v 0.2.0|Tavern Tale Studio
Aquatic action based on physics
You guide a squid in rocky underwater caverns by using its tentacle to act as a grappling hook. As you chase fish through each level, you must avoid bottomless pits and spikes.
Side-scrolling action based on weird physicsGames that rely on unreliable physics are a very popular genre. They use deliberate, dodgy controls to create chaos that you can't help but love. Speedrun Squid captures some this energy in an engaging, but sometimes clumsy prototype.
Unusual control schemeSpeedrun Squid has only one tentacle, despite having six tentacles like squids. This feature is an initial disappointment but doesn't stop the leg-as-grappling-hook mechanic from being an entertaining gimmick. Players can grab onto certain rocks which will allow the squid to propel itself towards them. The squid slowly sinks underwater. To make it move, you must time your swings correctly.
Graphics that are simple but effectiveSpeedrun Squid has a side-on pixel-art presentation that is similar to many side-scrollers or platformers. The squid moves by wiggling a few legs and parallax scrolling gives the illusion of movement and depth as it swings or floats through each level. It can be difficult to determine which surfaces you can hook onto and it is possible to get snagged by the scenery.
Overworld map and world progressSpeedrun Squid has an overworld map that, while linear, suggests a sense overall progression. Speedrun Squid could follow the lead of games like Slay the Spire, which have made branching maps a narrative success.
Needs a polishSpeedrun Squid is a prototype so there are some issues that can be overlooked. It is possible to get stuck on a level without any way to move, since there is no 'float' button to move. It also needs screen resolution options or anti-aliasing, as the game loads in full-screen but blurry.