Thanks dude, I've got a few more tweaks and indicators to add to make it more obvious what you're supposed to be doing. And I'm changing the holding mechanic to make the inventory management less fumbly. Current gameplay is basically:
- Grab torch at beginning, hit 1 to pull it out of inventory to avoid being attacked by the wolf
- Find fire, learn about sticks
- Throw sticks and torches (pressing f while held) into fire to feed the fire (orange bar will increase)
- Stay in the light by carrying a torch or flare (must be activated with E) to avoid the wolf.
- The wolf will attack if you are not near a fire source. I've added a little yellow indicator to objects that provide warmth but its not enough, and the colliders are too small.
- Torches expire in 30 seconds, Flares in 20. Torches must be lit at fire, flares can be lit on the go. Needs balancing.
- There's a temperature meter, but it only affects the music right now. Drops rapidly when not in heat source.
- You can throw lit torches and flares on the ground like any other item, they will stay lit, useful for breadcrumb trails.
- Goal is to explore and collect fuel for the fire, to keep it going long enough to survive the night. Night lasts about 10 minutes, but the timer is based on the dialog manager so it can speed up or slow down based on how much you interrupt it by picking things up (poor design).
The most common feedback we've gotten so far is that the goal isn't clear. The dialog will be more event based during the beginning so that the character can explain to the player what he should be doing. Quality of life changes will include showing which item you currently have selected, and in the case of torches and flares, showing a countdown until they expire. Torches will also be put back into inventory unlit, and the player will have the ability to re-light torches when away from the fire. We should be done the latest build this weekend (Mini Jam 3rd Place Edition!)
Thanks for playing!