13 Kilobytes of Game: The Best of js13kGames 2021
Thirteen kilobytes is a constraining budget for any software project. To put it in perspective, a single compressed image on a typical web page can easily exceed that. The developers who entered this year's js13kGames competition worked within this limit to produce playable games on the theme of SPACE. The results range from inventive takes on classic shooters to puzzle games that manipulate empty space itself. Here is a selection of standout entries from the jam, in no particular order.
Shooters and Action Takes
Space Huggers by KilledByAPixel is a run-and-gun platformer that plays like a roguelike version of *Broforce*. The game packs procedurally generated action, destructible environments, and tight shooting mechanics into its tiny footprint.
Beat Rocks by Kos fuses the classic *Asteroids* formula with rhythm-game mechanics. The result is a music-driven shooter where your actions need to land on the beat, offering a fresh spin on a genre staple. The soundtrack is a highlight.
Galaxy Rider by jaburns evokes the feel of classic physics-based bike games like *Free Rider*. Players navigate a rider through space, solving puzzles that revolve around momentum and trajectory, all rendered with clean GLSL graphics.
Puzzle and Strategy in Space
Black Hole Square by Quinten presents a polished puzzle experience. Its clever level design revolves around the gravitational pull of black holes, and the game makes impressive use of sound to enhance the atmosphere of each puzzle.
PACKABUNCHAS by MattiaFortunati is a charming and highly polished puzzle game. Its cute presentation and satisfying mechanics earned it high praise for its overall feel and visual polish.
The Maze of Space Goblins by jani-nykanen is a solid adventure that keeps introducing new mechanics to keep players engaged. With over a dozen levels of exploration, it demonstrates a strong command of game design within a constrained scope.
Technical Showpieces
Q1K3 by phoboslab is a first-person shooter that delivers a surprisingly immersive experience, including jump scares, from within a 13kB package. The technical achievement is considerable; phoboslab has documented the development process in a "making of" blog post that details the techniques used to pull it off.
The Adventures of Captain Callisto by codyebberson is a smooth, well-animated platformer with GLSL shaders. The level design is praised for its difficulty curve, and small details, like the jetpack animation at the end of a level, add a layer of delight.
Tenacity by GregPeck stands out for its strong graphics and thoughtful level design. It uses the theme of space not just as a setting, but as a core element of its visual storytelling.
Original Concepts and Twists
Hit the space! by Kimbatt takes the theme literally, requiring players to rapidly press the space bar. Despite the simple premise, it features beautiful visuals and challenging, well-executed gameplay that reviewers found difficult but fair.
Safe Space by ericdrowell is another technically impressive entry, delivering a platformer within the size limit. Reviewers noted the originality of its theme interpretation and the quality of its graphics and audio.
Space Garden by Rybar is a creative entry that mixes pixel art with dithering techniques. Its unique movement and control scheme, paired with a fitting soundtrack, makes for a memorable and original experience.
Space Block Invaders by nicklaslof is a visually striking take on the classic *Space Invaders*. The game's graphics are considered a major technical feat, showing what can be done with careful rendering inside the competition's strict limits.
The full set of entries, ranked and rated by the developer community, is available on the js13kGames website. These games are a testament to the creativity and engineering skill that can flourish under severe technical constraints. For those inspired to build their own game, the GitHub Game Off is an upcoming jam that provides another opportunity to test your skills.
