What it is
The Short King is a browser puzzle platformer made for the jame gam game jam for teenagers. You play as King Blorp, who must merge with aliens to grow bigger and fill escape pods so his scattered civilisation can be saved.
From the developer
In the developer’s own words, from mischievousgoose.itch.io.
Disclaimer - If it looks really zoomed in go into full screen.
The Short King is a puzzle platformer game where you have to merge with aliens to grow bigger in order to fill up a set number of escape pods so you can save your civilisation. You play as a king called Blorp who swears he is average height when one day an earthquake causes his civilians to scatter across the planet forcing him to step in.
This game was made for the jame gam game jam for teenagers (I'm 14).
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Controls
A/D - Move
Space - Jump
E - Merge with aliens
Q - Pause
R-Restart
Apart from these assets everything else was created my myself.
Credits
Particles
https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/vfx/particles/simple-fx-cartoon-particles-...
Music
https://pixabay.com/music/instrumental-chill-chill-music-597085/
https://pixabay.com/music/lofi-chill-chill-music-2-570659/
https://pixabay.com/music/corporate-video-game-video-game-music-535320/
SFX
https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/film-special-effects-st3-footstep-sfx-323056/
Editor takes
“Keyboard-only and jam-sized, so it's not a commuter's mobile pick, but each merge puzzle fits neatly into a short break.”
“Third of 231 in a teen jam with one tight merge-grow idea, goofy voice acting, and surprising polish for its scope.”
“The merge-to-grow rule is instantly readable and the escape-pod goal makes each puzzle's 'aha' clear, even if keyboard-only platforming muddies the purity.”
“Fixed levels and a linear merge path mean one satisfying run, not much reason to come back for another.”
How to play
Use A/D to move, Space to jump, and E to merge with aliens. Work through each level, find aliens, and grow large enough to fill the required escape pods. Q pauses the game and R restarts the current attempt.
Tips
- Look around each level for aliens before trying to reach the escape pods.
- If the view looks too zoomed in, switch to full screen for a clearer look.
- Restart with R quickly if you miss a jump or a merge.
- Plan your route before merging; your size changes how you move through the level.
Questions
Is The Short King free?
Yes, it is free to play in the browser on itch.io.
What are the controls?
A/D move, Space jumps, E merges with aliens, Q pauses, and R restarts.
How long is the game?
It was made for a weekend game jam; a player comment mentions 11 levels, so it is a short experience.
Does the game support saves?
The page does not mention saving; it is a short browser game best finished in one sitting.
Who developed it?
MischievousGoose, a 14-year-old developer, created it for the jame gam game jam for teenagers; it placed 3rd of 231 entries.
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