Hi, sorry if this translation is a bit grammatical. As a fan, or member, or whatever they call me, I'd like to offer some feedback...
Dear Project Landsword Developers,
I've been very enthusiastic about following the development of the Project Landsword "demo" and have successfully completed the game up to mission level 7, even though I'm still a beginner and don't know what awaits me in the future, especially the top-down mecha shooter concept with its focus on total destruction. I'm confident this game has great potential!
I have one specific suggestion regarding gameplay and narrative design that might improve the gameplay experience, particularly regarding our main character, Valerie Sommers:
1. Adding a Wingman Hire Feature
To reduce the feeling of Valerie Sommers fighting alone (which can often be very difficult), and to add depth and strategic elements to the gameplay, I suggest adding a feature to recruit random wingmen or AI/bot companions:
Concept: Upon completing Mission 7, players can hire additional wingmen (e.g., 1-2 units) from the male or female division, piloting regular crawler mecha.
Unit Variety: Each recruited pilot has a different division specialty or combat ability (e.g., Heavy Weapons Support, Recon & Jamming, Repair).
Cost System: Recruiting these units should have a cost in the form of in-game currency or Recruitment Points. This would add an interesting layer of resource management.
2. Damage and Pilot Safety Concept
Regarding the escort unit defeat system, I suggest a concept that reduces the overly harsh penalties to encourage players to use this feature:
Mecha Damage Only Concept: If an escort unit is defeated on the battlefield, the focus is on the total damage to the mecha, and the pilot (Wingman) successfully evacuated or ejected.
In-Game Penalty: The penalty imposed is a financial loss of -3kpoints, -5kpoints, -8kpoints (the cost of repairing the mecha is sunk), rather than the permanent loss of the pilot. This makes battles feel realistic and have financial consequences without punishing players with the loss of support characters.
With two supportive escort units alongside Valerie, battles will feel more epic and strategic, and reduce the pressure of difficulty for solo players.
I hope my suggestion from one of the game's fans will be considered and incorporated.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication in developing Landsword!