Hey I played your game! I'll say, it seems fun with some nice touches. The controls worked really well, and it was pretty clear what I was supposed to do. And the solar system seems like it would be cool to explore. But the progression was very difficult. It didn't help that I didn't really notice the store for the first few runs, and the upgrade system seems good, but even then, I would finally get everything figured out, then one wrong move, and I have to start completely over. I dropped it after many tries. Are there checkpoints and I just didn't make it that far? I know you can get a new ship with 50 credits, but you also need to use those credits to be even be able to have enough fuel and thrust to complete the missions. I think the look and feel, and controls are all great, and I really was looking forward to exploring things, but after so many failures, just with the first missions I didn't think I would ever be able to do anything more interesting without just dying and starting over. Honestly I don't think the actual gameplay is too difficult, it's just the punishment of starting over while you're just trying to learn wasn't fun, and having to go through the same process of the same missions, same upgrades (and having to click each mission every time!). I feel like a few easy quality of life features could go a long way, like checkpoints. Maybe you're going for roguelike, but I'd go for the lite version at least, with some permanent upgrades you can reach for. Anyway, these are just my random thoughts on my first playthrough. Again, it seems like you have a lot of good stuff here, and it might just be a skill issue, but yeah, I wasn't able to get very far into it.
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Thanks!
This is great insight. This is kind of a hardcore rocket and physics simulator masked with a lightweight art style. I'm realizing more that the mechanics are a little bit unforgiving, especially when first starting and this might make people not progress further or become better at it. So yes, I think I'll make the easy mode have free rockets instead of offering the 500cr right upfront. So basically one mode is "permadeath" the other is lightweight/ you don't lose progression style.
Anyway, the idea is that yes, after a few missions you have enough credits to feel like you have a lifeline and you'll survive even if you mess up. Credits are an infinite resource, especially after you figure out the first delivery/tourism/satellite deployment missions, then they will always be similar and if you mess up you can just do one or two more to get a couple more upgrades and 50 extra credits as insurance.
I've updated the game now with the new casual mode. If you want to try it again go for it =)