Skip to main content

Browse GamesGame JamsUpload GameDeveloper LogsCommunity
Indie game storeFree gamesFun gamesHorror games
Game developmentAssetsComics
SalesBundles
Jobs
TagsGame Engines

Area of Effect Game Jam 2021

Hosted by madsgray · #aoejam2021
38
Entries
633
Ratings
OverviewSubmissionsResultsScreenshotsSubmission feed
A jam submission

Tracing the SignalView game page

Pilot a spaceship to uncover the origin of a mysterious signal appearing through a black hole!
Submitted by Dragon Galaxy — 5 hours, 5 minutes before the deadline
Add to collection

Play game

Tracing the Signal's itch.io page

Results

CriteriaRankScore*Raw Score
Judges' Choice#1n/an/a
Gameplay#14.6674.667
Creativity#44.3334.333
Theme#74.1114.111

Ranked from 18 ratings. Score is adjusted from raw score by the median number of ratings per game in the jam.

Judge feedback

Judge feedback is anonymous and shown in a random order.

  • This little game is rad! I couldn't stop playing. Gameplay was fun and intuitive. Loved sling-shotting around planets and stars to save/recharge battery, collecting star chunks to upgrade my ship, and progressing through the 3 stages to find the source of the signal. I love the little planet designs that play homage to Outer Wilds and Mario as well. Well done!!
  • I have no critical feedback. This is an excellent and satisfying ramp, the skill ceiling is high and it is fun to master. This is an incredible game jam game.

Leave a comment

Log in with itch.io to leave a comment.

Comments

ViriusLevanSubmitted4 years ago(+2)

Really nice game with solid mechanics, good pixel art, and roguelite (hope i got the term right) progression. Great job!

Reply
CakestormSubmitted4 years ago(+2)

There's nothing quite like swinging through space like some space-tarzan - this game was really fun! The core idea was really unique, having to grab on to planets and swing around them, and the upgrades just helped to improve on that idea. I loved being able to predict my path and nudge my ship in the right direction, and the inertia you got from swinging around was so much fun; I'd love it even more if it was preserved a bit longer after letting go. The three different stages also added some nice variety, as did the amount of different planets, and I loved the ending too! Great game overall, it was great fun, and you did a great job making it!

Submitted
spacething
Reply
heathermoonSubmitted4 years ago(+1)

I love this game! I actually kept it on my computer to play again! Well done!

Submitted
Harbinger and Egress
Reply
Dragon GalaxyDeveloper4 years ago

Haha that's awesome to hear, glad you like it!

Reply
Axelgoris99Submitted4 years ago(+2)

Fun concept and skilled game but not too much! I like the rogue like progression :)
Nice one anyway, you did a great job ;)

Submitted
Life attack
Reply
Raphael_BRSubmitted4 years ago(+3)

Very fun concept, fair and skill-based gameplay, all the assets well polished and no bugs in sight ? Congrats on your perfect entry.

Submitted
Cat Rescue Simulator
Reply
badzeke9994 years ago(+2)


Dear Dragon Galaxy

It blows my mind to think this challenge for creators such as yourself lasts for all of 48 hours... furthermore I could not comprehend how you can produce a game with such satisfying/ addicting visuals, controls and objectives in such a short amount of time while also taking time for your personal health and wellbeing. True dedication and passion to your craft I applaud you, sir.

Sincerely, badzeke999. P.S  I love the Yoshi eggs, all I could hear is his voice echoing in my head whenever I attached to them. 👽

Reply
bennybiscuit4 years ago(+2)

good job loved the art design of the game!!

Reply
zzphat4 years ago(+3)

Awesomely fun, and equally addictive at the same time!

My first few attempts were quite rocky and I would crash in a matter of seconds. After re-adjusting my seat, leaning forward, and putting on my gaming cap, I was ready to obliterate this game right to the end. I like to challenge myself in different games and so I tried to avoid buying any sort of upgrades for as long as I could. Reaching the 2nd level, it was hopeless. I caved in and had to buy the shields. It got me closer and closer to the signal and I was able to pull of some sneaky and slick moves as I would launch through a planet to desperately refuel the ship at one of the stars. I have now gone back and was finally able to complete the game with no purchased upgrades! I recommend this challenge for other players who are up for the increased difficulty.


I was able to lose myself in this game for a good while. I highly recommend it to others.

Reply
heathermoonSubmitted4 years ago(+5)

Wow! I  played this game way longer than I intended to! Great work!

Submitted
Harbinger and Egress
Reply
ProSmashySubmitted4 years ago(+4)

Amazing game, I love the graphics and all the mechanics work really well together, and you constantly have to change your movement, which is cool. I would love to see an expansion to this game , like it could have more upgrades or they could become more powerful or some upgrades could use different materials... Overall this is a really interesting game :)

Submitted
Once upon a flower
Reply
Dragon GalaxyDeveloper4 years ago(+2)

Thanks for the kind words, glad you enjoyed it :D

Reply
nyanpierreSubmitted4 years ago(+3)

i loved it

Submitted
Terra incognita
Reply
ShatteredReality4 years ago(+3)

Nice execution but I think there should be more leniency on the battery life.

Reply
Dragon GalaxyDeveloper4 years ago(+3)

Thanks for the feedback! Do you think the battery should last longer in general, or should the upgrades give a larger increase? Or something else?

I didn't leave myself much time to balance that and I guess after playing it so much while developing I just got used to it how it is haha

Reply
ShatteredReality4 years ago(+1)

I think it should be the latter

Reply
Dragon GalaxyDeveloper4 years ago (2 edits) (+1)

Putting the controls and how to play here for easy reference :)

Controls and how to play

Slinging with gravity

  • Holding SPACEBAR will let you sling around the closest object, ie, a planet or star
  • This doesn't consume any power.
  • Slinging around a star will charge the ship's batteries BUT it will also increase your ship's temperature

Thrusters

  • Using your ships thrusters consumes power.
  • A and D turn you slightly,
  • W and S speed up and slow down the ship.
  • Gliding through space freely uses your thrusters and consumes power.

How to not die!

  • You will explode if you hit a planet or star.
  • You will explode if you get too hot.
  • You will explode if you run out of power for some reason... who thought that was a good idea?
Reply
AboutFAQBlogContact us
Copyright © 2026 itch corp · Directory · Terms · Privacy · Cookies