Please note: This game is the updated version of a group contribution to Ludum Dare 57 (2025). The original version can be found the Ludum Dare website. Details below.

Adam, Rejected

Moody 2D-platformer with focus on spoken narration.

Updated version

After the weekend of the Ludum Dare jam we had more time to fix some minor issues and do some quality-of-life updates, which you find on this page. Below is a list of changes (as of April 12th) in which this version differs from the original version submitted to the Ludum Dare jam. This list might be extended in the future.

• intro cut scene can be skipped
• visual hints for advancing text boxes
• no glitching through the ground on high velocity
• small adjustments to locations where narrative elements happen

Story

Scientist Mandy Shelby creates bodies: live bodies. But when some of her creations do not meet her expectations, she is not one to continue on a doomed project. Her children are worthy. If they are not, there is only one way to go, and that is down.

Meet Adam. Once one of Mandy Shelby's children, now a rejected monster, tumbling down a shaft to his new, dank, forever home under the rocks. But this skellie will not sit idly by. And so his journey upwards begins, with you to help him.

Controls

• [left], [right] crawl/walk
• [up], [down] climb vines etc.
• [space] jump, continue dialogue

Quick start

The game begins with the camera panning downward and some narration. Press [space] to advance the text. When the camera stops moving, you can start crawling. Good stuff is to the right.

Thanks for playing

We hope you enjoy our attempt at the Ludum Dare game jam!

Happy crawling :)

MashedPotato, LisaQuill and SmallTalkInc

LisaQuill did the voice acting! You can find her on Twitch, BlueSky, and Instagram!