WASD: A Move-Based Puzzle Game
Hey, thanks for visiting! This is WASD, the move-based puzzle game that I'm currently developing. Please, read the 'Before to play' section below.
This is a prototype. One of its purposes is to showcase some of the game main elements, including a couple of more advanced mechanics. That means that the difficulty curve can be steep, specially in the last four puzzles, where you might have to think a bit out of the box in order to solve a couple of stages.
Also, the music, sound effects and UI are placeholders, so most of them (if not all) will be different in the final version.
WASD is a puzzle game based on movement. This prototype contains 10 stages, which feature 6 different types of tiles.
The tiles are the main element of the game. The most basic ones have no effect, but those with a symbol on their surface do: some will change the distance at which you can move, others will modify your position and some will affect the whole stage.
Any tile, regardless of its effect or lack of it, will be deactivated when you pass through it. When a tile is deactivated, it will become an obstacle on your way (unless you can jump it somehow...) and you won't be able to trigger its effect, so you have to think carefully about where and when to move.
And... that's essentially WASD. But, in case that you've already played the prototype (thank you!) and want to know more about the future full version (thank you again!), please keep reading.
Gameplay-wise, there are already more types of tiles planned (even some partially done). The very nature of the game makes it possible to have a wide variety of effects, which in turn leads to more synergies between the different tiles and thus more attractive puzzles.
Graphics-wise, I want to add effects and particles that help make the whole game more juicy and visually appealing. The idea is to have an end product that, in terms of graphics, is akin to titles like Beat Saber or, to a lesser extent, Tetris Effect. Still a long way, but I'll be getting steadily closer.
Also, I'll have to change anything that is currently a placeholder, like the music, the sound effects or some UI elements, and improve the user experience. In general, make the game as gratifying to play as possible.
The full version is planned for 2025. There is no specific date at the moment, but it will most likely be released at some point in the second half of the year.
If you want to follow the development of the game a bit more closely, I'll be posting updates on my Twitter/X account from time to time. You can also follow me here on Itch or use the community section on this page to say or ask anything related to the project.
Additionally, you can find me on these other places:
The idea for this game came shortly after the Level Up Game Jam, while I was analyzing games from other participants. So a big shoutout to the games that inspired WASD: Shaman Steps, Shared Thoughts, Gnomes Out! and Turn It On.
Also, another big shoutout to NIUM, the game that sparked the idea for the technique used in the graphics style.
While the music and sound effects used in this prototype are placeholders, they are still worthy of an attribution (the ones omitted here are just made with my mouth and then edited).
"316" by BuytheField. Used without modifications as the game music. Link to the source.
"Victory (short sting)" by xkeril. Edited and used as the effect that plays when a puzzle is solved. Link to the source.
