Low Orbit by quadtree

In Low Orbit you must race to the other side of a small planet and back!
Tip: Proper speed control is key to winning. Going really fast is no good if it actually puts you in orbit!
Note that the web version is more resource intensive than the Win32 version, and it also has a few more bugs than the Win32 version, so please play the Win32 version if possible. The web version also requires WASM, and only seems to work in 64-bit Firefox (64-bit Chrome will be able to load it, but there's severe color distortion).
Controls:
- WASD/Arrow Keys - Accelerate/turn
- R - Reset to last checkpoint
- Space - Fire jets (Jetcrane only)
- Escape - Back to menu/exit
Links
- WIN32: http://quadtree.info/ld/ld38/ld38.zip
- WEB: http://quadtree.info/ld/ld38/HTML5/LD38-HTML5-Shipping.html
- SOURCE CODE: https://github.com/Quadtree/LD38
| Original URL | https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/38/low-orbit |
Ratings
| Overall | 426th | 2.926⭐ | 29🧑⚖️ |
| Fun | 392th | 2.815⭐ | 29🧑⚖️ |
| Innovation | 313th | 3.037⭐ | 29🧑⚖️ |
| Theme | 277th | 3.37⭐ | 29🧑⚖️ |
| Graphics | 333th | 3⭐ | 29🧑⚖️ |
| Audio | 365th | 2.296⭐ | 29🧑⚖️ |
| Humor | 435th | 1.792⭐ | 26🧑⚖️ |
| Mood | 469th | 2.462⭐ | 28🧑⚖️ |
| Given | 22🗳️ | 20🗨️ |
I loved planet selections, and differenet cars.
But the one thing I really like was the mini-map, that is a super cool ways of seeing where the other drivers are.
Unfortunately, there's one crucial issue that probably bars players from fully enjoying the game: physics approach when it comes to car collisions and steering. The mechanics behind driving shows promise, but unfortunately basically every collision ends in car skidding uncontrollably - the same goes for rocket thrust.
I have a feeling, that making just two tracks and just one or two car types would leave you more time to work out the mechanics and camera work (it was easier to navigate with minimap than with the actual view).
Still, I cannot just simply ignore the amount of work you've put into all the content you've made. That's awesome, and now just work on the mechanics to make the races more enjoyable, and make feel players in control of the vehicles.
It's not a bad game - the idea and theme is there, it just needs more dev love when it comes to the basic mechanic, and that's not easy with compo restraints It's a valuable lesson for future jams ;)
Cheers!
The little bit I managed to play in the web version had me either oversteering like crazy or seemingly unable to turn at all, I assume because I was going too fast. The "waypoint is this way!" indicator seemed to be off too. One second it was pointing behind me and the next it was pointing in front of me.
Despite it's flaws, this is REALLY impressive for 48 hours from scratch for one person, especially with multiple cars and tracks to race on. Very ambitious, and cudos for actually finishing.
Overall a very good game! Good job!