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Hitchhiker (GWJ)'s itch.io pageResults
| Criteria | Rank | Score* | Raw Score |
| Controls | #20 | 3.444 | 3.444 |
| Originality | #39 | 3.389 | 3.389 |
| Theme | #42 | 3.611 | 3.611 |
| Overall | #44 | 3.167 | 3.167 |
| Fun | #44 | 3.167 | 3.167 |
| Audio | #46 | 3.111 | 3.111 |
| Graphics | #80 | 2.889 | 2.889 |
| Accessibilty | #82 | 2.556 | 2.556 |
Ranked from 18 ratings. Score is adjusted from raw score by the median number of ratings per game in the jam.
Godot Version
4.1.1
Wildcards Used
None aside from googly-eyed parasite protagonist
Game Description
You are a parasite breaking out of the lab! You can infect and control scientists for a short time before they perish. Transmission between hosts is key to solving puzzles. Slow your host's metabolism with cold zones. If your host dies, you die. Good luck!
How does your game tie into the theme?
Primary game mechanic is parasitic transmission to control hosts for a short time
Source(s)
https://warnerrose.itch.io/hitchhiker
Discord Username(s)
rampy_
Participation Level (GWJ Only)
0
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Comments
One of a number of games this jam that feature controlling a host that has a limited lifespan. Some other games had turn restrictions whereas this has a time limit. It was quite tricky to get the timings right - even on the first screen. I also encountered a possible bug where the level resets even tho I still had time.
Thanks for the feedback! I hear you with the tricky timing. I chose the times based on "intended" pathing that, in hindsight, could be more forgiving and not require such precise movement. Sorry about the reset bug - I tried cleaning up those types of bugs in the time leading up to the submission but seems like a few of them are still in there.
I haven't seen many games about a parasite traveling from host to host! Very cool.
Nice idea and the theme is on spot maybe a couple feedback effects would make it even better :-)
Nice! Some of the puzzles toward the end of the game were difficult with tight margin for error.
I did notice a couple times it seemed like the timer still had a few tenths left but restarted me anyway. I'll chalk it up to skill issue on my part. Nice job with the theme too, clever puzzle game.
Fun puzzle game! Definitely a low margin for error as others have mentioned but the core concept is a lot of fun. The addition of cold zones, etc is a great way to shake up the formula too. My biggest feedback is that there is a delay between when you hit a key and it gets picked up, or when you hit a button and it actually goes off. This lead to a couple of times where I wasn't sure if I had actually hit it or not which was almost always fatal due to the short amount of time I had to work with.
Good job - but sometimes it is really hard to finish a level. The game surely fits the theme well and i like the visuals.
This was a neat idea! The timing aspect had a pretty thin margin of error sometimes, and especially the later levels where you could get hit and die made it feel more action-y and than puzzle-y. But it was still fun nonetheless. I ultimately got stuck on the level with the rotating flame (I think it was the one right after the potions get introduced). Every time I looped back close to the beginning and hit what I thought was the next switch, I died. I’m guessing I was close to the end, but ultimately gave up.
Regardless, solid first GWJ entry! Nice job!
Thank you! Yes you were very close to the end :) The bug you are describing is something I noticed after the submission. The button fires a projectile that is hitting one of the scientists and it inadvertently kills you. My intent was to require the first 3 scientists to be controlled but I don't think that's clear because of the amount of time you start out with (3 sec). I don't want to spoil too much but the first time buff would need to be saved to be able to make it to the exit.
Congrats on your first GWJ entry! I think the idea was really cool. It was quite punishing. I often got stuck on corners. Overall though I liked the various mechanics you implemented and how it fit the theme.
Thanks for your feedback! I agree the puzzles could be tuned better. I don't know if they are all solvable without diagonal movement.
I dig the music track on this one. Some of the margins on these puzzles are razor thin, and had me sweating. :D Congrats on your entry and good luck
Thank you! :)