Craftimals: Build to the Sun

Released: March 2012 (October 2024)

Available on: Steam

One part crafting game and one part 2D platformer, Craftimals lets you build your own way to the top! Play single-player or local co-op and help the animals reach the sun. Checkpoints along the way give you new powers and hats. Find out what happens when you touch the sun, or simply have fun building and creating pictures out of blocks!

Craftimals was the second game I released for the Xbox 360 indie marketplace. It was also my most successful game on the platform, though I was never completely happy with how it turned out. I really wanted to make an improved PC port that closer met my original vision, but I couldn't figure out what to do with it. Instead, I eventually created a "spiritual successor" called Doggo Dig Down that was, unfortunately, not as well received.

Craftimals continued to have a small but dedicated fanbase, with people periodically reaching out to me to ask if I was ever going to re-release the game. After the third or fourth such message, I finally gave in and made a direct port to PC in 2024. The only changes to the game were adding keyboard/mouse controls and Steam features (e.g., achievements). Otherwise, it is 99% identical to the 2012 Xbox version.