Skip to main content

Indie game storeFree gamesFun gamesHorror games
Game developmentAssetsComics
SalesBundles
Jobs
TagsGame Engines
A jam submission

Cat-alyst OverclockView game page

Shift direction to flip magnetic polarity and slingshot through cyber circuits using movement alone
Submitted by AriPolar — 3 days, 1 hour before the deadline
Rated by 11 people so far
Add to collection

Play game

Cat-alyst Overclock's itch.io page

Rate this game

In order to rate this submission you must be logged into itch.io and have submitted your own entry. Anyone with an account can leave a comment.

How did you use AI?
1. In-Game AI & Gameplay Systems
Adaptive Procedural Level Generation: The game uses a custom Wave Function Collapse (WFC) algorithm integrated with a Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment (DDA) system. It monitors player velocity, momentum retention, and collision frequency in real time, dynamically generating circuit layouts and node density tailored to the player's skill level.

Predictive Vector Trajectories: Magnetic node placement and field attraction radii scale based on an AI evaluation of the player's movement patterns, ensuring the high-speed physics remain challenging yet fluid without feeling unfair.

2. Development Tools & Clever Hacks
Claude: Used as the primary coding and architecture assistant. It helped design the core zero-button GDScript physics logic—specifically calculating directional velocity vectors to switch magnetic polarity (+ / -) seamlessly without keyboard inputs. It also assisted with visual concepts and setting up the multi-layered reactive audio logic.

Ziva: Employed for code polishing, refactoring physics logic, and debugging edge cases (such as preventing fast-moving collision tunneling in Godot) to guarantee buttery-smooth

List of Team Members (name or pseudonyms)
AriPolar

How does your game fit the restriction?
Cat-alyst Overclock requires zero buttons, keypresses, or mouse clicks across the entire game. Gameplay: Polarity shifts, boosts, and slingshots are driven purely by steering direction. Menus: Level selection and upgrade choices are done physically by driving into lanes and portals. UI: Standing stationary on a pad for 1.5 seconds pauses or confirms actions.

Leave a comment

Log in with itch.io to leave a comment.

Comments

Submitted

Competent andvisually amazing, I love the concept - i was fighting with the controls a little, but fun was had - good job

Submitted

I think this is one of the most creative games here so 5/5 across the board. Really fun, really weird, good visuals good audio. No idea what I was doing but I was having fun. 

Submitted

This is awesome, very unique and creative idea! I love the physics interactions, orbiting and choosing when to adjust your charge to escape, and I love the upgrade concept and the graphics, well done! Great use of AI, and the level generation is very impressive!

Submitted(+1)

I feel that I mis-rated all previous games that I gave 5-star fun to. I need 6 stars to give you for fun.

What a really clever physics puzzle, absolutely brilliant.

Developer(+1)

Wow, thank you so much, this honestly made my day! Hearing that you’d need 6 stars for fun means a lot. I’m really glad the magnet physics clicked for you. Thanks for playing and for taking the time to write this! 🫶

Submitted(+1)

Cool concept, i wish it was more like a pinball machine or maybe a more simplified version \ tutorial is needed but the idea is great

Developer(+1)

The tutorial is a great idea! I had thought about a level 0 with signs to explain the controls and mechanics. I didn't end up implementing it, but I might add it in the future to improve that!

Submitted

Let me know if you end up implementing it, I'd love to test it out for you.

Submitted(+1)

I like the music and also the distortion affect! 

Developer

Thanks a lot! I've wanted to try out that effect for a long time, and I saw the chance to do it :D

Submitted(+1)

There's a really cool concept to this, but there's one oversight that completely kills the fun for me in the game.... there is absolutely no need to actually use the sling mechanic,.. you can just walk straight towards the end node and win the level! Maybe there should be hazards outside the magnetic nodes?

Submitted(+2)

You're trying to avoid them and walk to it, but they grab you and sling you and cause chain reactions. How are you managing to avoid them all, very strong gaming 🎮

Submitted

Idk, maybe I got lucky?   :D 

Developer

Thanks a lot for the feedback! You're totally right, you can rush straight to the core in the early levels since I made them easy on purpose to teach the controls. From level 3 onwards, the battery drains way too fast to just sprint through (friction only charges you at high speed), plus the polarity arcs and moving magnets start blocking the direct route. I've been thinking about adding obstacles, though, I just worried it might get too frustrating in the advanced levels😅