Fun top-down action in this game! Here's what I liked:
- The music is an awesome mix of modern and retro styles
- The sound effects are perfectly retro
- The sprites and mapping are pixelated but still easy on the eyes. Good color contrast so I never was confused about where my character was, where the enemies are, or where the map boundaries are.
- Novella looks good and plays well, both in normal and "transformed" modes
- Controls are relatively simple and can be learned quickly
- Strafing is a unique mechanic and its use is encouraged well
- Game is paced well: tutorials are presented clearly, enemy balance is spot-on, levels don't take too long for a jam game (or even introductory stages)
- Text is free of apparent spelling and grammar errors and communicates information efficiently
I do have a few criticisms:
- I found using the space bar for strafing not intuitive. While not the worst key to use, I kept reaching for the shift and control keys instead.
- Some icons are not presented correctly in the inventory. For example, I thought I was stuck here:
I didn't realize that one of the items on the right was actually the key I needed for the door.
- The transformation sequence seemed to go on a little long. I know that the point is to be vulnerable for a little while, but it seems to go on even longer than necessary.
In short, I loved playing this game. It nails the nostalgia vibe while abiding by solid game design standards. Way to go!