Mean Screen

At first look, the name of this game doesn't really make sense for a simple side-scrolling survival game, but very quickly you'll learn the only enemy in this game is the screen itself.

Created for the GMTK Game Jam of 2020, Mean Screen was inspired from the game jam's theme: "Out of Control." Players must craft tools to mine through rock and cut through forests on their quest to stay one step ahead of their doom: the screen. Unlike traditional survival games, Mean Screen removes the player's ability to control the screen (which normally follows the player around). Instead, the camera pushes you ever onward to the right. If you lag behind, you'll be destroyed!

Construct barricades to slow down your encroaching doom. Build better tools that last longer and allow you to mine faster. Discover new crafting recipes, and find more valuable ore to construct sturdier objects and stay ahead of the screen!

See if you have what it takes to go toe-to-toe with this crazy side-scrolling adventure!  

Features

• Intense single-player gameplay
• Simple & intuitive crafting recipes
• Responsive controls
• Controller support in addition to traditional keyboard & mouse
• Easy to follow tutorial
• High blood pressure 

Controls (Keyboard & Mouse)

• Move with WASD
• Break blocks with SPACE or E
• Place blocks or drop items with Q
• Select inventory slots with mouse scroll wheel or digits 1 - 5

Controls (Game Controller)

• Move with left analog stick
• Break blocks with primary button (typically A)
• Place blocks or drop items with secondary button (typically B)
• Select inventory slots with L / R triggers or shoulder buttons

Crafting

• Place two items (one at a time) on a crafting bench or furnace to make new items
• Two wood, stone, or iron on a crafting table makes barricades, which slow the camera down
• Wood and stone or Wood and iron make pickaxes, which help you gather resources faster

Developer Thoughts

This was my first time participating in a game jam and while my brother has some experience in video game development, I had next to none. Both of us found this to be a very rewarding - albeit stressful at times - experience, and I am personally looking forward to participating next year. Huge shout out to GMTK for making this possible. Please leave feedback for any ideas on what could have made this a better gaming experience. Thanks!