I just composed a quick video trailer, and it turned out quite nice  haha. Check it out:

Yea! I agree actually haha; I just couldn't think of another way to represent the score/attack power. Everything in the game (until that) was represented visually, and I liked that. Leaving text/health bars etc out was a cool approach (in my opinion hahah) However, displaying the score killed that, and I can't think of a great way to do it! Any suggestions?

Oh and Thanks so much for the kinds words! Glad you enjoyed it 

What we planned on finishing for our entry regarding this game is finished! Please check it out and leave some feedback, thanks!

<td style="width: 350px; vertical-align: top">
    <strong>Sandy Evolution</strong><br/>
    <em>By Kurt Waldowski (Pocketninja) and David Sleboda</em><br/>
    <b><a href="http://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=13547.0">Thread</a></b>
    <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?7g62tmgcfaw9nm8">Windows</a>
</td>

So does this have to be in tonight or tomorrow night? 

yes! So much BS (for me) has occurred since the competition started that the deadline hit me in the face like a board. 

@Spross

That is an awesome point; but as of right now you become the enemy you suck up (an orange variation of them) and have their abilities. As you use their abilities you start to shake and blur and then transform back to your original form. You quickly move in and out of people rather than sit as one. The abilities do not stack; although that is a great idea and may have to be implemented in the future. In 2 days ill have a build for you to play around with and see what its like. 

Alright so the game is coming alone quite well, however ill have to crank in order to finish it in time  The game ended up as a semi-shump puzzler esq game in which you need to kill your enemies and evolve into them, using their abilities to efficiently navigate through the levels. Becoming the right enemy at the right time will help you gain more points and make it much easier to beat the level.

Below is a picture of a massive explosion!  18 enemies slowly begin to close in on you. Shooting one and sneaking out is an option; but becoming an enemy that the ability to shoot bullets in all directions allows for a much better option (as you can see). There is one enemy left that is about to be showered by shards of his friends. Ill post a build of a level soon so you guys can give some great criticism! Thanks! 

Oh god this deadline is creeping up so fast  anyone else feel that way hahahaha i don't know if ill finish 

haha love it man! nice simple game. I played like the first 5 or 6 -- i think you should defiantly throw in some twists of change ups. Idn; like people moving and what not. (aside from just adding more) Maybe you did throw in some neat stuff I didn't get to, but I need to go to bed! 

Looks good so far man! 

Thanks guys! Right now it seems it will be much like a horizontal shump, and I'm trying to think of interesting ways to make the game play very original. So far, I'm figuring that when the enemies die, you can collect there fragments and you will slowly start to evolve and gain new abilities. The graphics are very unique and i'm hoping to craft some unique game play to suit -- but i'm having a bit of trouble. Any suggestions? Anything is much appreciated! 

[Screen Shot Update!]

Screen Shot Update!

Just a part of a level with some of the baddies.   (art work by David Sleboda)We are going to change the main character (the  orange) As of right now he shoots parts of his body. Its starting to come together quite nice!

[Description]

Description

Sandy Evolution is a unique side scrolling shooter through an abstract world in which you eliminate enemy creatures. Upon killing them, you have the ability to absorb there fragments, transforming you into the enemy. You gain there abilities for a period of time.

Trailer




Download
Mirror 1:http://www.mediafire.com/?7g62tmgcfaw9nm8
Mirror 2: http://gamejolt.com/freeware/games/sandy-evolution/files/sandy-evolution/download/3157/4243/

Controls
WASD - Move
Down Arrow - Shoot
Right Arrow - Absorb Fragments (hold)
Up Arrow - Release Enemy

Sandy Evolution is finally done! When I say done, i mean I got what I wanted done for the competition.   The project we decided to tackle was quite big, and can not be completely finished by the end of this contest. We finished one level complete with a boss. We plan for the finished game to have around 10 levels, but that will not be any time soon.

I apologize for the large file size, and I will try and spit out a lighter version. Some resources within the game file that will be used for future game play are bogging it down a bit.

If you find any bugs please give me a holler! I apologize for the lack of updates and what not, but any time I would get on this site I found myself playing your awesome creations and browsing the forms instead of doing work!   (which is not a bad thing, but toward the end I really lacked time)

As the game continues past this contest I will be sure to update! We hope to explore the game mechanic a bit more in depth and hopefully create something even more intuitive with it. We are happy with what we released and hope you guys enjoy it!

--- Special thanks to Lee, Matt, and Mitch for helping test/design the game   ---

Initial Inspiration

I LOVED this game! It was a real challenge and i enjoyed every minute of it. More!

Yes, I loved this video. It was very silk and I totally agree, it would make a great poster!

=D i love parkour! I was on vacation couldn't view/post much

Hi I am new to this forum and my name is Kurt. I am relatively new to making games, but so far I have really enjoyed it. I enjoy drawing cartoons and I have been playing games as soon as they were available to me. I love playing them as much as I do making them. I love using my imagination in my games, and trying to create something original. Today it's harder to find great original games and enjoy playing them when I find them! In my spare time when i'm not gaming I like to Parkour/Freerun.

I'm looking forward to chatting with everyone here! 

Sorry about that the links are fixed

and yes I am interested in this community I looked through and it seems very active and full of kind people!

[Made for the Iwannaplay competition]

Made for the Iwannaplay competition

Play now or Download
There are two ways to play Rich with Rats. The first is through instant play. The other option is to download it. This is preferred as you will be able to access it again off line.

This is the link to play though instant play:http://www.yoyogames.com/games/show/50660
This is the link to download the game: http://www.yoyogames.com/games/launch/50660


Main information
Tittle: Rich with Rats
Download Size: 9.7mb
Resolution: No change
Screen Size: Windowed
Game Maker version:  GM7 Registered
Game Version: v4.0
GM functions used:
particles
surfaces (in the "Rat dig" mini game)

Game information
Rich with Rats is a simple, comical game in which you play as farmer john, a poor farmer. Farmer John had always dreamed of being rich. But, his only hobby was collecting rats. With a hobby like that how could you get rich? One morning farmer John was walking into town and he stumbled across a sign that read,"Orange County's First Ever Flying Rat Competition, Thousands can be won!" The games in the tournament would test your reflexes, your memory, and your speed; and of course it would involve your Rats! He thought to him self....this my friend.....this competition is my chance to get rich.....RICH WITH RATS!
In the tournament your goal is to launch a rat to safety and earn big bucks! It may seem very simple but it's harder that you think...and watch out for those birds! But thats not the only way to earn cash. In fact there are 6 other ways. Rich with Rats consists of six other mini games in which you can set online high scores and earn big bucks! These six games consist of:

Card Match
Rat Catch
Slots
Rat fall
Rat dig
Rasketball

Throughout the competition for outstanding (or not so outstanding) performances you will be awarded with trophies!

Screen Shots





Final Remarks
I hope you enjoy Rich with Rats! Please submit your high scores online. If you want to view them at any time you can view them at www.richwithrats.tk When submitting your high score it may take a little time to respond please be patient. Also, when playing Rat Dig, it takes some time to draw the surface.

PLEASE POST COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS! THANKS!