I’m a sucker for interesting mechanics, games that bring a vibe, and games that do something new. Ludum Dare 53 brings all of these. Let’s take a look at some of my favorites as part of the competition. If you’re a participant, don’t forget to play and rate these titles. They each deserve it!

This year’s theme was Delivery. Apparently Ludum Dare has done this exact same theme three times before, but it never gets old!

8. One Small Puppy

One Small Puppy is absolutely wholesome. You play as the cutest puppy ever going on an adventure. The mechanics are simple, but the vibe is fantastic. Lospec graphics and a driving 8-bit soundtrack in the background make you feel like just like a puppy on a mission, which makes this the cutest thing ever.

7. Paperboy 256

Paperboy 256 includes voice acting which absolutely blows my mind. I would never have thought to try and include voice actors in a Jam game – probably because my own games are so text heavy that there’s no way to get it done in time. The vibe is also fantastic. You play a paperboy in a Lovecraftian alternate dimension tasked with retrieving the golden papers and giving them over to one of two unwholesome entities. The game features multiple endings, 3D platforming action, and disturbing characters – one called me supple… 😱

And the Windows version runs on Mac via Crossover!

6. IceCream Van

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about Lospec graphics, even when they’re delivered on newer platforms that didn’t exist when I was younger. The Pico-8 is a virtual emulator with just such a charm, and IceCream Van is one of the better games I’ve played on it. The game is a simple one-screen scene where you drive an ice cream van around a beach and try to serve customers without running them over – lest they attack your truck. It’s always fun to see how many mechanics and interactions devs are able to pack into such a small package.

5. K-Sandwich

The intro to K-Sandwich hooked me. It starts in silence which breaks into a funky 8-bit tune when you deliver your first knuckle sandwich. The best part for me, though, is how your main attack also serves as your dash and the mobility equivalent of a wall-jump. Some interesting level design went into this game, too. It’s legitimately fun and worth a few moments of your time. Also the framing of the game on the itch page is an excellent design detail. Top marks.

4. Verses & Vibes

It may not be much to look at, but Verses & Vibes might be Ludum Dare 53’s most innovative entry. It’s a game about reading poems and for the right kind of gamer, it’s a blast. The game revolves around your delivery of poetry. You get a poem and a mood you’re aiming to convey with your vocal delivery, which the game records. Once you’ve read your poem, you’re tasked with guessing the mood others were aiming to convey with their delivery. Features the poetry of Emily Dickinson and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

3. Crates

Crates almost got overlooked due to a broken link, but I’m so glad it didn’t. This is a one-button game based on switching the direction of conveyor belts. You’re tasked with moving a box around a level from the start to the finish. Sound simple? It is! But it’s also pretty great. The level designs are choice and the visual and audio design complement everything nicely (the soundtrack is a bop!). Crates could easily make a fantastic mobile game.

2. Magic Map of Adria

Magic Map of Adria is a multi-layered puzzle game based on familiar sliding block mechanics – with a twist! You’re playing as travelling merchants who have to make a big shipment in 150 days over impossible terrain. Luckily, you have a magic map which can move the land around to make your trip go even faster. The game basically asks you to solve a shortest path problem in the fewest number of moves possible. Each puzzle represents a separate leg of your journey and your scores need to add up to under 150 days.

1. Package Pushers Inc.

My top entry got me very excited. Package Pushers Inc. looks like Minecraft but plays like an awesome little 3D Sokoban. Your job is just to push a block to the finish line, but to do so you’ll have to break apart staircases, supply conveyor belts with power, and manage a bunch of other machines. Each level brings in a new mechanic. It’s clear that the devs put a lot of love and effort into this game. I’m hopeful that they’ll turn it into a full title and we’ll all get to play a full version soon.

That’s my list! Every one of them is worth a bit of your time. It’s really cool to see what other talented folks can come up with! While you’re here, you might consider checking out my team’s entry to Ludum Dare. BANKWAVE: Neon Networth. Working with such talented artists and musicians was a blast and I’m looking forward to collaborating with them in the future.