Thank you so much for your video playtest. Watching someone on their first time is always invaluable.
Definitely took a lot of notes. I have some ideas on how to help convey what to do on the very first attempt to help avoid turning away new players.
To address some of your points of confusion:
-The game is multiplayer, when you are starting a run it gives you the session id that others can join and allows you to make it a private run.
-The flow bar idea is to simulate your proficiency with handling the weapon, figuring out the timing (or cadence, or rhythm) will basically double your dps. maybe its too much realism but someone good with a bow would be able to shoot much faster than someone just starting out.
-On the archer i added a combo mechanic, i have not added the description of it yet tho so sorry about that (not your fault). Basically the if you hit consecutive shots the arrow trail goes from white, to green (1.3x dmg), to purple (1.6x dmg). The green window does not affect the combo, (i figured that would make it too hard). If you are getting purple arrows and the green window then the archer is pretty devastating.
-Your thoughts on the balancing of the early game are really what i needed since i literally cannot test that myself (i already know how to play)
i do have spawn rate curves and stuff already implemented so its a super easy change, after watching you play i do see it gets overwhelming too early.
I do have one question for you, could you see yourself playing it more if it was more fleshed out?
Again thank you so much for your time.