Create a game in the style of a cartridge that's been lost in a drawer for decades, only to be rediscovered in the present day.
Lost Cartridge Jam 2020
The second annual game jam where you create a game in the style of a rediscovered retro cartridge.
Winner
Kepler's Castle
Despite so much work having been put into producing a native Game Boy ROM, this game manages to also encompass everything that you'd expect from a commercial release - at least as much as can be reasonably be expected from a game jam-entry. Not only does it have a proper boot screen, prologue and ending, but as far as '90s Game Boy games go it cements a solid storyline, lore and plot progression. The game ties it all together with a pleasing aesthetic rooted in a solid soundtrack and classic '90s video game chibi graphics. All-in-all, it'd be hard to expect one lone game designer to be able to perform better than this in such a short timeframe. The game feels like a solid Game Boy-game through and through.
A big thanks to everybody who participated.
See you next time!
Jam submissions
- Edgedancer By RedwoodEnt SNES Attempting to recreate old school action platforming, this game offers high quality pixel art and fluid combat. It's not quite in line with the aesthetic of its intended platform - the SNES - but with more work the game has potential to become a solid full-length action game. design 1 aesthetics 2 believability 1 extras 0 Total 4 Check out Edgedancer
- VoxelStorm By kodkuce Sega Genesis Inspired by games like Desert Strike, the game attempts to recreate a similar isometric helicopter action combat experience. Despite being more akin to a prototype, the game has potential to become an interesting action game. design 1 aesthetics 2 believability 1 extras 0 Total 4 Check out VoxelStorm
- The Last River By atrevisan PlayStation With simple 3D arcade gameplay, the game offers a full end-to-end experience with lo-fi aesthetics that allude to the '90s, despite not fully adhering to its intended platform - the PlayStation. With additional work the game could become a quality arcade experience. design 1 aesthetics 2 believability 2 extras 0 Total 5 Check out The Last River
- Birdwing Blade By WarCR Sega Genesis An arcade shooter that aims to adhere to the aesthetics and technical limtations of the Sega Geneis. Being more of a prototype or concept than a full game, it still manages to impress with solid graphics and some interesting combat ideas. With more work the game could be a great Sega Genesis-like game. design 1 aesthetics 2 believability 2 extras 0 Total 5 Check out Birdwing Blade
- Jetrabbit Valley By finalbossblues Sega Master System An arcade platformer based around vertical farming using a jetpack, this game straddles the line between the Sega Master System and the Sega Genesis. The graphics are exemplary, and the gameplay is addictive. The game offers a full end-to-end experience, including a title screen, full-length level and an ending. The gameplay continuously evolves until the end, and as far as arcade platforming goes the scope of the gameplay formula exceeds any expectations. design 3 aesthetics 3 believability 1 extras 1 Total 8 Check out Jetrabbit Valley
- Orphea By Skyboy Games NES This shoot 'em up is not just inspired by the NES, but was actually developed for the platform. With its pitch black background, condensed gameplay and simple visual effects, the game both looks and feels like it could've been a late '80s NES release - especially given the fact that it employs item pickups, enemies and powerups in a way that were typical of games like Kid Icarus. Despite being a bit sparse throughout, the game offers a full end-to-end experience from title screen to a full level to a first and final boss that ends with an impressive explosive effect upon beating the game. It's a solid experience that if full-length could easily have been sold commercially back in the NES days. design 2 aesthetics 2 believability 3 extras 2 Total 9 Check out Orphea
- Kepler's Castle By Impergatox Game Boy Despite so much work having been put into producing a native Game Boy ROM, this game manages to also encompass everything that you'd expect from a commercial release - at least as much as can be reasonably be expected from a game jam-entry. Not only does it have a proper boot screen, prologue and ending, but as far as '90s Game Boy games go it cements a solid storyline, lore and plot progression. The game ties it all together with a pleasing aesthetic rooted in a solid soundtrack and classic '90s video game chibi graphics. All-in-all, it'd be hard to expect one lone game designer to be able to perform better than this in such a short timeframe. The game feels like a solid Game Boy-game through and through. design 2 aesthetics 2 believability 3 extras 3 Total 10 Check out Kepler's Castle
