Abstrakt by ViliX

[raw]
made by ViliX for LD30 (COMPO)
* This is sort of experimental game, it's not focused on the gameplay as much as on the meaning.

* Please do not rate this game unless you finish it. This game is pointless without reaching the end. Also please read the instructions, if something seems to be unclear. Thanks for understanding.
* This game requires latest Java.
* Fullscreen/resolutions option is located in settings.
* In every second round, you will be spawning the black minions. They will be spawned on the map border. I mention it here, because that's where most people are lost.
* If the game doesn't work, please try the second version (can be found on the link provided).

* Instructions *
Minions are sent automatically every 4 seconds.
You can set their direction by pressing arrow keys.
You can move camera by WSAD keys and zoom by Q and E.
Mute music by M and sound by N.
Press ESC to go back to menu. Pressing ESC while in menu exits the game.
Press P to pause.

In round one, you are spawning minions at the cactus and you are DEFENDING it. You will be spawning white minions.
In the second round, you are spawning minions AT THE BORDERS and you want to DESTROY the cactus. YOU WILL BE SPAWNING THE BLACK MINIONS (that's where most people are lost).
If choosen spawn spot is blocked by another being, the minion will spawn at the oposite side.

* Story *
One day, you were traveling to your cactus home, but something terrible has happened. Someone casted diarrhoeaccus spell on you. It means, that you've caught schizephrenia. Your WORLD has divided into two parts, but they remain CONNECTED. You just don't know it yet.
Through the day, you are fighting off nasty goblins from POTATO SALAD kingdom, but during the night, you are a powerful warlord who wants to destroy the Cactus kingdom.
Just another abstract day in Abstrakt Land..

* Technical info *
This game is written in Java and uses LibGDX and Box2D. Setting the resolution should work for all targeted platforms. Release for Android was also planned, but the game got a different direction from that point.

* Sorry if the abstract (LSD/acid) graphics hurts your eyes, but it fits to the main point.
* If I'd put the number of times I've played/tested this game into an integer, I'd get a stack overflow. I've removed every bug I've found, but that doesn't mean that there aren't any. This means, that I am not aware of any bugs, but I am able to respond to your comments and fix them as soon as possible. So, if you see a bug, let me know.
* If you understand the point of this game, I'll be so happy that I'll tweet about you on Twitter. ;)

Ratings

Coolness 100% 1
Overall 3.17 596
Audio 2.54 653
Fun 2.62 918
Graphics 2.69 819
Humor 2.64 374
Innovation 3.40 374
Mood 3.26 331
Theme 3.42 430

Feedback

Skills641
25. Aug 2014 · 02:50 UTC
The arrows won't work sometimes.
🎤 ViliX
25. Aug 2014 · 02:53 UTC
Could you specify when exactly? They should be working only in the actuall game to set the direction and in the story text to go back & forth.
seurimas
25. Aug 2014 · 02:54 UTC
Ending was indeed enlightening on the theme of the game. Nice.
belowzerogames
25. Aug 2014 · 02:54 UTC
Great job on your game everything worked great and the idea of fighting yourself was very unique.
cobracommander
25. Aug 2014 · 02:54 UTC
This is a really cool entry. It makes me happy. Its quite unique.
🎤 ViliX
25. Aug 2014 · 02:55 UTC
@seurimas @belowzerogames @cobracommander thank you guys, I'll check your games ASAP :)
sharpcoder
25. Aug 2014 · 02:57 UTC
Cool idea, the game worked for me just fine. As a suggestion, a bit of polish would have been nice because the high contrast was a little hard on the eyes. But still, it's a fun entry. Great job!
remmy
25. Aug 2014 · 03:01 UTC
the whole idea and the text were really nice, i enjoyed playing this one :)
but i have to say that - eventhough it was the concept behind it - playing against yourself isn't that much fun ^^
at one point i just did nothing and waited until one dies…
🎤 ViliX
25. Aug 2014 · 03:05 UTC
@sharpcoder Thanks man :)
@remmy Some people don't figure out that they are playing against themselves. If you've noticed that before the final text, you are a mindful gamer.
C_Walden
25. Aug 2014 · 03:09 UTC
Very hard on the eyes! But the "twist" at the end caught me by surprised, and I realized I didn't even notice what was going on. Very clever!
caranha
25. Aug 2014 · 03:46 UTC
Very good! I figured out what was going on almost 3/4ths of the way in - that was a great idea that fit very well with the theme.

I'm not the biggest fan of the psychodelic mood, and the game could be a little bit faster, but I really liked what you tried to pull here overall.

Thanks for the game!
🎤 ViliX
25. Aug 2014 · 03:56 UTC
@C_Walden Thanks. I'll check out your game.
@caranha I was in a strange mood when thinking about the idea. But thanks for informing me about what should be improved :)
Zigsfi
25. Aug 2014 · 04:00 UTC
Seriously cool use of the theme, and very engaging art style. The game is a little bit slow - less waiting would be good.
CryoGenesis
25. Aug 2014 · 04:13 UTC
Great looking game. Cool art style. Good job!
ENDESGA
25. Aug 2014 · 04:17 UTC
Wow, that was an interesting game! :D
🎤 ViliX
25. Aug 2014 · 04:18 UTC
@Zigfi Thanks for the tip. I might do a bit more polished post-compo version.
@CryoGenesis @ENDESGA Thanks guys. I'll check your games soon.
MrTedders
25. Aug 2014 · 05:13 UTC
Love the art, so unique! Yeah its been said before that the gameplay was a little slow but otherwise it was interesting! Well Done!
kirbytails7
25. Aug 2014 · 05:39 UTC
Not bad. The twist was evident pretty early, but it was fun trying to get both the cactus and the potato to 0% at the same time.
Also, the audio didn't work for me. Not sure why.
🎤 ViliX
25. Aug 2014 · 05:45 UTC
@MrTedders Thanks :)
@kirbytails7 Are you sure you haven't accidentaly pressed M/N? Or that you just muted it somewhere? There hasn't been any audio issues reported so far, but thanks for informing me.
Ryan Melmoth
25. Aug 2014 · 05:53 UTC
I like the funky aesthetics of it, the ending was interesting, glad I played it!
Tanner
25. Aug 2014 · 06:19 UTC
Really nice game.
ChuiGum
25. Aug 2014 · 06:45 UTC
Very innovative!
64Mega
25. Aug 2014 · 08:13 UTC
I really wasn't expecting such a good meaning behind the game at first, going in. But I started to suspect it once I noticed the minion patterns!
Love it!
🎤 ViliX
25. Aug 2014 · 08:19 UTC
@Ryan Melmoth @Tanner @ChuiGum @64Mega Thank you guys, your comments are very uplifting :)
jsmars
25. Aug 2014 · 08:42 UTC
Nice idea and cool ending! I realized what was going on quite early on which made it feel pointless to resist.
🎤 ViliX
25. Aug 2014 · 08:46 UTC
@jsmars some people realize after the first minute and others after the game ends. But thanks :)
Techblogogy
25. Aug 2014 · 09:06 UTC
Love your art style
uprightpath
25. Aug 2014 · 09:10 UTC
Tried out your game. The visuals were too strong for me when I started (of course the whopping headache doesn't help right now).


You mentioned Box2D with respect to mine? Nope. Hand written physics engine. I don't even think I included Box2D in the project.
🎤 ViliX
25. Aug 2014 · 09:14 UTC
@Techblogogy Thanks, I'll check your game soon.
@uprightpath I though it was Box2D. Sorry for my mistake :/
Doubstract
25. Aug 2014 · 11:46 UTC
Great story indeed.
Easimer
25. Aug 2014 · 11:51 UTC
Great game!
AdventureIslands
25. Aug 2014 · 11:53 UTC
Not sure if the eye piercing colors were really necessary for the menus, but the game has a cool twist worth playing it to the end.
🎤 ViliX
25. Aug 2014 · 12:13 UTC
@Easimer @AdventureIslands Your games were rated.
midgard
25. Aug 2014 · 12:19 UTC
The game idea is quite unique, I really liked it, if I would improve something it would be the graphics, but anyways it's good its own style. I like that.
x1212
25. Aug 2014 · 12:39 UTC
Interesting interpretation of the theme, and the graphics and sound work together nicely.
🎤 ViliX
25. Aug 2014 · 12:40 UTC
@midgard @x1212 Thanks guys, I'll take a look at your games shortly.
S0rax
25. Aug 2014 · 12:41 UTC
I love the music, it fills the defects in design. It's a relaxing game, good job !
sftrabbit
25. Aug 2014 · 13:18 UTC
Unique, certainly abstract. The "attacking" mechanic did confuse me at first, but I just had to read the instructions again. Nice work.
Cruion
25. Aug 2014 · 13:45 UTC
Excellent Game! Excellent Message!
sam1373
25. Aug 2014 · 14:29 UTC
Great message. Also loved the artstyle.
I started thinking that they're the same patterns, but then I though that I saw a deviation. Are they really exactly the same?
🎤 ViliX
25. Aug 2014 · 15:09 UTC
@S0rax @sftrabbit @Cruion Thank you guys.
@sam1373 Yes, they are, only if the line is full, the minions will spawn in the opposite line.
mess110
25. Aug 2014 · 15:27 UTC
love the fact that you are playing against yourself
modbox
25. Aug 2014 · 15:48 UTC
Intrsting tower defence mechannics, please recheck my game I have fixed some bugs!
🎤 ViliX
25. Aug 2014 · 15:52 UTC
@modbox It's not a tower defense. Will do.
igoramendola
25. Aug 2014 · 17:15 UTC
Wow! Amazing end and the music fits very well with the game idea. Also, I liked the story. I used to write stories like this a few years ago. That makes me think that I should write once again. Good work! ;)
🎤 ViliX
25. Aug 2014 · 17:22 UTC
@igoramendola Inform me when you make one :)
Anshzinc
25. Aug 2014 · 17:31 UTC
Interesting game. Very unique, liked the feel of it.
Linus123xbb
25. Aug 2014 · 18:07 UTC
It's always cool to play these unique games, I didn't even notice I was playing against myself. Good job!
Tomker
25. Aug 2014 · 18:44 UTC
Unique graphic, looks interesting
Goutye
25. Aug 2014 · 18:57 UTC
Really nice theme interpretation ! I win against myself o/
Aomeas
25. Aug 2014 · 19:23 UTC
The end of the game makes it a good game, but the game mechanic didn't inspire me quite a lot. That's some particular art you've got there :3
🎤 ViliX
25. Aug 2014 · 19:27 UTC
@Anshzinc @Linux123xbb @Tomker @Goutye Thanks :)
@Aomeas I've focused on the meaning more than I should. I should have devoted some of my time to the game mechanics. Thanks for the creative criticism, though :)
kadybat
25. Aug 2014 · 19:41 UTC
Unfortunately couldn't get it to run on OS X. Console says this: 8/25/14 12:45:48.570 PM gkbisd[142]: Unable to collect cdhash for /System/Library/CoreServices/Jar Launcher.app (error code 100024)

I'm guessing it's an issue on my end, but I hope that helps!
🎤 ViliX
25. Aug 2014 · 19:52 UTC
@kadybat As discussed on Twitter, some Apple variations of Java might not work (don't ask me why). Sorry about that.
arhpositive
25. Aug 2014 · 20:06 UTC
Simple game with a good twist that fits really well for the theme. Thank you for your efforts. Keep up the good work. :)
capsizedmoose
25. Aug 2014 · 22:11 UTC
this is kinda fun actually :)
leondryaso
25. Aug 2014 · 22:25 UTC
Cool entry, interesting art!
(byl jsi to ty na tom polarkacově streamu, že jo? :-) )
Noah Ratcliff
26. Aug 2014 · 00:57 UTC
Wow! You really got me on that one. Very good use of the theme.
Empyrealhell
26. Aug 2014 · 05:27 UTC
Cool concept, nice interpretation of the theme, but it moves so slow. With no real changes in gameplay over time, it just feels like the game is dragging on. That may have been intentional based on the story, but it wasn't enjoyable.
Rage Paint
26. Aug 2014 · 05:39 UTC
The main menu/tutorials blinded me a bit. Was really hard to read the light blue text on the white background. Interesting concept, the twist at the end was pretty cool.
Nuclear Napalm
26. Aug 2014 · 06:08 UTC
Love the idea, but text almost unreadable.
MyougaHiroshi
26. Aug 2014 · 07:02 UTC
Very nice story :DDD the ending suprised me, I didn't even realised that
🎤 ViliX
26. Aug 2014 · 08:53 UTC
@arhpositive @capsizedmoose @leondryaso @Noah Ratcliff @MyougaHiroshi Thank you guys :)
@Empyrelhell @Rage Paint @Nuclear Napalm I know about these flaws, but now it's too late to change them :/
(Not) Ivano
26. Aug 2014 · 10:05 UTC
VERY experimental and trippin'. I understood and appreciated your idea, the gameplay is a bit slow tho.
Kyoutashan
26. Aug 2014 · 12:18 UTC
Nice concept. I realized that something was strange after a few rounds and the ending was as i suspected :).
The game is a bit slow though, but overall, I liked your game. Good job
🎤 ViliX
26. Aug 2014 · 13:06 UTC
@(Not) Ivano Thanks. I liked your game.
@Kyoutashan Thanks much :)
Crocanti de Pollo
26. Aug 2014 · 13:38 UTC
That was a surprising ending :) The colors made my eyes bleed a little though :P
Halfbus
26. Aug 2014 · 14:08 UTC
Graphics looks strange, but I like it.
commodoreKid
26. Aug 2014 · 16:11 UTC
Nice social message but gameplay and graphics are not that nice, I'm sorry. Making play fight himself is quite a good concept though.
commodoreKid
26. Aug 2014 · 16:11 UTC
Nice social message but gameplay and graphics are not that nice, I'm sorry. Making player fight himself is quite a good concept though.
uprightpath
26. Aug 2014 · 21:57 UTC
@ViliX No worries! I wasn't surprised. Vector styled platformers aren't really most people's cups of tea and Box2D can make it easier. I just never really got into using it. :3
OFF
26. Aug 2014 · 22:16 UTC
Pretty nice concept, a good metaphor of the mental disease.I'm not fan of the graphics, but maybe it would be possible to use real-life element in picture to return to this idea of shizophrena.
The end is interesting but it could be also strong to bring the insight to the player during the game and even make him play serioulsy against himself, but it will required more thinking and also a great gamedesign.

I follow your instruction and i was not dissappointed.

More artistic than a game, but that's great.
🎤 ViliX
26. Aug 2014 · 22:55 UTC
@commoderKid Thanks :)
@OFF Thanks, I was in a weird state when I came up with this idea.
kadybat
27. Aug 2014 · 03:53 UTC
I really like that the message here can apply to a lot of different people. It's a game about mental illness, and it speaks to a lot of different illnesses in a way that relates to the theme and is interesting to play. I too would have toned down the colors but I like it a lot.
AFlatMinerStudios
27. Aug 2014 · 04:12 UTC
A simple well thought out mechanic, and nicely executed. Every round made me contemplate what I SHOULD be doing. Make it easy? Make it hard? I didn't know.
🎤 ViliX
27. Aug 2014 · 06:30 UTC
@kadybat @AFlatMinerStudio Thanks, your comments are very uplifting :)
fcpfoof
27. Aug 2014 · 08:43 UTC
I was just about to ask in the comments "why sometimes my guys weren't created where I wanted?" and boom, after I destroyed Kingdom of Potatoes it's explained.
"Sorry if the abstract (LSD/acid) graphics hurts your eyes, but it fits to the main point." Check out my game ^^.
🎤 ViliX
27. Aug 2014 · 09:37 UTC
@fcpfoof Thanks. I've played your game already (you've got lots of stars, don't worry :))
43iscoding
27. Aug 2014 · 09:59 UTC
Very solid game. Both idea and gameplay are really original and interesting. I wish only graphics wouldn't be that acid :3
thecolorhacker
27. Aug 2014 · 14:42 UTC
Good story, well made and original. Gameplay felt somehow limited, but finishing the game was rewarding.
Nice work!
🎤 ViliX
27. Aug 2014 · 14:43 UTC
@43iscoding As I said before, I was in a strange mood :/
@thecolorhacker Thanks, pal! :)
CRAZEERUSKEE
27. Aug 2014 · 16:49 UTC
Hey this game is really cool! The art and sound fit really well into the theme of the game. It was pretty fun to play too! I did encounter a problem that I feel kinda hurt my ability to really experience everything the game had to offer. The resolution options didn't work at all so the thing was too big for my screen. I couldn't see any of the text (just small pieces of the corners of it). Still a very cool concept. Also if you get this fixed, then I'll definitely play through the game again and see hat it says.
CRAZEERUSKEE
27. Aug 2014 · 17:01 UTC
Ok I just saw the play-through on your channel to see the full text and WOW! That's not what I was expecting! Brilliant entry... time raise the ratings! :D
Xgor
27. Aug 2014 · 19:22 UTC
Well... that was weird.....
Shide
28. Aug 2014 · 12:52 UTC
You know, I didn't think it would be fun. But it was. Graphics makes my eyes bleed, but I laughed at this colors like a mad man, which is plus to Humot on my scale. Idea is cool, theme connected and solid. Interesting work, one to remember
mechabit
28. Aug 2014 · 18:59 UTC
woo trippy
ninjascript
29. Aug 2014 · 05:42 UTC
Multi-single-player. It's good!
🎤 ViliX
29. Aug 2014 · 08:40 UTC
@CRAZEERUSKEE I hope, that our conversation bellow the the playthrough is enough :D
@Xgor I was in a strange mood.
@Shide Thanks :) I've tried your game.
@mechabit @ninjascript Thanks :)
Meta-link
29. Aug 2014 · 14:06 UTC
I really liked your game !
Obviously the end is awesome !
The graphics and the music are cool, the gameplay is maybe a little bit slow but it's ok. I didn't understand how the attack round works before reading.

Nice concept, nice game ;)
Jupiter_Hadley
30. Aug 2014 · 01:36 UTC
Interesting game :P I included it in part 12 of my Ludum Dare 30 Compilation video series, if you’d like to check it out :) http://youtu.be/NXgeb3Jk3nI
MonoS
31. Aug 2014 · 13:43 UTC
I hope someone once in a while call you asshole, because you are XD.

Joking apart, very interesting game, and the end destroyed me
tchem
01. Sep 2014 · 00:28 UTC
Awesome!!!!!!,,,,, strange, unique and interesting proposes..... great game!!!
Retr0spectrum
01. Sep 2014 · 19:21 UTC
The audio didn't work for me on Linux, the gameplay was a bit boring, and I found the graphics a bit painful to look at, but overall I thought that the theme and the message were excellent!
PowerSpark
02. Sep 2014 · 02:22 UTC
Nice work on this game, hard to read the text sometimes.
MechanicMoon
02. Sep 2014 · 02:56 UTC
Wow! The combination of color is really awesome! I dont know why but it's hypnotic
PaperBlurt
02. Sep 2014 · 10:27 UTC
Ohh this was weird.
But wait that's the name of the game!
🎤 ViliX
02. Sep 2014 · 19:39 UTC
@Like all of you! Thank you much for your feedback!
vividhelix
06. Sep 2014 · 04:46 UTC
Very original idea. The only complaint is the colors are a bit hard on the eyes...
ruerob
07. Sep 2014 · 12:38 UTC
I like your entry. Very good at theme and mood. Thank you for this game.
Sestren
08. Sep 2014 · 11:13 UTC
Really nice entry. Although I must admit I didn't notice that my own moves were being used against me later until I was explicitly told.
Lokarunith
09. Sep 2014 · 17:35 UTC
I don't like when games or movies, etc. end with an explanation that closes interpretation. You could write your intentios when you made the game but having everything explained like that just spoils the game and makes it a lot less mysterious.
Everything else was a very nice experience.
🎤 ViliX
11. Sep 2014 · 08:05 UTC
As I said, I was in a strange mood while making this game. Anyway, I'll check out your games :)
apiotrw
13. Sep 2014 · 14:06 UTC
Good concept