Death Game

Death Game is a platform shooter built for js13kGames 2022 (theme: "Death"). You clear randomly generated stages of increasing length and difficulty — the procedural generation means no two runs are identical, and the escalating parameters ensure the challenge never plateaus. This combination of platforming, shooting, and roguelike stage structure packs remarkable variety into 13 kilobytes.

The game is notable for its input flexibility: it supports keyboard, gamepad, and touchscreen, with dedicated control mappings for each. A platform shooter that works equally well on a phone, with a controller, or on a keyboard is rare in the jam format and shows real engineering care. The reload mechanic (dedicated keys for keyboard, specific buttons for gamepad) adds a resource-management layer to combat — you cannot spray indefinitely, you must manage your ammo reloads tactically.

Death Game earned top recognition in the 2022 competition among 167 entries. For fans of roguelike platform shooters, it is a tight, replayable entry that uses procedural generation to earn its longevity honestly.

Death Game supports three control schemes:

Keyboard: Arrow keys or A/D to move, Up/W to jump, X or J to shoot, Z/K/R to reload. Gamepad: D-pad or left stick to move, Up or A to jump, triggers or B to shoot, X or Y to reload. Touchscreen: on-screen controls (consult the title screen).

Stages are randomly generated and increase in length and difficulty. Clear each stage of enemies to progress.

Strategy: the reload mechanic is the core tension — you cannot fire while reloading, so time your reloads during movement gaps, not mid-firefight. In procedurally generated stages, scout the layout before committing to a route; the random generation means familiar tactics do not always apply. Conserve ammo for tougher late-stage enemies.