Dark Space (itch)

== About the Game ==

Dark Space is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up inspired by retro games from the genre. All of the game's sprites were drawn with a limited four-color palette.

Warning! The Dark Space Scourges, a band of insidious, interdimensional indecents, are causing havoc and unrest across the Dark Space! Take control of the scorpion-like alien Schkitaska as you fly through a dangerous assortment of stages, each one presenting its own unique hazards, on your mission to apprehend the Dark Space Scourges and restore order.

Schkitaska has the power to generate orbitals after defeating enough enemies; these friendly followers will allow Schkitaska to temporarily mutate and gain new attacks. Up to two orbitals can be equipped at one time, and their powers will combine to produce devastating abilities! Experiment with all of the possible combinations and find the best orbitals for every situation.

== Features ==

• Many interesting characters and environments to encounter!
• 21 unique weapon combinations to discover and use!
• Four different stages to tackle in any order you please!
• Two difficulty modes with separate level designs and gameplay differences!
• A shop system which provides health and weapon upgrades!
• Secret challenges which unlock character information when completed!

== Controls == -- General Controls --

• F1, F2, F3, F4 keys: Adjust window size between 1x, 2x, 3x, or 4x resolution
• F5 key: Adjust window size to best-fit resolution

-- Menu Controls --

• Arrow keys: Navigate menu options
• Z key / Y key / W key: Select the current menu option
• X key: Return to the previous menu

-- Game Controls --

• Arrow keys: Move
• Z key / Y key / W key: Fire or activate the current weapon
• X key: Equip the new orbital circling around you
• A key / Q key: Discard the oldest equipped orbital
• Enter key: Pause the game
• Escape key: Return to the title screen (while paused)
  

== Development Status ==

Current version: 3.0 (Completed game)

The game itself is currently finished (aside from the lack of music), but I have plans for future updates (an original soundtrack, the "???" gameplay mode, and one or two additional stages with a new ending). If you have any feedback regarding the game, please share it in the comments! I would love to hear what you have to say.