STORM TAIL

Tip: the downloadable build looks and runs better. The web version uses a lighter renderer, so the graphics differ a little.

The storm is behind you. The village is ahead. Bring home as much of your caravan as you can.

Hi! This is my entry for the #GoedWareGameJam on the theme THE LONG WAY HOME.

The idea started as "what if Into the Breach, but you control a snake?" You don't get a squad here. You get one long caravan: a chain of stone platforms on wheels, with a treadmill wheel at the head pulling everything along. You only steer the head, and the rest follows. Most of the game is figuring out how to bend that chain so the right modules end up in the right places.

A few things worth knowing before you start:

• Enemies show where they're going to hit before they act. They hit a tile, not a unit, so if you move out of the way the attack just lands on the ground. Sometimes it even lands on another enemy.
• Where a module sits in the chain matters. The ballista shoots in the direction the chain bends at that spot, the ram hits everything around it, and the crystal shield only covers its direct neighbours.
• If the chain breaks, the cut-off part stays on the road. You can go back for it, or leave it there.
• The mist behind you moves forward every turn and destroys everything it reaches. You can't wait it out.
• You'll find abandoned platforms along the road that you can attach to your chain. The cargo you bring to the village is your score.

There's undo (Z) and turn reset (R), so feel free to experiment. I'd rather you lose because of a plan that didn't work than because of a misclick.

Controls

• Arrow keys / click an arrow tile: move the caravan
• 1–5 / click a module: select a module
• Enter / F: use the ability · Esc: cancel
• Space: end turn
• Z: undo step · R: reset turn
• WASD: move camera · Q / E: rotate · C: reset camera

Made in Godot 4 for a game jam on the theme THE LONG WAY HOME. English and Russian.

Credits

Thanks to these creators for their free assets:

• UI frames and icons: Chroma Noir – User Interface by v3x3d
• Pixel font: Pixel Font Pack by deadrevolver
• Sound effects: Free Fantasy 200 SFX Pack by TomMusic
• UI sounds: Inventory Sound by MGW Sound Design
• Assets by Kenney (CC0)

Special thanks to my friend Alex for the music. The game wouldn't feel the same without it ❤️