Deep Sea Salvage by Zutty

[raw]
made by Zutty for LD29 (COMPO)
Deep Sea Salvage is a game about finding stuff at the bottom of the ocean. Explore the depths and defend yourself from pirates and hostile sea creatures.

I interpreted 'Beneath the Surface' as meaning under water. The game is inspired by the game "Sub Culture" (1997, Criterion) though not nearly as good. I originally wanted to copy the style of having missions and underwater cities, but had to limit the scope, hence salvage.

There isn't really much meat to the gameplay, but I like to think that the fun comes from exploring and trying to find things. I wont reveal whats hidden down there, though I guess you could look at the source code for spoilers if you want!

The game has no sound at all, unfortunately, as I was running short on time and wanted to focus on polishing the visuals.

Ratings

Coolness 52% 3
Overall 3.66 167
Fun 3.45 230
Graphics 4.19 72
Humor 2.52 498
Innovation 3.00 596
Mood 3.25 332
Theme 3.78 143

Feedback

MrBlade
28. Apr 2014 · 02:16 UTC
This is a very well done game. I LOVE the pixel art and the bubbles are fantastic. The gameplay feels solid, and everything works as you would expect! This is the type of game that makes the top 100. I would have like some sounds, but I am not complaining because the other aspects of the game were done so well. Keep. it. up! I look forward to what you make in the future!
pvwradtke
28. Apr 2014 · 12:16 UTC
Cool game, liked the idea. Maybe sonar feedback about nearby enemies would help, but it's a cool start.
ovenchips
28. Apr 2014 · 12:17 UTC
Really solid entry with lovely visuals. You have a real talent there. Interestingly, I joined Criterion around the time Sub Culture came out - and they then went on to release Deep Fighter. I didn't work on those games though - I was building RenderWare. And now my game is about salvaging in a submarine too! ;o)
cptalbertwesker
28. Apr 2014 · 12:21 UTC
Agreed, the pixel art is lovely, and the concept is so very simple, but works :) it's a shame there's no audio, I'd of loved to have heard the effect of exploding a whale!
dlweatherhead
28. Apr 2014 · 17:44 UTC
Great work! The style and feel of the game is great. Only thing I think could have changed was enemy fire rate, but that is nit-picking. Good luck in the compo.
MintArcade
28. Apr 2014 · 20:04 UTC
Very well polished. Art are amazing.
Brunodev
29. Apr 2014 · 19:07 UTC
Very polished game! I'm surprised you could clean your code so much in this 48 hours! Congratz bro! Amazing art btw!
littleball
29. Apr 2014 · 19:17 UTC
Great graphics, and particle effects.
WhiteWolf93
01. May 2014 · 16:28 UTC
It is very polished, nice graphics, It would be great if it had more to do.
Naouak
01. May 2014 · 18:20 UTC
Very nice graphics and a good core. Needs some polish and sound to be really awesome.
ruerob
02. May 2014 · 13:10 UTC
Very nice game. Do you plan a post compo version with sound? That would be great. I really like that game.
Rick Hoppmann
06. May 2014 · 10:03 UTC
This looks great! I like the bubbles and the sharks the most!
It get's really easy when pressing X and C rapidely - some ammo would've been a good idea! Oh and a boost which needs to recharge, so you can have more tactical fights!
This really would've needed some proper audio, especially a mystical chiptune as background music! :)

All in all a really cool game, which I would consider buying when it's polished, extended and has audio.
danialhyatt
06. May 2014 · 18:06 UTC
Good stuff. Love how the depth/darkness thing works. This is going to sound weird but I like how the shark died. Would've liked some sounds, that helps with awareness when it comes to enemies like the subs and stuff too. And when you get one of those creepy fish in the flashlight beam you hear a horror piano stab... you know
jsmars
07. May 2014 · 07:37 UTC
Really well made little game and lovely pixel graphics! With some sound and story this could really go a long way! Enemies moved a bit fast and with unlimited ammo I ended upp just spamming missiles all the time to survive.
Jupiter_Hadley
09. May 2014 · 11:01 UTC
Very, very well done game. Love the graphics and playing it. I included it in part 16 of my Ludum Dare compilation video series, if you'd like to take a look :) http://youtu.be/ruvs0qoO4zU
Ragzouken
09. May 2014 · 12:41 UTC
lovely sprites as always :D
matthias_zarzecki
14. May 2014 · 20:29 UTC
Lovely!