Dark Ritual by dvdagames

[raw]
made by dvdagames for Ludum Dare 55 (COMPO)

BUGFIX: The -BUGFIX version of the game was updated the morning after the Compo because I forgot to save a fix to the final scene in Godot so the game couldn't transition to the end properly.

dark-ritual.png

To stop the evil wizard from completing his summoning ritual you'll have to risk everything - even your beliefs against using dark magic - to find and defeat him.

NOTE: You can reset the current room to it's initial state (including your ritual uses, keys, etc.) by pressing the "R" key.

Supports WASD or Arrow Keys for movement.

Ratings

Overall 343th 2.568⭐ 24🧑‍⚖️
Fun 328th 2.591⭐ 24🧑‍⚖️
Innovation 340th 2.386⭐ 24🧑‍⚖️
Theme 308th 2.795⭐ 24🧑‍⚖️
Graphics 340th 2.318⭐ 24🧑‍⚖️
Audio 245th 2.682⭐ 24🧑‍⚖️
Humor 293th 1.895⭐ 21🧑‍⚖️
Mood 321th 2.523⭐ 24🧑‍⚖️
Given 23🗳️ 16🗨️

Feedback

🎤 dvdagames
15. Apr 2024 · 02:30 UTC
Can’t get the Godot export to work with the LD Jam Site.

The embedded HTML player on Itch.io seems to work, though.

I’ll try to get some more exports up tomorrow so folks have more options.
gemcc
15. Apr 2024 · 05:05 UTC
Cool game! Really liked it :) Got stuck in a few places and had to reset to keep going, but was quite a unique interesting puzzle mechanic!
🎤 dvdagames
15. Apr 2024 · 22:40 UTC
Thanks, @gemcc!

I forgot to add instructions that the “R” key will reset the current screen in case you find yourself stuck.
LDJam user 384191
16. Apr 2024 · 13:58 UTC
Nice puzzle game! The level progression does a great job at explaining the different mechanics. Good job!
(note: I somehow managed to get softlocked at one point where I entered the ethereal realm without unlocking the unholy flame ability, and couldn't return to the room with the chest to get it)
Pelmanable
16. Apr 2024 · 19:11 UTC
specific game. I defeated the wizard but didn't have enough time to read what he says and got game over. When I started game again - I stuck out of bounds:(
Though idea is fun
PieRo_PBeS_studio
16. Apr 2024 · 20:42 UTC
I like the difference between the cover illustration and the design of the game...it's surprising me
vivid-hallucination
20. Apr 2024 · 01:11 UTC
Art is good, the game is cohesive, quite enjoyed throwing fireballs around and disrupting that wizard's ritual. I wish there was *more* messing around with the wizard - like if every room was another ritual you had to bust up or something. Just a thought though I like what you've made here.

Did you draw the cover illustration too? It's fantastic I love it.
ellaris
20. Apr 2024 · 11:09 UTC
- Pretty good experience, love the cover art
- Incorporeal ghosts can't go through walls, fells weird
- It would be nice to auto pickup pickupable items instead of having to press space, especially since there is no reason not to pick them up
🎤 dvdagames
20. Apr 2024 · 11:25 UTC
@ellaris Good points!

There wasn't much time to get into "lore," but the general idea on the ghost vs human form was that the gameplay takes place in some temple and the ground is consecrated, so the ghost form is tainted from the blood ritual or something and can't enter the consecrated areas.

Thanks for playing!
roman_hyacinths
20. Apr 2024 · 19:27 UTC
I ran into a bug at (what I think was) the end, the entire screen froze, so I couldn't finish the game — but I enjoyed what I did play! I totally get that you were limited by time, but I think having either more narrative or environmental context for what was going on would have helped me feel a little less aimless as I went through. That said, I felt like the levels were set up pretty thoughtfully, which allowed for satisfyingly fluid progression. And, as others have said, the cover art is great!
katamary
21. Apr 2024 · 09:27 UTC
Good idea! I had a lot of fun when my character turned into a ghost and got lost in the void level. It was an interesting twist. Great job!
x0tero
21. Apr 2024 · 10:25 UTC
defeated the dark wizard but fell into the abyss :(
x0tero
21. Apr 2024 · 10:25 UTC
defeated the dark wizard but fell into the abyss :(
🎤 dvdagames
21. Apr 2024 · 16:09 UTC
@x0tero I finalized that room that literally the last minute, so edge cases like that definitely exist and only the happy path was tested. If it’s any consolation, that’s the end of what was built for the Compo anyway.
K-toll
23. Apr 2024 · 21:19 UTC
The pixel art presentation on your page is gorgeous! Congratulations!

The basic game mechanics are interesting, but need some fine-tuning.
The option menu is empty and when I reset during the game my mage sometimes ends up in a place where only my ghost version can go. Lack of time for one person I guess.

I don't mind the ending, on the contrary. In most stories, the hero wins and all's well that ends well. He may die or even fail to achieve his goal, but that could be the real ending. The way it's told changes everything, and that can be a strong point.

Bravo for your work!