Don't get me wrong, this game and developer still have a lot of potential.
The full release, despite being an OK game and worth the purchase imo, is a big letdown from the (very good) beta. Many people have already commented on this and explained the issues. But to briefly summarize them: the ticket system, the boring procedurally generated rooms, and the hub world have all detracted from the potential this game had. I wanted to mention a few other issues that haven't been commented on as much:
- The new headbob (or lack thereof) detracts from the gameplay. I know that people complained about the beta headbob making them feel sick, but these people's susceptibility to motion sickness is negatively altering the entire game. I don't think they realized how essential the realistic headbob from the beta was for the gameplay. The new headbob makes you feel like you're playing a source game like the Stanley Parable.
- To add to the point above, the beta motion blur was also better.
- The lighting on the new areas is overly bright. I think this was an intentional decision to make them more calm and less horror-y, but the darkness in the beta helped make the game be more atmospheric.
- The sprinting makes the game feel more game-y and less immersive, much like the hub world and ticket system. The lack of sprinting made the first one feel more like a bad dream.
- Lack of creepy ambient music. The beta had this and it really helped.
What I think should happen: make an optional update for Chapter 1 (and added to a potential Chapter 2):
- Restructure the maps so that they appear in a linear fashion.
- Remove golf world, conference room, and the new office world.
- Remove tickets.
- Remove sprinting.
- The beta headbob should be re-added, with the option to turn it off. Same for the beta motion blur.
- Make it so that the hub is just another map in the line of linear maps; make it dark instead of bright.
- In general, edit the maps so they are a bit creepier. Add more scripted events. Immensely helps immersion.
- Add more ambient sounds and creepy ambient soundtracks.
- I know this one is a little iffy, but I think the jump should be replaced with a "climb" button in the relevant parts of the game. That huge jump, even though it was improved in the full release, is immersion-breaking.
That covers most of the issues that I have. The reason I want these things added to Chapter 1, and not just for Chapter 2, is that I think they will really improve what's already there without taking a huge amount of effort to make these changes. Of course, I hope that these changes will also be present in Chapter 2, if that ever comes. Followers of this project have waited a long time and I think these small changes will turn this release into what they were hoping for. Andrew, you are not obligated to make any of these suggested to your already-released game. But considering the long wait, and that the full game takes only just over 2 hours to complete, I think it would help retain and grow the playerbase. You may want to also recruit playtesters. Lots of potential is still here and I eagerly await whatever you plan to do next. :)