Personally, I love jam themes that are not "thematically bound." Themes that inspire mechanics are more useful in my opinion. I think good aesthetic and thematic design support mechanical design, not the other way around. When I am designing, I look to find the fun mechanic and invent theming around it. Or, in many cases, leave it without theming and land on an abstract game where pieces aren't necessarily meant to "represent" anything strictly speaking. Games like checkers or mancala are prime examples of this kind of abstract game.

For this jam, I think I landed somewhere abstract adjacent. If not thematically, at least artistically thanks to Nicole, the amazing artist (and girlfriend ♥).

Give it a try and let us know if you think Nicole should stay on shapes and if this counts as an "abstract game."

https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/51/stoked