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Shanon Is Lost's itch.io pageResults
| Criteria | Rank | Score* | Raw Score |
| Cleverness | #755 | 3.000 | 3.000 |
| Playability | #804 | 3.000 | 3.000 |
| Artistic Style | #970 | 3.000 | 3.000 |
| Theme | #1330 | 2.000 | 2.000 |
Ranked from 1 rating. Score is adjusted from raw score by the median number of ratings per game in the jam.
Judge feedback
Judge feedback is anonymous.
- The mechanic is interesting but adds a layer of difficulty that can be frustrating. Having to push 4 buttons for one ability is a bit much, especially when there seems to be limited control of the direction you move (I was using a controller too). Just trying to get to the first platforms after the tutorial was a pain (could be a skill issue though). The swing mechanic was also difficult to manage as you had to hit the point just right or you would either get stuck, not make it, or be too far down to swing up. I didn't see much of the theme incorporated other than the environment being dark. I will say the dash does feel nice, it was just difficult to control. The atmosphere and music were enjoyable and kept me engaged as I tried to play the game. I would like to see a simpler method of using the different abilities that allowed for better control for the player. I think with some adjustments there this would be a solid game.
Did you include your Game Design Document as a Google Drive link?
Yes
Seriously... did you include your Game Design Document?
Yes
Is your game set to Public so we can see it?
Yes
Tell us about your game!
The dark woods are a place that is engulfed by shadows. You won't know where or when is it. Meanwhile our Shanon is lost... again.
With her trusty backpack filled with magical alchemic machinery she can fuse abilities that will help her get back home.
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Comments
I managed to beat the game (no cakes collected though =( ) by abusing the blue hair air dash lol. It was still fun to navigate the levels though.
I'll echo other comments and say that having to do 4 inputs to use a skill while still doing separate movement inputs is a big ask. If I hadn't realized that I could also use the arrow keys for movement with one hand, and do the skill inputs with the other, I don't know if I could have beat the game.
Can I suggest that instead, you do your two inputs (Z / X) to determine what skill you're storing, it auto-combines (Remove C input entirely), and then instead of using V or F, you have spacebar be a multifunctional input?
Something like
Player on ground = normal jump
Player not on ground = use stored ability
Thanks for the kind words, yes thats the flaw that I realized too late into the development. If I ever develop this further into a full game will definitely streamline the control as you said.
The game looks super cool and the character controller is really good. I couldn't play much of it though. Pressing 4 buttons for a single ability is just too much of an hustle.
Agree, a little difficult to play on keyboard. Also, the swing combination is weird since it prevents movement and if you start from the ground you get stuck. Otherwise, pretty cool idea.
Interesting, three people already said the same thing, perhaps I'll swap the use button to V so that it's on the same row. I think me spending countless hours making this has diluted my judgement of the controls difficulty
About the grappling, yeah it's a design flaw I am fully aware that sadly is deeply rooted and to fix it require a lot of refactors which I can't do in just a couple days left.
Yeah, that happens. I am always unsure if I’ll make my game too easy or too difficult since I’ve played it so much and not know how other people will play it.
Ikr, in any case thanks for the feedback. I have changed the control to use the ability to V and left F as an option for those who came back to play.
as a keyboard player my hands wanted to stay on one row (z,x,c,v) my dumb brain couldn't make the c to f transition.
Beautiful design both sound and visual.
Fun game. Gravity could use a bit of tweaking and could use a bit of inertia. But it was fun and very frustrating.
Also, I swear if ACCA played this and left a non-constructive comment. I'mma flip.
I really like the game but feel the key combo thing isn't working well for me just to jump over a ledge.