My game is still a beta version. Although I've done a number of updates to incorporate feedback and Adventuron bug fixes, it's still not finished due to oustanding Adventuron issues. As I've spent so much time chasing these down, testing, writing up test cases and filing bug reports, I haven't had time to play any of the other games.
I’ve finally rated the games (even though I didn’t or couldn’t finish all of them). I’ll write comments tomorrow!
I’ve got a question: since the tutorial is optional, but you still have to rate it, what do you do if the game doesn’t have a tutorial? I put 1 star in that case, but I’m not sure it’s the best thing to do.
I would have thought that if the game has a de facto in game tutorial via in-game hints, that's essentially the same thing. For example, if you examine a letter and it says "Why don't you read it?", that is far more effective than popping up a seemingly random message that says, "Hey, bozo. Read the letter."
Sure, but for me that’s not a beginners tutorial, that’s just good writing/game design.
The jam rules seem to specifically say that this rating is supposed to be for beginners tutorials, that teach people unfamiliar with text adventure how to play (e.g. the TALP initiative).
I’ll try to revise my ratings, but ultimately that’s not too important, since it’s the “Overall” rating that matters most.
I think it's an option you present. Most beginners would choose yes, most seasoned pros would choose no. Everyone is happy.
Instructions on a page not on screen currently are not as effective as a printed manual or an in-game tutorial. That said, your written instructions on your game page are exceptional Garry, I just think a lot of players might not bother to read them and assume the game will guide them (the modern gamer approach).
