diplomas, upgrading your résumé and increasing the number of job applications you send (your final score).

Simultaneously, you must collect Energy to keep the notebook battery charged and dodge the Clocks that rapidly drain your life (the battery).

The faulty battery is your ticking clock: when it reaches zero, the game is over!

##### So, I don't know, but I swear I didn't mark it for the AUDIO to be evaluated, since the game doesn't have audio...

Pac-a-Job​ is a maze game blending survival and tension, where the player must guide Mike Pinky to upgrade his résumé and secure a job before time runs out.

The main objective is to collect Skills and Diplomas by studying throughout the maze. This action increases Mike Pinky's job prospects because, by upgrading his résumé, he simultaneously increases the number of positions he can apply for.

About This Game Jam Experience: Reflections on a Healthier Process

This edition was quite different for me. Besides working solo on a Jam after some time, I accomplished a few things I never would have imagined doing a few years ago: I worked with total calmness, without rushing or pressure, without skipping routine daily tasks, without pushing myself too hard, without giving up sleep, and by keeping some time for fun and rest. But, most importantly, I did everything with the realization that I had nothing to prove to anyone.

I also fulfilled some long-standing development goals, such as simulating a screen within the game view and challenging myself to create non-pixel art. And, I intentionally chose not to produce or add sounds, as I prioritized the time I had left for my rest. Honestly? I don't regret it.