First Contact Protocol

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First Contact Protocol

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.

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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

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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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4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
Based on 122 reviews
122 reviews
  • Lee O.
    Verified Buyer
    20 seconds ago
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Great game!

    Very cool game from a talented designer. Good art

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  • Lio T.
    Verified Buyer
    3 days ago
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Brilliant

    Brilliant game

    It can feel short but I like how you can replay it differently, makes it worth it.

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  • Rui P. M. R. P. M.
    Verified Buyer
    3 days ago
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    A brand new true classic of game boy! Among the very best games!

    This game has the originality of science fiction in its core. The story is very engaging and the puzzles are very exciting! The art is as endearing as the sound design and soundtrack … I hope this designer makes a long lasting career in the game industry… the game is even more incredible when you take into account the medium of game boy color… where it comes even more alive and shows the format as no boundaries.

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  • Emilio T.
    Verified Buyer
    1 week ago
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    First Contact Protocol

    Great!

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  • Russell M.
    Verified Buyer
    1 week ago
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Can’t wait

    Just got the last of the three games in the ModRetro line and waiting for my next doctors appointment to click away instead of staring at a phone.

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