Bender for Playdate
A downloadable game
One button arcade high score chaser.
Hit the target angle, repeatedly.
Instructions
- Hold any button to change angle
- Target angle is 90 degrees
- Remaining lives are displayed along the bottom
- Current score top left
- Highest score top right
- Each bend is greeted with a suitable toast
Increasing Difficulty
- Bending speed based on bar size
- Numeric angle will disappear as you continue
- If you continue to do well, the bar will change!
Easy Mode
- 20% slower
- Easy banner
- Bar size indicator
- No hi-score for you!
Visual Effects (not shown in images)
- Explosion and screen flash snap animation
- Motion Blur of line movement
Zen Mode
- Disables toast words and visual effects
Purchase
In order to download this game you must purchase it at or above the minimum price of $5 USD. You will get access to the following files:
Development log
- Version 4.1: quality of life and performance changesAug 31, 2022
- Version 4.0: quality of life changesMay 25, 2022
- Version 3.0: introducing Zen modeMay 21, 2022
- Look ma, no sprites!May 21, 2022
- Version 2.0: improvements and fixesMay 21, 2022
- I made a game in a dayMay 21, 2022
Comments
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I have run into a situation a few times where i am holding a button down, and it doesn't seem to matter which one, and without me letting go, the bar will break one or two time and wipe out my game.
I fixed a similar problem in Circular recently. I’ll release an update to this very soon. I’m moving office this week but will try to squeeze it in.
Thanks for featuring Bender!
Playing the game is effectively training your muscle memory. You will get better with time as you begin to recognise the 6 different thicknesses and are able to adjust your timing.
I find it does somehow tap into the subconscious. Wild! Have fun.
This is great for a few minutes of play while my coffee brews! However, I feel cheated as the very first level on the game over screen starts with an unknown thickness target. It's only the 2nd chance do I get a preview of the target.
That’s a good point. I’ll fix that soon.
Edit: the latest version features an improved game start flow, and some other minor changes: https://gingerbeardman.itch.io/bender-for-playdate/devlog/385195/version-40
Thanks! One other thing. I noticed that sometimes when I’m on a streak of 2 or 3 successful points, the counter will disappear. Is this intentional? It makes the game much more difficult.
Edit: I take it back. Watching the bar instead of the counter seems to be the way to go.
It is intentional! To prevent runaway scores I hide the counter at 5 lives and start to fade the bar away after 7. I’m not sure these are great ideas but that’s how I designed the original version 10 years ago. Have fun!
Really cool idea! One more I have to put on the list for when I finally get the device :)