Hi!

This is my second project. I still have fond memories of the game jam that sprouted the idea. It was my very first game jam, actually. I remember arriving with my laptop at the venue where it was hosted, not knowing what to expect at all. When it was time for the theme to be revealed, all we could hear was the sound of a heartbeat. Groups were formed to brainstorm, ideas were pitched and teams were formed. We were all amateurs so we didn't actually manage to create a fun game during that weekend. But the idea stuck. And now I feel I can do it some more justice than I did back then.

It was supposed to be a regular platform game. As my goal now is to focus on smaller games that I can finish in a shorter timespan, I decided to turn it into a mix between a platformer and an endless runner. I have never created platform levels, and I honestly haven't played all that many platform games besides some Mario games on the good old Game Boy... So I figured I wouldn't be able to create a fun platform game on my own anyways. I can, however, string together an endless sequence of platforms and obstacles that you have to overcome in the dark, while being chased by a monster. So that's what I'll do!

The main mechanic is the heartbeat. It's very dark in the nightmareworld. But with every heartbeat, you shed a light on your environment and can assess what to do. The closer the monster gets to you, the faster your heart beats, and the more you see. But one misstep could make sure the monster catches you and ends your run. Deciding whether to jump in the dark or let the monster get closer for another heartbeat are the hard choices I hope the players will have to make. 

In this first version the main systems are done. I have created about 3 different types of obstacle nodes that are now randomly strung together. This obviously isn't enough and things get repetitive. I'll be working on a lot more variation though, which should hopefully help make the game flow feel better and make the game more exciting.

If anyone feels like playing this first version, I'd appreciate any feedback and will try to incorporate it into future builds. Thanks!

Oh, and a fair warning: the heartbeats cause a lightflash... If you're vulnerable to flashes like this, you might want to avoid this game...