Design Statement
“Midi Runner” transforms improvised “themes” into a learning method—just as musicians learn to play a song, by first practicing each section separately and then playing the entire piece through.

I started with the MIDI file of the “theme” and broke it down into four sections: the intro, Section A, Chorus B1, and Chorus B2. For each section, I found a short track with a similar rhythm and atmosphere and used it as the basis for designing a practice level. Each level teaches a specific skill required for that section. The intro teaches jumping and dashing; Section A teaches holding long notes; the B1 chorus teaches smashing and sliding; and the B2 chorus teaches flipping between lines. The fifth level is the theme song itself, where all the skills you’ve practiced come together.

Each obstacle is positioned on a note. Jumps, dashes, and heavy hits must land on the beat, while long notes turn into a strip of light that you can slide along until the end—so playing well feels just like performing the music. Before each practice level begins, there’s a short, music-free practice session that lets you try out new moves at your own pace. The song won’t start playing until you’re ready.

The goal is the feeling you get at the end. When the “Theme Song” plays, you’ll recognize every part of it, because your hands have long since memorized it.

Game Instructions (launch steps, controls, and gameplay overview)
CONTROLS

SPACE / W / Up - jump/start game (hold to glide)

SHIFT - dash

S / Down - slam in the air, slide on the ground

R - restart the level

Gameplay walkthrough video
https://youtu.be/wYJ1AOk1fzk

Trailer / Other Additional Video Material (Optional)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57_19XKZPU0

Did your project use any AI tools or assets? If yes, please specify.
The code in this game were written with an AI assistant (Codex). No image or music generators were used, and the music is CC0 tracks plus the jam's theme(unedit version).