As someone who fully beat the game and players not having played it yet... A little question for you:
Have you ever played a Fromsoftware game like Sekiro or Dark Souls or any other game, spending some time and learning patterns of bosses until finally beating them and feeling the dopamine rush of accomplishing something.. Outstanding?
This is exactly the definition and how I felt after defeating ANY boss in this game.. Here are my thoughts about the game "Derelict":
Positives:
- Every boss in unique in their own way!
It is really crazy that every boss has their own way of defeating it, unique traits, unique patterns and also surpriseful elements.. The boss "Unity" actually being 3 bosses is crazy and not only that.. A boss literally being a "fake" Checkpoint is truely a masterpiece of an idea! It really caught me off guard and I loved it! xD
- The guns and progression in Derelict
To be honest.. I didnt like the second gun at first, because of the knockback and charge up time even though it brought progression and variety in the game... But that thought of mine was way too fast and wrong, because actively switiching between both weapons is what brought the win home to me.. So it was a huge skill issue! Besides all that, the primary gun instantly reminded me of a better "Negev" in CS:GO which I like a looooot! Also.. Using the secondary gun as a way of parcour to reach the "Unity" boss was just absolute cinema.. Literally peak level designing and amazing way of the Metroidvania concept!
- It feels satisfying to play and is peak enjoyment
The gunplay, combat and movement (5 jumps if i recall correctly) is just smooth and allows to dodge a lot of attacks and seeking for open windows while still shooting and repositioning! Also.. The player character falling slowly while shooting is also a very good decission not only for combat but also for the platforming elements of the game.. I give it a huuuuge plus! Also... like stated above: killing a boss in this game is really satisfying.. I could instantly feel the dopamine rush after finally killing "????" after the dodge-challenge was done! Even though... The first time I thought it was over it caught me heavily off guard and I died XD
Critique:
Even though I have a little bit of critique.. its just nitpicking on a very high level so... here we go:
- THIS GAME NEEDS MUSIC
I can imagine every boss having a soundtrack would reaaaaally push this game beyond its limits! Having soundtracks that push you or hyping you up could really be a huuuge improvement to the game overall!
- Minor bugs:
There are some minor bugs in this game e.g. the door not opening after beating the "Unity" boss, clipping through the elevator before the "????" boss or the other ending not working properly due to an unfortunate bug.. After a bit of polishing and removing those bugs it will be even better than it already is! The developer already knows those bugs/issues and is working on a fix soooo, everything should be alright! <3
- The player character is too fast.. (atleast.. sometimes?)
Especially in some sections where you need precise movement (e.g in the rust fight, with the "x-cross" lasers and fireball rain or the "left-right-left-right" arrow rain section in the "????" fight) to not get hit.. It feels really "unrewarding" or "not fair" to the player especially after dying.. My recommendation is maybe adding a new button like "Shift" to walk slowly? That would really help in precise movement scenarios <3
EDIT: I've just noticed there is already a mechanic like this... Soooo... Me dum dum... I just noticed xD
In summary:
I loved this game. From start to finish! I loved that all bosses basically fulfilled every critera in the jam, while also meeting up to the magical girl and metroidvania genre! Very creative level and game design, charming artstyle and lovingly crafted! Even though some bosses like the "Rust" and "?????" fight really took some time to finish... I dont regret fighting them until beating them though!
I am looking forward to play the game again once its patched and I really hope for some bigger updates in the future as well! (for example some soundtracks maybe? Or even more bosses? ;3) Other than that.. I am also looking forward to play more games by winterbraid because damn.. creating this masterpiece of a game in ONE MONTH as a ONE MAN AMRY? Imagine what this developer can create, design and develop in a bigger team with as skilled as members?!
(Note to the developer:)
To finally get done.. Thank you for reading my wall of text and please never lose the spark of passion, developing games and keep game designing.. Also.. If you read this winterbraid.. The way you are writing, talking and taking the time to rate and comment on other games... you seem like a very polite and thoughtful person.. I like that <3
(Sorry for any major grammer and writing mistake.. I am from Germany xD)
Much love ~ Alucifex!