if you want a direct comparison, the linked game here was my first ever submission for a jam and first game ever packaged. There was so much more I wanted to do with this and I just didn’t have the time or knowledge to do it. Also worth noting the environment there is a barely modified version of the default UE4 Third Person Template.
I fully understand all that you said and feel it myself. Having a deadline really does light a fire and is super helpful for me. Otherwise it’s always ‘eh, I’m tired next weekend maybe, when I’m less busy.’ And guess what never happens.
https://ampmunkey.itch.io/meltdown-imminent
this is the submissions page for the jam it was part of: