Scenes From A Bar Off North Halsted is a fun read. Shiroooo's signature americana takes a bit of a backseat to a comedic character study that, despite missing laugh-out-loud moments, is entertaining from end to end.
Now, it is not without its flaws, many of which appear to have single source: its nature as a Game Jam entry. While nothing here is "shoddy" there's an unavoidable lack of polish to its audiovisual elements. Uneven transitions, moments of odd blocking and a complete lack of OST (especially strange for this developer) are all noticeable issues that could have been ironed out with a little more time in the oven. As I see it, the scope of this project isn't unattainable enough that it couldn't have been released in a better shape within the Jam's restrictions, but it is understandable that IRL circumstances may have led to this.
The writing is easily the strongest part of the whole experience. Shiroooo's more than proven his skill with his other works and—even though I don't find this one reaching the same heights as OTYs or even WADTW—every aspect here is praise-worthy, from natural dialogue to smooth pacing.
One sore spot in my opinion comes at the very end. It would be unfair to say things end abruptly, but its conclusion lacks a sort "finishing touch." Whether it is another side-effect of it being a Jam entry or it was intended as an open-ended conclusion (and I am partial to those), I think it's missing too much of a sense of finality.
All that said, it is a strong entry not only into the Love + Affection Game Jam, but into this dev's portfolio. Easy to read and probably relatable to many, this gets an obvious recommend.
Comments
Scenes From A Bar Off North Halsted is a fun read. Shiroooo's signature americana takes a bit of a backseat to a comedic character study that, despite missing laugh-out-loud moments, is entertaining from end to end.
Now, it is not without its flaws, many of which appear to have single source: its nature as a Game Jam entry. While nothing here is "shoddy" there's an unavoidable lack of polish to its audiovisual elements. Uneven transitions, moments of odd blocking and a complete lack of OST (especially strange for this developer) are all noticeable issues that could have been ironed out with a little more time in the oven. As I see it, the scope of this project isn't unattainable enough that it couldn't have been released in a better shape within the Jam's restrictions, but it is understandable that IRL circumstances may have led to this.
The writing is easily the strongest part of the whole experience. Shiroooo's more than proven his skill with his other works and—even though I don't find this one reaching the same heights as OTYs or even WADTW—every aspect here is praise-worthy, from natural dialogue to smooth pacing.
One sore spot in my opinion comes at the very end. It would be unfair to say things end abruptly, but its conclusion lacks a sort "finishing touch." Whether it is another side-effect of it being a Jam entry or it was intended as an open-ended conclusion (and I am partial to those), I think it's missing too much of a sense of finality.
All that said, it is a strong entry not only into the Love + Affection Game Jam, but into this dev's portfolio. Easy to read and probably relatable to many, this gets an obvious recommend.