Cauldron Twins by drilltail

[raw]
made by drilltail for LD31 (JAM)
NOTE: As the game is in 1024x768, you may have to set your browser to full screen mode to see everything.

NOTE 2: I uploaded a 2.0 version, which has a reworked control scheme (much friendlier), adds four difficulty levels, fixes a lot of bugs, and has a number of balancing changes. Please play the original version for judging, but check this version out if you have any continued interest!


Game Description
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Oh, no! A demonic apparition has possessed the witch Snowdrop! Mint and Pepper, the Witches of the Cauldron, are the only ones who can do something about it!

This is a horizontal shoot 'em up of sorts, with a potion brewing mechanic. As Mint, you brew potions to use as ammunition; as Pepper, you simultaneously steer the broom to avoid enemy attacks.


Controls (original version):
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Fly: Arrow keys
Select a potion type: A and D keys
Throw potion: Space
Make a potion: W


Controls (improved 2.0 version):
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Fly: Arrow keys
Make or throw Burst potion: Z
Make or throw Wall potion: X
Make or throw Haste potion: C (must unlock first)



Preemptive FAQ:
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What!? I don't get this! Your tutorial didn't help me understand anything! How am I supposed to make anything!?
1) Select the potion type you want with A and D.
2) Press W to start brewing it.
3) Now, watch the yellow bar move across the HUD.
4) Each time it overlaps a thick bar, press W quickly.
- Better timing leads to a better quality potion.
5) You will get the potion when the yellow bar finishes moving.

Huh? I'm supposed to fit inside all those tiny gaps? How skinny do you think I am?
- You only have to worry about your hitbox. It's the tiny glowing circle right under Pepper's (the right witch) scarf.

This is too hard/buggy/rawr I'm just angry/etc!
- The super-secret shortcut Shift+N will skip a stage or boss. This is useful if a bug forces you to restart, or you just want to go to the next area.
- Try to avoid making potions while moving, if you can help it. Most situations give you opportunities for this.
- During a lull, max out your Burst potions first; they're the most important.
- Low quality potions are still useful. Don't be afraid to "intentionally" make a D- Haste potion if you're too busy dodging to focus on the timing!


Thanks lots for playing!

Ratings

Coolness 33% 1896
Overall(Jam) 4.04 31
Audio(Jam) 3.83 71
Fun(Jam) 3.96 32
Graphics(Jam) 3.88 199
Humor(Jam) 2.94 326
Innovation(Jam) 4.00 48
Mood(Jam) 3.37 274
Theme(Jam) 3.74 317

Feedback

Ozcr
09. Dec 2014 · 01:17 UTC
Really cool game, I enjoyed it.

Give mine a try, http://ludumdare.com/compo/ludum-dare-31/?action=preview&uid=44154
Furyhunter
09. Dec 2014 · 06:49 UTC
to anyone reading this, ^ don't do that. that's rude.

hi there drilltail you should come to global game jam and rock the house again
Alendro
09. Dec 2014 · 08:35 UTC
Good game feels smooth. The potion crafting is an interesting idea.
Iak
09. Dec 2014 · 08:42 UTC
Awhut. This shmup is awesome. I love your cauldron mechanics - they make it so much harder to focus on dodging.
MrShoestore
10. Dec 2014 · 04:05 UTC
I liked it, but felt like the controls were a little off.. just didn't seem to respond to me quite right (laggy)
Shivur
10. Dec 2014 · 04:22 UTC
Cool concept that can be declined into multiple gameplay possibilities.
Raptor85
13. Dec 2014 · 06:06 UTC
i love this, a little bit of touhou with the mixing "minigame" making it unique, never played a shoot em up like this. my only real complaint is the hitbox doesnt really stand out enough so it's a little hard to dodge compared to other shooters.
Bloodyaugust
14. Dec 2014 · 03:45 UTC
Good game! Will play the after LD version later, hopefully the controls have improved.
blay09
14. Dec 2014 · 10:40 UTC
Interesting mechanics, loved the potion making! I realized way too late that I can actually move too (I'm really bad at reading I guess). Nice graphics and I had fun.
Erkberg
19. Dec 2014 · 16:17 UTC
Pretty awesome game! I liked everything about it, the graphics, audio and especially the mechanics. Very good job overall!
piotrevic
29. Dec 2014 · 10:53 UTC
Look really good and polished. Pretty fun game.