desolation - a pen platformer
Desolation - A Pen Platformer - Hardcore Multidirectional 100% Pen Platforming
Work-In-Progress Status: Actively developed multidirectional scrolling platformer rendered entirely with 100% pen technology. Zero costumes or touching boolean blocks used - pure vector rendering. Engine evolved from earlier pen platformer VOID, upgraded to support full multidirectional camera movement.
For fans of precision Scratch platformers and technical pen engine games, also explore Sprunki Scratch for a different take on Scratch-based gameplay.
Current Development Stage
Ground collision detection successfully repaired. Ceiling detection currently non-functional - acknowledged limitation. Levels 1-5 substantially complete. Level 6 in active development. Regular progress updates documented from December 2017 through July 2018.
Critical Gameplay Mechanics
- Arrow keys for movement and jump execution
- R key instant restart
- M key audio mute toggle
- Side-panning toggle switch located top-left corner - user preference between horizontal camera follow or fixed perspective
- Death triggers: void fall, spike contact
- Environmental rules: trees and rocks are non-standable surfaces
- Level 1 termination point: massive wall structure
Level 5 Advisory
Specific hint provided - if progression becomes impossible upon reaching apparent endpoint, perform manual restart to reset level state.
Difficulty Philosophy
Explicitly designed as challenging experience. Creator maintains stance that difficulty will remain unchanged. Precision platforming with unforgiving hazard placement.
Technical Specifications
100% pen rendering pipeline. No sprite costumes. No color-touching detection. Pure vector collision system. Multidirectional scrolling implementation derived from VOID engine foundation. Known technical debt: ceiling detection compromised during ground detection repair.
For developers interested in pen-based game engines, check out 2.5D Pen Platformer Engine for additional technical inspiration.
Audio Credits
Soundtrack composed by Kevin MacLeod. Project file provided by @-MushMellow-.
Related Works
Complete pen platformer trilogy available: VOID, CHRONAL LINES, DARK TRIAL. Desolation represents engine evolution from these predecessors.
Community Recognition
Curated January 19 by @Wahsp. Top Loved status achieved January 22. Active feedback collection - creator requests constructive suggestions in comments.
Development Roadmap
Planned feature additions: WASD control scheme support, checkpoint system implementation, brightness/contrast display mode, atmospheric cloud assets, refined cliff base transitions with stippled erosion effects.
Version History Highlights
- Jul 21, 2018: Level 5 hint bug resolution
- Jul 05, 2018: Mute button integration, minor optimizations
- Mar 30, 2018: Ceiling detection revision, Level 6 expansion
- Jan 19, 2018: Secret content addition to Level 6
- Jan 16, 2018: Panning algorithm modification, Level 6 progress
- Jan 12, 2018: Intro text removal temporary, Level 6 initiation
- Jan 06, 2018: Intro text implementation
- Jan 02, 2018: Panning redesign for reduced frustration, Level 5 completion
- Dec 22, 2017: Level 4 finalization
- Dec 21, 2017: No side-panning default, Level 4 refinement
- Dec 19, 2017: Level 4 commencement
- Dec 16, 2017: Camera panning adjustment, Levels 2-3 completion, panning toggle slider
- Dec 15, 2017: Level 2 initiation
- Dec 14, 2017: Public sharing launch
