Lab Escape

Two hamsters must work together to escape a mad scientist's lab! One floats through the air in a bubble that can shrink or grow, while the other runs on the table carrying a torch whose heat will help the bubble stay afloat. Navigate through an environment of many chemicals, tubes, and other dangers! The game can be played with either 1 or 2 players locally on one keyboard.

Controls/Mechanics:

• Bubble Hamster:
  • Use A and D to move left and right.
  • Use W and S to make the bubble larger or smaller. Being smaller helps to fit in tight passages, though being larger (and less dense) helps you float in the air more easily. But keep in mind that the hamster can't hold its breath for too long!
  • Wind from fans will also affect the bubble hamster's movement in the air — it may be either a benefit or a detriment!
  • Make sure to avoid dangerous objects like blue copper sulfate crystals, sparks of electricity, and your ally hamster's flame. The bubble will pop if it touches any of those, or if it falls to the ground.
• Torch Hamster:
  • Use the left and right arrow keys to move across the table.
  • Keep the bubble hamster afloat in the air by positioning the flame underneath the it — the heat will help the bubble rise.
  • Watch out for slime and ice which will slow you down or cause you to slide easily, respectively.

Clear each level by getting the bubble hamster past the right side of the screen!
Press R to restart the current level. Use Esc to quit the game.

Credits:

• Hanke Chen - Music, Sound Design
• Bosi Li - 2D Art, Game Design
• Enn Ruan - 2D Art & Animation
• Nellie Tonev - Programming, Game Design
• Helen Yang - 2D Art & Animation, Game Design, Level Design

Made in 48 hours for Global Game Jam 2025, with the theme of Bubble.
Pittsburgh GGJ Site Judges' Choice Award Winner.