Wickshift

Wickshift

Play on oldkey.itch.io ↗

Desktop reviewed; physical-phone controls unverified. Opens on oldkey.itch.io in a new tab. Check the setup notes below before starting.

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About Wickshift

Switch a moth between two circular tracks to catch gold sparks, avoid pink thorns and keep a lantern alive until dawn.

On the official itch.io page, choose Run game and Light the lantern. The moth stays at the top marker; switching changes which of two circular tracks it occupies. Meet gold sparks at that marker and avoid pink thorns.

A night lasts up to 60 seconds, with three hits ending the round. Consecutive catches build a multiplier. Retry repeats a pattern; New Night shuffles the challenge. Pause and resume are available, and leaving the game pauses it.

About the game

Old Key Interactive discloses generative AI assistance for code, visuals and text. The game uses HTML5 Canvas and JavaScript, with graphics drawn in code and optional synthesized sound. Its short arcade loop does not call a live AI service.

Made by Old Key Interactive.

How to play

The full arcade prototype is free; tips do not unlock content. Desktop play was reviewed using the official itch.io-hosted player; the surrounding embedded frame did not finish loading in this review environment. Physical-phone input remains unverified, as the creator also notes. The listing opens the creator’s page only.

Wickshift controls
Space / arrow keys / EnterSwitch rings
Click playfield / SwitchSwitch rings
P / EscapePause or resume
MToggle optional sound

Read the arrival at the top marker

Watch both rings near the marker rather than following one spark all the way around. Each switch changes the receiving lane; repeated presses are separate decisions, not a movement key to hold down. Sound is optional, so learn the visual timing first.

Use Retry when you want to learn the same sequence and New Night when you want a fresh pattern. A pause preserves the current night, which is helpful for a brief interruption. This is one compact arena rather than a campaign or an online competition; personal bests are stored locally when browser storage is available.

Questions about Wickshift

How do I control Wickshift?

Space, arrows, Enter or the Switch control changes rings. P or Escape pauses; M toggles optional sound.

Does a tip unlock the full game?

No. The full free prototype is available without a tip.

Is phone play confirmed?

No physical-phone test was completed. The creator also treats touch support as unverified.

Tips for Wickshift

  • Watch incoming objects near the top marker.
  • Retry to learn the same pattern.
  • Pause before switching away.

Sources: oldkey.itch.io. Last checked .

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