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Review Summary
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[ + + + - - ] :: ENJOYMENT
[ + + + + - ] :: CREATIVITY
[ + + + + - ] :: PRESENTATION
Ale and Adventure is a fascinating approach to RPG adventure gaming! It sees you taking the role of the innkeeper who hands out quests to visiting adventurers. You must match their skills with the appropriate quest or risk losing renown. You get to watch the world and the adventurers evolve throughout the game; albeit offscreen through the dialogue. Still, a really great concept; one that I hope can be developed further.
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Rubric / How I Measure The Score
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[ + - - - - ] 1 - Missing
[ + + - - - ] 2 - Somewhat Present
[ + + + - - ] 3 - Present
[ + + + + - ] 4 - Well Done
[ + + + + + ] 5 - Outstanding
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Detailed Review
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[ + + + - - ] :: ENJOYMENT
I liked the idea behind it, but it wasn't really my cup of tea. I'm a forever DM so there were a lot of things about exploring the adventurer's skills and handing out adventures that I liked, but I think that it boils down to a sorting game.
It might have been more enjoyable if I had felt more involved; like seeing the results of their adventures (not just through in-game dialogue). Maybe adding some more dimension to the game; like managing a budget, and/or having upgrades for the Inn to attract specific types of adventurers for the jobs you have on hand.
Edit: I'm giving this 3 stars, because it is a complete and functional game. I don't know what kind of sleep-deprived I was when I was rating your game before. I think you made a great game, and I believe there's a lot of room for it to become so much more!
[ + + + + -] :: CREATIVITY
Now THIS is where I felt like the game shined. You took a popular trope and gave it an interesting and unique spin. I love the idea; I just wish it could have been implemented in a more interesting way. You did a great job of showing the concept; but it leaves something to be desired.
I give 4 stars because this really is about creativity; and you demonstrated that in your dialogue, and in your skill matching system. I think I'd give it 5 stars if you'd taken the classic fantasy adventure setting a step further; maybe set it up as a sci-fi or modern-style bounty-hunter game? Maybe shown off more of the magic and mysticism of the world with your own spin? Just some ideas.
Edit: Leaving this one as-is
[ + + + + - ] :: PRESENTATION
Audio was a bit quiet; had to turn mine up quite a ways to hear it. Still liked the aesthetic of it. You did a great job with the character art and pretty good with transitions. The UI was pretty good, but a bit clunky at times; especially in the web version. Didn't make it unplayable, just a bit inconvenient.
Could probably make it 4 stars with those fixes, and 5 stars with visual/audial scenes or animations to go with success and failure for specific adventures; like seeing an image of the warrior slaying the black dragon. Really anything that further exemplifies your success/failure.
Edit: Ignore what I said about the audio. I was using a busted set of headphones, so excuse my false judgment. You did a great job on the artwork, so I'm going to excuse the UI issues and give you 4 stars. I hope you're able to smooth things over after the jam :)