I have now played every game in a jam for the first time ever.
After playing all of them, I have a few honourable mentions. These games are games I thought either did something interesting, or in part felt like they stood out. This is just my own opinion, but please give them some support if you haven't already. The list is, in no particular order:
- https://itch.io/jam/unpolished-jam-2-75-prize-pool/rate/3862087 - This one is more of a narrative experience than a game, but the theme is pretty close to home being about indecision about joining a jam. Whether the style choice was by necessity or intentional, the visuals really fit the idea.
- https://itch.io/jam/unpolished-jam-2-75-prize-pool/rate/3865200 - This one has a cute pixel art bird, plays pretty well, but is infuriating if you make a mistake.
- https://itch.io/jam/unpolished-jam-2-75-prize-pool/rate/3867089 - I really enjoyed the look and feel of this one, it is definitely unpolished, but could be a pretty good game if the developer continues with it.
- https://itch.io/jam/unpolished-jam-2-75-prize-pool/rate/3865883 - While the overall game is pretty simple, the art and overall style of this game is very well implemented.
- https://itch.io/jam/unpolished-jam-2-75-prize-pool/rate/3867149 - This one presented as a very tense horror experience. The whole set up is well done and leaves you enclosed in a small space to confront the darkness.
- https://itch.io/jam/unpolished-jam-2-75-prize-pool/rate/3858178 - This one has a great mechanic where you can create your own platforms by sacrificing yourself for the next incarnation. The mechanic is well implemented and makes for interesting gameplay.
Also, a selfish plug, please have a look at my game as well.
https://itch.io/jam/unpolished-jam-2-75-prize-pool/rate/3862867