Judge feedback

Judge feedback is anonymous and shown in a random order.

• Music - Good energy. Bassoons make everything more playful. This instrumentation is definitely reminiscent of Beware the Forest Mushrooms. I think there is a good sense of suspense here, but still has motion. You might consider dropping the xylophone in the middle, so when it returns around 1:45 it's more effective? I appreciate that you are using an orchestral palette without it falling into cliches. Large performing forces, but lighter textures. This does stay at a similar energy level throughout (as in, the middle section feels a bit similar to the outer sections), but the individual moments work well together. From a zoomed out perspective, maybe make that middle section feel a bit different energy-wise, so the return is that much more impactful. SFX - SFX all work really well on their own! A bit in the Unit Lost and especially the Spellcasting - they feel electronic and a bit "70's computer" sounding (which I dig), but that with the music maybe doesn't gel as much. The playful acoustic instruments and the hyper-digital spell casting don't feel to me that they are in the same world. Maybe move the SFX a little closer to the analog world, or add a more digital instrument in the music? Something to bridge the two. Of course, this was done in a weekend, for a game that doesn't exist, so in context it could totally feel different. Thanks!
• The main theme gave me Nightmare Before Christmas vibes, which does feel on brand with the GDD. Maybe a little too close, I'd adjust it slightly to separate it from that immediate connection, but if the game is meant to be inspired by such a fantastic movie then it hits the mark. The heavy stepping did not work for me, or was too quiet I couldn't tell, so I can't judge that clip. The other SFX were fun! Spellcast did feel like being sprinkled with magic dust.