I see, can you post which rooms you unlocked?
I went left and down, which meant I didn't find the running shoes or keys to unlock chests. I eventually restarted since it was impossible to progress, and focused on the right, and managed to finish the game a few times.
It was just the first failed run that was extremely demoralisng, having to restart the entire game especially with the slow walking speed, not knowing when the running shoes will be unlocked or if my run will end up being stuck again haha
After some testing, it seems like if I start a new run but close the window before unlocking the scientist's house, when I start the game again, the punching gloves will not appear. But if I use up all my stars when starting a new run, the gloves will appear for that run. No more energy to try more runs...
Other things noticed:
1) On new run, if I buy the slingshot upgrade (not sure what to call these), I can't break pots and still have to buy slingshot from crafter
2) On the new run upgrade screen, the top right UI overlaps a bit on the top right upgrades
3) Still on the new run upgrade screen, if i get the 8* seed bag upgrade then 2* shoes, 2* stick, 3* key, 1* fish, the top 2* mining upgrade appears but cannot be bought. I had to buy 4* seed bag then 5* match then I am able to buy the 2* mining upgrade. If I 5* ladder then 5* metal, I am also unable to buy the 2* mining upgrade.
Do you remember how many rooms you unlocked in each direction? I'm aware that its possible to unlock the rooms in an order that makes it take a bit longer to unlock the next shop. but I'm not aware that there's any impossible paths. But yes, I think it's a problem that some paths are slower and might feel impossible. I will keep that in mind when designing future maps.
From the starting map, I think I went:
LDD I found fisherman Rufus but never found his shop. And also used most of my items to reach the shop in this map but cannot break the barrel. Then went
UULDD and used up all remaining items, never unlocked mines and running shoes. Got stuck unable to progress as I cannot unlock anything else, cannot afford any items, the only crystal exchange is rocks which I don't have as I have not unlocked the mine yet.
I also used matches to unlock shortcuts which made the items run out even faster.
Hope this helps.
Just some thoughts to add on:
1) Limited crystal redemption. Limited single use items with prices that goes up too fast per item. There is never enough crystals to buy all the items required. After 6+++ runs I am always running out of crystals. Suggestion: increase crystal redemption or crystal amount.
1a) It is never worth unlocking shortcuts as the items required is limited/ too expensive.
2) Running shoes. As controls for running shoes are in the instructions, I expected to see them in the first shop or second shop I unlock instead of up to luck to get t the correct shop. Suggestion: make shoes toggleable after buying as I didn't walk after getting shoes?
3) Hats eat up limited resources and are useless. As I didn't manage to unlock the mines, if I buy the chef's hat there is no stone left to buy items and exchange for crystals.
4) Chest rewards are sometimes not worth the 80+ crystals used to buy keys.
5) Increase mining range doesn't show much increase in mining range. Mining area seems like 2 rocks touching me only.
6) Duplicate upgrades that doesn't seem to make much of a difference.
7) Unable to exchange all coupon items from the first shop. This isn't used in the other shops, which makes it awkward like why only 1 shop has it.
8) After a few runs the inventor shop barrel punching gloves are missing from purchase.
Hope this helps!
1. Increasing cost on matches etc - I will write this down and think about it for a while. There’s no clean solution for this map, but I can build it differently for future maps.
1a. Shortcuts - Same here. Although I’m fine to leave them in if some players prefer to unlock them.
2. Running Shoes - I intended running to take up stamina at first. I will check if it works ok to have it on a toggle. And where to place the free shoes, and where they are sold.
3. Cosmetics feel expensive - Yes, I made a test in the first shop with the tickets, I have some ideas for the other shops as well. Aka “cosmetic currency”.
4. Chest content isn’t worth it with expensive keys - There used to be more chests, but I replaced a lot of them with presents and free items. I mean, it is a gamble after all :) But I would say it’s worth it when you unlock a path and when the keys are cheaper.
5. Mining range visuals - I agree, this is pretty high on the list. The range needs to be shown clearly and how it expands with the upgrades.
6. Unclear effect of duplicate items - Any specific ones? Unless there’s a bug they should all increase in effect up to 5 upgrades.
7. Coupon remaining - Yeah, I don’t want to force the player to buy everything. Maybe I will just stop giving out coupons when you buy all the items, or add something more to it. I added it as a first test, I have some other ideas for the other shops.
8. Missing barrel breaker after prestige - I can’t replicate it so it’s hard to debug.
Unlocking all of the rooms on the right from the starting area and running out of resources - It’s a hard balance, I want players to be able to explore and pick different paths, but at the same time, I don’t want there’ to be too easy to randomly get locked out of a run. I have been changing a few positions of the shops and characters, and what you can buy in shops etc. (you used to be able to buy keys in the first shop, which made it a bit too open) I will add some keys in the farmer’s shop and see if that helps
Thank you for the detailed feedback and for playing through multiple rounds!
I'm just taking notes as I'm playing. Though I did encounter issues, the game is fun and relaxing to get as much resources as possible, but also challenging to know how best to optimise that and the routing. Looking forward to seeing how this game will grow : )
1. Just wanted to add that after my first failed run, I screenshot and made a map of the NPCs and their shops etc and subsequent runs were quite fun. Though I still am not unlocking shortcuts as items are still expensive, and it is troublesome to find which shop stocks what I need. And I also have running shoes lol.
4. *opens chest* It's a hat! *depressed* But same as shortcuts I don't go out of my way to open chests. Just personal laziness haha
6. I didn't really check back on the stars panel after buying the duplicate though, will try to take note in future when buying.
Unlocking. This is really not easy. I can only wish you all the best in this endeavor. I will just sit over here and continue playing and complaining lol.