PicoCoder [Lexaloffle Blog Feed]

Mancala

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 01:22:39 UTC

Description

This game is based on the ancient game of Mancala, specifically the common variant called Kalah. It features a challenging computer opponent as well as a 2-player mode.

How to Play

The board is made up of 12 cups and 2 stores on the sides. The 6 cups nearest to you and the store to your right are yours, and the rest are your opponent's. The goal of the game is to have more stones in your store than your opponent's store by the end.

On your turn, you must select a non-empty cup on your side. Once selected, you will (automatically) pick up all the stones in the cup and begin "sowing," the process of placing stones one by one counter-clockwise around the board, starting to the right of your selected cup and skipping your opponent's store.

If your last stone lands in your store, you get another turn. There is no limit to the amount of additional turns you can earn. If the last stone instead lands in an empty space on your side, you steal all the stones opposite the cup you landed in (if there are any stones to steal). All of these stolen stones, in addition to the last stone you just placed, go into your store.

If all 6 cups on either player's side are empty, the game ends, and all remaining stones on the other side go into that player's store. The winner is the player with the most stones in their store.

Credits

Code, art, and sound effects by PicoCoder
Rules based on Kalah
Background effects inspired by Earthbound

Monkey Typewriter Text Effect

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 23:28:10 UTC

monkeytypewriter

by PicoCoder

[Click to Play]

PHOTOSENSITIVITY WARNING:

Contains flashy rapidly changing text.

The text in the cart should explain what this is well enough; this idea was borrowed from a friend, and is based on the classic "infinite monkey theorem" (which I was very surprised to learn is the actual name). After hearing about this idea, I wanted to implement it into PICO-8, thinking it would make for an interesting little text effect. I don't think it has any practical application, but I created an alternate mode (activated with X) which reminds me of a hacking scene, the kind you'd find in a movie that doesn't know what hacking is about.

Flying Buttress

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:36:19 UTC

Flying Buttress (LD55)

by PicoCoder

[Click to Play]

Flying Buttress (noun):

In architecture, a type of arch that extends from the outside of a building.
A female butler who happens to be flying on this particular day.

You've been summoned by the bell! Collect items (or not) and reach the bell as fast as you can! Z to jump, X to dive. When you hit the ground while diving, you start rolling. Build up speed by rolling, diving, and wall jumping to carry yourself to the end! Make sure to post your fastest times below!

Made for Ludum Dare 55.

Rock Paper Scissors

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 21:46:25 UTC

rockpaperscissors

by PicoCoder

[Click to Play]

This is a simple rock paper scissors simulation inspired by this video and others. When units encounter each other, the winning type "spreads" to the losing unit. Use the X or O buttons to restart.

Nim

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 22:59:00 UTC

Nim 1.2

by PicoCoder

[Click to Play]

This is a simple PICO-8 implementation of the classic game Nim.

Controls

On your first turn, press the O button to let the computer go first.
Use the arrow keys to select matchsticks and O to remove them.

Rules

On your turn, remove any number of matchsticks from one row. The player who removes the last matchstick loses.

Changelog

1.1:

Fixed bug where AI would skip turn in a specific losing position
Added delay to AI's move for clarity

1.2:

Fixed bug where game would freeze at victory screen

Walled In!

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 16:00:48 UTC

Jam Version

walled_in

by PicoCoder

[Click to Play]

Post Jam Version

walled_in_post

by PicoCoder

[Click to Play]

Controls

Use the arrow keys or ESDF to move.
Aim with your mouse and click to shoot.

How to Play

Shoot enemies to increase your combo. As your combo goes up, your space will shrink, and more enemies will spawn. Your bullets can't go outside of your square, so enemies will get dangerously close to you before you can shoot them. You have 3 lives to get the most points you can, so go for the high score, and don't get walled in!

Enemy Types

	[8x8]

This basic enemy can only go toward you. It's easy to take care of on its own, but it can be devastating as a crowd.

	[8x8]

This enemy is the hardest to deal with. It moves in a straight line and shoots fast-moving bullets that are tricky to dodge. If you manage to shoot it, you'll get extra points.

	[16x16]

This enemy is tougher than the others, and takes three hits to defeat. Once defeated, the borders will recede, making long combos easier.

Credits

Made in 48 hours for Ludum Dare 54 with the theme "Limited Space"
All programming, graphics, and audio by PicoCoder

Updates

Post jam version:

Saves high score with CARTDATA()
Hold left mouse button to autofire

Side Note

I'd be impressed if anyone can beat my high score of 6767 ;)

Planets 1.1

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 21:55:48 UTC

Planets 1.1

by PicoCoder

[Click to Play]

Description

This cartridge simulates orbital mechanics using Newton's law of universal gravitation. It is recommended to experiment with the settings, which can be found in the code. The planets are generated randomly, so try reloading the cart to find interesting combinations.

Camera Controls

By default, the camera will follow the average of the planets' positions, giving you a view of all the planets. Use the Z key to lock on to a specific planet, and keep pressing Z to cycle through different planets. Pressing the X key will let you move the camera manually with the arrows or WASD, and pressing it again will go back to the automatic camera.

Credits

Programming by PicoCoder
Distance formula for long distances by TetraPengwin
Inspired by Sebastian Lague's video
Law of universal gravitation by Isaac Newton

Updates

1.1:

Added a path tracer (off by default)
Added an option to disable the grid