Game Off IV Highlights

Last month, we challenged you to create a game based on the theme hacking, modding, and/or augmenting. For all those that submitted entries, thank you! A little holiday gift will be working its way to your inbox shortly.

Here’s a selection of some of our favorites that you can play, hack on, or learn from. Enjoy!

Sir Jumpelot

^{» Play in browser · View source}

The main character (who has a strong resemblance to Hubot) must survive waves of enemies with some calculated jumping. Be careful: new mods change the game mechanics as you play. Created by @MelvinPoppelaars with Unity and hosted on itch.io.

Lighting

^{» Play in browser · View source}

This illuminating game is inspired by a couple of real-life hacks on MIT’s Green Building and the Cira Centre in Philadelphia. Created by @hiddenwaffle using three.js, tween.js, and howler.js. Hosted on GitHub Pages.

Muntz

^{» Play in browser · View source}

A puzzle game inspired by the work of TV Pioneer Earl “Madman” Muntz, a TV hacker from the 1950s. Attempt to simplify increasingly complex circuits. Learn a little about American TV and broadcast history in the process. Created by @joemagiv with Unity.

Boxie Coody

^{» Play in browser · View source}

A Sokoban-like puzzle game, where a friendly bot called Coody teaches you how to complete your work, and it gets more challenging every day. Created by @LastFlower, @LastLeaf, and @tongtongggggg. Graphics created with Inkscape, sound effects created with LMMS and GeneralUser GS. Hosted on GitHub Pages.

Pongout

^{» Play in browser (mobile friendly) · View source}

What happens when you remix Pong with Breakout? Pongout! Created by @kurehajime and written in JavaScript. Hosted on GitHub Pages.

Mine Hacker

^{» Download · View source}

A dungeon-crawling, roguelike Minesweeper game in which you navigate a map of hidden tiles by using the small amount of information provided by the robot’s sensors. Created by @BelowParallelStudios using Unity. Music was created with Bosca Ceoil. Graphics created with Aseprite and GIMP.

Byter

^{» Play in browser · View source · Download}

Byter is an open source clicker game, where you have to hack various targets. Created by @KyleBanks with Unity.

Hacking in Progress

^{» Download (Win) · View source}

Run around the computer store in this 80s-style stealth hacking game, but be sure to avoid the clerks and security cameras. Created by @flipcoder using their very own open source 2D/3D OpenGL game engine called Qor.

Airplane

^{» Play in browser · View source}

Enjoy this one with a friend or coworker as you try to destroy one another’s airplanes. Created by @IonicaBizau. Written in JavaScript and hosted on GitHub Pages.

The Terminal

^{» Download (Windows) · Build from source (All platforms)}

A cooperative hacking game in the style of Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes. One player must hack into a computer terminal, while the other player follows instructions from the manual. Created by @Juzley and @paulo6. Written in Python using Pygame.

Hackshot

^{» Play in browser · View source}

A JavaScript coding game where you programmatically control a cannon to take down hordes of incoming enemies. Created by @buch415 using CodeMirror for the code editor and syntax highlighting. Hosted on GitHub Pages.

Code Explorer

^{» Play in browser · View source}

You control a voxel programmer as he (literally) jumps through the program’s code. What will happen when you reach the end? Play to quine out. Created by @michalbe using JavaScript and hosted on GitHub Pages.

Pwnterman

^{» Play in browser · View source}

The README.md file suggests it’s the worst game ever made. We beg to differ. This was made in two hours, and it’s controlled with Vim Key Bindings H J K L. What’s not to like? Created by @joshbressers.

Unnamed Hacking Themed Game

^{» Download (Win) · View source}

Use various attacks to alter enemy defenses and objects to your advantage in this 2D action platforming game. Created by @DamienPWright using Unity.

Tech Wars

^{» Play in browser · View source · Download (Win, Mac, Linux)}

The team at Vital built a Unity game that introduces a digitally enhanced virus to a tech startup. Help your infected coworkers using your Nerf darts dipped in the antidote.

Mona’s Escape

^{» Play in browser · View source}

Here’s a small demo where you play as Mona trying to escape a containment cell in Area 51. Watch out for the guards, though. Cat and octopus hybrids are are not well equipped for combat. Created by @joshuashoemaker using Pixi.js

Knot Fun

^{» View source · Store: Android + iOS}

Don’t let the name mislead you. This game about untangling knots is lotsa fun.* Created by @AStox using C#, Unity, and GIMP.

^{* If you love untangling your earphone cords, Christmas tree lights, kids’ shoelaces, etc.}

TPS Report Simulator

^{» Play in browser · View source}

Don’t let your coworkers stop you from hacking all the terminals on your way out the door. Use the red staplers and ISP CDs to your advantage. Created by @bjshively and @spaghettioh using the JavaScript game engine, Phaser. Hosted on Heroku.

Zombie Chess

^{» Play in browser · View source}

Using open source libraries and frameworks, Gravitywell and friends created a chess game that sees iconic rock musicians fight against contemporary EDM DJs. Built with Meteor.js, Stockfish.js (AI), chessboard.js (UI), and Howler.js (SFX).

Immolation Organization

^{» Download from the Apple App Store · Build from source}

Take control of a mob that attempts to control a group of bad guys. Created by @EtherTyper, @AnimatorJoe, and @SamHollenbeck from Westlake High School’s Accessible Programming Club using. Created with Swift and SpriteKit. Available too from Apple’s App Store.

Hackable Mi

^{» Play in browser · View source}

Guide Mi through an array of puzzles and mazes with code. Created by @Vandise and hosted on Heroku.

Octopout

^{» Download (Win) · View source}

In this Breakout clone, octopusses have been transformed into metal creatures. Created by @panoramix360, @guilhermekf, @fpjuni, and @stopellileo using GameMaker.