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The Cartographer's itch.io pageResults
Criteria | Rank | Score* | Raw Score |
Originality | #1 | 4.615 | 4.615 |
Theme | #2 | 4.615 | 4.615 |
Overall | #2 | 4.077 | 4.077 |
Graphics | #4 | 4.231 | 4.231 |
Controls | #5 | 3.846 | 3.846 |
Audio | #8 | 3.769 | 3.769 |
Fun | #14 | 3.385 | 3.385 |
Ranked from 13 ratings. Score is adjusted from raw score by the median number of ratings per game in the jam.
Godot Version
3.2.1
Source
Yes
Game Description
Isometric exploration game where your goal is to make a map of dungeons
Discord Username
Hernz, 7pri2, PatteDeCannard, Helgrind
Participation Level
Yes
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Comments
I liked the uniqueness of this game. It has a mysterious atmosphere, which is amplified by the music and gameplay. As others said, it fits the theme perfectly.
When you first open the game, you see the store screen with 0 gold in wallet. Instead of giving a torch to the player at start, it might be better to give 200 gold and let player buy a torch, in my opinion. Unfortunately the game doesn't have any tutorial, but the mechanics of the game are very simple to understand. I selected the medium dungeon in my first round, however I would recommend starting with the easy dungeon. The game is challenging. I don't think this is a bad thing necessarily, it's just uninviting for new players. I didn't notice the counter for a while in my first game. Each round takes about a minute. I think this is short, it would be great as a mobile game though.
The graphics remind me of the old strategy games. Assets look harmonious with each other and immerse you into the game world. Gold chest looks too foreshortened in an isometric world, but the rest of the elements on the map are drawn perfectly. Gold shining effect is a nice touch. I don't like nitpicking but as a constructive criticism, sometimes the player overlaps the south-west wall. If I recall correctly, you need to change the Tile Origin setting in the TileMap object.
Music fits the theme and the game perfectly, and contributes to the feel of the game. However, I would appreciate more in-game sound effects. There is a basic sound effect that plays as you hover the buttons, and even that adds to the experience.
Controls are decent, you can play the game with mouse only. It would be better if you could use keyboard to move. Considering the time limitation of the rounds, I think it would help players and make the game more enjoyable.
Overall this is a great game especially for a game jam. I tried to provide constructive feedback and I hope you find my review useful. Lastly, there is a key in the store and I haven't figured out what it does. This is a great idea as it adds more mystery to the game. Maybe I will try to find out when I have time.
Hey! I enjoyed this game, the 3D rendered main character is a very nice and subtle touch in the otherwise pixelarted world. I think I would have enjoyed it more without the pressure aspect to it, like Etrian Odyssey, where you can chart out the entire level your own way, and getting rated at the end for completeness would have been more fun for me personally. A casual mode like that seems feasible, since you have all those mechanics in place?
I wonder, should I grind a dungeon and see whether the small keys does something?
Thanks a lot for your feedback !
A casual mode is a great idea, it seems a lot of people would like it and I think this would be a great addition !
For the small key, maybe you should see for yourself :) :) :)
(yeah it does ABSOLUTELY nothing... or does it ?)
I've always wanted to play a mapping game! I really love the idea of this game; it's very original, though quite difficult, even on easy. It might benefit from a tutorial level where the time limit is either infinite, or very long, just so the player can learn the game.
I think it fits the theme really well since you are literally trying to discover where you are on the map. The graphics feel authentic, well-done, and draws you in immediately. The music/sfx fit naturally with the aesthetics.
Really enjoyed playing and would definitely check it out again if you decide to go further with it.
A very interesting take on the theme and well executed, nice one! I agree that it felt very difficult, and would be interested to see how the mechanics worked in a slightly slower, more methodical game. Overall though, great music, art and gameplay!
Thanks for playing our game ! I totally agree, a "chill" mode even without a timer would be pleasant to play and would allow players to practice before challenging themselves to get a good rank in the real dungeons. There are tweaks to do in the timer, and/or in the effects of the items to get the game more balanced ^^
Thanks a lot for your feedback =)
Wow! This is a quality game! The menu, assets and musics and really good. The idea is great and fits the theme, it has a lot of potential. It was a bit to difficult for me, maybe consider adding more time, or maybe the possibility to come multiple time to complete the map (with a lower score ofc). Also, maybe I should practice more ^^ Last small thing, for me the transition where you go from one tile to another is too fast. I was a bit lost at the beginning, it was not very clear my character was moving where I intended.
Overall, very impressed by what you did, congrats!
Thanks a lot for this comment ! I agree with you, I think we should have balanced more the difficulty ^^It was hard to balance it because as you develop the game you become more and more trained to it, so we should have tested it with more players with no experience at all. Thanks for your feedback =)
Thank you so much for this very positive review ! We found the game was too difficult a bit after the deadline, it is so hard to balance a game you've made ! I agree with the tile transition being too fast, it needs some animation.
Very interesting idea, definitely fits the theme 100%, unique, and compelling from a gameplay perspective! Also really like the art style. One thing I didn't like was that you didn't know where you started, I'd really prefer that over knowing where some barrels are. Second was that you couldn't map walls, I think that would really help with tracking your own movement even if you don't award many points for that.
Thank you for your very nice review !
I totally agree with your suggestions, mapping walls would be a nice addition even if it doesn't award additional points.