Mark Brown, a puzzle game designer, lauds "Blue Prince" as a masterful blend of roguelike and puzzle elements. He praises its innovative core mechanic of manipulating connected blocks, which creates a dynamic and challenging experience. Brown highlights the game's elegant simplicity, depth of strategy involving risk management and planning, and satisfying difficulty curve. He argues that its clever design allows for both emergent complexity and a clear sense of player agency, solidifying its status as a standout achievement in puzzle game design.
Whatsit.today is a new word guessing game where players try to decipher a hidden five-letter word by submitting guesses. Feedback is provided after each guess, revealing which letters are correct and if they are in the correct position within the word. The game offers a daily puzzle and the opportunity for unlimited practice. The creator is seeking feedback on their project.
HN users generally praised the simple, clean design and addictive gameplay of the word game. Several suggested improvements, such as a dark mode, a way to see definitions, and a larger word list. Some questioned the scoring system and offered alternative methods. A few pointed out similar existing games, and others offered encouragement for further development and monetization strategies. One commenter appreciated the creator's humility in presenting the game and mentioned their own mother's enjoyment of simple word games, creating a sense of camaraderie. The overall sentiment was positive and supportive.
Corral is a visual logic puzzle where the goal is to enclose each number on a grid with a loop. The loop must form a single, continuous path, and the number of squares contained within each loop must match the number it encloses. The game offers various grid sizes and difficulty levels, providing a challenging and engaging spatial reasoning experience. It's implemented as a web-based game using JavaScript and features a clean, minimalist design.
Commenters on Hacker News generally expressed interest in Corral, praising its clean design and intuitive gameplay. Several suggested improvements, such as adding difficulty levels, different board sizes, and an undo button. Some discussed optimal solving strategies and the possibility of using programmatic approaches. A few commenters mentioned similarities to other logic puzzles like Slitherlink and Cave Story. There was also a brief discussion about the choice of name, with some finding it confusing or unrelated to the game's mechanics. Overall, the reception was positive, with many appreciating the simple yet engaging nature of the puzzle.
Jussi Koskela, the creator of Deluxe Ski Jump, discusses the game's origins, development, and enduring popularity in this interview. Starting as a simple project inspired by a Finnish ski jumping game, Koskela iteratively improved the physics and gameplay based on player feedback, leading to its widespread success, especially in Finland. He highlights the importance of community involvement and the dedicated modding scene that has extended the game's lifespan. Despite not actively developing the game anymore, Koskela expresses gratitude for its impact and the continued passion of its players.
Hacker News users discuss the simplicity and longevity of Deluxe Ski Jump, praising its addictive gameplay and minimal system requirements. Several commenters reminisce about playing the game in their youth, highlighting the nostalgic appeal. The discussion also touches on the game's development, including its origins as a QBasic project and the creator's surprise at its enduring popularity. Some users express interest in the game's physics engine and its realistic, albeit simplified, representation of ski jumping. The overall sentiment is one of appreciation for a classic game that continues to entertain despite its age.
EmptyEpsilon is a free and open-source spaceship bridge simulator designed for collaborative gameplay. It features a minimalist, vector-based aesthetic and focuses on providing a framework for users to create their own custom ships, roles, and gameplay mechanics. The simulator uses a client-server architecture, allowing multiple players to connect and operate different stations on the bridge. While it comes with a basic starter ship and some pre-built functionality, EmptyEpsilon is primarily intended as a platform for users to build upon and tailor to their own specific needs and preferences, using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Several commenters on Hacker News expressed excitement about EmptyEpsilon, praising its impressive visuals and potential for collaborative gameplay. Some drew comparisons to Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator, noting EmptyEpsilon's more modern graphics and user interface. A few users discussed the challenges of running such a simulator smoothly, particularly with larger groups, and questioned the choice of Godot as the engine. There was also interest in the project's open-source nature, with suggestions for potential features and improvements, like adding more realistic ship systems and expanding the scripting capabilities. A recurring theme was the desire for more complex gameplay mechanics beyond simple button-pressing, emphasizing the need for strategic depth to maintain long-term engagement.
Breakout has been reimagined with a roguelite/Vampire Survivors twist. Instead of a paddle, you control a constantly firing character at the bottom of the screen. Power-ups drop from destroyed bricks, enhancing your abilities like fire rate, spread, and projectile type. The game features a constantly increasing difficulty and permanent upgrades that persist across runs, allowing you to progress further with each attempt. It's playable in-browser and built using JavaScript, offering a modern take on a classic arcade experience.
Hacker News users generally praised the game's simple yet engaging gameplay, with several commending the smooth controls and satisfying feel. Some suggested potential improvements, like adding more variety in enemy types and level design, incorporating sound effects, and implementing a scoring system. A few users compared it to other similar games, noting its roguelite elements and fast-paced action. The developer actively participated in the discussion, responding to feedback and outlining plans for future updates, including mobile support and new features. Overall, the reception was positive, with users appreciating the game's polish and addictive nature.
CEO Simulator: Startup Edition is a browser-based simulation game where players take on the role of a startup CEO. You manage resources like cash, morale, and ideas, making decisions across departments such as marketing, engineering, and sales. The goal is to navigate the challenges of running a startup, balancing competing priorities and striving for a successful exit, either through acquisition or an IPO. The game features randomized events that force quick thinking and strategic adaptation, offering a simplified but engaging experience of the pressures and triumphs of the startup world.
HN commenters generally found the CEO Simulator simplistic but fun for a short time. Several pointed out the unrealistic aspects of the game, like instantly hiring hundreds of engineers and the limited scope of decisions. Some suggested improvements, including more complex financial modeling, competitive dynamics, and varied employee personalities. A common sentiment was that the game captured the "feeling" of being overwhelmed as a CEO, even if the mechanics were shallow. A few users compared it favorably to other similar games and praised its clean UI. There was also a brief discussion about the challenges of representing startup life accurately in a game format.
RetroFab lets you experience classic electronic games like handheld LCD titles and LED tabletop games in a new way. It provides playable 3D simulations of these vintage devices, complete with accurate logic and visuals, capturing the charm of the original hardware. Users can browse a library of built-in games or even design and play their own creations using a visual editor, effectively emulating the experience of building circuits for these devices. RetroFab aims to preserve and share the joy of these often-forgotten gaming experiences in an interactive and accessible format.
Hacker News users discussed RetroFab's impressive emulation accuracy and attention to detail, particularly regarding the CRT simulation. Some debated the value of simulating the imperfections of older hardware, with some arguing it enhances the nostalgic experience while others found it unnecessary or even detrimental. Several commenters expressed excitement about using the software for educational purposes, like teaching electronics and reverse engineering. The legality of distributing ROMs was also touched upon, with a reminder that users are responsible for acquiring ROMs legally. Finally, there was praise for the developer's technical skills and the use of WebGL for accessibility. Some wished for features like save states and improved UI navigation, but overall, the response was positive, appreciating the unique approach to emulation.
"Trails of Wind" is a generative art project exploring the visualization of wind currents. Using weather data, the artwork dynamically renders swirling lines that represent the movement and direction of wind across a global map. The piece allows viewers to observe complex patterns and the interconnectedness of global weather systems, offering an aesthetic interpretation of otherwise invisible natural forces. The project emphasizes the ever-shifting nature of wind, resulting in a constantly evolving artwork.
HN users largely praised the visual aesthetic and interactive elements of "Trails of Wind," describing it as mesmerizing, beautiful, and relaxing. Some appreciated the technical aspect, noting the clever use of WebGL and shaders. Several commenters pointed out the similarity to the older "wind map" visualizations, while others drew comparisons to other flow visualizations and generative art pieces. A few users wished for additional features like zooming, different data sources, or adjustable parameters. One commenter raised the concern about the project's longevity and the potential for the underlying data source to disappear.
Driven by a desire to learn networking and improve his Common Lisp skills, the author embarked on creating a multiplayer shooter game. He chose the relatively low-level Hunchentoot web server, using WebSockets for communication and opted for a client-server architecture over peer-to-peer for simplicity. Development involved tackling challenges like client-side prediction, interpolation, and hit detection while managing the complexities of game state synchronization. The project, though rudimentary graphically, provided valuable experience in game networking and solidified his appreciation for Lisp's flexibility and the power of its ecosystem. The final product is functional, allowing multiple players to connect, move, and shoot each other in a simple 2D arena.
HN users largely praised the author's work on the Lisp shooter game, calling it "impressive" and "inspiring." Several commenters focused on the choice of Lisp, some expressing surprise at its suitability for game development while others affirmed its capabilities, particularly Common Lisp's performance. Discussion arose around web game development technologies, including the use of WebSockets and client-side rendering with PixiJS. Some users inquired about the networking model and server architecture. Others highlighted the clear and well-written nature of the accompanying blog post, appreciating the author's breakdown of the development process. A few commenters offered constructive criticism, suggesting improvements like mobile support. The general sentiment leaned towards encouragement and appreciation for the author's technical achievement and willingness to share their experience.
Bearings Only is a browser-based submarine combat game focusing on sonar and deduction. Players listen for enemy submarines using a hydrophone, plotting their movements on a grid based on bearing and changes in sound. The game emphasizes strategic thinking and careful analysis over fast-paced action, challenging players to outwit their opponents through cunning and calculated positioning rather than direct confrontation. It features minimalist graphics and a focus on immersive audio.
HN commenters generally praised the game's simple yet engaging gameplay, clean UI, and overall polish. Several appreciated the strategic depth despite the minimalist presentation, with one noting it felt like a more accessible version of Cold Waters. Others suggested potential improvements, such as adding sound effects, varying submarine types, and incorporating a tutorial or clearer instructions. Some discussed the realism of certain mechanics, like the sonar detection model, while others simply enjoyed the nostalgic vibes reminiscent of classic browser games. A few users also encountered minor bugs, including difficulty selecting targets on certain browsers.
Summary of Comments ( 98 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43628070
Hacker News users largely praise Blue Prince, echoing the article's "masterpiece" designation. Several commenters highlight the game's elegant simplicity and surprising depth, comparing it favorably to other puzzle games like Drop7 and Triple Town. The "undo" feature is singled out as a particularly brilliant design choice that allows for experimentation without excessive penalty. Some express disappointment with the mobile-only format and desire a desktop version. A few commenters delve into specific gameplay mechanics, discussing optimal strategies and the balance of luck versus skill. Overall, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with multiple users recommending the game and praising its addictive qualities.
The Hacker News post discussing Blue Prince, a roguelike puzzle game, has generated several comments exploring various aspects of the game and the genre.
One commenter expresses their appreciation for the "match-3 with a twist" gameplay, emphasizing how it diverges from the typical "casual" match-3 experience by incorporating elements of deckbuilding and roguelike progression. They highlight the strategic depth introduced by these mechanics, creating a more engaging and less repetitive gameplay loop.
Another commenter focuses on the game's difficulty, noting its challenging nature even on lower difficulty settings. They point out the importance of efficient resource management and strategic decision-making, contrasting it with more casual puzzle games where simply matching pieces might suffice. This comment also praises the game's clear communication of its mechanics, allowing players to understand the reasons behind their failures and learn from their mistakes.
The discussion also touches upon the accessibility of the game, with one user inquiring about controller support. The developer responds directly, confirming the existence of controller support and outlining their plans to further refine the control scheme based on player feedback.
The conversation delves into the specific puzzle mechanics, with a commenter drawing parallels between Blue Prince and other puzzle games involving chain reactions and cascading effects. They highlight the satisfying feeling of setting up complex combos and watching them unfold, praising the game's design for encouraging this type of strategic play.
Further comments discuss the game's art style and presentation, with some expressing appreciation for the clean visuals and intuitive user interface. Others comment on the game's monetization model, noting its availability on Steam and the potential for future mobile releases.
Overall, the comments on Hacker News paint a picture of Blue Prince as a well-designed and engaging puzzle game that successfully blends elements of different genres. The commenters highlight its strategic depth, challenging gameplay, and polished presentation, while also acknowledging its potential to appeal to a wider audience through improved accessibility and platform availability.