During the production of my game "Link and Shift", i have realized that "adding polish to the game" might serve equal importance compared with game mechanics, story, and gameplay. 

When i was at a phase where all of my core systems were done and gameplay loop was completed, i was not sure about whether my game will be even somewhat enjoyable. But keeping this feeling aside i decided to add polish anyways. Then i added sounds, vfx , screen shakes and post processing, and boom i had a completely different game, suddenly i was feeling that i have done a significant job with my game.

And when I read the comments i received on the game, i tend to appreciate the "Polish" even more. People finding the switching mechanic cool, cool explosions, someone finding the enemies cute, someone finding good sound effects all that credit goes to the Polish that i have done.

So at this stage after this Game Jam, i am going to give equal importance to the "Polish phase" as all other phases!

What is your take on this? Watch out how polish did a great work.

Try out Link and shift here-> https://itch.io/jam/gamedevtv-jam-2026/rate/4607181