If you think about it, 13kB isn’t really a lot. The image above is 81kB. This page weighs over 3MB (waaay more if you include the videos). That’s why it’s so incredibly impressive that the following developers were actually able to build something in just 13 kilobytes. 🤯
This year’s js13kGames competition theme was SPACE, and that prompted many clones of Asteroids and Space Invaders (some with major twists in gameplay), perplexing puzzle games using and abusing empty space, and games that required, well, a lot of mashing the SPACE bar! You’ll see lots of variety in gameplay, interpretations of the theme, and an incredible amount of talent on display when you scroll down.
In no particular order, here are a few of my favorite entries from this year, plus some short video clips to pique your interest:
Space Huggers
Play View source · by @KilledByAPixel
“It’s roguelike Broforce in 13kb and that’s marvelous!” – @kesiev
Space Block Invaders
Play View source · by @nicklaslof
“Technically it’s impressive, great graphics.” – @robertocapuano
Q1K3
Play View source · by @phoboslab
“No words!! This is a great technical achievement! Awesome! I’ve never expected that a js13k game could give me a jump scare!” – @agar3s
Did you know: You can read about out how @phoboslab created this masterpiece in their “making of” blog post.
The Adventures of Captain Callisto
Play View source · by @codyebberson
“Awesome. Everything is so smooth. Level design is fun and ramps up nicely. The jetpack animation on level complete was surprisingly delightful.” – @leimapapa
Hit the space!
Play View source · by @Kimbatt
“Very beautiful, and the gameplay is hard but well executed and fun!” – @gagamoto
Black Hole Square
Play View source · by @Quinten
“Beautiful presentation. Clever puzzle design. Great use of sound!” – @codyebberson
Tenacity
Play View source · by @GregPeck
“Great graphics and nice level design!” – @xem
Safe Space
Play View source · by @ericdrowell
“The theme is dealt with with great originality. The graphics are great, the audio is good. Putting a 13k platform is technically great.” – @robertocapuano
Galaxy Rider
Play View source · by @jaburns
“It had that classic Free Rider feeling. Very cool! Love the physics puzzles.” – @joseprio
Beat Rocks
Play View source · by @Kos
“What a fantastic spin on a classic. Great music.” – @Rybar
PACKABUNCHAS
Play View source · by @MattiaFortunati
“I was really blown away when I first played this. So cute and polished. Congrats!” – @ckolin
Space Garden
Play View source · by @Rybar
“Very clever entry, loved the pixel art graphics, the dithering is cool. Nice music, the controls and player movement are smooth and pretty unique. Great entry!” – @tyler6699
The Maze of Space Goblins
Play View source · by @jani-nykanen
“A solid entry! played 15 levels and still amused about every new mechanic introduced in the game.” – @agar3s
Those are just a few of my favorites. Be sure to check out the complete list of entries–ranked and rated by the developers themselves on the js13k website.
Huuuge thank you to @end3r for organizing yet another incredible jam, all of the judges, and everyone who took time to build, play, rate, and review the entries. <3
Pst! Ever wanted to create your own game? GitHub Game Off is just a few weeks away, and that’s a perfect excuse to build your first or fortieth game. Join now!
