Highscore version (Requires net connection) [Download here]
(Zip File, 2.3Mb)
Offline version [Download here]
(Zip File, 2.1Mb)

I’ve given Self Destruct a big update, fixing loads of problems that the sleep deprived contest version had. There are loads of fixes and new features (read about them here), but the biggest and coolest is an online highscore table! Hope to see some of you on it 😀

Phew. Time to get back to Ciellus, I think.

[Edit] The above link is for the regular online version of the game. Due to an oversight on my part it can only be played online! However, an offline version is now available here! At a later date a proper update is planned to fix the remaining issues with the game.

[Edit] Here’s a quick video of it in action:

and a screenshot:

73 thoughts on “This game will self destruct in 10 minutes”
  1. This game’s pretty amazing. Feels quite solid too. There’s only one thing that bothers me at all about it…

    The hitbox for the ship is, like, way too large. Any STG fan would feel frustrated by a bullet not even physically touching the sprite and still getting a chunk knocked off their shield (or worse, killed), much less the shot barely grazing the hull.

    Ah well, it’s far too late to really issue a “Picky STG fan” patch for the game.

  2. I like the game a lot. A friend of mine and I are looking to compete writing bots to play. Is the source available?

  3. i’ve just played Don’t look back and loved it.
    then i got here and found VVVVVV, played the demo at Kong and loved it.

    Great job!

    thinked of mac versions for xoldiers and self destruct? i certainly would love to!

  4. Hey Terry! Just wanted to say this game is really great. I really like the balance of the mechanic between the power of the weapon and the shield. Such a good idea. It also feels challenging but not in the because-their’s-so-many-glowing-things-on-the-screen-idk-what-is-what kind of way that a lot of shoot ’em ups like Mars Matrix try to do it. And who actually doing all that weird squeezing and navigating past enemies missles you always have to do in shoot ’em ups?
    Thanks for making this!

  5. Hi! I’ve recently been playing Self Destruct and let me start by saying how much I’ve been enjoying it.
    I’m aware that it’s one of your older creations and was part of a procedural generation competition so the randomness of the enemy waves is integral to the whole concept of the game but would it be possible to remake the game with fixed repeatable enemy waves?
    This would mean that success would require memorisation and give a level playing field for scores.
    I’m a member of Shmups Forum and there random levels are not particularly well received due to the chance element this introduces when comparing scores. However I’m sure that a version of Self Destruct with fixed wave patterns would be very popular indeed.
    As I said I am really enjoying the game. In pace and design it reminds me of the x68kgame Zero Rei (one of my all time favourites!):
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wStEVYHNhLo

    So thanks again and best regards,

  6. Fantastic game!

    One thing though. I’ve been playing the offline version and it saves my high score during each session. But when I exit the game and start again later, my latest high score is not saved. Is that how it is supposed to be? Or am I missing something? Is there a command to view previous high scores?

    Saving high scores from previous sessions is the only feature I think the game really needs.

    P.s. I know feature requests are kinda mute since the game has long been finished. Just thought I would throw it out there.

  7. […] Self Destruct is a fast paced vertical scrolling shooter where you have to survive 250 enemy waves. In order to survive you have to make proper use of your shields and activate them at the right time. Frantic fun! Download (2 MB) September 25, 2009 Free, Indie Games, Shooter No Comments freegame maker (engine)shootervertical shooterwindows […]

  8. I’m playing this like twice a year or something and it feels like it’s getting better every time. Still so awesome. And works perfectly with wine, too 🙂

  9. Such a great game, saw it mentioned in a comments thread and sought it out immediately. Most fun I’ve had since I discovered Cave Story this time last year.

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  11. I randomly remembered this game today, and it warmed my heart to see that I was still on the high score table close to ten years later 😀

  12. For me, this Self Destruct captures everything a game should be. The controls, the duration, the patterns and adrenaline… the balance is perfect. I’ve been working my way up over the years, hit #13 last week at the ripe age of 43. Good times. Thank you Terry.

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