Neon Hell by SirPumpyJam

made by SirPumpyJam for LD 40 (JAM)

Hello dear jammers,

I present to you "Neon Hell", a quick 2D arial combat shooter.

Use the arrow keys to turn and accelerate, use Shift to shoot at your foes and Ctrl to activate your short lived boost.

But be careful! The higher your multiplicator is, the more enemies will spawn!

If you seem to have some kind of deja-vu: Yes, this is my Compo entry but I spent additional 6 hours to make it into a Jam entry without touching the original Compo submission :) This was my vision that I had for the 48 hour competition and I hope you enjoy the game.

The original compo submission: https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/40/ld40-sirpumpy

Changes in regards to the compo submission: + Multiplicator!!! + Enemy movement, spawn and AI severly overhauled + Tons of bugs removed + Menu + Adjustable volume + Added a boost + Seperate soundtrack for menu + Game sounds!

Enjoy!

SirPumpy(Jam)

Update:

Added a link to the latest version of the game. Please rate based on the JAM entry, not on the latest version :)

HTML5 (web)	http://www.fatihtavukcu.de/NeonHell
HTML5 (web)	http://www.fatihtavukcu.de/ludumdare/
Original URL	https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/40/neon-hell

Ratings

Overall	145^th	3.892⭐	67🧑‍⚖️
Fun	159^th	3.802⭐	65🧑‍⚖️
Innovation	848^th	2.862⭐	67🧑‍⚖️
Theme	794^th	3.138⭐	67🧑‍⚖️
Graphics	18^th	4.672⭐	69🧑‍⚖️
Audio	55^th	4.057⭐	63🧑‍⚖️
Mood	43^th	4.153⭐	64🧑‍⚖️
Given		20🗳️	3🗨️

Feedback

Kerrigan

04. Dec 2017 · 19:43 UTC

Not a huge fan of the controls, if I didn't read the page I would've never figured it out. Otherwise it plays very well and looks incredible.

WASD for movement, space to shoot and shift for boost would be more preferable in my opinion.

lautregars

04. Dec 2017 · 19:45 UTC

Frickin'beautiful. Really. It reminds me of Anton Kudin's works.
As a matter of gameplay, I had a little trouble at first with the kinda slippery movements, but it gone well and even made it felt like piloting a realistic spaceship.

The music is very nice, and as I said before the graphics are gorgeous (that sky ! that background ! this mirror effect on water ! Damn !) , and even if it seemed like a kinda classical shooter, it really deserves a very good rate. Plus, the theme's well respected.

wujood

04. Dec 2017 · 19:47 UTC

It doesnt seem to work in Chrome, but Firefox works fine. Really awesome background graphics and nice mechanics!

Jani Nykanen

04. Dec 2017 · 19:50 UTC

Graphics are amazing.

CapitanRetraso

04. Dec 2017 · 19:56 UTC

Really loved the art style and music!! Controls are a bit hard to adapt to at first but after a couple of minutes the experience is a lot of fun. One of the best games i've played so far.

azlen

04. Dec 2017 · 20:03 UTC

This is huge improvement from the compo version!

The controls feel a whole lot more satisfying now; thank you for taking the time to make some Jam improvements, this is amazing for your first Ludum Dare game.

King Kujito

04. Dec 2017 · 20:03 UTC

This looks really great and plays really well. Your game is like luftrausers with nice graphics. Great entry.

GoonSquad

04. Dec 2017 · 22:28 UTC

Wow! Amazing what you managed to pull off in such little time! Those graphics, combined with the simple yet addictive gameplay makes it feel like a straight up arcade game!

Jungle

05. Dec 2017 · 01:38 UTC

Nice graphics, it is a bit difficult, but is a very nice entry.

Rajin

05. Dec 2017 · 03:59 UTC

Adore the graphics-- reflections, screen effects on damage-- everything is so beautiful! I'll definitely be saving this for my own future reference! As others have said the controls take a bit of getting used to but once you get to that point it's super cool trying to maneuver around enemies.

Canaha

05. Dec 2017 · 04:13 UTC

Amazing graphics!

🎤 SirPumpyJam

05. Dec 2017 · 10:55 UTC

Thanks everybody! Here is a list of changes which I would like to implement if this LD goes well and if I see interest in this sort of game

# Controls
Arrow/WASD to look in the desired direction, 8 way style with fluid movement in between, separate buttons to accelerate, shoot and use boost
Touch screen controls
Gamepad support (rotational as it is now and directional via use of thumbstick and accelerating by moving the thumbstick further away from the center)

# Graphics
Refined art
Bigger level
Unlockable time of day color schemes
Reduce particle count

# Gameplay
Ground units, different aerial enemy types, bosses
Different weapons and extra abilites
Optional minimap

itab2

05. Dec 2017 · 16:56 UTC

It's kinda like a much nicer looking Luftrausers. I suck at both tbh but it's still fun.

icxon

05. Dec 2017 · 23:18 UTC

That's some kind of senior level shaders work, awesome. Could you do some dev-posts related to this topic?

I'd like to see more gameplay variance and progression. Some 'rest' moments between levels/waves as well.

Here is my playtest:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fnz_TJEq7RA

🎤 SirPumpyJam

05. Dec 2017 · 23:50 UTC

@ixcon: Sure! I'm happy to share what I know. (Might not be all too much :))

Jake White

06. Dec 2017 · 02:49 UTC

Holy shit this is amazing. These are by far the best graphics I've seen in the Jam, and the audio is really good as well. Damn.

pichuscute

06. Dec 2017 · 02:54 UTC

Those graphics and effects are beautiful. The gameplay is a bit typical (and took me awhile to figure out how to shoot) and isn't a particularly interesting take on the theme, but definitely thoroughly impressive nonetheless. Fantastic job!

Also, would love to follow you on twitter, if you have one?

Khorm

06. Dec 2017 · 08:44 UTC

Wow, that was some stunning work with the background and overall feel. I don't know if it's missing some kind of framerate limiter because my game seems to run at about 4X times faster than the video posted in the comments? Which makes the gameplay experience too fast paced and way to hard to control, also WASD for stearing would have been great. That said, best looking game I've tried so far this LD! Great job.

Rolle

06. Dec 2017 · 09:16 UTC

Beautiful, fun and nice sounds! The controls didn't agree with me and the "flying into space and disappear" was a bit confusing at first. Very well done!

sawtan

07. Dec 2017 · 19:47 UTC

Awesome submission, the music and sound are awesome, shaders are of the scale and the game play mechanics are really addicting, at first I got really massacred, but after a couple of rounds it went a bit smoother, and you started be more strategic about how to use the boost in the best way to keep control of enemy fire. Would love to see some gamepad support on this one, would be a great title to just blast away on from time to time and keep a local highscore tab!

Huitre

08. Dec 2017 · 03:25 UTC

That reminds me of a Luftrausers under steroids, that's pretty neat! I must say that in the compo version, there was no sfx to cover the music, and that made the whole thing more visceral. Maybe something less prevalent for the shooting sound could be cool. But the addition of visual and audio feedback for when you hit ennemies is more than welcome! Bravo!

🎤 SirPumpyJam

08. Dec 2017 · 19:48 UTC

Just love you guys :D I'm really taking the feedback to heart. I wish I could modify the submitted games, but rest assured that I'm already working on a separate codestream implementing the features :)

SecretPocketCat

10. Dec 2017 · 17:12 UTC

Wow, this looks just outstanding and the controls are pretty tight, although the AI is a bit too aggressive and I never last more than just a couple dozen seconds - would like to see a more gradual progression. Also, the mentioned different enemies would be cool as well as some pickups.

As others have mentioned, this like more bare-bones, but better-looking luftrausers.

Is there some venue where I can give you a follow if the game hits full release? I would love to see that happen.

IllaBom

12. Dec 2017 · 04:21 UTC

This game wins in everything besides the controls and the instructions. The graphics sound and effects are all incredible. Like seriously they look amazing. Some more instructions would be nice however. Also the controls are not very good. Maybe use WASD, space to shoot, and shift as boost.

Overall amazing job, congratz and good luck!

rEaX

12. Dec 2017 · 05:25 UTC

Fantastic game, graphics, music etc.

I loved the way you fly, the gravity was a bit too high for me though, I died really easily. But the game is really cool!

pixeye

12. Dec 2017 · 06:06 UTC

the game I played the most by far XD, amazing game and job.
PS I've destroyed 27 ships.
Also would buy this game in future if you release it.
Cheers and may the force be with you :)

yupasama

12. Dec 2017 · 07:30 UTC

Like others have said, the controls are definitely the weak point of this overall nice game. I think I would've played for longer if they were improved. Art is great and sound effects are really good. With the theme gone, I could see expanding this game and maybe having some bosses show up. Also, improving the controls :P

sbarrio

12. Dec 2017 · 07:33 UTC

Amazing graphics and kickin' music. I think gameplay-wise could be more interesting, and I would definitely turn this into a 2D Shoot em up instead of a free roaming shooting game. In my opinion, this game needs fast scrolling speed, not having to stop to kill some ships that need a ton of shooting to be taken down.

Good job!

Yngvarr

12. Dec 2017 · 08:30 UTC

Dude, I love both the challenge and neon style of the game. Controls are quite tricky, but just until you get used to it. Then it becomes really fun and gripping. Maybe, if it was a bit easier to dodge bullets the game would be far more dynamic.

Also, what a wonderful music!

mainghia95

12. Dec 2017 · 08:46 UTC

This is the most beautiful game I've played so far. The music is quite good. But the control system is not very likeable. I feel lost and can't drive for more than 30 seconds per game. And the way you arrange the key is also not reasonable. I would recommend you to change the WASD for directing, Spacebar or J for boost, and K for shoot. Anw great entry

BlakeMcDeezy

12. Dec 2017 · 11:08 UTC

Stunning game - it looked incredible! I also loved the music, the general feel as well...yeah, that was a lot of fun! I think if it was easier to dodge or faster to accelerate, it would have lead to slightly longer, more engaging playthroughs. That being said, I had a great experience. (I played the jam version, not the compo).

Wolfo

12. Dec 2017 · 11:14 UTC

Lovely graphics and sound, the gameplay is very polished, nicely done! I wish controls were different or just easier to use, I had a hard time trying to move my spaceship properly.

Fantastic job nonetheless!

KabalaTrance

12. Dec 2017 · 11:19 UTC

Luftrausers with beautiful graphics! Very good entry!
Only thing that bothered me was that enemies were kinda blended into background, and that there was no god indication when we hit them, and also, when they are destroyed. Lot of times I kept shooting at the enemy that was down.
Also sam basic instructions would be nice.
Anyway one of the better games allaround.

dawik9000

12. Dec 2017 · 13:17 UTC

Controls arent really intuitive, and cant see how the theme is in the game, but otherwise a real fun game, good job!

🎤 SirPumpyJam

12. Dec 2017 · 13:45 UTC

@dawik9000 Thanks for your feedback! The theme is reflected by the mulitplicator. The enemy spawn rate is directly tied to the multiplicator. So the more points you make, the harder the game gets. If you play it slow you can fly for several minutes but you'll end up with just a handful of points. If you up the speed, increase your multiplicator and rake in high amounts of points the enemies will spawn and destroy you within a very short amount of time :)

arron-fowler

15. Dec 2017 · 10:16 UTC

Love it, the extra time for the Jam entry was well worth it.

Jordgubben

17. Dec 2017 · 17:55 UTC

The no-nonsens re-spaw keeps the adrenaline ride going. The graphics in general, and the parallax scrolling background in particular, are well crafted and crisp. GG.

Schu

20. Dec 2017 · 23:19 UTC

Shift isn't ideal for a button you're pressing so often. The graphics and sound effects are fantastic!

ardorugus

25. Dec 2017 · 07:02 UTC

Very engaging! Love the theme and the visuals. The controls aren't the best, but still the image is eye-pleasing. Would be cool, if some back story's attached.

Behenate

26. Dec 2017 · 10:50 UTC

This game is one of my favourites! Awesome graphics, great music, dynamic gameplay. This game does everything well. Maybe it isn't most original game ever, but it is executed so well!

devmax

26. Dec 2017 · 21:51 UTC

Holy hells this is one polished piece of work! Has a strong Lufttrausers feel but stands strong on its own. Awesome graphics and nice music, difficulty curve is good too.

LeReveur

27. Dec 2017 · 01:55 UTC

I didn't understood when you tell me to try this one, I played directly on the link and didn't see this jam entry. I just rated this one too, because it's even better than the first one. ;)

Billeclipse

27. Dec 2017 · 02:15 UTC

Pretty cool game! A lot better than the compo thats why i didn't want to rate that version of the game but preferred this one :D I played the latest version not a lot but for sure more polished and good looking but still very good entry :D Keep up the good work :D

🎤 SirPumpyJam

27. Dec 2017 · 03:13 UTC

Thanks for the nice feedback!

@lereveur It's a pitty that I couldn't add the compo and jam entry to the same account. I tried to get some support and merge both, but no luck so far. Thanks for the rating anyway!

YouBeStrong

27. Dec 2017 · 05:11 UTC

Very nice upgrade from the compo version! Beautiful job on your entry! :smile:

The title screen really helps not pushing you in (the water) immediately. I actually like the controls, I find it adds a sort of difficulty though I'm having a pretty hard time already, but I enjoy the challenge. That multiplier clearly gets me killed faster now. But I think my favorite upgrade from the compo version is the addition of the small explosion from enemy deaths. That was a much needed visual feedback since I remember not being able to tell if one had died in the compo version. I wouldn't mind if those explosions were even a bit bigger or if they add additional tiny explosions as they fell or even have their smoke change to a darker color.

Indie Gaming

27. Dec 2017 · 23:24 UTC

https://youtu.be/zS09YpCez38

🎤 SirPumpyJam

28. Dec 2017 · 01:10 UTC

@indie-gaming Thanks for taking the time to play my game, I really appreciate the feedback and I will try to incorporate your feedback. Keyboards sometimes really suck for gaming, especially when multiple keys need to be pressed at once :( I already received some feedback to implement gamepad support, so I guess I'll work on that as a priority.. and also some performance tweeks :D

Eniko

28. Dec 2017 · 04:06 UTC

I really dig the controls, music, and visuals and it's a great package experience. Shame I'm complete trash at the game, I can't seem to dodge any of the enemy fire. Maybe ramping up how 'good' the AI is for people who are bad like me would be good?

🎤 SirPumpyJam

28. Dec 2017 · 04:16 UTC

@eniko As I add new enemy types, I will reduce the agressivity of these smaller mobs. I'm aware that the difficulty level right now is quite ... insane. Especially if you surpass the x40 multiplier level :) (After that **every second** 2-3 new enemies spawn)

MestreRothLD

29. Dec 2017 · 02:35 UTC

Your game is amazing! Is there any site where I can follow your work?

🎤 SirPumpyJam

29. Dec 2017 · 02:39 UTC

@mestrerothld thanks man! I guess you can follow the development of neon hell on www.fatihtavukcu.de/ludumdare for now :D I don't have nearly enough time for this hobby of mine :(