Contagium was made for the 48-hour 2011 Global Game Jam in Shanghai.
Download (Version 2.0):
Windows (.exe, 4.1 mb)
2.0 version info:
- New game modes – Infinite, Protection
- 20 rounds of Normal mode gameplay
- High score lists, achievements, cell upgrades
- Multiple virus types, attack types
- Debugging, balance, polish
Global Game Jam 2011 Version (1.0)
In early 2011 we were thinking it would be amusing to realize a design I had created as a child – a shmup based on the immune system. It was inspired by a children’s book we had as kids; Cell Wars, by Fran Balkwill.
It explained the basic biological processes of foreign bacteria and viruses and the subsequent responses of white blood cells and other elements of the immune system in the human body. My eight-year old self was so struck by the drama of these microscopic battles that I put together a folder of game, character, and level design illustrations and explanations based on the book.
Back in 2011, the theme for the game jam turned out to be “Extinction” – and despite only a casual connection, we thought of the white blood cell shooter concept. We settled on minimal round-based arena shooter gameplay, jammed through the weekend, got it up on the GGJ site (barely), and decided we liked it enough to continue to polish it.
Use the WASD keys, the mouse or arrow keys, and the spacebar to play. Neutralize viruses with antibodies, then absorb them. Try to prevent infection while keeping yourself alive.
