I'm glad it was easy and seemed to have unlimited explosions, at least for Jam mode.  I could see how this would improve from limited bombing ability or the need to acquire more bombs. 

That is a really cool 'driving' game.  It was a little difficult to get the hang of, so I'll have to come back and try again.  I really liked the clean look and feel.  I know for sure that next time I'm pushing my cart around (and I often do), I'll be flying through the aisles and thinking about this one.

Thanks for taking the time to comment, and suggest.  I really didn't expect anyone to comment.  I barely put any time into this one given my recent schedule and the short time-period.  I'm trying your game now -- Please feel free to try my previous Jam though, I put much more time into that one: https://itch.io/jam/alchemy-jam-7/rate/4154591

Pretty good for a few days in this jam.  I enjoyed the 3d FPS world.  Obviously there is a lot that can be done, but you are more than on the right track here.  I have yet to create a feature filled 3D modeled world and character game, but your submission shows me that even a small patch of a start can be a success forward.  I'll see about something along these lines for a future jam.  I was literally out of time for this jam, so I didn't submit anything worth looking at - here's where some of my time went though (a different jam):

https://itch.io/jam/alchemy-jam-7/rate/4154591

I pooped!  haha, funny little adventure.  I made it to the target.  I also was able to hop up and off and over the volcano I think.  But of course that wasn't the preferred route.

Actually, I saw that I already played and rated your Keep it up game.  Giving it a second try, I updated my rating !  Now that I found out a little more about how it works, it deserves a bump in the 'game play' rating!  

Wow, glad to hear that you rated all the games, perhaps you can compile a list of your top 10 and post it here ?   I'll be trying/rating your game right now.

https://itch.io/jam/alchemy-jam-7/rate/4154591

I guess I missed that in the post from before.  I have a few small updates that I'll push to the game after the jam rating session is over, I'll put that new cool cat there along with a couple of itch suggested changes and tiny tweaks.  I'll probably be doing something in the next Brackey's Jam - but that one only lasts 1 week so I might not do as big a project as this one, but I'll have to wait and see what that theme will be.  

Brackey's jam is coming up. It only lasts 1 week though.  Did you see my game off entry? 

Scrabble scramble

https://itch.io/jam/game-off-2025/rate/4006867

By the way, playing your game again and I noticed you have support for desktop, mobile and even game controller.  Very good stuff there, I'll aim to make another game (or modify Alchemist) to support that.  I'm sure it's great to give all user devices a chance to play.

Also, I just spent a little more time solving the 1st and 2nd maze/rooms/levels.  The maze was adequately challenging, it took me a while.

I could only imagine how hard it could be if the bombs pursued you as well.   Perhaps that's something to add to it if you ever continue to develop this game further.

"The rating notifications that pop up each time at game over and needed to be dismissed before I could see the restart button really took me out of the action each time I reached that screen—especially as there's already a link in the UI."

That restart link and UI that must be dismissed only happens when you die.  When you successfully find the purple flowers in each level, you immediately go to the next level.

Thanks for your comments.   Yes, I have everything in there, all at once. Perhaps the nature of jamming, more as a dev in progress than plan for a full release.  I guess it is an easy wrong for me to just keep the level edit and everything there but honestly I was using those things as tools for my development progress and not a streamlined release.  You probably know from my constant discord and other posts that I was just non stop jamming on this one.  Points well taken, I should bring it all into a cohesive release mode of a consistent game -- now that this jam and the prototyping is over, I guess I should consider doing just that.  Your bomb game for instance is a clean game experience.  I guess I'm stuck in dev mode literally!  thanks again, and thanks for the jam.  The experience I've had jamming for the past 6 months has been awesome.

This is the folder structure after downloading it.

└───bomb runner v1.app

    └───Contents

        ├───Frameworks

        ├───MacOS

        ├───MonoBleedingEdge

        │   └───etc

        │       └───mono

        │           ├───2.0

        │           │   └───Browsers

        │           ├───4.0

        │           │   └───Browsers

        │           ├───4.5

        │           │   └───Browsers

        │           └───mconfig

        ├───PlugIns

        ├───Resources

        │   ├───Data

        │   │   ├───Managed

        │   │   └───Resources

        │   └───MainMenu.nib

        └───_CodeSignature

It appears to be a MAC only or other type of build that wasn't obviously identifiable or usable on my windows system.  Is it meant for Windows?  or how might it need to be installed, etc ?   

I'm giving it a try right now... feel free to try mine while I'm at it!  https://itch.io/jam/alchemy-jam-7/rate/4154591

That's a pretty full maze and it checks the blocks for bomb use.  I too only played a little so didn't experience anything but the witch that killed me.  I tried yet again and she got me still!  I guess I'll see if I can blow her up with a bomb.

Depending on how you implemented the maze, this might be something suitable for making a level editor or even dynamic computer generated mazes.  consider those ideas if you build on it.  good job overall.  Also, there is a lot of FREE pixel art out there, some animated, so if you wanted you can easily improve the character without a lot of pixel art on your own.  (( ouch, she got me again.... also, thanks for also implementing the arrow keys, I used those and the spacebar instead of WASD! ))

I also made an alchemist maze!  My maze game is less of a maze and more of a puzzle though, try it to see what I mean.  You can use my 'level editor' to make your own level, so if you wanted you can make a very large maze there as well. If you do, please feel free to share the level ID when you rate/comment on my itch submission.

Congrats on submitting this.  I like the urgency to get to the bottom since the platforms are slowly bringing you to the top of the screen and death.  A little glitchy, and when running to the right, the animation looks pretty nice, but I think I saw him running backwards while moving forwards (glitch) ;-).   I can understand why you have the block ability, but of course a jump or dash might be more realistic.

I had a hard time starting sometimes, maybe there is a long load time or perhaps focus in the window needed to be such that the keys could read? or mouse click?  no worries though, glad you submitted your first game jam game.

You have definitely polished this one up since I first tried it, back when it was called the snail and the snake ? or worm I think.  Game play is smooth and intuitive.  Very nice 3D world and although I didn't go that far, I see from the screenshots that there are more areas/levels to explore that seem very nicely drawn/graphics, etc.  I agree - Art design was beautiful and clean - Is that worm supposed to be almost like the big worms from Dune ?  anyway, nice job.

At first I thought I just needed to dodge and survive, but then I read the instructions.  A lot to do moving with mouse to throw a bomb as well as keyboard, so will take some practice and exhibits a full gaming experience.  I just need some practice and patience, then hopefully I will throw some bombs at those birds!   

I was able to come back and add the actual star rating now that the submission period is over and the rating period has begun.   I got the hang of it this time around quite well.  Made it through the 1st set of levels and enjoyed the puzzle / arcade action.  Glad you start with a lot of bombs, it took some practice.

I know you probably saw my Alchemist submission many times (or at least the POSTs about it), so please try to give it a try and a rating.  It's HTML JavaScript only with no engine and I believe you'll appreciate the use of the previous winning assets as well as all the work obviously that I put into this one over the long month!  thanks for this jam, I really enjoyed this one -- first time creating an isometric view game for me, and the bomb was a great inspiration!

Ahh, I found that falling through the bottom brings you out at the top.  Definitely helpful instead of having to jump bomb jump up to the top.

There is a lot in the instructions but I don't think there are many levels that need that complex situation of using fire to burn logs, etc.  It's there just in case someone builds a very challenging level.  Mostly just a maze, keys and bombs are what makes up most of the levels.

Thanks for giving it a try.  There are over 50 levels and there is also a level editor that lets anyone make their own levels to share.  Some of the early levels attempt to make it 'introduce' all the possibilities of the gameplay.  Level 0 is a just a tiny maze, level 1 is a maze with a key, level 2 (I think) introduces the Feather feature, and etc.  It does get challenging and earning all 4 stars in each level does take some practice and logic.  In some cases you have to strategically pick up and use bombs and or fire.  Feel free to try a bunch of levels, or even make your own.  By toggling between edit mode and game mode, you can explore what some of the key, bomb, enemy, orb and locked paths can do.  You toggle developer/editor mode with the Escape key -- which also can easily allow people to cheat of course. 

I just tried it again and this time the bombs that I was shooting seemed different.  Perhaps you had a update to it since the 1st time I tried it.

I (also) found the platforming more difficult than it should have been due to the delay in the jump, but I figured out a tactic eventually.  Also it was a nice surprise to see the row of bombs stop me from platform hoarding.  Kind of like the fireball in original Mario games.   I didn't make it to the boss fight, but the game played as expected as a platformer with a lot of bombs.  Once I found the J key, my strategy was pretty easily successful, but still didn't solve the first level, or make it too much further.

I would have liked the Arrow keys to work as well as A D, etc.  Also, I believe it says to press any key to start, but I found I needed to hit space.

The pixel art is a plus, but wasn't too sure how much action I was responsible for.  I guess it's like a tower defense game and sending in exploding monkey's is what gets the job done.  Looks like there are many upgrades and levels, sadly I didn't get too far on my first try.

I found it a little difficult to use, but was able after a lot of attempts to put some 'voxel' type blocks together.  I too did an Isometric game.  Your submission has an obvious Minecraft feel so I'm guessing that's the gameplay that should be attempted.  I'll have to come back and give it another try, perhaps during the day and not at 3:40am when my brain doesn't want to work much more for the night.

By the way, my submission is also just HTML, and JavaScript - kudos to non-game engine games!

A little difficult but with some practice I was able to bomb around a bit.  It got a little frustrating when I needed the very high jumps, I guess I need more practice.  The level did try to easily teach the mechanics.  Cute look and feel/concept.

A little difficult but with some practice I was able to bomb around a bit.  It got a little frustrating when I needed the very high jumps, I guess I need more practice.  The level did try to easily teach the mechanics.  Cute look and feel/concept.

I couldn't get it to work in desktop mode.  I tried left and right mouse, click and drag, etc.  no luck.  Middle mouse did allow me to pan the world.  I'll have to try again sometime.  -- I tried again and I was able to place some wood, but could not place furniture.  -- will try yet again, looks like an interesting idea.
Wow, now that I figured it out, I loved the bombardment of my structure!  Wasn't sure how the bombs fit the theme, other than of course they do a lot of damage.   Fun physics, I'll give it yet another try - smiles in advance.

Woo Hoo!  My build passed!  My trick was an angular collection of shields within shields.

Haha, this one made me smile.  I have a level (#47) in my game submission that isn't solvable on purpose!   It was a little tricky to play at first, since I didn't read the instructions, but I enjoyed the character art and character death.

https://itch.io/jam/alchemy-jam-7/rate/4154591

Thanks, I already saw that you rated mine so I of course gave yours a try and a rating as well!

The Fight Against The Bomb Wizardess

( https://itch.io/jam/alchemy-jam-7/rate/4186130 ). 

Perhaps if someone else here sees this post they can rate my submission as well. 

Alchemist

https://itch.io/jam/alchemy-jam-7/rate/4154591

I just played a game that had a Jam Mode that enabled other characters to try without having to solve, earn them. 

My game has the same thing (a cheat mode of sorts) -- You can use Page Up and Page Down in my game to quickly switch between different levels and try any/all you like that way.  There are some surprising levels out there!  Also, the '^' key is another cheat mode key that allows you to have a birds eye view without the feather.

https://itch.io/jam/alchemy-jam-7/rate/4154591

When I saw the words, MINE MINE MINE, I was thinking ownership terms of MINE, duh, stupid me, I get it now, MINE, like digging! duh!!!  Makes total sense and use of bombs to dig more/faster, but the shovel and the pick in minigames, etc.  Wow, where is my mineD right now!

Nice thing you have here.  Seeing the X,Y coordinates in the top definitely gives me a pleasant jam feel.  I do that sort of thing myself a lot.  After reading instructions and learning I can dig, I was pleased to make some progress.  I made it to a minigame.  I guess I solved it easily but wasn't sure what was going on there for a bit.  It will take a deliberate attempt to try and solve a level/game in order for me to understand more about what is going on here.  I also liked the flipped character for left and right movement.

Ahh, I found out what its about.  Digging and finding the bones, bringing the bones back to the different people and things it seems.  A nice adventure that surely could occupy some time.  Minigames are a nice touch.

Wow, that's a pretty full platformer with a good use of bomb to explore/expand the level.  I found it difficult because of course there is a lot going on.  Well done, I'll give it another try and see some more...

WOW, again, using the mouse to shoot some blocks and the bomb Q to explode much more is a lot of good stuff and a lot to handle.  No wonder I was overwhelmed when I tried it without reading the instructions.  Very full put together game, I wish I could jump to the boss level just to see what you have there.  I guess I'll have to practice to make it to that level, but many more games to try and rate.  Well done.

Pong meets Hot Potato is what I'd call this.  Nice interesting twist.  I would like to be able to move the paddle a little faster or perhaps with the mouse, but then again, that would probably make it easier than it was on my first try.

Good job coming up with the bomb time changes and things.  I like that the different paddle setting operates on the bomb differently.  I didn't play long enough to figure it all out, but did enjoy what you put here.  When I saw the characters (cartoon witches), I was expecting something different, perhaps with your art skills/ use of art, you'd incorporate characters like that in a future game of yours.

Nicely done.  I think it is great you provided "Want to try all the characters but don't have enough gold? Enable 'JAM RATING MODE' in the pause menu!".   The level seemed very large and it was easy to survive for quite a while.  Looks like it gets very intense later on in the game, or at different characters.  I'll play again after posting this, and I'll try that JAM MODE to see all the nice characters.  I see you took the time to make a lot of characters and game play.

I like that your credits indicate what you learned and where you learned it from.  I think you might have inspired me to make my first PICO game sometime in the future.  Mostly I just do HTML, Canvas and JavaScript (easy to throw together a bunch of things and even Three JS, Matter JS and more), but you cleanly did a nice BIG thing with just a little PICO thing.

 YOU Said: "The Alchemy Jam community on Discord really motivated me to keep working on my game and sharing updates, it was so fun to talk about my game with other people and get a glimpse of what others were making. It was a great source of inspiration, and helped me think through my ideas."
-- I also spent a lot of time and continually improved my submission over time. 

Love the concept of the game (also)!  I liked timing the bomb with moving/falling tile sets.  I wasn't very good at it, but I found the controls very intuitive.  Using the mouse and numbers to select available patterns was a good way to accomplish the mechanics needed.  I only played a few minutes.  Perhaps an explorer/cheat mode that gives access to all possible shapes would be a fun way to click and boom everything - (maybe like a tutorial or practice level would give you access to such an entire list of shapes just to see how things go)