I think it wasn’t too straightforward, but building up more on it, from the perspective of the player (like how much we were learning, etc) would make it more subtle and also build up to the character arch of wanting to avoid making mistakes, and wanting to help others with them. But I felt it was fun and subtle enough for me to smile and have to “figure it out” myself. But I also felt it could have more build-up and connection to our personality and arch.
I found it very enjoyable. And to be honest I think I’d have figured out the name puzzle, I just didn’t feel like 1) counting numbers of the alphabet, nor 2) try to figure out the order, nor 3) after all that, still possibly fail. lol ah, when I said you lacked playtesting I was joking too haha.
I think I’ll probably pass on the horror game, but if you make a “action not horror” sequel I’d be happy to play it. Thanks for the recommendations!