Stick: Platformer Prototype
==Controls==
- Move Left = Left Arrow Key
- Move Right = Right Arrow Key
- Jump = X
- Stick = Z
- Climb Ladder = Up & Down Arrow Keys
Get the Tile Set! : The art assets for this game are modified 8bit versions from parts of the Pinefields and Ancient Ruins tileset. You can get the 8bit version used in this game as a free download here!
GAME UPDATE 1.01: Tweeked the stick jump controls a bit to help make the stick jumping mechanics more accessible. As well as reworked the bridge level and added a tap-to-turn-around function to the player; now you can turn in place. See comments section below for more details.
STICK is a prototype of a simple platformer idea. The player character uses a walking stick to poke switches and help them make difficult jumps and avoid dangerous terrain. In this case the only dangerous terrains are spikes and falling off the screen.
I also threw in some collectable mushrooms for good measure that add to your score, as well as a timer that will give you a % bonus to your score if you're quick enough.
It's short, and has some occasional wonkiness which I'll be ironing out. But I'd love to get feedback regarding how the controls feel, especially opinions about the fact that I made the player character snap to grid in the x dimension, which I realize is an unusual choice for a platformer in moden times :)
Download
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Development log
- Stick - New Platformer PrototypeSep 02, 2021
Comments
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Cool prototype! A clever twist on simple platforming. My one complaint is the snap based movement, is it really necessary?
Thanks for trying the game and the feedback!
The original build of the game actually had movement more akin to classic Mario, with acceleration and deceleration. When I switched to snap-to-grid movement I realized I liked the predictability and certainty it gives the player when lining up where the player character will land, and the wonkiness gave it a strange charm... so I kept it.
That being said, the next update will include a version with the original (non-snapping) movement, and I'd love to hear how people feel about that!
Ey, that was really cool!
The idea of the player snapping to a grid is kinda wonky, not gonna lie, but other than that, I really enjoyed using the s t i c k to move around and jump platforms! I think this mechanic can lead to some interesting level designs.
Also as someone who has used PICO-8 before, the sprite work is really good!
Thank you for trying it! Yes, the grid movement was definitely an odd choice for a platformer. I'm still debating whether to switch it back to a normal mario-esque type of movement, so I'll be releasing a version next without grid snapping. I'd love to hear your opinion on that one too when it's out!
Wow that was kind of cool!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it :)
speedrun in 52 baby
how the...? okay, I made this game and I can't do that :P
i got a 41 and somebody got a 40 lol
Haha Okay, I'll just "Stick" to coding and making pixel art :P
Once I get the gameplay and controls tightened up enough, I will make a more robust demo. And if that goes well, a full release.
Super Tiny change to v1.01: Added the ability to turn in place by tapping left or right arrow keys. It's part of v1.01 now.
its kind of hard to find the game from speedrun.com so i send a link here https://www.speedrun.com/stick
neat, first time hearing about such a site, thanks!
you can do the mario in screen 4 to go over screen 5, is that intentional
haha, nice find! Classic!.. Not intentional but its a keeper for sure!
1.1 done in 50 secs i did a good skip in a level
Faster than I ever did it! Did you use the bug that legend knight above mentioned? :)
i got a 43 with that i think but the skip i was talking about here was a skip in screen 6 that saved a few seconds but its no longer needed because you can do the other skip now :D
this game is in speedrun.com now btw though no one will probably speedrun it
I speedrunned 1.0 in 58 secs
Update 1.01: Now when using the stick while airborn, the stick will pause when pointing downwards to help make it a lot easier to perform stick leaps over hazards(spikes). Previously the stick would continue swinging back, forcing the player to time their swings perfectly.
The game should be a lot less challenging! Let me know if I over compensated and made it too easy :)
Challenging gameplay, I think if you lower the difficulty a little you can attract more audience (I prefer this difficulty that is already in the KKKKK game). the stick mechanics are very good. Congratulations, I really enjoyed the game!!!
Thanks for trying it out, you ran through it so fast and skillfully! Better than I could!
I uploaded an updated version with tweeked stick jumping controls, let me know if its way too easy now :)
improved 100%, it's flowing much better
(on the way back I had to press it much faster, before the adjustment)
I'm bad at stick :(
Yeah, I always find I make my games more difficult than I realize. This is why I'm starting to post the prototypes like this online to get this early feedback! Hopefully Stick v1.01 will be a bit more accessible :)