The creativity around concepts like “waves” really stands out, especially in how gameplay mechanics and storytelling are shaped within such a limited timeframe. Events like Game Off also highlight how collaborative and experimental indie development can be, giving both new and experienced creators a space to test ideas and learn quickly. Overall, a great example of how constraints can actually drive innovation. Result.pk
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Malwave's itch.io pageResults
| Criteria | Rank | Score* | Raw Score |
| Audio | #377 | 2.041 | 3.333 |
| Overall | #442 | 1.939 | 3.167 |
| Graphics | #450 | 1.939 | 3.167 |
| Gameplay | #460 | 1.633 | 2.667 |
| Theme interpretation | #462 | 1.735 | 2.833 |
| Innovation | #478 | 1.531 | 2.500 |
Ranked from 6 ratings. Score is adjusted from raw score by the median number of ratings per game in the jam.
GitHub repository URL
https://github.com/mihaelsegulja/malwave
Game description
Malwave is a 2D fast-paced wave-based arcade arena shooter where you fight off computer malware inside a neon cyberspace grid.
You are the system Administrator fighting off an onslaught of digital threats. Survive as long as you can by blasting viruses, avoiding annoying adware, and outsmarting trojans that spawn more viruses on death.
Theme interpretation
Endless waves of enemies and synthwave-inspired style
Comments
I don't think endlessly increasing the number of enemies and the amount of bullets shot per millisecond was a good idea... I guess the Trojans will be thinking, "It's a trap!" MUAHAHAHa ha yeah, I don't know what score I even got, I decided to quit after heading into the void as the music slowly faded, and then it started again. I didn't expect it to teleport to me >; >
Thanks for playing and your feedback!
To be fair, I did not expect to teleport you there either, lol.
I did not quite think the game mechanics through, I just YOLO'd it. Yep, the score and better info/stats during the game would be nice, taking notes right now. I also notice you mentioned that the colors are not quite recognisible (like the purple block). Well, sorry for that, I tried to stick to a neon/synthwave color palette, but in the process I didn't realize how the color is not that much different to, say, the pink block. Should've used a different, more distinct color.
Also, congrats on breaking the game, I guess?
269 days ago(+1)
Thank you for playing and for your feedback!
Yeah, the game has definitely quite some room for improvements. Some stuff as you pointed out (like unclear message on Adware enemy and unclear PowerUps) was kept because frankly I did not have much time (balancing work, college/exams, and this game) so I prioritized finishing and publishing a more or less playable game.
The message on the Adware enemy was supposed to look like an annoying popup, hence the "Click me!" message. At the time i did not quite brainstorm it through, so i kept it, but yes I totally get it, the message is kinda misleading.
And the PowerUps are the following:
- Heal (+2 HP; Pink block)
- Max Health Up (+1 max HP and +1 heal; Purple block)
- Shield (2 seconds invincibility; Blue block)
I also tried to "balance" the game difficulty by experimenting with PowerUp values and ultimately ended up with this, otherwise I thought the game might quickly become boring because the Player gets "too powerful", so i lowered the values as much as possible. And the fire rate just slightly increases after each wave.
This is my first finished game, so there's still a lot for me to learn. So thanks once again for your time and feedback, it really means a lot.
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