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

I’ve played a lot of games over the past 12 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.

CalligaTree

https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/40/calligratree Trees are fractal in nature and this game models that interesting phenomenon to create a meditative experience wherein you construct your own, unique Japanese Cherry tree. The premise is made more interesting by the rule that as your tree grows, so does the number of branching points, which you have a limited time to 'activate'. When you miss too many branch points, or when you accidentally cross them, you reach the failure state. The wonderful thing is that the failure state is unavoidable, yet beautiful. You will try to grow your tree in a beautiful way, in anticipation of the failure state, but you will always become overwhelmed just before you fail. And that's okay.

Aurora

https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/40/aurora A musical "SHMUP" in which you can slow the enemies and their bullets by keeping your ammo reserve low. The result is an experience that constantly fluctuates between relaxing and frantic.