The Groundhog Mechanism

Submission for GMTK 2025

⚠ WARNING! ⚠

A Groundhog Mechanism was found in our system, causing it to restart after each detonation.
Disarm the mechanism before it goes unstable!

---

Groundhog Mechanism is a game of time management and a mission to save your system against a fate worse than death.

Navigate a vast digital maze to find the mechanism.

Manage your resources wisely. Install Field Modules and Patch Updates to finish your mission faster.

And don't forget to log your progress frequently!

With each reset, the Groundhog Mechanism gets unstable. Don't let the time loop close on you!

Controls

Arrow Keys	Move
Z	Attack, Interact
X	Build Mode
ESC	Quit

In build mode...

• Select Module from inventory with Arrow Keys. Build it with Z.
• Select Upgrade from inventory. Go to a Module and install it with Z.

Notes and Issues

• The Dataminer Module does not "repel bugs", as the description suggests. It gives a resource bonus when bugs are destroyed near it. 
• Minor information issue when trying to collect an upgrade with full inventory:
  • Trying to collect a character upgrade with full inventory will show a warning message. The upgrade can still be obtained.
  • Trying to collect a module upgrade with full inventory shows no warning message, but cannot be collected, as intended.
• The Groundhog Mechanism's reset closes the exit confirmation menu. This might be an inconvenience in the late game, but it does not softlock the player.

If you encounter other bugs, let me know in the comments, I will note them and patch them as soon as possible!