Transmutations

Transmutations is a little puzzle game I made in 2018, where you try to figure out how to combine elements in order to create elixirs! The underlying mechanics are built on 2D cellular automata that are generated fresh each round, so the combinations are always changing. You can either race against an opponent to create the most elixirs, or play single-player mode & just vibe!

Procedural Music System

For the 1-year anniversary of the game, I added a procedural music system, which turns the game board into a 16-step algorithmic sequencer. So honestly one of my favorite things to do is just get in there & let it play some tunes!

The music system breaks the 5x5 board into 3 "rings". The outer ring plays high notes in a 16-step pattern. The middle ring plays mid-range notes in an 8-step pattern. And the center tile plays bass notes with a quarter-note beat. Each tile type has a different sound:

  • Earth tiles play a simple 'boop' type tone.
  • Iron tiles play percussive, noisy sounds.
  • Gold tiles play a longer hum type sound.
  • Elixirs play a twinkly arpeggio.