Countdown Gardens

Created for GMTK Game Jam 2026.

Objective

The aim of the game is to create a repeat pattern by layering colors. Your pattern should take into account the sprites scattered across the canvas. If these are on the right background color you will win the game.  

How to Play

Drag resists from the panel on the right onto the canvas. Once you are happy with the placement of your resist, press the "Paint" button. The resists prevent the paint color from applying. (So if the canvas is yellow and you apply blue paint, then everything other than the resisted areas will turn green). If you would like to undo your changes press "Reset". If there is a another color, repeat the process. If it's not quite right, try again. If you succeeded, hurray!

Tips

If the itch.io overlay is blocking part of the game, play around with resizing the window or just full screen.

Try not to overthink placements: water is blue, ducks live on water.

You can make your own patterns that look cool even if they aren't solutions! If you do plz post pics in comments :-)

Future Plans

More levels using a third color to get a full CMYK puzzle.

Instpiration

This game is inspired by printmaking and wax resist batik processes.

Roles

Rosa: visuals and game design

Tom: programming and game design