Singularity by nsadie
We have been stuck in this singularity for as long as I can remember.
Recently, the scientists onboard have discovered that using different elements as fuel can give the ship enough power to move around in short bursts.
The pull from the singularity is still too strong to escape but there is hope that by using the gravity from surrounding asteroids and other objects we might be able to slingshot our way out.
Note:
Based on the feedback, we added color to the tutorial text to indicate the colors for pull, push and tractor as well as a tooltip to the elements to remind the player what each element does. We also added a selection ring to the closest object as a small visual indicator to help with playing the game.



| Youtube | https://neil-sadie.itch.io/singularity |
| Youtube | https://neil-sadie.itch.io/singularity |
| Original URL | https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/47/singularity |
Ratings
| Overall | 260th | 3.929⭐ | 58🧑⚖️ |
| Fun | 402th | 3.682⭐ | 57🧑⚖️ |
| Innovation | 80th | 4.127⭐ | 57🧑⚖️ |
| Theme | 639th | 3.773⭐ | 57🧑⚖️ |
| Graphics | 471th | 3.921⭐ | 59🧑⚖️ |
| Mood | 370th | 3.8⭐ | 57🧑⚖️ |
| Given | 71🗳️ | 83🗨️ |

+1 to some comments made so far:
- bit confusing at first what the cards were, how they related to the instructions, and whether the elements name meant anything
- clearer indication of what the nearest object is would help a lot (and also make it clear that the opponent also counts as an object, although perhaps you wanted that to be a surprise)
- I think more push and attract cards in the mix would make it more interesting. More card types maybe as well, though I'm sure there would've been if you had more time.
I thought it was cool that the 2nd player is only introduced when you start playing, nice little surprise.
I agree that adding that indicating which object is closest might make it less confusing! I am also adding tooltips to the element to help remember what the different cards do.
Some additional cards might also mix it up (like switch positions with closest object, push all objects away etc.)
@steffo There are less push cards, because you have to try and use the AI player to keep on getting closer to the exit. The AI always tries to move as far forward as possible and the least amount of moves backwards. Knowing this, you should try to move so that he can slingshot using your ship and get into a position so that you can slingshot off him!
When reading the comments it seemed like i was playing an post-jam version in the browser. I think it would be good to mark it as such and indicate what changed, as a little sidenote.
I added a note for the changes, based on the feedback, we added color to the tutorial text to indicate the colors for pull, push and tractor as well as a tooltip to the elements to remind the player what each element does. We also added a selection ring to the closest object to help with the mental calculations!
Overall - very entertaining experience, thank you!
The problem here is tha cards you get are often not really helpful. There is too little push cards. I played quite a few rounds and was never able to finish beacuse of how many pull cards spawned. Always got stuck about 3 fields in front of the finish line. I think with a littel adjustment of the card spwaning you have yourself a top entry here.
What I like about the mechanics, is that it is impossible to get to the end on your own, as you cannot finish using pull cards! You have to "assist" the AI so that you can slingshot past him in the final stretch.
The AI follows some simple predictable rules so that you can use that to your advantage. He always tries to move as far ahead as possible, and if it is not possible to move ahead, he will move back as little as possible.
From most of the feedback I gather that the amount of pull cards vs push cards is a bit of a problem, but I tend to win quite often, but it is because I am so familiar with the mechanics. Balance is so hard to get right in a game jam! I've been thinking that the best solution to this is multiple difficulty levels!
I would disagree about push cards strongly: their lack is actually what add strategy to whole deal and eliminates situtation, where a couple of lucky draws will garner you enough headstart that you win the whole stuff before opponent gets to endgame
Cool and innovative game, well done!
The drawn moves seem very random, and over 5ish runs it was just a big dance that just went forward and backward until the timer ran out. Some balancing there would help.
Perhaps a 'default action' you can take once per turn would help with the biggest setbacks?
Very nice core to work from though!
My first 2 tries ended in disaster as my opponent managed to get quite far ahead and I couldn't claw my way back, even as I understood the mechanics, I just didn't get cards which would allow me to close the gap.
Overall I really liked this jam. As others said, it's got polish and I'd be curious to play an expanded version of this where there are more card types, different opponents and levels which extend past the loop.
P.S. I played the postjam version.
SOLID GAAAAAME
I actually really really liked this entry. The mechanics were super straightforward and unique, and I can see a LOT of room for expansion on it (which I personally hope you do). The visuals and audio were also all super slick. As a whole, this is a very solidly put together experience.
If I could suggest one thing, it would be to introduce the concept of an AI opponent into the tutorial. I was totally caught off-guard when I discovered that I was essentially going to be racing somebody in the actual game.
Otherwise though, this one's gotta be one of my favorites. Hats off to ya!
I really loved to see you play multiple rounds and gradually figure out what to do and I am glad you managed to win (win percentage is pretty low)! I enjoyed how you were caught off guard by the sudden appearance of the AI ;)
We are planning on adding quite a few additional things to this project!
Like others have said, this really has some potential to be expanded into a proper game, adding some new rules (perhaps in later levels) to keep up the challenge, and make the optimal choice a bit more difficult to figure out.
Really impressive entry overall
Anywho, your game is split between two vods, the first half; https://www.twitch.tv/videos/779137665 and the second half; https://www.twitch.tv/videos/779148172
Sorry bout that!