Thank you!
These are all great suggestions. Yes, the game is kinda boring and I feel like you die too often, and there’s not much penalty. I will definitely consider/try adding all of this into the game. However, it’s probably still going to be not fun, because of the terrible planning to begin with. That would require a big rework.
One question, did you make it all the way through the game?
Anti Matters by @CrimsonBlackGames
I like the black/white mix with the color changing anti matter, it’s fun juxtaposition. The artwork is simple but has a classic feel to it. I am curious to see the game in color though, but I’m not a hundred percent on that… so do with it what you will. The menu artwork seems a little too simple compared to the rest of the game. I am certain that you have the ability to make a better looking game logo… it needs some fire, some pop.
I originally didn’t like the gameplay because I couldn’t figure out what I was supposed to do, but once I understood the strategy, I really enjoyed it; and spent quite some time trying to get my name on the first page of the leaderboard (Sadly I could only reach the second page). The buttons are a bit unforgiving, but I think that’s the point.
Theme: The theming feels good throughout, but maybe a backstory would help sell the whole experience. 3/5 stars
Fun: The game is deceptively simple, but that’s what makes me enjoy it so much. I know I can beat my previous score so I’ll keep trying. 4/5 stars
Art/Sound: I really enjoy the artwork, but the menu and game title definitely needs something. 4/5 stars
Creativity: There is a familiar feel to this game, but also a little creativity to it, good job. 3/5 stars
Overall: I really like this game, for sure update the menu and think about a backstory. Overall this is a good game. 3.5 stars
Next will be The Cow Snatchers from Outerspace by @Lyndon_Bork
The Cow Snatchers from Outer Space by @Lyndon_Bork
This game a really fun. The artwork is a good fit for the theme and both are consistent throughout the whole game. I did find a few art ideas… the “E” in “THE” should have a thicker vertical left side, similar to the “F” in “FROM”. The outline on the “C” in “SPACE” is too thick on the right side, and the “a” in “Play” seems off… it needs to be reworked somehow. I would suggest trying something like these:
I suggest using both WASD and arrows for everything, both menus and gameplay. Also, add “F” button to fullscreen. Lastly, the menu buttons should have the same color scheme, the “Play” button is different. For the credits page, they normally scroll up instead of down… and use “playtesting” once, then list all the names.
The gamplay is fun and simple, but the beam looks more like smoke than a tractor beam. I suggest creating a more tractor beamy animation, but I like the smoke so I say create another attack that poisons the farmers and use the smoke animation for that. I would also switch the buttons to “A/D” and “left/right” for moving sideways, then use “W” and “up” for beaming up cows, “S” and “down” for shooting the farmers… lastly use “space” for poison smoke. These are just my suggestions, but I really enjoy the animation for the cow beaming up.
Theme: The theming is great and constant throughout the game. The title has a classic 50s Hollywood feel and implies exactly what the game is. 5/5 stars
Fun: The game is easy to understand, but still fun. 4/5 stars
Art/Sound: I really enjoy the artwork, it is constant throughout the game and fits the theme well. 4/5 stars
Creativity: There aren’t too many games like this, so nice job. 4/5 stars
Overall: This game is quite enjoyable, Consider some of my ideas and maybe a backstory, and you could really complete this game. 4.25 stars
Next will be The Rooms by @BakkerHans
Thank you very much for the glowing review : )
I’ve been considering remastering the game for some time now, and if i ever commit, i will be sure to address many of the issues and recommendations that you’ve pointed out.
You definitely received the game so much better than i had anticipated, and it really does make my dad, so thank you very much
It makes your dad what? JK I assume you meant “day”. It is definitely worth a remaster, good job.
Hello, when you’re done with reviewing The Rooms do you think you can review my game Cosmic Stranded? I worked really hard on it and I’ve actually been looking for a good review.
(Thanks in advance!)
My Game is still in early access with tutorials only, I’m here and post the link to see if the gameplay I want the game to be is combat/adventure will be good with the game.
I will be getting to all these games once the Jam is over.
Aw man, that means you’re joining. I’m SCREWED!
I haven’t missed one yet, not until I win.
Well, good luck! If JR01 or Samuel Tome is joining, then we’re both screwed!
first time hearing someone call Samuel Sam
… Should I not? Idk, I will change it.
All 10?! That’s kind of sad. Good luck!
The Rooms by @BakkerHans
Ok… so it’s been a minute… I first said I’d review these games before the jam… then it was after the jam… now it’s been two months… but a lot has happened in those two months including the release of College Football 25… so naturally I had to buy a PS5 and play as Kent State… so give me a break.
This game is off to a good start, there’s a clear horror theme, it’s just lacking the elements (i.e. story, enemies, bosses, and interactions). Let’s start with the menu… the first thing I noticed was all the buttons are different styles and color palettes, you have to pick one style for all of them. Also, you’re using different fonts, so again, pick one and stick with it. I do like how the buttons get bigger when you hover over them, you have to do that for the “play” button as well. The second thing I noticed was the mixels, mixels, MIXELS!!! With the exception of fonts and small details (sometimes), everything including the player, background bricks, and the blinking eye should be the same size pixels. While I’m on the subject of the huge blinking eye, I like it, there is something eerily disembodying about controlling one character through the eyes of another. As for gameplay, you for sure need to add jump, there’s just something natural about running AND jumping. I would add arrows along with WASD and make “up” jump and “down” for doors. Also, add “F” for fullscreen… always add “F” for fullscreen.
Theme: Everything from the title to the dark art style to the giant creepy blinking eye screams horror… pun intended. All it needs now is a back story and scarier sounding music, what you have now is too playful. 3/5 stars
Fun: You got the basics down now you need to fill the rooms with enemies, traps, and bosses. 1/5 stars
Art/Sound: I like the classic simple style, but you definitely need to redesign the player. The box shape takes you out of the horror theme. If you’re going for a dungeon horror vibe then think skeletons and spiders and stuff. Also, as aforementioned the music should be scarier sounding. 2/5 stars
Creativity: Right now it’s not very original, so develop the story and think about how you can make this game different from other horror based games. 1/5 stars
Overall: I really think this could be a fun dungeon horror game, moving from room to room fighting of various enemies and traps and even bosses. I would seriously consider keep working on it. 1.75 stars
Next will be Cosmic Stranded by @DeadlyGumChewer
Cosmic Stranded by @DeadlyGumChewer
This game is a lot of fun, and I assume it is more fun with an actual mouse and not just the pad on the laptop. I will say it suffers from some of the same issues the last game did. To start… MIXELS!!! The artwork is nice and mostly consistent; but you are using, and I might be overexaggerating a little bit, a thousand different pixel sizes. You should consider resizing everything to the same size pixel, I know it seems like a lot of work but it will make the game way better. After that, you should try making all the buttons the same style, the “notepad” and “hammer” look out of place. Also, you’re using way too many different fonts… try to only use two at the most. The menu is nice though, I like the instructions, they don’t seem too long or convoluted.
The gameplay itself is quite fun, I really enjoy that you’re not just clicking the planets, but you also have to apply the resources. This is where having a mouse would be beneficial, it was rather hard for me to go back and forth, although I wouldn’t expect you to go and redesign the gameplay mechanic. But if you were interested in a non-mouse style game, you could think about allowing the player to control the ship to steer over the planets to mine, just an idea.
Theme: The title implies a space game and that’s exactly what it is. Don’t bother with a confusing backstory, because mining planets for minerals is a proven gaming trope, it works without one. 5/5 stars
Fun: This was a lot of fun, but it was a bit slow moving. I liked having to jump back and forth between the mining the planets and spending the resources. 3/5 stars
Art/Sound: The simple classic art style is perfect for this style of game, but you definitely need to work on the mixels. 3/5 stars
Creativity: It’s not an extremely creative game idea, but it doesn’t have to be. If you can make all the art the same pixel sizes and simplify the fonts, you’ll really have a good complete game. 3/5 stars
Overall: The game is really off to a good start, there’s a few cosmetic issues I have with it, but you should ask around and make a list of suggestions. 3.5 stars
Next will be Game by @Khoi_Pham
It actually Broken Soul now because I’m updated bunch of things.
Everything else is good but MIXELS!? My worst enemy…
I used Pixel Size 2 in my drawings through out the game, except for the Manual since I just used a PNG of lined paper and put Pixel art on top of it with snap to grid off to make it seem like it was drawn on.
Where are the other places the mixels are seen? I need to get rid of them this instant.
Actually, the mixels are probably seen from some objects have their original size changed to make them look smaller.
EDIT: Forgot to mention, using spacebar acts as a left click if you didn’t notice