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Curse of Barrowham's itch.io pageResults
| Criteria | Rank | Score* | Raw Score |
| Gameplay | #72 | 3.624 | 4.250 |
| Audio | #104 | 3.518 | 4.125 |
| Overall | #116 | 3.678 | 4.313 |
| Graphics | #148 | 3.411 | 4.000 |
| Authenticity (Use of resolution restriction) | #184 | 4.157 | 4.875 |
Ranked from 8 ratings. Score is adjusted from raw score by the median number of ratings per game in the jam.
Did you work in a team?
I made the game by myself. The sound effects and music, however, were obtained from OpenGameArt. I've added links to the creators on the page of the game.
The art of the characters was in inspired by (and pretty much a lookalike from what I remember) a tiny resolution wizard character. Sadly I can't find the original image anymore to give proper credits, but if you ever come across a character which looks a lot like the wizard and witch characters I've used in this game, then that's probably where I got it from!
Was the resolution a challenge?
I enjoyed creating a game at this low resolution, because it made it easier for me to make the graphics myself. It's not something I'm skilled at, and with this small resolution I felt like I didn't have to add many details.
I did end up having some graphical glitches, which sadly I was unable to fix before submitting the game. For example the doors don't align with the houses, and the cauldron in the witch's cave is missing a side. Vertical player movement is also jittery.
What did you learn?
This is the first time I've actually completed a project. Up until this point, I've only created game prototypes. Finishing this game made me realise that the games I've been trying to make up to this point have just been way to large for me to create on my own.
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Comments
I really like the idea here! Remembering spells and being able to preload them to fire at will was strategic and fun.
You could almost make this a typing instructor.. there were a couple times i was smashing those spells in quick.
Thank you very much for playing, glad you like it! I was considering having the preloaded spell remain for only 5 seconds, but in the end decided against that. I like being able to preload spells as well. And since it's something that can backfire (for example having an Open Door spell preloaded, and then encountering an enemy. Though I doubt people would preload non-combat spells) it doesn't seem too overpowered. I think that would still be the case when adding more spells as well. There might be encounters where some combat spells are more beneficial than others.
Amazing idea and execution! It's all very readable and intuitive. Other than the glitches, I'd also suggest having the spell be "spelled out" (lol) when you get the book, avoiding having to open the spell list right away. I was also a little confused at times due to how spells won't give any feedback if there's not a target, i.e. if I use the door one with no door, or the attack one with no enemies on screen, nothing happens. I'd prefer to still have some visual confirmation that indeed I did a spell correctly, even if it didn't land anywhere. But I did like how you can prepare the spell before hand and only trigger when needed, made combat feel more strategic.
You should totally expand upon this. Maybe even as a quick-typing game? Great job
Thank you for playing and the great feedback! Haha you're right that it would be more user friendly to show the spell combination immediately when picking up a new spell. It was something I was struggling with when creating the game but looking back, I could probably just make the notification larger. It's something which is shown for only a few seconds, so it shouldn't block the game too much. And there definitely should be some visual feedback if the spell was cast correctly. One of the ideas I've had for the game was to show text like "Failed to cast spell" and "Cast spell Open Door" when casting spells, but I didn't end up adding it because I thought it would clutter the game too much. But maybe showing a little "poof" (not sure how to better describe it haha) would be enough for feedback.
Yeah agreed! No need for more text, just some cue that yes, that "code" was right. A puff with perhaps the same sound as the spell would be fine. And about picking the book up, I think you could lose the "FOUND" word and it would fit fine. Sorry for so many opinions haha I just really liked the premise.
Hahah no worries, I'm actually really happy that I'm receiving feedback!
very nice work. You learned one of the most valuable lessons in creating games. Or in any type of goal setting for that matter. All of the have to and want to in the world doesn't make up for having a deadline. Once you set a deadline the project becomes more real, and you set a plan. once you set a plan you have steps forward. And then once you start moving towards that deadline you end up completing a project. The deadline is key. 👍
Thank you very much! You're absolutely right! As much as I wanted to add more things, there just wasn't enough time, so I had to set my priorities straight. I will be working with deadlines on my projects from now on, because then I just can't afford to be distracted.
Good luck!
Ok, this is the same as magicka, and I love magicka, what I liked the most was the possibility of opening all the doors, I have missed more spells, but it is very good for a jam, without a doubt, a shocking game, I have to give it the maximum in its gameplay because I love magicka, seriously. very good game, really
Thank you very much for playing, I'm happy you've enjoyed it! I agree with it needing more spells. Did you miss more spells in general, or non-combat or combat spells in particular?
Missed more spells in general, maybe two more, i don't know how you did the system, but yep, would like that.
I had fun playing this! There is a lot of potential with the spellcasting system.
Thank you, I'm happy to hear you've enjoyed it!
I really enjoy this game. I reminds me of Outward Runic Magic system. I could spend a lot of time on this game!
I'm glad to hear that you've enjoyed playing the game! :D
I didn't know Outward yet, but after some Googling I can definitely see the similarities! Even the wizard I used looks like a character I saw in a video about Outward haha