Battle Dots by nimbushead

[raw]
made by nimbushead for Ludum Dare 56 (COMPO)

https://youtu.be/1sRuJ5ZPgm8

​Gather resources, send troops to attack enemies, and be the last one standing!

Your base is on the bottom of the screen.

Click the triangle to produce a collector who will collect resources so that you can make buildings.

When a new building is built, you will see another triangle on your base; click it, then click somewhere on the screen, and the building will produce an offensive unit and send it to wherever you clicked on the screen. Offensive units passively attack an area around them.​

Buildings cost 10 resources.

Units cost 1 resource.

Ratings

Overall 318th 2.544⭐ 36🧑‍⚖️
Fun 313th 2.368⭐ 36🧑‍⚖️
Innovation 283th 2.706⭐ 36🧑‍⚖️
Theme 318th 2.353⭐ 36🧑‍⚖️
Graphics 312th 2.167⭐ 35🧑‍⚖️
Audio 260th 1.44⭐ 27🧑‍⚖️
Humor 285th 1.75⭐ 34🧑‍⚖️
Mood 310th 2.118⭐ 36🧑‍⚖️
Given 28🗳️ 30🗨️

Feedback

AdamG
08. Oct 2024 · 02:36 UTC
It's always fun to spawn little things, and then use them to spawn more things. I love these types of games. One thing which was a little hard for me to tell, was when I could spawn another worker. I think it was on a cooldown, but there wasn't a clear indicator of when it was ready. I think when it stopped being transparent was when it could be used, but it was a little hard to see.
Kazzter
08. Oct 2024 · 23:46 UTC
The concept is cool, but I feel like the units could be more differentiated from one another.
The offensive units could be another shape, and most times I couldn't tell when/where I spawned another offensive unit. After the enemies start dropping offensive units you have to be very prepared otherwise you get wiped out quickly. Nice concept, but needed more polish.
frostblooded
09. Oct 2024 · 04:54 UTC
A bit simple in its current form but fun :)
Lakea
09. Oct 2024 · 10:16 UTC
Really fun yet simple, took me 3 attempts to get the win, well done
coltonphillips
10. Oct 2024 · 04:43 UTC
I'm gonna be real with you, I don't know what I'm doing. lol. Nice job overall though. It sounds like other people got it.
LDJam user 357656
10. Oct 2024 · 05:34 UTC
Thanks everyone for playing and giving me feedback! I'd love to hear more ideas on how to improve this game.

@kazzter I think you're right that visually differentiating the unit types and adding features to inform the user when events occur would improve the experience. Thanks for the feedback!
LDJam user 357656
10. Oct 2024 · 05:47 UTC
@adamg I think this game would be better if it informed the user more obviously when events occur. When a factory is semi-transparent, it's available to be clicked for unit production. When a factory is fully opaque, it's producing a unit. Thanks for playing and thanks for your feedback!
Pete Valeo
10. Oct 2024 · 06:16 UTC
This is a very neat set of mechanics! I had a little trouble understand what the goal/process was supposed to be, but the colors and motion were satisfying to poke around and change the flow time on.

A little confusing, but you can tell there is care in the execution of what's there - nice work!
SBzellex
10. Oct 2024 · 07:25 UTC
A cool concept but it wasn't immediately clear how the game is supposed to be played. After understanding the mechanics, I felt like the game lacked strategic depth outside of clicking the enemies base. I do see potential in this game if it get expanded on further. Otherwise, the visuals were actually quite pleasing to watch. Good work.
Game-mon
10. Oct 2024 · 07:27 UTC
Nice game! The concept of the four armies is pretty nice. For me the one problem is understanding the game. The mechanics confused me, even after reading the description. It's not clear for me what there is to do more than buying factories- I mean sure I can click on triangles and they turn opaque, but what does this mean? no idea. For relatively complex games like this one it's often best to include some kind of in-game explanation.

Anyway it still looks like it's got a fair amount of potential, kinda reminds me of those short videos were some small dots battle for space on the screen or smth, good job! Could be interesting in multiplayer, too
fnelix
10. Oct 2024 · 08:32 UTC
I have read the instructions twice and still was not sure how to play. I managed to produce some units. I like the idea of the very abstract presentation but there should probably be some more visual indication of what is happening.
Custodi
10. Oct 2024 · 11:09 UTC
Not bad concept, but very harsh control. What does orange circle mean? Why troops go to the point only after some time? Try to polish it, at least you end your idea!
Nazariglez
11. Oct 2024 · 10:17 UTC
Interesting concept! The abstract style is nice, but the gameplay could benefit from clearer visual indicators to make things easier to follow. With a bit more work it has potential. Do you plan to polish or expand on this? Gj!
euske
11. Oct 2024 · 14:44 UTC
was there audio in the game? I didn't hear it.
LDJam user 357656
12. Oct 2024 · 01:32 UTC
@nazariglez Thanks for the feedback! Yes, I have worked on improvements. I might try making an improved version of this for the next Ludum Dare.
LDJam user 357656
12. Oct 2024 · 01:32 UTC
@euske There was no audio. Thanks for playing!
Str8griz
12. Oct 2024 · 06:20 UTC
Mini Age of Empire-esk game, some great potential would love to see it flushed out more. I did have to play a few times and read the comments to figure out what was going on but then it had some fun moments!
Fis
12. Oct 2024 · 12:16 UTC
A nice little game - the first time I was defeated pretty soon, as the computer definitely knew what to do.

The second try when I blocked their economy and defended my own line, it was a fast victory.

This idea has definitely potential!
johnbrynte
16. Oct 2024 · 21:58 UTC
A bit more work on the visuals could help convey the spawn cool down and the types of troops. I also felt like the idle bouncing back and forth took a bit too much focus and made it maybe more chaotic than needed. Maybe they could wander about in some semi random pattern instead? Good work though!
paulhocker
17. Oct 2024 · 03:10 UTC
Very sorry but I had no idea how to play this. Thanks for making the game.