Thanks boss! Really appreciate the feedback!
Yeah unfortunately I think I suffered a bit from a too big scope working alone, there was so much more I wanted to do with this game, like you said, just some of those quality of life bits with the upgrades. A major missing point is the coins are currently useless, there were plans for a shop where upon turning to statue, you could send a choice of items back to "The next Generation". Also started work on a seed based procedural map, but it wasn't ready to release with the jam, trying to figure out the enemy AI was hard enough.
But specifically leaning into the story of the game progressing as you become the statues instead of a restart based idea would've been nice, but as the deadline reached closer, it more became a rush to get the game into a it starts, runs, and has an ending without crashing priority.
Again, thanks for the feedback!
Yeah I know the feeling. Scope creep is real and it gets you even if you’re ready for it. My partner and I say every time that we’re gonna save a whole day for “media” - that is - making the itch io page, taking screenshots and videos, making good cover art and GIFs. We say that every time and every time its a “final 10 minutes stressed as heck mad rush” to get it all uploaded.
So real, haha
I think itch was also having some issues during the submission time, at least I was experiencing some, and that just adds a whole extra layer to the stress.
Looking forward to checking out your game and all the others! I haven't had a chance to sit down and play a bunch yet, but plan to soon!