{"author_link":"\/users\/runningopenloop","author_name":"runningopenloop","author_uid":1372429,"comments":[{"id":1096869,"author_name":"Big Nose","author_uid":"big-nose","epoch":1728449294,"text":"Neat Idea, but the controls were hard to understand and the instructions hard to read.","format":"md","likes":2,"spam":"N"},{"id":1096880,"author_name":"Loveschach","author_uid":"loveschach","epoch":1728449509,"text":"Bravo for supporting controller! It strongly reminds me of 80s arcade games.","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"},{"id":1096894,"author_name":"CodeChomper","author_uid":"codechomper","epoch":1728449790,"text":"What a cool game! Makes me want to pick up Pico8 again. I loved the shocking animation on the squirrel. Took me a bit to find the rhythm and get good at eating the wires. Very fun, solid, and cute entry everyone should be proud!","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"},{"id":1097099,"author_name":"runningopenloop","author_uid":"runningopenloop","epoch":1728452639,"text":"@big-nose, thanks.  I added instructions to the description if that helps.  I also figured out that m\/n work for x\/o which is good news for 2 player.  The O+up\/down arrow is a bit tricky.  As a hint, technically the sound of the spark is louder when it is closer.  So if no sparks close by on your level, that means it is close above\/below you so be careful to switch levels.\n\n@loveschach: controller came for free with Pico-8!  :)\n\n@codechomper: Pico-8 is fun.  I was tempted to try their Voxatron, but decided to stick with what we knew from LD55.  Plus they don't have HTML5 export for Voxatron yet.\n\nWe meant to make more levels... on the right is your level indicator.  We had a small, medium, and big.  With intention for easy\/medium\/difficult.  But due to time constraints we went with a simple 4 sparks active at anytime.. so I flipped it around and the big level is the easy level as you can avoid the sparks better.\n\nDidn't get the outside bounding box in either. :)\n\nUp\/down is 'disabled' for 2-player since didn't make sense to switch up\/down level for one person.","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"},{"id":1100568,"author_name":"chispaLBC","author_uid":"chispalbc","epoch":1728498486,"text":"I like Pico8 games and i think this time's theme goes well with Pico8's vibes haha. The game really does remind of arcade games. The randomness of where will the sparks go keeps you focused (cool!). It's not an easy game tho haha. I thought the wires without insulation would make the whole area dangerous but i guess that would be too dangerous. Anyways, nice job!","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"},{"id":1102230,"author_name":"EnchaeC","author_uid":"enchaec","epoch":1728519478,"text":"Congrats on completing your first game jam!","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"},{"id":1106136,"author_name":"runningopenloop","author_uid":"runningopenloop","epoch":1728611592,"text":"@chispalbc Thanks.  Yeah, room for improvement for sparks... perhaps play the spark noise at a high volume for a second before spark is generated again if you are close.  This is how I give the player a chance to swap levels and not die.  At the beginning, we had plans for bare insulation to be some sort of a risk... a lot to learn about how to make a game interesting, compelling, and challenging.\n\n@enchaec Thanks... we're definitely still learning (and using it as an educational vehicle with my kids) - but technically this is our second go.  See Pack Goat Hero from LD55  :)","format":"md","likes":0,"spam":"N"},{"id":1107165,"author_name":"MistaGiggles","author_uid":"mistagiggles","epoch":1728657608,"text":"Great concept, the controls seemed bugged at first as pressing x seemed inconsistent when chewing the wires. Took me a bit to figure out its more effective if held. Very challenging too, kept getting caught out by sparks appearing from nowhere (I assume the level above). I had fun playing this","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"},{"id":1108197,"author_name":"JDeeDubs","author_uid":"jdeedubs","epoch":1728683427,"text":"Love a good Pico8 game! \n\nThis is really nicely designed. I liked the opportunistic gameplay pattern it puts you in, watching the current roll towards you, and trying to nibble off a bit more insulation before having to retreat. The sprites are clear and effective, which can be hard in such a confined palette. \n\nReally well done! \n","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"},{"id":1113808,"author_name":"JCoMcL","author_uid":"jcomcl","epoch":1728992693,"text":"Pretty cool seeing a PICO-8 game on here. The Game is fun and it's nice that it has some singleplayer gameplay to it though I think it could use some more given that's how most people will play.","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"},{"id":1114794,"author_name":"LDJam user 382819","author_uid":"382819","epoch":1729092029,"text":"I'm really impressed that you've managed to implement this game so well with PICO-8. The game is very fun, and there's a clear sense of design throughout the experience. Although some effects aren't great due to the limitations of PICO-8 itself, overall it's quite good, and you've done a fantastic job, friend. Of course, if you have the time, you're also welcome to check out our game~","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"},{"id":1115450,"author_name":"Abex","author_uid":"abex","epoch":1729160231,"text":"Amazing game, very addictive. It took me a while to figure out that you can climb up and down. The controls take some time getting used to, mostly because they're named x and o. Also I love the inclusion of 2 player mode. The game is challenging and so far I only beat the first level, but I will play until I beat it. The only bug I found is two hearts disapearing from ui after getting shocked (maybe getting shocked twice in a short time causes it), but it's only visual.","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"},{"id":1115913,"author_name":"Pachino55","author_uid":"pachino55","epoch":1729223985,"text":"Cool game, love the arcade feel","format":"md","likes":2,"spam":"N"},{"id":1115922,"author_name":"drinkycode","author_uid":"drinkycode","epoch":1729225750,"text":"Way harder than it looks ha, there's definitely something interesting with the risk vs. reward of chewing before the current hits you. The squirrel's hitbox does feel a little janky, wish it was just a tad easier to navigate especially in tight spots. Also felt bad for the little dude whenever they get shocked.","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"},{"id":1116076,"author_name":"LDJam user 243193","author_uid":"243193","epoch":1729256997,"text":" Nice chewing game! Too bad there's no sign or warning to warn player before a current is going to appear. And I don't get why there should be 2 levels per stage. IMO one level should be good enough.\n If those issues were fixed, this could be a good game.","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"},{"id":1119715,"author_name":"ceasiumzmj","author_uid":"ceasiumzmj","epoch":1729774289,"text":"Very nice thoughts\uff0c better if gain futural improvement","format":"md","likes":1,"spam":"N"}],"format":"md","images":["ld56\/wayback-placeholder.png"],"links":[],"metadata":{"g_key":"95042","g_author":"1372429","g_event":"LD56","g_eventkey":"115","g_subevent":"JAM","g_urlkey":"443854","g_title":"Squirrel Insulation Thieves","g_status":"WAYBACK","g_place":"796","g_commentcount":"16","g_site2_node_id":"396912","g_hide":"Y","g_has_icon":"Y","g_rqueue":"0","g_random":"0"},"nds":{"n_key":"396912","n_urlkey":"443854","n_parent":"395186","n_path":"\/events\/ludum-dare\/56\/squirrel-insulation-thieves","n_slug":"squirrel-insulation-thieves","n_type":"item","n_subtype":"game","n_subsubtype":"jam","n_author":"372429","n_created":"1727239164","n_modified":"1779220587","n_version":"1276463","n_status":"WAYBACK"},"node":{"_collation":{"body_sanitizer":"TextUtils::SanitizeHTML via existing importer","event":"LD56","removed_author":false},"_superparent":9,"_trust":1,"author":372429,"body":"Please note: press and hold \u274e to chew.\n\n---\n\nMore back story to come...  Second cut release in before the jam end!  Still hastily done.  Will I get 2-player in? Update: YES!  Never got the bad guy rats in and therefore need for the sword.\n\nThe kids were very excited about the tiny creatures theme, but it took us quite a while to arrive at what we were going to make.  I was tempted to do Godot this time, but we aren't use to the flow... so we decided to use Pico-8 again.  Thanks to the kids for the help with this one in terms of levels, art, sounds, even the spark code!\n\nShort story: you need to chew off insulation from the wires without getting shocked to collect enough to make squirrel ice-cream with.\n\nFull story:  The squirrels of the squirrel city of Treehaven have an idea for a new squirrel treat; insulation nut ice-cream.  They already love wire insulation, nuts, and ice-cream, so why not mix the three?  They compose a mission to gather wire insulation and to bring it back to Treehaven.  You are one of the squirrels the mission has been placed upon.  You must go and gather insulation, which means successfully bringing back insulation from cars, without being killed by rats or zapped by electricity.  But from these cars no other squirrel has come back from.  What hides in this maze of electricity and monsters that is not just lore invented by other squirrels waiting for the return of those gone before?  Will you survive... or not?\n\n---\nInstructions: Run around and chew up wire by standing on the wire, then pressing X (with chew inventory option selected - which is default).  Hit your quota of 100% to advance.\n\nPush \u2b05\ufe0f\u2b06\ufe0f\u2b07\ufe0f\u27a1\ufe0f to move.\n\nHold \ud83c\udd7e\ufe0f and push \u2b06\ufe0f\u2b07\ufe0f to shift levels.  only when arrow in top right allows (can't move up\/down onto blocking object).\nHold \ud83c\udd7e\ufe0f and push \u2b05\ufe0f\u27a1\ufe0f to shift between chew and sword.  (Although sword doesn't do anything at this time... we were going to have you fight rats.. Didn't happen, opted for 2-player option as didn't have to worry about AI\/path-finding).\nPress and hold \u274e to chew. ~~or use sword.~~\n\nx or m=\u274e, z or n = \ud83c\udd7e\ufe0f\n\nWhen playing 2-player:\ns=\u2b05\ufe0f, e=\u2b06\ufe0f, d=\u2b07\ufe0f, f=\u27a1\ufe0f\nTAB=\ud83c\udd7e\ufe0f, q=\u274e\n\nKeys may be reconfigured.  It confuses me why pico-8 defaults x=\u274e and z=\ud83c\udd7e\ufe0f.  Really makes to player not possible.. unless you use a controller or re-configure.  Just learned a few things.\n  * Seems you cannot re-configure keys using menu.  I thought you could.\n  * **Found out that m=\u274e and n=\ud83c\udd7e\ufe0f** which is much more friendly for 2-player keyboard.  2-player with controllers would be better.  (Or at least one person on controller).\n\n---\n\nI think next time we are going to go for Godot so we can have a bit more expressive freedom.","comments":16,"comments-timestamp":"2024-10-24T12:51:29Z","created":"2024-09-25T04:39:24Z","files":[{"author":372429,"id":32884,"name":"$$embed-32884.zip","node":396912,"size":523200,"status":64,"tag":0,"timestamp":"2024-10-07T10:00:22Z"},{"author":372429,"id":32885,"name":"$$embed-32885.zip","node":396912,"size":523204,"status":73,"tag":0,"timestamp":"2024-10-07T10:03:33Z"},{"author":372429,"id":34338,"name":"$$embed-34338.zip","node":396912,"size":524187,"status":73,"tag":0,"timestamp":"2024-10-07T21:19:10Z"}],"files-timestamp":"2024-10-07T21:19:10Z","grade":{"grade-01":23,"grade-02":23,"grade-03":23,"grade-04":23,"grade-05":22,"grade-06":21,"grade-07":22,"grade-08":21},"id":396912,"love":0,"magic":{"cool":137.41307412752,"feedback":18,"given":40.125,"grade":22.25,"grade-01-average":3.286,"grade-01-result":796,"grade-02-average":3,"grade-02-result":844,"grade-03-average":3.429,"grade-03-result":437,"grade-04-average":3.667,"grade-04-result":554,"grade-05-average":3.4,"grade-05-result":705,"grade-06-average":2.842,"grade-06-result":615,"grade-07-average":3.45,"grade-07-result":320,"grade-08-average":3.026,"grade-08-result":907,"smart":1.6001016001524},"meta":{"allow-anonymous-comments":"1","author":[372429],"cover":"\/\/\/content\/dce\/a5\/z\/66d9d.png","link-01-tag":[50]},"meta-timestamp":"2026-05-19T19:56:27Z","modified":"2026-05-19T19:56:27Z","name":"Squirrel Insulation Thieves","node-timestamp":"2024-10-14T08:51:00Z","parent":395186,"parents":[1,5,9,395186],"path":"\/events\/ludum-dare\/56\/squirrel-insulation-thieves","published":"2024-10-07T10:02:26Z","scope":"public","slug":"squirrel-insulation-thieves","subsubtype":"jam","subtype":"game","type":"item","version":1276463},"text":"Please note: press and hold \u274e to chew.\n\n---\n\nMore back story to come...  Second cut release in before the jam end!  Still hastily done.  Will I get 2-player in? Update: YES!  Never got the bad guy rats in and therefore need for the sword.\n\nThe kids were very excited about the tiny creatures theme, but it took us quite a while to arrive at what we were going to make.  I was tempted to do Godot this time, but we aren't use to the flow... so we decided to use Pico-8 again.  Thanks to the kids for the help with this one in terms of levels, art, sounds, even the spark code!\n\nShort story: you need to chew off insulation from the wires without getting shocked to collect enough to make squirrel ice-cream with.\n\nFull story:  The squirrels of the squirrel city of Treehaven have an idea for a new squirrel treat; insulation nut ice-cream.  They already love wire insulation, nuts, and ice-cream, so why not mix the three?  They compose a mission to gather wire insulation and to bring it back to Treehaven.  You are one of the squirrels the mission has been placed upon.  You must go and gather insulation, which means successfully bringing back insulation from cars, without being killed by rats or zapped by electricity.  But from these cars no other squirrel has come back from.  What hides in this maze of electricity and monsters that is not just lore invented by other squirrels waiting for the return of those gone before?  Will you survive... or not?\n\n---\nInstructions: Run around and chew up wire by standing on the wire, then pressing X (with chew inventory option selected - which is default).  Hit your quota of 100% to advance.\n\nPush \u2b05\ufe0f\u2b06\ufe0f\u2b07\ufe0f\u27a1\ufe0f to move.\n\nHold \ud83c\udd7e\ufe0f and push \u2b06\ufe0f\u2b07\ufe0f to shift levels.  only when arrow in top right allows (can't move up\/down onto blocking object).\nHold \ud83c\udd7e\ufe0f and push \u2b05\ufe0f\u27a1\ufe0f to shift between chew and sword.  (Although sword doesn't do anything at this time... we were going to have you fight rats.. Didn't happen, opted for 2-player option as didn't have to worry about AI\/path-finding).\nPress and hold \u274e to chew. ~~or use sword.~~\n\nx or m=\u274e, z or n = \ud83c\udd7e\ufe0f\n\nWhen playing 2-player:\ns=\u2b05\ufe0f, e=\u2b06\ufe0f, d=\u2b07\ufe0f, f=\u27a1\ufe0f\nTAB=\ud83c\udd7e\ufe0f, q=\u274e\n\nKeys may be reconfigured.  It confuses me why pico-8 defaults x=\u274e and z=\ud83c\udd7e\ufe0f.  Really makes to player not possible.. unless you use a controller or re-configure.  Just learned a few things.\n  * Seems you cannot re-configure keys using menu.  I thought you could.\n  * **Found out that m=\u274e and n=\ud83c\udd7e\ufe0f** which is much more friendly for 2-player keyboard.  2-player with controllers would be better.  (Or at least one person on controller).\n\n---\n\nI think next time we are going to go for Godot so we can have a bit more expressive freedom.","title":"Squirrel Insulation Thieves","wayback_recovered":true,"wayback_source":{"capture":{"original":"https:\/\/api-jam.ludumdare.com\/vx\/node2\/get\/396501+396502+396503+396504+396505+396506+396507+396508+396509+396510+396511+396512+396513+396514+396515+396516+396517+396518+396519+396520+396521+396522+396523+396524+396525+396526+396527+396528+396529+396530+396531+396532+396533+396534+396535+396536+396537+396538+396539+396540+396541+396542+396543+396544+396545+396546+396547+396548+396549+396550+396551+396552+396553+396554+396555+396556+396557+396558+396559+396560+396561+396562+396563+396564+396565+396566+396567+396568+396569+396570+396571+396572+396573+396574+396575+396576+396577+396578+396579+396580+396581+396582+396583+396584+396585+396586+396587+396588+396589+396590+396591+396592+396593+396594+396595+396596+396597+396598+396599+396600+396601+396602+396603+396604+396605+396606+396607+396608+396609+396610+396611+396612+396613+396614+396615+396616+396617+396618+396619+396620+396621+396622+396623+396624+396625+396626+396627+396628+396629+396630+396631+396632+396633+396634+396635+396636+396637+396638+396639+396640+396641+396642+396643+396644+396645+396646+396647+396648+396649+396650+396651+396652+396653+396654+396655+396656+396657+396658+396659+396660+396661+396662+396663+396664+396665+396666+396667+396668+396669+396670+396671+396672+396673+396674+396675+396676+396677+396678+396679+396680+396681+396682+396683+396684+396685+396686+396687+396688+396689+396690+396691+396692+396693+396694+396695+396696+396697+396698+396699+396700+396701+396702+396703+396704+396705+396706+396707+396708+396709+396710+396711+396712+396713+396714+396715+396716+396717+396718+396719+396720+396721+396722+396723+396724+396725+396726+396727+396728+396729+396730+396731+396732+396733+396734+396735+396736+396737+396738+396739+396740+396741+396742+396743+396744+396745+396746+396747+396748+396749+396750+396751+396752+396753+396754+396755+396756+396757+396758+396759+396760+396761+396762+396763+396764+396765+396766+396767+396768+396769+396770+396771+396772+396773+396774+396775+396776+396777+396778+396779+396780+396781+396782+396783+396784+396785+396786+396787+396788+396789+396790+396791+396792+396793+396794+396795+396796+396797+396798+396799+396800+396801+396802+396803+396804+396805+396806+396807+396808+396809+396810+396811+396812+396813+396814+396815+396816+396817+396818+396819+396820+396821+396822+396823+396824+396825+396826+396827+396828+396829+396830+396831+396832+396833+396834+396835+396836+396837+396838+396839+396840+396841+396842+396843+396844+396845+396846+396847+396848+396849+396850+396851+396852+396853+396854+396855+396856+396857+396858+396859+396860+396861+396862+396863+396864+396865+396866+396867+396868+396869+396870+396871+396872+396873+396874+396875+396876+396877+396878+396879+396880+396881+396882+396883+396884+396885+396886+396887+396888+396889+396890+396891+396892+396893+396894+396895+396896+396897+396898+396899+396900+396901+396902+396903+396904+396905+396906+396907+396908+396909+396910+396911+396912+396913+396914+396915+396916+396917+396918+396919+396920+396921+396922+396923+396924+396925+396926+396927+396928+396929+396930+396931+396932+396933+396934+396935+396936+396937+396938+396939+396940+396941+396942+396943+396944+396945+396946+396947+396948+396949+396950+396951+396952+396953+396954+396955+396956+396957+396958+396959+396960+396961+396962+396963+396964+396965+396966+396967+396968+396969+396970+396971+396972+396973+396974+396975+396976+396977+396978+396979+396980+396981+396982+396983+396984+396985+396986+396987+396988+396989+396990+396991+396992+396993+396994+396995+396996+396997+396998+396999+397000?authors&parents&superparent"},"object":"objects\/sha256\/18\/18f1b0ab7e839cb872b657d2d039eebe4ba10b916f74f7d9df9e80f92012c998","record":"shard-2\/json-live-urgent-v3\/records\/7b697dbba272683682a086907d95aaac4e48f795fb4993dd231f7c7192b9f449.json","sha256":"18f1b0ab7e839cb872b657d2d039eebe4ba10b916f74f7d9df9e80f92012c998","source":"https","stored_at":1784022515}}