INSTRUCTIONS (READ BEFORE PLAY): 

Starborne is a mechanically intensive auto-runner intended for 30 to 60 minutes of play across 3 levels. For a thorough experience in 10 minutes, we suggest trying out each level, and then unlocking the next one via the Skip button that appears after 2 minutes in the bottom right corner. Furthermore, if you'd like to see both endings of the game (which each feature a unique musical track and animation), press G to open the debug menu and re-do the conclusion scene. Otherwise, controls are taught organically as you play. Enjoy!

Note:

All levels are completable with 3 stars, but it takes some practice! A 7-minute playthrough with full stars of the entire game (good ending) can be found below, as well as some known bugs and a full list of controls. 

KNOWN BUGS: 

The restart button may cause input delay over time. In this case, press Esc and click on the level again to restart; note that this will restart the timer for the Skip button's appearance.

Restarting or using skip (playtest) button on the 3rd level may not bring you to the conclusion cutscene. In this case, please use the debug menu to access the conclusion cutscene.

A full list of controls are provided below:

• Cutscenes:
  • A: Fast-forward 5 seconds
  • D: Rewind 5 seconds
  • Click/Enter/Space: Pause
• Gameplay:
  • A: Move LEFT
  • D: Move RIGHT
  • Escape/P: Pause
  • R: Restart

Credits

sarafiend - Artist (Levels)

lconfusion - Artist (Cutscenes)

teikifox - Artist (User Interface, Dialogue), Writer 

jwi.na - Musician

jadonz - Programmer, Level Designer

All art and music are original, excluding those listed below:

Emmascript MVB Std Bold by Kanna Aoki - Adobe Fonts https://fonts.adobe.com/fonts/mvb-emmascript

P22 Freely by Ted Staunton - Adobe Fonts https://fonts.adobe.com/fonts/p22-freely

dragon studio - boulder impact 4 (via pixabay)

c_janine - page turn (via pixabay)

soundreality - whoosh motion 2 (via pixabay)

dragon studio - steam hissing (via pixabay)

To return the stars, one must guide them back to the sky.

You are a creature of the night. You fear the day, and dissolve in the harsh and overpowering light of the SUN. So, when you saw the last star fall from its place and plunge the night sky into inescapable darkness, you thought it would be safer for your kind.

But it is too late now - you, a lone adventurer on the seas, now realize that nothing can survive without LIGHT.

A sacrifice to the heavens for a light reborn...

With the SUN at your back, you must journey to the end of the horizon to return the lost stars back to their rightful place - or die trying.

How to Play:

Starborne is an sailing adventure-rhythm game made in 72 hours for the UCLA Fiat Ludum Game Jam! Move your boat using A and D or the arrow keys to duck behind obstacles and stay out of direct contact with the deadly SUNlight. Collect stars as you journey from island to island!

Associated itch.io Accounts:

jadon.z | lconfusion | jwi.na | oh-snapp | sarafiend

UCLA Fiat Ludum Game Jam 2026