Recluse is a short, cute, and creative metroidvania-style platform adventure game from chambers that tied for eighth place in the most recent Ludum Dare compo. Centered around the "tiny world" theme, you play a snail who has never left its shell and is now ready to emerge into the world. While much of the gameplay is standard platform fare, there is a unique mechanic that makes Recluse worth experiencing: screen shoving!

Wrapped up in the vaguely spiral world of the shell, you begin in a tiny room where you learn your first few moves, including simple walking and jumping. Then, you notice there's a little open spot on the right side of the wall. You don't seem to be able to walk through it, though. If you push against the edge of the game window for a brief moment, you'll actually resize the window from within the game. Not only can you enlarge the window by pushing it horizontally, you'll also use your noggin' to expand it higher and smash down to expand it below. It's simple, but it's pretty neat in practice, and it totally makes the game more interesting than your standard platform adventure!

In addition to the window shoving mechanic, Recluse also stashes a few powers around the shell, including things like a ground pound and double jump. There are enemies, save points and hearts to collect, too, but you'll be so focused on where to go and which part of the window to move next you won't pay as much attention to these as you would in a similar game. Apart from the items and abilities mentioned, there isn't much more to Recluse. It's a short and very sweet experience, good for a distraction and a few smiles!

Windows:
Download the free full version

Mac OS X:
Download the free full version

Linux:
Download the free full version