Shadow Code

Shadow Code is a high-stakes sci-fi shmup where every shadow hides a secret, and every secret holds the key to survival. As the pilot of the Cipherwing, humanity’s last hope, you’ll navigate treacherous starfields shrouded in darkness, using your experimental Decoder to uncover hidden enemies, bypass deadly traps, and unlock the mysteries of a lost alien civilization. Will you decipher the Shadow Code in time, or will the secrets of the void remain forever concealed? The fate of the galaxy is in your hands.

Controls (Keyboard Only)

WASD - Move

K - Shoot

J - Boost Decoder

About

This is my entry for the Game Off 2024 game jam where the theme was SECRETS. Shadow Code is a fairly standard vertical shmup offering 3 stages of action, however the enemy have developed a top secret cloaking device which can keep their location and in some cases even their bullets location secret from the player. The player is equipped with an experimental Decoder which is capable of uncloaking the enemy but it's range is limited. It is possible to boost the range of the Decoder but only for short periods.

Known Issues

Sometimes when switching to full screen it gets stuck on a black screen with a white bar across the middle. If this happens just click your mouse anywhere on the screen and the game will resume.

Assets Used

https://davidkbd.itch.io/hexapuppies-synthwave-music-pack

https://ratlab-games.itch.io/synthwave-music-intro

https://opengameart.org/content/space-backgrounds-3

https://larzes.itch.io/2d-space-shooter-sprites

https://livingtheindie.itch.io/pixel-shmup-ships-free

https://opengameart.org/content/bullet-collection-1-m484

https://kronbits.itch.io/freesfx