Hey, just returning the response.
First off, thanks for your own feedback on our site about not being able to leave comments. After selling my old gaming site, we only started creating Indie-cent Exposure in April, launching on May 1st. And the fact I didn't include a comments section on the site below posts, major blunder on my part. Completely skipped the fact I hadn't added that, but I'm glad to say the feature is live now on the site.
Now, let me try and cover everything in the order you wrote about in your response.
About the controls, they work relatively well, and my only issue with the pause button was about switching it out for a change player button, as I tried your suggestion, and it can take a while for the player to switch occasionally. If that's not going to be implemented, it's fine where it is. If it were an option, I'd say move the time near the score, kind of how it's displayed when you watch a match on TV. That'd create the space for a pause button. I will try it out with a mobile controller as well though, see how I get on with that. But checking out the PC is definitely something I'll look into. I also worked out the whole thing about power, and I'm scoring some absolute beauties now.
Regarding sliding tackles, I've pulled off a couple, but because defending set pieces is difficult, I try not to give away fouls etc. so that I don't end up inevitably conceding. I just find that when I challenge for a ball without it, the players just seem to clash, and it slows down the opposition, but unless I'm running head on to an opposition player, it's hard to tackle and regain possession. I'm always looking to have to try and intercept passes instead, or force shots from far out in the hopes my keeper saves it and I can launch a counter attack. Keepers do seem to be very reliable in this, which I do like.
As for the idea of having harder or easier teams, I didn't really find picking different sides did much, but I could just be generally bad at the game. Or, that when I pick England, their usual tournament luck kicks in and I inevitably lose at some point as we're not destined to win a World Championship 😂 Still, I like a challenge anyway so I don't think it's detrimental to the game at all. Was just a thought as some people may struggle.
I suppose my biggest gripes are player switching when defending and set pieces. I find it so easy to concede from a corner, but whether I pass or cross, I just can't seem to score myself. But the AI makes it look so easy, so maybe I'm just doing something wrong.
The licensing issue is completely understandable, but it's exciting to hear that you're working on a more detailed version. I think it'd be pretty cool if you could introduce a multiplayer feature. And yes, extra time and penalties would be great, or even offering the option to go straight to penalties. That'd be add a fun extension to games that end in a stalemate.
I think that's everything. Thanks for reaching out about your game, and responding to and being so receptive of our feedback.
This is why we set up Indie-cent Exposure. We want to shine a spotlight on devs like yourself because we truly want to champion all things indie, and get more eyes on the things we think deserve more attention.