👻 Ecto Stomp Review

Developer:  Levi Kornelsen |  Platform:  HTML5 (browser) |  Genre:  Action / Puzzle-Platformer |  Status:  🚧 In development |  Engine:  GameMaker |  Price:  Free

Ecto Stomp  is an action puzzle-platformer in active development, created with  GameMaker  by  Levi Kornelsen  —an indie developer primarily known for his  tabletop RPG games and resources  who has made the leap to browser game development. The game offers a platforming experience with action mechanics and idol-based scoring, accessible directly in the browser without installation and completely free of charge. Being in development, it's a diamond in the rough with clear potential but with the expected rough edges of a work in progress.

✅ Pros:

• 100% free, no installation required, play now

• Original puzzle-platformer mechanics

• Clear and well-documented controls

• The developer actively seeks feedback — it evolves with the community

• Made with GameMaker, a solid engine for this genre

❌ Contras:

• Still in development — limited content and possible bugs

• No ratings or public reviews yet

• Basic graphics typical of an early development stage

• Browser only (HTML5)

🕹️ Controls and Gameplay

The controls are well defined from the start:

The fact that the game itself includes an  official cheat  (pressing the S key to add a score idol) is an interesting design decision: it indicates that the developer's focus is more on testing mechanics and gathering feedback than on creating a competitive experience, something completely consistent with the current state of development.

The "scoring idols" system   points to a gameplay loop where the player's skill is measured by how many idols they collect, adding a layer of replayability beyond completing levels.

🎮 Genre and Mechanics

Ecto Stomp is labeled as an  Action + Puzzle-Platformer , a combination that demands both reflexes and strategic thinking. The name "Stomp" suggests jumping and smashing mechanics against enemies or elements of the environment—a classic archetype of the genre that GameMaker handles particularly well.

With three distinct action buttons (Z, X, Space), the game aims to have  several abilities or interactions  available, adding mechanical depth beyond a simple jump-and-run platformer.

👨‍💻 The Developer: Levi Kornelsen

Levi Kornelsen is a prolific creator on itch.io with a diverse catalog ranging from  tabletop  RPGs to narrative design tools. His profile showcases a mind geared towards systems and mechanics design, which explains the structured approach to controls and scoring in Ecto Stomp. Ecto Stomp represents his most direct foray into digital action video games, and the fact that he actively seeks feedback ("Feedback is EXTREMELY welcome") demonstrates a genuine commitment to iterating and improving the game.

🔊 Technical Presentation

🌟 Score (Considering their Developmental Stage)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install it?
No. It's played directly in the browser, without downloads or accounts.

Is this a finished game?
No — it's marked as  "In development" . It may change significantly over time.

Can I give feedback to the developer?
Yes, and it's very welcome. Levi Kornelsen explicitly requests it on the game's page.

Is there a mobile version?
Currently only available in HTML5 for desktop browsers.

🏁 Final Conclusion

Ecto Stomp is exactly what it is:  an indie puzzle-platformer in active development , made by a curious creator who is building something in public. Don't judge it by its current graphics or limited content—judging it that way would be unfair to its current state. Instead, if you're a fan of the puzzle-platformer genre and want to be part of a game's creative process from the very beginning, this is a genuine opportunity.

It is ideal for:

• 🕹️ Players who enjoy classic puzzle-platformer mechanics

• 🧪 Fans of trying out indie games in early stages

• 💬 People who want to leave feedback and contribute to development

• ⏱️ 10–15 minute sessions with no commitment