Description
Seid 2 is a quirky 2D platform game where players control the titular character, Seid, on a mission to stop a gang of thieves from stealing valuable masks. Navigating side-scrolling levels, players must reach exit doors while dodging enemy bullets and replenishing health with collectible items. The game features minimalist graphics, unconventional mechanics like pixel-perfect collision (allowing Seid to cling to ledges with his hair), and random bullet firing. Dialogues and internal monologues are filled with intentional spelling errors, adding to its offbeat charm. Developed in GameMaker, Seid 2 offers a challenging, no-frills experience with a focus on survival and exploration.
Seid 2: A Deep Dive into a Cult Classic Platformer
Introduction
In the vast landscape of indie games, few titles have achieved the cult status of Seid 2, a 2011 platformer that emerged from the Polish game-making community. Developed by “dyzmaken” (also known as “dyzmek”) using Game Maker, Seid 2 is a game that defies conventional expectations. Its simplistic graphics, bizarre storyline, and numerous spelling errors have made it an in-joke among the GMClan community, yet it has also garnered a dedicated following. This review will explore the game’s development history, narrative, gameplay mechanics, and its lasting impact on the indie game scene.
Development History & Context
Seid 2 was created and published on the Polish game-making forum GMClan by the user “dyzmaken.” The game’s development is shrouded in mystery, but it is clear that it was a labor of love for its creator. The use of Game Maker, a popular tool among indie developers, allowed “dyzmaken” to bring their vision to life despite technological constraints. The game’s release in 2011 coincided with a period of significant growth in the indie game scene, with platforms like Steam Greenlight and Xbox Live Arcade opening doors for small developers.
Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive
Seid 2 follows the eponymous character on a quest to stop a gang of thieves from stealing valuable masks. The game’s narrative is minimalistic, with the protagonist controlled via arrow keys and the ability to shoot bullets randomly left and right. The goal of each level is to find a door, which serves as the level’s exit. The game’s storyline is strange and often nonsensical, adding to its charm and cult appeal. Themes of perseverance and exploration are prevalent, as players must navigate through levels filled with enemies that fire an endless hail of bullets.
Gameplay Mechanics & Systems
The core gameplay loop of Seid 2 revolves around platforming and combat. The protagonist has a limited amount of health, which can be replenished by collecting health pickups. The game’s combat system is simple yet effective, with the protagonist able to shoot bullets in any direction. The game’s UI is minimalistic, with a focus on the action on screen. One of the game’s most notable features is its pixel-perfect collision checking, which allows the protagonist to hold onto platform edges with their hair, adding a unique twist to the platforming mechanics.
World-Building, Art & Sound
Seid 2’s world is a surreal and often confusing place. The game’s visual direction is simplistic, with a focus on functionality over aesthetics. The sound design is equally minimalistic, with a soundtrack that complements the game’s bizarre atmosphere. The game’s setting is a series of levels, each with its own unique challenges and enemies. The atmosphere is one of mystery and intrigue, as players are left to uncover the game’s secrets on their own.
Reception & Legacy
Upon its release, Seid 2 received a mixed reception. The game’s simplistic graphics and bizarre storyline were polarizing, with some players finding it charming and others finding it confusing. However, the game’s cult status has grown over the years, with it becoming an in-joke among the GMClan community. The game’s influence can be seen in subsequent indie games, with its unique blend of platforming and combat inspiring a new generation of developers.
Conclusion
Seid 2 is a game that defies conventional expectations. Its simplistic graphics, bizarre storyline, and numerous spelling errors have made it an in-joke among the GMClan community, yet it has also garnered a dedicated following. The game’s unique blend of platforming and combat, along with its minimalistic UI and sound design, make it a standout title in the indie game scene. While it may not be for everyone, Seid 2 is a game that deserves to be remembered for its cult appeal and its influence on the indie game community.
In the annals of video game history, Seid 2 stands as a testament to the power of indie development. It is a game that, despite its flaws, has managed to carve out a niche for itself and inspire a new generation of developers. For those willing to look past its simplistic graphics and bizarre storyline, Seid 2 offers a unique and memorable gaming experience.