Before anything, thank you so much for taking your time to play and experiment the game.
This is indeed the first time I ever used the engine to make a game, although I have previously played with it in some dusted away projects.
I'm happy that you enjoyed the story of the game.
Since this was for a game jam, and saw that there was a run timer for the judging, I had decided it would be best to make just a simple short game that could simply be highly re-playable. So I went with a rogue-like mindset on it.
There's a lot of randomness in the game for both good and bad. From items to equipment, from lines to the weird hallways.
The idea was to simply have this weird variety but could keep the charm of the game and the characters whom are part of it.
That being said, I am 100% with you on the tile placement.
Now that I see it, it really feels off in some places. Bookshelves included. I'll be keeping that in mind for the next games that I'll be making.
Another thing that I have missed is to give you the understanding that the game can be grinded a bit.
After equipping a tome, you may chose to read it, giving you the ability to trigger a new battle and, if you win, an upgrade to the tome.
However, it is missing the passages where more of the world and the lore is given to the player. As well as a few cutscenes that I had to cut last minute to make the deadline.
It's not an excuse though. That's a fumble on my part.
That leaves with the story, which I'm happy that you enjoyed it.
Out of everything in this game, the story was the point that I had the most fun working with, even with the 16 different endings you can get.
It's what made me more interested in pursuing developing further in creating stories. With time, and effort, I may be able to make a game that people may enjoy for the journey it brings.
And yes, the fact that the civilians were turned into books is the premise of the story here.
Finally, about the theme, that's where Beyond Difficulty lies.
I understand that this is a game, and the fun should come first at all times. However, Beyond mode introduces red herrings and requires the player to act as an investigator himself.
But regardless, I understand that the game fumbled there and I assume the failure.
To finalize the response, thank you for the work you have done and thank you once again for the feedback.
I just hope my next game may entice you to play it and that it gives you the fun that I hope I can transmit.
With that I shall give you my wishes that your next works be fruitful and enjoyable.
Kind regards,
Itchy Jeebus