It's a great game, I wish there is no time limit though. Another is that some of the UI. I wish I can hover on some icon to recall what those resource icons again. Also, I wish that the industry of each planet, at least, for a hefty price.
I wish I can explore more of the tech, but the 25 years makes it impossible for me.
Another is the option to zoom in and out just to plan easier.
No wiki yet, but we do have a Discord with some people capable of 18000+ scores on the highest difficulty and probably willing to talk strategy :) https://discord.gg/qD97EDu
After doing more research, I feel stupid for asking about this. But I now have a new inquiry. As much as I think the new look for the game is cool, I really think of the concept of this game as more chill and retro. If I may ask, do you think there could be a way to revert the new version back to the simple pixelated graphics? Not to offend you in any way but I really prefer them.
The new version is still going to be plenty chill, though definitely less retro :) I'm afraid there is no option of making the new version use pixel art graphics, even though I understand some might prefer it. It'd require making two versions of everything in the game, essentially - which probably wouldn't be a good investment of the development effort as opposed to actually finishing the game :)
Again, not to push you in any way, but what if it had a similar skinning system to osu! or Minecraft, where image assets can be changed or swapped out in the games files (they tend to be in their own separate selectable folders but thats basically it) ? Maybe this could cause interesting skins based on playstyle or color.
Just wanted to echo the other comments that this game is AWESOME! What a great coffee break game.
That said, this really needs an open-ended mode where it doesn't end after a set time! Maybe it's as simple as changing a few lines of code in the PICO-8 source code? (which lines?)
If you'd like to hack the PICO-8 source code (and have access to the .p8), just search for "self.game_end=", though the game is really not designed for infinite play.
The new version will have a longer campaign and probably some kind of infinite mode as well.
I like to start games with a hiveworld Earth-like and breeding on an Ocean/Jungle in my first probe. Using a food processor, I can get both planets content within the first year.
My tech path tends to be Space Folding and Geneseeds for tier 1, Xenofoods and Trading Hubs for tier 2, then Starbirth, Infraspace, and whatever I need at the moment for tier 3.
Geneseeds and Xenofoods are both organics techs, so an organics laboratory will reduce the cost of both Geneseeds and Xenofoods by 1. This way you can rush Xenofoods and use the extra food to colonize Iceballs and Barren planets.
Trading Hubs, Infraspace, and Superhuman AI are all tech techs, so a tech laboratory will reduce the cost of all by 1. Getting Superhuman AI's tech boost early helps a lot, letting you go for an early Time Compression and stock up tech for Ascension, which is where you can really maximize your score.
Thanks a lot! Your advices helped me a lot, but 9000+ planet score is smth unbelievable for me. For example, that's my best run
I think the problem could be in my extensive use of starbirth, that consume a lot of time. And, I also surprised, that you have found infraspace usable (isn't it consume 2 much time?) and don't use void syntethizers (why?).
Void Synthesizers have a couple of key flaws. They can't produce goods, which are critical for elevating colonies from [content] to [prosperous]. They're also extremely endgame, and cannot be used to push planets from [prosperous] to [rich].
On the other hand, Starbirth can be used to push planets from [prosperous] to [rich].
Similarly, infraspace can also be used to move the necessary extra resources to propel planets from [prosperous] to [rich].
I've only discovered this game for like a week, but I'm seriously hooked!
Only complaints that I have is that the icons for the planet types in the research menu tooltips are hard to tell what planet type they are. It's also generally more difficult to distinguish xeno planets from jungle planets. Maybe make the xeno planets purple to help distinguish them from jungle planets and earth-like planets?
Also, it'd be great if you had some kind of guide or wiki to keep track of what structures we can build on what types of planets, and also distinguishing which structures can be built on which planets with which upgrade.
And like other people have said, an endless mode, or maybe a sandbox mode, would be amazing for this game!
Another thing, although this is less about general game design, it makes me kinda sad that you're moving this project to 3D. You have all this beautiful pixel art and animation, so going to 3D feels like putting it to waste. But I'm not discouraging you from going to 3D if you think it makes the game better. I understand it's your game, and you're free to make it however it pleases you.
This game is really fun! The graphics are lovely, gameplay is smooth, and I like how the finite space means I can play a quick game without it lasting forever. Great for a quick break.
Over time I've found many of the "feedback loops" and I'm sure there are more to be discovered. Lots of complexity despite the simple game mechanism.
Looking forward to updates and will happily buy the expanded PC version. Keep up the great work!
Hey Jakub, enjoy this game so much. I bought the Mac version - then sadly realized it will not work with Catalina :/. Are there any plans to fix this? Only 5 bucks, but still, I would love to play the real version. Glad to contribute to the development.
Hey, sorry for that. I updated the downloadable Mac app to support 64-bit, which means it should theoretically work on Catalina now - but I can't check myself, since my only Apple computer is still on Mojave. Let me know if you have any more trouble!
And your contribution is much appreciated - what helps even more than money is knowing that people enjoy the game and are looking forward to the sequel :)
Ah great! Yes, it works, thanks so much. I thought there was an extended/expanded version? But this looks the same, just opens full screen as an app. Is that correct? Is there another version I missed? Anyway looking forward to an update for sure. Really enjoy playing.
The new, expanded version is still under heavy development. You can track it's progress on Twitter (https://twitter.com/SlipwaysGame) and find out more about the plans at https://slipways.net. So I'm afraid it's not available for download or purchase yet - but I'm working on that! :)
I'm sorry if the page is somehow unclear - but this itch.io page and all the downloads on it are for the original, PICO-8 version of the game.
Pretty fun game! At first I was a bit confused on all the different planet types, but this game has proven to be quite gripping. Is there a tech map somewhere, where one can see the upcoming technologies?
Unfortunately no, unless somebody made a fan version - you'll have to explore on your own! :) There are four tech levels, you can get 2/2/3 from the first three, and all five from the last level (if you can afford them).
looks like there is no offline demo mode for this one I tried to download all i got was a picture! LOL! It was a .png file! why even let us download it? It would have been faster if they just said no way to play offline Unless you buy the pico 8 program! What a shame :(
The full PC version is something I'm still very much working on, and isn't available for order yet - that one is definitely going to have an endless mode, plus gobs of other improvements.
The Windows etc. versions for download on this page are just the same as the web version, but wrapped as a standalone app for convenience.
No, this page is only for the PICO-8 version, which is what you get for buying on itch.io right now.
The "big" PC version in development is not available to purchase yet - the earliest opportunity to buy it will be during crowdfunding early next year. Hope that clears it up!
Yes, thank you very much, I really enjoy your game, i find it strangely relaxing and yet addicting, bought this version and am looking forward to see what the pc version will have in store!
Once again sorry for the mistakes if they are any.
Everything is great except for the lack of a sandbox mode. I think the difficulty could do with a bit of work too. Maybe it's just my lack of skill though. I love this game though.
Very excited to hear about your renewed effort to work on the PC version of this game! I wanted to mention that the link to your Patreon account above doesn't take me anywhere useful, just to a list of things you've supported. Are you accepting donations there? I'd also be curious what your funding needs/goals are to continue development on Slipways, in particular if you plan to hire more developers.
Thanks again for a great game! I'd love to see it reach it's fullest potential.
The Patreon is currently suspended - I had a very demanding job which didn't leave me much time for me indie pursuits. Now that I'm back to working on SlipWays full-time, I'm thinking of reactivating it - but haven't done it yet. In any case, I've removed the misleading link from the description, thanks!
Currently, the best way to support the project is to either buy this version, or wait for the Indiegogo campaign and back it then! :)
Don't want to tie myself to specific features yet, but one will definitely be available once the crowdfunding campaign is underway and later during development.
If you're interested in the broad strokes, the first devlog post on the site (https://slipways.net/devlog/01) goes into the goals for the PC version.
This game is amazing, but I would love to have a sandbox gamemode with no time limit, or some way to keep playing with your network after the game's done (don't know if it exists in the downloaded version; I've only played the browser version)
Thanks for the kind words! I am working on a bigger PC version of the game - there is a link to a website in the description. This version will have an endless mode, since it's a really common request among players (though it'll be a challenge to design it properly so it doesn't get tedious). The development was on a hiatus for a while, but I'm now back to working on Slipways full-time - leave your e-mail on the site if you'd like to be kept up to date :)
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It's a great game, I wish there is no time limit though. Another is that some of the UI. I wish I can hover on some icon to recall what those resource icons again. Also, I wish that the industry of each planet, at least, for a hefty price.
I wish I can explore more of the tech, but the 25 years makes it impossible for me.
Another is the option to zoom in and out just to plan easier.
Looking to see more updates ^^
time limit makes game challenging try to get best in limited time and you'll get the idea
Is there a wiki for this game? I want to learn some new strategies.
No wiki yet, but we do have a Discord with some people capable of 18000+ scores on the highest difficulty and probably willing to talk strategy :)
https://discord.gg/qD97EDu
I'd really like a sandbox mode that has no time limit. Love this game, but I wish I could experience more of the game than just 25 days
The new PC/Mac version should have this as an option :)
After doing more research, I feel stupid for asking about this. But I now have a new inquiry. As much as I think the new look for the game is cool, I really think of the concept of this game as more chill and retro. If I may ask, do you think there could be a way to revert the new version back to the simple pixelated graphics? Not to offend you in any way but I really prefer them.
The new version is still going to be plenty chill, though definitely less retro :)
I'm afraid there is no option of making the new version use pixel art graphics, even though I understand some might prefer it. It'd require making two versions of everything in the game, essentially - which probably wouldn't be a good investment of the development effort as opposed to actually finishing the game :)
Again, not to push you in any way, but what if it had a similar skinning system to osu! or Minecraft, where image assets can be changed or swapped out in the games files (they tend to be in their own separate selectable folders but thats basically it) ? Maybe this could cause interesting skins based on playstyle or color.
Fellow osu players are every where
ETA?
Underrated Game for relaxation
The splore version does not seem to work in pico-8 0.2.1b. Crashes with a runtime error.
0.2.1b had a bug that causes this - I reported it and it's already fixed in PICO-8 0.2.1c, though I'm not sure if this version is out yet.
My first 3 stars! (On forgiving). This is my fave go-to both to relax and refocus.
Why ESDF instead of WASD?
Limitation of PICO-8 (ESDF are the 'player 2' keys).
Interesting, thanks for the insight
Just wanted to echo the other comments that this game is AWESOME! What a great coffee break game.
That said, this really needs an open-ended mode where it doesn't end after a set time! Maybe it's as simple as changing a few lines of code in the PICO-8 source code? (which lines?)
If you'd like to hack the PICO-8 source code (and have access to the .p8), just search for "self.game_end=", though the game is really not designed for infinite play.
The new version will have a longer campaign and probably some kind of infinite mode as well.
Thanks for responding! What's the license for the .p8 files that's included here? GPLv3?
I'd totally back a new version if it's got a more open-ended mode!
An option to zoom in and out, at least at the end of the game, so you can take a step back and look at your production loops would be nice.
Nevermind I just remembered this is pico-8 and there's limited pixels
Well, there is always the new thing: https://twitter.com/SlipwaysGame :) No problems with pixels there ;)
Oh the twitter is getting updates now!
Looks very cool! I love the pixel graphics, cannot wait to give it a try.
The culmination of my ~2 years of playing.
Perfect 5-stars! Can you share some of your strategies? I've never been able to go about 8000 points.
I like to start games with a hiveworld Earth-like and breeding on an Ocean/Jungle in my first probe. Using a food processor, I can get both planets content within the first year.
My tech path tends to be Space Folding and Geneseeds for tier 1, Xenofoods and Trading Hubs for tier 2, then Starbirth, Infraspace, and whatever I need at the moment for tier 3.
Geneseeds and Xenofoods are both organics techs, so an organics laboratory will reduce the cost of both Geneseeds and Xenofoods by 1. This way you can rush Xenofoods and use the extra food to colonize Iceballs and Barren planets.
Trading Hubs, Infraspace, and Superhuman AI are all tech techs, so a tech laboratory will reduce the cost of all by 1. Getting Superhuman AI's tech boost early helps a lot, letting you go for an early Time Compression and stock up tech for Ascension, which is where you can really maximize your score.
Thanks a lot! Your advices helped me a lot, but 9000+ planet score is smth unbelievable for me. For example, that's my best run
I think the problem could be in my extensive use of starbirth, that consume a lot of time. And, I also surprised, that you have found infraspace usable (isn't it consume 2 much time?) and don't use void syntethizers (why?).
Void Synthesizers have a couple of key flaws. They can't produce goods, which are critical for elevating colonies from [content] to [prosperous]. They're also extremely endgame, and cannot be used to push planets from [prosperous] to [rich].
On the other hand, Starbirth can be used to push planets from [prosperous] to [rich].
Similarly, infraspace can also be used to move the necessary extra resources to propel planets from [prosperous] to [rich].
Respect ))
Feels good. Great game, mate.
Omg you did better on "tough". Genius game
I've only discovered this game for like a week, but I'm seriously hooked!
Only complaints that I have is that the icons for the planet types in the research menu tooltips are hard to tell what planet type they are. It's also generally more difficult to distinguish xeno planets from jungle planets. Maybe make the xeno planets purple to help distinguish them from jungle planets and earth-like planets?
Also, it'd be great if you had some kind of guide or wiki to keep track of what structures we can build on what types of planets, and also distinguishing which structures can be built on which planets with which upgrade.
And like other people have said, an endless mode, or maybe a sandbox mode, would be amazing for this game!
Another thing, although this is less about general game design, it makes me kinda sad that you're moving this project to 3D. You have all this beautiful pixel art and animation, so going to 3D feels like putting it to waste. But I'm not discouraging you from going to 3D if you think it makes the game better. I understand it's your game, and you're free to make it however it pleases you.
you should make a mode were it extends forever by a randomly generated thing and make the thing endless so theres no limit
This game is really fun! The graphics are lovely, gameplay is smooth, and I like how the finite space means I can play a quick game without it lasting forever. Great for a quick break.
Over time I've found many of the "feedback loops" and I'm sure there are more to be discovered. Lots of complexity despite the simple game mechanism.
Looking forward to updates and will happily buy the expanded PC version. Keep up the great work!
Hey Jakub, enjoy this game so much. I bought the Mac version - then sadly realized it will not work with Catalina :/. Are there any plans to fix this? Only 5 bucks, but still, I would love to play the real version. Glad to contribute to the development.
Hey, sorry for that. I updated the downloadable Mac app to support 64-bit, which means it should theoretically work on Catalina now - but I can't check myself, since my only Apple computer is still on Mojave. Let me know if you have any more trouble!
And your contribution is much appreciated - what helps even more than money is knowing that people enjoy the game and are looking forward to the sequel :)
Ah great! Yes, it works, thanks so much. I thought there was an extended/expanded version? But this looks the same, just opens full screen as an app. Is that correct? Is there another version I missed? Anyway looking forward to an update for sure. Really enjoy playing.
The new, expanded version is still under heavy development. You can track it's progress on Twitter (https://twitter.com/SlipwaysGame) and find out more about the plans at https://slipways.net. So I'm afraid it's not available for download or purchase yet - but I'm working on that! :)
I'm sorry if the page is somehow unclear - but this itch.io page and all the downloads on it are for the original, PICO-8 version of the game.
No worries. Looking forward to the next version!
Pretty fun game! At first I was a bit confused on all the different planet types, but this game has proven to be quite gripping.
Is there a tech map somewhere, where one can see the upcoming technologies?
Unfortunately no, unless somebody made a fan version - you'll have to explore on your own! :) There are four tech levels, you can get 2/2/3 from the first three, and all five from the last level (if you can afford them).
looks like there is no offline demo mode for this one I tried to download all i got was a picture! LOL! It was a .png file! why even let us download it? It would have been faster if they just said no way to play offline Unless you buy the pico 8 program! What a shame :(
Pico-8 games are stored as a .png file.
Im considering buying the windows version, is there an endless mode in it?
The full PC version is something I'm still very much working on, and isn't available for order yet - that one is definitely going to have an endless mode, plus gobs of other improvements.
The Windows etc. versions for download on this page are just the same as the web version, but wrapped as a standalone app for convenience.
i failed on forgiving ):
Really fun game! I wish I could cross warp paths.
Runs really smooth. No bugs. Thanks for making playable in-browser.
You can, with the right technology - though it takes some doing to invent it :)
Lovely game! I hope the full version turns out just as charming. Also thought I should share this score:
What difficulty dude?
Forgiving. It says on the top of the score page. I found the harder difficulties interesting to get through but not as fun for score runs.
It would be nice to be able to save your finished games so you can look back at them later and admire how well you did
Hello, so, is the Pc version buyable here the one wich is gonna get updated like mentionned? Sorry if there are mistakes, english isnt my main tongue.
No, this page is only for the PICO-8 version, which is what you get for buying on itch.io right now.
The "big" PC version in development is not available to purchase yet - the earliest opportunity to buy it will be during crowdfunding early next year. Hope that clears it up!
Yes, thank you very much, I really enjoy your game, i find it strangely relaxing and yet addicting, bought this version and am looking forward to see what the pc version will have in store!
Once again sorry for the mistakes if they are any.
Everything is great except for the lack of a sandbox mode. I think the difficulty could do with a bit of work too. Maybe it's just my lack of skill though. I love this game though.
Very excited to hear about your renewed effort to work on the PC version of this game! I wanted to mention that the link to your Patreon account above doesn't take me anywhere useful, just to a list of things you've supported. Are you accepting donations there? I'd also be curious what your funding needs/goals are to continue development on Slipways, in particular if you plan to hire more developers.
Thanks again for a great game! I'd love to see it reach it's fullest potential.
The Patreon is currently suspended - I had a very demanding job which didn't leave me much time for me indie pursuits. Now that I'm back to working on SlipWays full-time, I'm thinking of reactivating it - but haven't done it yet. In any case, I've removed the misleading link from the description, thanks!
Currently, the best way to support the project is to either buy this version, or wait for the Indiegogo campaign and back it then! :)
2 things I would to see are a sandbox and/or no "time limit"
PLS!
Both things on the roadmap for the PC version!
Is there a place to see the roadmap by any chance?
Don't want to tie myself to specific features yet, but one will definitely be available once the crowdfunding campaign is underway and later during development.
If you're interested in the broad strokes, the first devlog post on the site (https://slipways.net/devlog/01) goes into the goals for the PC version.
Can wait for realised version could I be a tester?
Possibly! Some new information about the PC version is coming soon :)
This game is amazing, Is there a possibility of an android port in the future because I want to play this everywhere I go!
Glad you liked it! I'm working on the PC/Mac/Linux version first, but I'm not ruling out a mobile version in the future.
This game is amazing, but I would love to have a sandbox gamemode with no time limit, or some way to keep playing with your network after the game's done (don't know if it exists in the downloaded version; I've only played the browser version)
Thanks for the kind words!
I am working on a bigger PC version of the game - there is a link to a website in the description. This version will have an endless mode, since it's a really common request among players (though it'll be a challenge to design it properly so it doesn't get tedious).
The development was on a hiatus for a while, but I'm now back to working on Slipways full-time - leave your e-mail on the site if you'd like to be kept up to date :)
IMO the infinite mode doesn't have to be infinitely fun, it's more important that the time limit mode is fun and challenging.
My main wishes for the PC version are for better balance (no dominant strategies), and less luck (some luck is fun, but the web version has too much).
Thanks for the game. The basic mechanism is fun and original, and also a bit nostalgic.
Thank you so much for your reply! I'll be sure to check out the website! Keep making amazing games!
My Best
Addictive, and more kudos to you for making this for Pico-8!
Nice Game!
Please, can you make a 1v1 online version?
Found this game from CoolMathGames.com, this is incredible! I'm super hyped to see a full version! I'd gladly pay for it!
Glad you liked it, and good to hear!
This is amazing! the only thing I could ask is some kind of endless mode, it's just too addicting!
New high score:
Impressive! :)
some thing that would be much help are
Transit Hub
cost 20$
drag a slipway to a transit hub as a way station
needs Peeps and food
output none
so you need to decide and plan well if you are going to build a transit hub
could you perhaps make a unlimited turn version?