Square Up

(gmtk jam 2024 submission; also posted here but i promise i did not update it https://www.lexaloffle.com/bbs/?tid=143738 )

instructions

press directions to move the block, move while holding a button to alter movement: "slow" (Z/C) moves blocks the minimum distance instead of their usual distance; "super" (X) launches the block in the direction pressed. you can only launch blocks upward once per block, and doing so lets them (currently permanently) nudge other blocks

(also, pressing both buttons activates a debug hitbox viewer)

tam's comments

in my prior attempts to make original action-puzzlers, i struggled to come up with original mechanics that didn't use color... so this jam theme actually came in handy

needing to fill up half the playfield to clear anything at all is exhilerating, but super nerve-wracking

that said, the controls are pretty clunky. might've been better if i'd made it for touch screens

there's a lot of stuff left to implement (most notably difficulty and score), but i'm not sure when i'll get around to it

also it looks like different pico-8 versions export html embeds in different shapes? my first attempt at this page had it looking full of mixels, nightmare

(special thanks to yuex for finding the bug in push_up)