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Verdant Relay's itch.io pageResults
Criteria | Rank | Score* | Raw Score |
Community's Voice | #29 | 3.744 | 3.744 |
Ranked from 43 ratings. Score is adjusted from raw score by the median number of ratings per game in the jam.
Creative Vision / Rationale / How Did You Incorporate the Theme
Verdant relay is an asynchronous co-op roguelite about generosity, connection, and renewal. Every power-up you receive was created by another player. Every time you clear a room, you can choose to give -- by sacrificing part of your own run (like health or other attributes) to create a stronger reward for someone who comes after. In return, you gain "Connection," a permanent resource for meta-progression. You never meet other players, but your actions shape their experience, just as theirs shaped yours.
Set on a dying planet, each room begins as dry wasteland. As you fight using water-based weapons, the environment slowly comes back to life. What starts barren becomes green. What was forgotten begins to grow again. Through generosity and small acts of care, players form bonds -- not by talking, but by helping.
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Comments
Amazing! I love how it combines a cozy theme - putting out fires and irrigating the earth - with a super challenging combat system and rouguelite mechanics! Really nice work!
Thank you!
This is such a cool idea and implementation of the theme. The animation when it changes the environment is so satisfying. I also liked the upgrades system (skill tree), stats and connection section where we can see how many contributions and connections I have made.
Overall, your implementation of the theme is strong and interesting.
I am really bad at this sort of game lol, but its super addictive. I wanna keep playing.
Thanks for playing!
Very interesting take on creating buffs and sharing them to others! A lot of design space potential in weapon types and irrigation mechanics.
Thank you for playing! We did plan for other weapons but time runs out fast in game jams😂
Yesss this is it. It feels like brotato + issac with environment changes. It is also crazy to pick up what other people left behind. I wish they get me something more useful :D
I maybe wish dodging can avoid damage, but sure I get it. All the design choices, enemy type are cool.
Thanks for your suggestion!
Wow, all the technical systems implemented are so cool! I really enjoy the structure of the gameplay. I also really liked the transformative environment between the water changing the dry land or the nature springing up. Awesome job with this and loved the take on generosity.
Thank you for playing!
Surprised how you implement all the systems like the skill tree, it's spectacular the game you propose, it reminds me of Issac hehe
Thank you! Indeed Issac is one of our reference, I'm glad you like it!
Story - Cute little story that fit with the theme, the world, and the gameplay nicely! Really brilliant idea with the asynchronous multiplayer, as it felt like a living world even though I didn't see anyone else around.
Mechanics - Solid mechanics all around! Really impressed that you guys managed to create a full on upgrade tree! Really great work. I'm a sucker for a good roguelite and this game really hit the spot.
Theme - I think you guys really nailed the theme here. Correct me if I'm wrong, but creating a connection takes away some of your own resources, right? If so, then that really hits the notes of generosity beautifully.
Audio/Visual - Fantastic music, sound effects, and little characters! Really a treat all around.
Overall - Super fun game with some solid gameplay and a touching multiplayer mechanic that made the game feel personal in an impersonal way (if that makes any sense lol). Awesome job!
Thank you for the review! Yes when you make a contribution it will take away some of your resources, but you will always craft a stronger power-up for others. I'm glad you like it!
Absolutely loved the interpretation of the theme - and the game felt very polished and interesting! You should be proud; irrigation nation rise up
YES! Thanks for your support!
This was really fun to play, and I really like how you incorporated the theme by letting players help each other! I think that it's a really good take on generosity, by having to sacrifice something in order to make the game a little easier for other.
Thank you!
This is a really fun game. The implementation of the theme - generosity by making a little sacrifice to give another player a buff is a great idea especially combined with rogue like element. This game would be great on controller. It's a fun concept, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your suggestion! We are planning to have controller support in the future.
I like the game design I think it is original! There is something satisfying and pretty visually about watering dry land and see it bloom.
Thanks for your support!
I love the soundtrack and sound design in this game, the uploaded screen is super cool too. I liked the engagement aspect in this game, and how generosity is experienced. Great job!!
Thank you!
Saw your post on reddit. Marketing your game is really hard, especially when all your willpower has gone for developing. About the game, i defeated the first enemy and faced a bug, when power wave still damages you. Controls are good, but your drone moves too slow.
Thanks for your support! Did you have 50% irrigation of that level? I know we may not have enough tip for that, but we would be grateful if you want to try it again.
The game is so fun and satisfying! I especially want to point out the stunning character designs! So simple, yet the animation and thought behind them make them beautiful!
Thanks!
Love the multiplayer integration! Very impressive for such a short timeframe!
Thank you!
I like your concept! we both found a way of using asynchronous multiplayer. Nice!
Cool, thank you! I'll check out your game
Hey it's Chris!
The way you guys implemented asynchronous (via the dilemma between immediate power vs. long-term upgrades with sacrifice) gave me a meaningful decision point, and a headache (good kind)! I especially loved the part where after some good work, I'm rewarded with a green pasture and shrub in the middle. It might be interesting to try the watering / irrigating mechanic without combat and roguelike features--it was by far the most fun and interesting for me. I really admire you guys for doing this in 3 weeks!
Thanks for your feedback and I'm glad you like watering mechanics! We'll try add more feedbacks to irrigation in the future, like getting rewards by watering.
I love the complexity behind the combat and roguelite! I'm really impressed that you guys were able to get all of this done in such a short time frame!
Thanks!
I really enjoyed this concept and the gameplay that goes along with it. Leaving power ups for other players to use is a great take on generosity. I also enjoyed all of the 2D art, it felt super clean and polished.
Thank you for your feedback!
fun stuff
Thank you!