dark trial - pen platformer beta
Dark Trial - Pen Platformer Beta - True 100% Pen Physics
Game Overview: True 100% pen-based platformer with no hidden costume collision detection. Entirely data-driven physics engine. Some sections are straightforward, others are intentionally challenging. ALL sections are mathematically proven possible. For more pen-based challenges, try pen platformer and 99 pen platformer.
Critical Secret Location
First secret passageway located beneath the small ledge adjacent to the wall, down by the lava. Explore thoroughly to discover hidden paths. This emphasis on exploration sets it apart from linear platformer games.
Performance Note
Game may experience slight lag when running in the Scratch editor. Optimized for player experience outside editor environment.
Recognition Milestones
- Curated on 27th by @purplewolves
- Recommended by @-PasteICupcake-
- Top Loved October 31st
- 200th love milestone from @oogey89
- Most popular project on creator's profile
Complete Control Scheme
- Arrow keys: Movement and jumping
- WASD: Alternative to arrow keys
- R key: Respawn at last activated checkpoint
- G key: Force character out of ground geometry (may not work consistently)
Hazard and Mechanic Color Coding
- Red zones: Instant death on contact
- Dark tan-gray platforms: Bounce pads for increased jump height
- Darker gray surfaces: Jump disabled - treat as sticky platforms
- Blue portals: Inward teleportation (one-way)
- Green portals: Outward teleportation (one-way)
Technical Excellence
Unlike conventional pen platformers using hidden costumes for collision, this project implements true 100% pen rendering and detection. No costume sensing whatsoever. Complete data-based architecture with superior wall detection compared to many scrolling platformers.
Development Credits
Codebase 100% original by creator. Built upon pen platformer foundation from @Kwaheri1025, modified for side-scrolling implementation. All graphics self-created.
Important Discovery Note
The ledge past the first lava section is NOT the level end. A secret passageway exists somewhere beyond. Exploration rewarded. This design philosophy encourages thorough investigation.
Community Discussion
Official forum thread: https://scratch.mit.edu/discuss/topic/277268/?page=1#post-2832696 for feedback and suggestions.
Comprehensive Update Log (2017)
- Sept 19: Project shared as demo
- Sept 20: Added checkpoints (golden lines) and bounce pads
- Sept 21: Extended level
- Sept 22: Major expansion with second checkpoint
- Sept 23: Added sticky platforms (dark gray), extended level
- Sept 24: Portals work-in-progress, title change
- Sept 25: Completed portals (one-way functionality)
- Sept 26: Enemies work-in-progress (development debate)
- Sept 27: Enemies temporarily removed
- Sept 28: Enemies removed until further notice, level extended
- Sept 29: Level extension
- Oct 03: Level extension with third checkpoint
- Oct 07: Level extension
- Oct 12: Level extension with fourth checkpoint
- Oct 17: Level extension
- Oct 26: Level extension
- Nov 03: Level extension, officially changed to Beta version
- Nov 19: Completed first level, added level goal, added WASD support
Development Roadmap
- [In Progress] Level extension
- [Completed] Reach Beta version ✓
- [Completed] Add portals ✓
- [Considered] Conveyor belts
- [Considered] Locks and keys
- [Planned] Pen text engine
- [Planned] Thumbnail and menu system
- [In Progress] Complete first level
- [Under Discussion] Second level development