Just a heads-up: I've uploaded a different version of the game. Please download that and see if you still have the same problem. If you are still getting the crash, could you send me the crash report (if there is one), please? I'll fix it asap.
Ok, so that sounds like a memory issue. Could you join the Discord, and we'll resolve the issue together. Discord = https://discord.gg/ZMYrpwNh If you don't have Discord, I'm happy to figure out a different way to communicate. It might be tricky through the comments section haha
Hi Sarah, thanks for reaching out, the short answer is yes it is possible to play Playdate games on Mac and PC using the free and official Playdate simulator. Yet this won’t offer quite the intended experience though, as the screen of the Playdate and the physicality of the crank interface make the console quite unique. Hope this helps!
Thank you, that's very helpful! I'd love to play on the intended hardware at some point; I'm glad to see so many interesting games coming out for the Playdate
There is a long and short review for this game. If you want the long with some SPOLIERS you can read on. The short, this is a great game and it runs smoothly. I recommend obtaining a playdate handheld or booting it up on the free simulator if you have the time.
The game has a rich vibe steeped deep into the soul of the game, ever decided by the tides of Hyperspace and the whims of the elusive SHAPE. As you can imagine I had a lot of fun with this game.
Graphics
Taking full advantage of the two tone illustration, the art is phenomenal and fully embodies the eldritch space horror theme. Right from the menu you are hit with an animated spaceship console. Then there are tile sets draped in machinery and mangled bodies. While it is a simple "colour" range the art is vibrant nonetheless.
(After though)This is just a connection my brain made but the intro is Reminiscent of star wars movies, an opening screen packed with lore upon a bed of stars.
Game mechanics
There is a number of bars to manage as you explore the eery environment. Namely Oxygen, body(health points) and mind.
While not Unique to the shape that waits, I personally enjoy the concept of your character taking ambient damage to their psyche as they experience their bleak, blood strewn adventure further into the recesses of the usurped ship. Allows for small lore drops in un(expected) places as you plod along.
Oxygen is a more finite and volatile resource, you expend oxygen quickly and the sources are far and few between to say the least. I died to oxygen deprivation rather than the mobs before I could reach the final terminal which is the objective of the game.
The enemies are fairly benign at the start. Range and melee enemies both easily settled with your trusty sidearm. However, if you're not careful you might interact with the wrong console, click the wrong button and get sent to deeper levels where the monsters swarm you along your journey towards the final terminal.
Sound design
The music was on point at every turn, delightfully foreboding as you traipse around the cold, synthetic halls. Yet, often your character will complain the walls seem to—breathe.
I would have liked some creature sounds for the unique mob types but there might be limitations of the playdate hardware the game is meant to run on to consider.
Conclusion
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience that Hyperspace had to provide to me. Unfortunately, the machinations of the Shape caught up to me, so I will need to spend some time figuring out how to escape this higher plane that men were not meant to tread.
This game oozes style and I love the art when you first boot the game and at the end of a run. The gameplay is also incredibly good, managing all your different resources, items and gear, starts off simple and really gets a lot to keep on top of which really adds to the horror feeling.
Very cool game with great style, not usually a horror fan but this game picks the right moments without it being overwhelming for me, the game requires management of multiple resources which kept kept the game challenging enough, a fresh take on the rogue-like genre!
You can escape (and gain a score) on the Main Deck level by interacting with the Exit Console, or you can push your luck and enter 3 void levels, leading to another Main Deck level, with another Exit Console. Be careful, as the monsters continue to scale as you dive deeper.
← Return to game
Comments
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I'm so glad your game released on Catalog! :)
Unfortunately, after I downloaded and started it up, the game crashes my Playdate immediately. :(
Re-installing now. -fingers crossed-
Hey! Ahhh, that sucks so much. Please let me know if it works when you reinstall!
Oh actually! I think I might know what it is. I think you'll need to uninstall your sideloaded version.
I only own it on Catalog cuz I couldn't buy it on itch. I'm the guy who emailed ya. ;)
Ahhh, thought you were someone else. Ok, I've sent a new version to Panic, hopefully that will help
It works now. Great work! :D
do you get a pdx invalid error by any chance?
Yes but all good now. :)
Ahhh, amazing, I hope you enjoy the game!
Completed a run. Quite fun! 8/10 :D
you should keep going ;) there is more beyond the main deck.
Unfortunately the game crashes, when loading a level. Can't play it. Looks like a watchdog error to me. Please help! Thx.
Hi, very sorry about that, have you got the crash log please?
Just a heads-up: I've uploaded a different version of the game. Please download that and see if you still have the same problem. If you are still getting the crash, could you send me the crash report (if there is one), please? I'll fix it asap.
Thanks for the quick reply! Unfortunately, it doesn't work. There's no crash log, but the problem occurs after the intro while loading the level.
Ok, so that sounds like a memory issue. Could you join the Discord, and we'll resolve the issue together. Discord = https://discord.gg/ZMYrpwNh If you don't have Discord, I'm happy to figure out a different way to communicate. It might be tricky through the comments section haha
I'm on board at discord. Do you write me a message, since I can't find you as a person (I'm pretty unfamiliar with discord). My name's M.Trenz there.
My name is SimplyBread on the server, I'll find ya :D
Loved your game concept! I help indie devs reach more players through YouTube monetization & Manger, trailers, and social promotion.
Would you like a free visibility snapshot for your game?
You can reach me at Kayleighburcg@gmail.com.
Hello dev team! I'd love to play your game, but I don't have a Playdate. Will it run on PC?
Hi Sarah, thanks for reaching out, the short answer is yes it is possible to play Playdate games on Mac and PC using the free and official Playdate simulator. Yet this won’t offer quite the intended experience though, as the screen of the Playdate and the physicality of the crank interface make the console quite unique. Hope this helps!
Thank you, that's very helpful! I'd love to play on the intended hardware at some point; I'm glad to see so many interesting games coming out for the Playdate
Hey I asked this a month ago but did you ever get a catalog release date I'm looking forward to playing this
Hi, thanks for your question, a release on Catalog is coming soon.
Yay! Itch.io has problems with it's payment system. :(
ah that sucks! Well you won’t have to wait long :D
There is a long and short review for this game. If you want the long with some SPOLIERS you can read on. The short, this is a great game and it runs smoothly. I recommend obtaining a playdate handheld or booting it up on the free simulator if you have the time.
For those without a playdate of their own to use:
https://playdate-wiki.com/wiki/Playdate_Simulator
The slightly longer SPOILER review starts here:
The game has a rich vibe steeped deep into the soul of the game, ever decided by the tides of Hyperspace and the whims of the elusive SHAPE. As you can imagine I had a lot of fun with this game.
Graphics
Taking full advantage of the two tone illustration, the art is phenomenal and fully embodies the eldritch space horror theme. Right from the menu you are hit with an animated spaceship console. Then there are tile sets draped in machinery and mangled bodies. While it is a simple "colour" range the art is vibrant nonetheless.
(After though)This is just a connection my brain made but the intro is Reminiscent of star wars movies, an opening screen packed with lore upon a bed of stars.
Game mechanics
There is a number of bars to manage as you explore the eery environment. Namely Oxygen, body(health points) and mind.
While not Unique to the shape that waits, I personally enjoy the concept of your character taking ambient damage to their psyche as they experience their bleak, blood strewn adventure further into the recesses of the usurped ship. Allows for small lore drops in un(expected) places as you plod along.
Oxygen is a more finite and volatile resource, you expend oxygen quickly and the sources are far and few between to say the least. I died to oxygen deprivation rather than the mobs before I could reach the final terminal which is the objective of the game.
The enemies are fairly benign at the start. Range and melee enemies both easily settled with your trusty sidearm. However, if you're not careful you might interact with the wrong console, click the wrong button and get sent to deeper levels where the monsters swarm you along your journey towards the final terminal.
Sound design
The music was on point at every turn, delightfully foreboding as you traipse around the cold, synthetic halls. Yet, often your character will complain the walls seem to—breathe.
I would have liked some creature sounds for the unique mob types but there might be limitations of the playdate hardware the game is meant to run on to consider.
Conclusion
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience that Hyperspace had to provide to me. Unfortunately, the machinations of the Shape caught up to me, so I will need to spend some time figuring out how to escape this higher plane that men were not meant to tread.
This game oozes style and I love the art when you first boot the game and at the end of a run. The gameplay is also incredibly good, managing all your different resources, items and gear, starts off simple and really gets a lot to keep on top of which really adds to the horror feeling.
Fantastic game, the developers are amazing, can't wait to see what they produce next.
Jeez! This game kicks A man! I mean, really, really good!
Really impressed by this game. The artsyle in particular is really detailed and I found the death cutscene to be incredibly well animated!
Very cool game with great style, not usually a horror fan but this game picks the right moments without it being overwhelming for me, the game requires management of multiple resources which kept kept the game challenging enough, a fresh take on the rogue-like genre!
Great game with a great art style and story. even your nan will love it. Glowtox games keep em coming.
great game! Really repayable! And I’m loving the pixel art.
Hey! Thank you so much for your kind words! Any favorite monster? 🤩🤩
very cool game, definitely recommend!
Thank you! That means a lot. Did you manage to escape?!
Will it be coming to catalog or should I just get it on itch?
Hi Pokikirby, we have submitted the game to Catalog, and we are waiting for Panics reply
Poki Kirby made me smile lol
Me too, hahah :D
You have my purchase as soon as it hits Catalog. Panic will be lucky to have this on Catalog.
That's lovely of you to say, thank you! Hopefully, we'll be on Catalog soon so you can enjoy the game!
Great game. Really enjoying it and quite different from anything else on the playdate. Keep up the good work.
Thank you very much! So glad you're enjoying the game! Have you managed to get a score yet?
I've only played one run and died, but oddly it says no high scores...
Hey! Yes. You only get your high score if you manage to escape!
You can escape (and gain a score) on the Main Deck level by interacting with the Exit Console, or you can push your luck and enter 3 void levels, leading to another Main Deck level, with another Exit Console. Be careful, as the monsters continue to scale as you dive deeper.