Played this in mid-September. Saw the game got updated a day ago, played it again. Here's my review.
So I generally like the game as it currently is. The artstyle is nice. It seems unique while not flashy and pretentious. The plot is fine, nothing significant, but nothing bad either - good for a first chapter.
The gameplay is neat. Area design is nice aside from one area which I'll mention later. Secret pathways being used as, well, secrets, while also as shortcuts and plot points is nice. I also liked the dog gimmick. Builds on the plot and the general atmosphere. Training dummies and targets are better than the regular "level up and get a skill" system, which I found nice. Equips and skills also have some uniqueness to them.
It's solid for a first chapter, but it doesn't come without some drawbacks, albeit not major. Here's my nitpicks:
- The "new weapon found" screen can take maybe 0.5/1s faster to disappear?
- Found a bug where a hidden path just goes nowhere. See screenshot.
- I liked the "choose your fight" segment with the dog, but the parts where you have to choose what you get seem a bit scummy. Maybe make it in future chapters so that you can come back and get these items later? Don't change the current area design.
- Description nitpick: Plastic Boomerang is seemingly "capable" of returning to it's owner... but is a one-time use item. Troll.
- Chem gets 107 hp at level 4. Does that tie into stats for the next chapter or is that a bug? It doesn't affect much, but it has me wondering.
Like I said, the first chapter is pretty solid and I like it. Minor issues here and there, but they can be fixed. Not sure at what rate the chapter will be released, but I can wait. Also I don't wanna rate this anything since the game is far from being finished so yeah.
Good luck with the development.
⚔︎ Nate
