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4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
22 Reviews

First Contact Protocol

$39.99 USD
$39.99 USD
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An adventure-puzzle game with branching choices, cinematic cutscenes, and a crew fighting to survive aboard a damaged starship.

A deep-space collision. A spreading contamination. A crew with conflicting goals. As you explore the ship and try to repair it, every choice you make matters. Some decisions combine in unexpected ways, leading to different outcomes.

  • Non-linear story shaped by your actions
  • A detailed ship with critical systems and hidden areas
  • Illustrated 8-bit cutscenes by a comic book artist
  • Crew members with their own roles, motives, and personal stakes
  • Premium Cartridge
  • Instruction Manual
  • Chromatic Charm featuring game-specific character
  • Genre: Adventure, Puzzle
  • Platform: Chromatic
  • Developer: Ben Jelter
  • Players: Single player
  • Play Time: 2+ Hours
  • Replayability: Medium
  • Supported Languages: English
  • Compatible With: Chromatic, Game Boy®, Game Boy Color®
  • Target Age: Teen – Ages 13+
First Contact Protocol Manual
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First Contact Protocol

About the Developer

Bio

Name / Studio Name

Ben Jelter

Location

Vermont, USA

How It Started

I’ve been trying to make games for most of my adult life, but programming always felt like a major barrier. Things changed when I discovered GB Studio – it gave me the freedom to create games without needing deep programming knowledge, and that opened the door to more serious development.

Other Games / Projects

The Machine, Unearthed, Metamorphosis Collection, and a few smaller titles.

Fun Fact

I usually start by sketching out a lot of the game on paper. Eventually I realized games are just too complex to track that way – so now I do all my notes and planning in digital tools with infinite canvases. It helps keep everything organized without running out of space!

The Idea

Why I Made This Game

I wanted to tell a grounded sci-fi story on a more intimate scale – something smaller, more character-focused.

What Makes This Game Special

It’s the first game I’ve made using GB Studio 4, and the improvements to the engine were exciting to work with. Compared to my earlier projects, I was able to do a lot more visually, and it was fun pushing those boundaries.

You'll Love This If...

You're a fan of sci-fi, a puzzle lover, or a player who enjoys games with strong character motivations and interpersonal dynamics.

Inspiration / Influences

There are definitely parts that echo Metal Gear, especially in the stealth and movement design. The visual style is loosely inspired by the original Alien – grimy, grounded sci-fi with atmosphere.

Favorite Feature

Without giving too much away, the game includes some creative and surprising ways to get from point A to point B. Those mechanics keep things unexpected and playful.

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4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
Based on 22 reviews
22 reviews
  • Tomek M.
    Verified Buyer
    16 seconds ago
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Great game

    Game is amazing

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  • Peng Z.
    Verified Buyer
    5 days ago
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    First Contact Protocol: A Gripping Sci-Fi Strategy Gem​

    First Contact Protocol: A Gripping Sci-Fi Strategy Gem​

    First Contact Protocol turns the thrill of alien encounters into a masterclass in tense, strategic gameplay. As a leader tasked with making first contact with unknown civilizations, every choice feels high-stakes—negotiate peacefully, gather intel, or prepare for conflict, each path unlocking distinct story beats and challenges.​

    The game’s strength lies in its balance of depth and accessibility. The interface is intuitive, guiding new players through diplomacy and resource management without overwhelming them, while veteran strategists will appreciate the nuanced AI—aliens have unique personalities, so a one-size-fits-all approach never works. The pixel art style adds retro charm, with vibrant alien worlds and detailed character designs that bring the sci-fi setting to life.​

    With multiple endings and replayable scenarios, it offers hours of engagement beyond the first playthrough. Whether you’re a sci-fi fan craving immersive storytelling or a strategy lover seeking smart, satisfying decisions, First Contact Protocol delivers—easily one of the most enjoyable indie strategy games in recent years.

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  • Chad D.
    Verified Buyer
    5 days ago
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    FCP

    Fun game! Interesting premise!

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  • robert s.
    Verified Buyer
    2 weeks ago
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Modern gaming that you'd believe is a classic

    From the art style and music to the thoughtful problem solving, I can't help but think this game would have been counted among the classics back in the glory days of GBC. Huge props to the devs.

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  • Fran R.
    Verified Buyer
    2 weeks ago
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Good puzzle game

    a non-linear puzzle adventure game, your decisions have consequences

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