Hey, wanted to give this a proper review since I know you've been contributing to lots of other games today.
Firstly, love the theme and the music. If those assets weren't premade they're really well executed.
Lots of people have mentioned the controls and level size so I won't hammer those home - I would think about what keys games usually use for vault & climb and try stick to those.
I have a few things to say about the level design that might be worth considering in the future.
- Try guide the player visually between goals - I didn't know what to do after climbing this tower for example - turns out it was nothing.
Colours would have helped, matching the colour of the box / gate / switch to each other means the player knows what to expect when flicking a switch/moving a box.
Alternatively a wire or track that goes from the switch to a gate is often used and would have helped here.
- If there is a choice of direction/branch (like in the middle part), I would suggest you make sure you show the player all 3 routes on one screen so they know only 1 is open. I spent time trying to get through the gate on the right for example. I climbed on the small box, tried to climb on the big box (it was at waste height) and couldn't. This would all come out through play testing I'm sure.
- I found a few places on the map that didn't serve a purpose. After the second gate in the middle I turned immediately left to see a completely blank area - you can be ruthless with how much of your level is walkable. Make sure every part serves a purpose. Especially in the second area - I rushed through that part without having to use multiple boxes. If you want your players to solve a puzzle with a particular solution you have to make sure they can't just rush through/cheese it.
- Finally, a small one, but I didn't think the terminals stood out enough visually - I had to look hard to see them.
All in all I think this is a great entry and fits the theme well. If you ever need a play tester to guide feedback feel free to reach out.
Aegis 🛡
p.s I was promised that I could pet a dog... I did not find a dog :(