Oh boy, saltworlders, if this jam had a secret theme this round, it would probably be, "better late than never". It is with that in mind that I now present to you, finally, my own little blurbs on the games released this round.
Perdition by Carrion Crow
I've seen a fair deal of post-apocalyptic hellscapes in media, but I can't remember one that took place in kind of a night-time dream world like this one. It takes a special flare to take a new spin on such a heavily-tread genre, and for that I applaud you. My journey was cut short, perhaps prematurely, because for some reason the dude just would not comply when I jabbed the space bar. Foiled again by gravity...
Sons of the Holster by Bwiz
So it seems like the game crashed every time I hit the “L” key. But the western chiptuney soundtrack and pixel art were adorable.
Protocol Assault by casualcatharsis (??? can't find forums name equivalent)
I thought I got stuck in the bottom of the level before realizing I could add upwards momentum to my jumps with the shotgun. I was so thrilled with this discovery that I proceeded to exit stage left promptly, never to be seen again. I like to think just off-screen, wild adventures were taking place.
Monster Babe Gempire by Porpentine
I managed to starve my people to death in 3 turns, even after spending one of those building a farm. Alas, poor Hedonia, fallen land of the Gem Queen... Truly yours was the candle that burnt bright yet short. But the game's concept is real cute, and I think it holds the promise of being a fun little monster-lady empire sim.
Whiskey Weather by Denzquix and SwordofKings128
Amazing visuals and sound! Skeleton protagonist is a fine way to curry favor with yours truly. I couldn't get any further than the jungle TV and hammock, and I'm not sure if I could go any farther because it was kind of a frustrating pixelhunt to transition from scene to scene occasionally. Still a class-A bit of work that I really hope you see it the rest of the way through.
Dale: Lost in the City by Dweedes/Magic Dweedo
ah, bomberman followed to its logical conclusions... I went through the game destroying all persons and materials within my grasp, only realizing at the point where I had done everything but talking to the statue, that you could interact with items in this game in a way other than bombing. I had forgotten that fact. The only creature left alive was a worm who told me how I rocked... what had I done...
Up and Down by Grom
Nothing like collecting bones to put a spring in your step as you try to avoid inexplicable hell-spikes and death-voids. I liked the poppy sound it made when you reversed gravity. I got as far as about 10000 points, maybe a couple thousand more.
Kill Dad by nurseOstsAudy
how many times must we say good bye to our father before it's all over? I never did manage to give him the final farewell without kicking the bucket myself, but I did have a lot of fun trying to juggle those ball-seed things during my several lives that were cut short by vehicular filicide. The stark black and white landscape and the mildly unnerving chorus mumming in the background gave the experience a great, unearthly vibe.
So! I tabulated the votes, and it looks like a tie between Monster Babe Gempire and Dale: Lost in the City. This was REALLY tough, and it was one of the reasons I was delaying on the final call, because hoo doggy, I just don't know. In my eyes, you're both winners, but if I had to make a call, it'd be...
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DALE: Lost in the City Congtatulations, saltworlder Dweedes, AKA Magic Dweedo, AKA the recipient of the glorious cursed skull, your game, in addition to being based on a compellingly anarchistic premise, was the most completely implemented of the offerings this round. It is with this in mind that I have selected you as the Winter Salt King 2013! PM me a shipping address of your choosing, and soon... you shall bear a great darkness, dressed in the trappings of precious metal and glimmering jewels...
Good night, all!
Gaming World Forums
Winter 2013 Round-Em-Up & Voting Station