Glitchstream is a rogue-like, first-person shooter developed in just three days for Ludum Dare 54 in collaboration with Loren Goodwin and another developer. Set in a virtual arena, players must battle relentless waves of enemies, unlock new areas, and discover power-ups and weapons to survive as long as possible.
Key Contributions:
Core Systems Development: Designed and implemented the movement system, level progression, and other foundational gameplay mechanics, ensuring smooth and responsive controls.
Collaboration: Worked alongside Loren Goodwin, who led level design, and another developer, who focused on weapon and enemy mechanics, to deliver a cohesive gameplay experience.
Feature Integration: Added support for interactive elements such as door unlocking, pickups, and power-ups that expanded gameplay possibilities.
Gameplay Highlights:
Dynamic Gameplay: Players explore and unlock new rooms while collecting power-ups and weapons, including pistols, assault rifles, and shotguns, each with distinct mechanics.
Power-Ups: Introduced unique abilities such as Demon Damage (AoE damage), Coin Magnet (item attraction), and Health regeneration, adding depth to the game.
Control Scheme: Developed intuitive controls for an immersive experience, including movement, shooting, aiming, and interacting with the environment.
Challenges & Known Issues:
Weapon Swap Bugs: Occasionally, the old weapon model would persist after swapping.
Interaction Glitches: Interaction prompts sometimes appeared incorrectly or failed to work under specific circumstances.
Chest Issues: Rare occurrences where chests could not be opened.
Community Feedback
Glitchstream received a variety of reviews from players, praising its retro aesthetic, unique style, and fast-paced gameplay while also providing constructive feedback on areas for improvement. Players appreciated the movement controls and the concept, but some noted challenges with gunplay, mouse sensitivity, and enemy spawning mechanics. Many enjoyed the retro-inspired visuals and sound design, while others offered suggestions for enhancing player feedback and enemy AI.
Developed under the intense time constraints of a 72-hour game jam, Glitchstream showcased creative gameplay and innovative mechanics. The project demonstrated our ability to rapidly prototype, iterate, and collaborate, resulting in an engaging and fast-paced gaming experience.