Concursion

There are several projects that mix multiple genres in one, but none put it quite in the confines of where Concursion is taking its 2D side-scroller.  Here, alterations aren’t put into different levels or a general design; changes are trapped within their own little universe on-screen. It’s going to need some tweaking on the technical and visual side of things, but that concept is already one that is a refreshing take on muscle memory training.

So far, art consists of mostly static drawings, basic backgrounds and limited animations, but hopefully that will be enhanced a little later on. Think of it as clip art. It gets the point across at least. Each genre gets its own style, sectioned off by a shimmering barrier that contrasts worlds. Music is more suited towards the classic game feel, which helps to tie the whole together, though sound effects are equally rudimentary for now.

More importantly though, Concursion is about gameplay and that part is looking a lot better. There are multiple games trapped within the borders of those barriers. Depending on which style applies, the environment reacts to either a platform game in multiple forms, a shoot ‘em up or even an Pac-man clone.

While that already requires some on the fly adjustment to approach obstacles or enemies, there is an additional layer. Enemies and objects aren’t bound to their respective universe, but switch around when they cross barriers as well. This is used to present challenges that require the use of different dimensions, like shooting with a ship in a small bubble to destroy objects in a platform game universe that doesn’t have any attacking options.  Since the screen can also push forward to keep the momentum going, it can also put in a sense of haste. Moreover, the screen can be fully divided in specific game genres, leaving multiple paths to go on. Creativity is thrown around like that copiously, so there should be no shortage of altering gamepay.

As a work in progress, it could still do with some iteration though. Aside from lesser visuals, controls are just a little loose and lightly unresponsive, leading to a few unfortunate deaths. It works for most cases, but in the more challenging parts that Concursion blends together, the sweeping momentum requires a lot of fidgeting to pinpoint correctly. This can be tightened just slightly.

There is still a large variety of ways that Concursion can bring its originality to play, but that theme already leaves a taste for more. You can get more info by watching the gameplay commentary below.

You can vote for Concursion on Steam Greenlight.

Daav Valentaten, NoobFeed (@Daavpuke)