Hey. I'm making a side-scroller in which you control a cube. So far there are only two levels. I'm looking for feedback on... well, everything, really. How does it feel to play? Are the controls easy to pick up on? Does the difficulty progress smoothly? Most importantly, I would like ideas for more pickups other than extra lives.
Thanks, and I hope you enjoy what's there so far. :D
It took me a bit to realize that the colored sides of the cubes allow you do to different things. I almost gave up until I realized I could rotate the cube. I did look through the controls, but that stuff never sticks with me. I really like the colored side concept, but without understanding the controls I think people will miss out. I would build some tutorials into your first level. Teach the player how to jump over short and tall obstacles, how to stick to walls, and how shooting is useful with some simple challenges. Basically, take the control list and convert it into a playable level. This will show the player how cool your mechanics are before getting into the beefy levels.
The levels got easier when I realized how everything worked. However, I think the physics could be improved a bit so I feel a bit more in control. I found myself yeeting off screen and falling into the enemies on accident. I also couldn't figure out what the projectiles were good for, but I did use them to mess up enemy pathing.
I got halfway through the second level before I quit. I kept flying into enemies when jumping (maybe I suck).
Overall, I think you have an interesting game mechanic and a solid start to your levels :)
Hey, thanks for playing. I might put some prompts in the first level, but to be honest my hope is that people will figure out for themselves how things work in the Free Play mode. Did you play the Free Play mode? Because you didn't mention it. I do recommend people look at the controls and play that first. Having said that, I could probably make it more clear in the controls how to rotate the cube.
About the physics, how do you feel they could be improved? It's hard to tell what exactly you were having trouble with.
And about the projectiles, yes you got it! That is exactly what they are for. :) Hm, maybe I should also make that more clear.
Thank you for the ideas. I've got some changes to make in the How to Play section, at least.
I don't believe I tried free mode. I did read through the controls, but it doesn't stick with me until I play the game. Typically I skip control menus or detailed prompts. Thankfully most controls translate, like the "jump" and "move" buttons. I can usually figure those out by tapping on the keyboard.
I did not realize what the colors did on the cube for a bit. I almost closed the game before I figured it out. I really enjoy the mechanic and I worry players may miss out if they don't have patience. I did have to exit the game and go back to the main menu to read the controls. Perhaps it could be in a pause menu for quicker access?
I may be biased, but I enjoy games that start off with small challenges that teach the controls and mechanics. I really enjoy this video by Mark Brown on tutorial design:
I honesty can't put my finger on the physics. It could just be a lack of skill. Most of my deaths were caused from not seeing where I was going as I jumped and tried to land on surfaces. I wanted to share my experience, so it is only an opinion.
Nice, I thought I figured out the projectiles :)
