Find part 2 here: https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/40/crosstalk/some-of-my-favorite-games-part-2

Find part 1 here: https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/40/crosstalk/some-of-my-favorite-games

I had a thought that I should mention the creator's names in these posts. So I will do that now for part 1 and 2:

• @fluidvolt for Mr. Capital
• @sand-gardeners for Between Stations
• @akirassasin for Aurora
• @roaring-cat-games for CalligaTree

I’ve played a lot of games over the past 14 days, and I have perhaps lost track of some really good ones that I played, but I did start keeping track after a bit, and now I want to share some of my favorites. I don’t want to share them all at once though. Maybe I will do two a day.

'boost' by @init-py

https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/40/boost Self-reference is often a means for expressing the absurdity or surreality of a thing. In games, self-reference is almost always used to remind the player that they are operating within a strictly controlled system. The effect can be cute like in Undertale, frightening like in The Beginner's Guide, or comedic like in Don't Shoot the Puppy. 'boost' takes the latter approach, and has an unreliable narrator guide you through each level. The gameplay by itself is simply jumping over spikes and collecting boosts. If that were all the game was, then it'd be the kind of game where the player focuses on the skill challenge of it, and forgets about it at the end. But add in a "meta-narrative" and you suddenly get a self-conscious player that is paying attention to the "character" that is the system speaking to them.

'Theme' by @cubeeo

https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/40/theme-the-game Another game with self-reference as its main vehicle for expression. This time its about Ludum Dare 40 itself. Theme is a puzzle box sort of game where you need to discover the rules and mechanics. You are not told about anything. I really don't want to say much more about the game, as I don't want to spoil the experience of playing this brilliant little game.