Post by Maotica in Ex Arcanum comments

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I think you have a great working prototype with a solid idea. I liked the animations, especially the hair movement and the cauldron sprite looks really cool. I think the story outshines the gameplay at the moment, but I think you can make a great game out of this idea.

I saw your posts about wanting to add obstacles, which is exactly what I was thinking about while walking back and forth in the large open area behind the counter. I like your rat idea, perhaps they could eat some of your ingredients!

For even more spin off of that idea, perhaps you could save up money to get a cat that will help you fight off the rats, but might break the potion vials? I also think that the door to the south could become some kind of shop restocking area with its own minigame. I think you have so many options open and I'm excited to see what you implement in the future.

I wished there was a bit more of an ending if you fail. I only tested failing on the first quota so maybe there's more if you fail on other days. I also really liked how the customers slide backwards to the exit when they get impatient xD

Great job! <3

Exodia145 days ago (2 edits) (+1)

Thank you so much for the feedback!

Starting off, you are genius with the cat idea. I was thinking similarly with the rats but then wasn't sure how to make that more engaging (and not so annoying to deal with long term). I want to flesh the shop out and make more items that give buffs/help the player (I thought of a backpack for starters that increases the inventory to 3 slots so you can grab flasks ahead of time for example).

The doorway in the bottom right was actually supposed to lead to the room of the cutscene after day 1! My original plan was to have the player wake up there at the beginning of the day and my original vision was having a cutscene later in the week where the player wakes up during the night and brews some potions in preparation for an attack or something. This got cut because of time of course so unfortunately it looks awkward. I do want to redesign the brewery possibly and make it better (maybe you can buy ingredients at a merchant or something?)

Rest of the issues came down to time sadly. I had more planned but then realized I wouldn't finish in time, so they are now added to the roadmap to Steam launch!

Also, customers aren't supposed to slide when they get impatient, but I may keep that if I think it's funny enough LOL.

Once again I appreciate the great ideas and kind words!

Maotica145 days ago(+1)

I'm glad you liked my suggestions and if you ever want to brainstorm I'd love to contribute! My favorite part of game dev is the idea phase and art! :P I also encountered time issues when it game to animations and improving on gameplay concepts but I think you have a great start. I like the backpack idea, especially early on. I think it also makes sense that an alchemist would be able to make some buffs for themselves.

I can imagine the customers throwing their arms up out of frustration and essentially T-posing their way out of the shop. 😂 Feel free to DM me on Discord at any time if you want a playtest or anything! <3

Exodia145 days ago(+1)

I might have to take you up on that offer haha! Also, I did also have an idea of making a keybind to consume a potion you created to help boost the player while brewing stuff for customers (such as support giving a speed boost). I also plan to make more than just 3 potions that can be brewed so I can rename and possibly make buffs they give for like say, 30 seconds?

I am thankful for your offer to help test things out though. I hope we can keep in touch! I plan to make a demo page and keep this as the legacy build so you can keep up with the Steam roadmap updates!

itch.io

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