Depth of Rock

Depth of Rock was made for the 2024 Pirate Game Jam. This year's theme was shadows and alchemy. Check out the other submissions, there are a lot of really good games there, and they all run in browser! Kazoo used this to learn about uploading to web with itch.io. This game is out! Click the image to go to the itch.io page!

What is this about?

Kazoo wants you to play the game, so she can't tell you the whole story, but she will tell you a little. You're brother was part of an experiment, but went missing! You want to make a complaint on their website, but it's too complicated. You have to jump through hoops just to get what you want.

Because of Depth of Rock's simplicity, Kazoo did not give this game a deep story, she just wanted to give the player a bit of motivation. The game does have an anti-corperation theme to it though. She is frustrated with how shady companies act towards their customers, especially when they make their support system complicated.

How do you play this game?

When you begin the game, you are sitting in front of a computer. There are many applications for you to look at. The most important is the "Start Game Browser." This is where the majority of the game takes place. You also have a file called "Read Me." This file tells you all of the controls. You can do 3 things not on the computer: Slam the keyboard, slam the mouse, and take pictures. Hold right click to move your hand, then quickly move your mouse down to slam. Anytime you're stuck, hit something and see what changes. Hover over the camera on the left to pick it up. Right click to take a picture, or hover over the spot to put the camera back down. Windows that are openned can be closed with the "x" button on the window. Just like a window on your computer.

How does Depth of Rock fit the theme?

Kazoo admits that none of the gameplay really matches the theme of the game jam. The theme is in the story, which the player can totally ignore. The point of the theme is to find creative ways to fit in. Shadows can refer to literal shadows, things hiding in plain sight, shadow agencies, or even a mood. Alchemy can refer to literal alchemy, transformation, or combining different things. In the game, the company you are against is HardStone Inc. Throughout your experience, the company alludes to knowing about your intentions. The company is hiding your brother from you. Alchemy is quite literal in Depth of Rock. Spoiler warning! When you find your brother, he has been turned to stone! HardStone Inc. is a alchemical research facility, and they directly mention this on their website. Their current research is turning living tissue into different materials, and your brother was the first victim!